TheCourier.cos -- Cosumar Domestic Sports Newswire

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Mon Dec 05, 2016 1:09 am

The Cosumar Football League (CFL) is Cosumar's highest level of gridiron football. The CFL was formed in 994, uniting two rival leagues that divided Cosumar for decades: the Cosumar Association of Football (CAF) and Fiefdom Football Alliance (FFA). The CAF became the "Silver Conference", while the FFA became the "Blue Conference". A fierce enmity still lingers between the two groups of teams, which makes the postseason meeting of the two conference champions ("the Dragon Bowl") even more intense. With 17 teams in each conference, the CFL has 34 total teams. Teams play each of their conference opponents once, for a 16-game season. The top eight in each conference advance to a 16-team single elimination playoff, culminating with the Dragon Bowl. The CFL is the second-most popular sporting league in Cosumar behind only the Harlighet Ligan ("Glory League"), the top flight of our soccer pyramid.

Dragon Bowl Champions:
I: Jadde Bruins
II: Kaldukosic Blazers
III: Kaldukosic Kataklysm
IV: Sarmon Spirit
V: Morponte Marauders
VI: Sarmon Spirit (2)
VII: Kaldukosic Blazers (2)
VIII: Morponte Marauders (2)
IX: Zakhoro Wolfpack
X: Versiaville Vikings
XI: Pelethas Thuner
XII: _____ _____???

CFL Season XII (1008) - Regular Season

It was a season of parity in the Silver Conference, with no franchise acruing more than 11 wins OR losses. The Marauders, bastions of consistency, came out on the top of the pile, led as usual by the big arm of Jeston Boulware, the explosive legs of Jacques Valdivia and the soft hands of Sid Vinceant. The Jadde Bruins had a resurgent campaign, riding a staunch defense and gritty run-first offense to an 11-5 record, reversing the downward trend that had set in over recent seasons. But the big surprise of the season was the play of the Keenan Robins. The perennial punching bags from the CFL's smallest market reversed their 6-10 record from last season to go 10-6 and qualify for their first EVER playoff berth. And with a first-round home game, at that! Boosted by the instant impact of rookie runner Tash Walraven from Stoneshore College, young franchise QB Tobias Engel's development finally took a big step forward in his third pro season. The young dynamic duo were on-point all season, covering for a suspect defense. Now, everyone is waiting to see if the Robins can turn their fairytale season into a true Cinderella run in the CFL Playoffs.

Oh wait, did I say the Keenan Robins were the biggest surprise of the season? Yeah, nevermind. Perhaps more shocking were the struggles of the Kaldukosic Kataklysm. The CFL's most valuable franchise recorded their first EVER losing record as surefire Hall of Fame quarterback Jakkrik Levinsson finally looked almost like a 37-year-old and battled nagging injuries. Could this be the end of the Kataklysm dynasty that has hovered over the CFL since its inception? With the exception of their talented secondary, their entire cast of familiar stars is getting to be on the wrong side of 30. With traditional powers like the Kataklysm and Marsh Monsters seemingly fading and bright new challengers starting to rise up in the Eagles, Robins and Wildcats...perhaps the well-worn lines of power in the Silver Conference are starting to shift. Other key storylines this year included Mallox being left on the doorstep of the playoffs on the final week for, what is this, the third consecutive season? Cassandra Wildcats rookie pass-rusher Melvin MacDiarmid also set the rookie record for sacks in a season with eleven. He was a big part of the Wildcats finally being relevant again for the first time since the CAF-FFA merger. Youth movement FTW!

Silver Conference              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD
 1 Morponte Marauders            16   11   5   401  278 +123
 2 Jadde Bruins                  16   11   5   330  231  +99
 3 Hagenheim Vagabonds           16   10   6   302  235  +67
 4 Keenan Robins                 16   10   6   335  303  +32
 5 Dawchire Eagles               16    9   7   369  266 +103
 6 Bayford Blue Dragons          16    9   7   306  229  +77
 7 Olask Dolphins                16    9   7   336  320  +16
 8 Versiaville Vikings           16    9   7   305  299   +6
------------------------^^^PLAYOFFS^^^------------------------
 9 Mallox Tigers                 16    8   8   351  274  +77
10 Cassandra Wildcats            16    8   8   278  370  −92
11 Kaldukosic Kataklysm          16    7   9   373  323  +50
12 Altamirano Devils             16    7   9   290  291   −1
13 Surpronuk Marsh Monsters      16    7   9   261  312  −51
14 Dusk Bearcats                 16    6  10   276  348  −72
15 Centus Owls                   16    5  11   291  385  −94
16 Flen Jaguars                  16    5  11   254  393 −139
17 Crawford Comrades             16    5  11   247  448 −201

In the Blue Conference, this season was all about the Pelethas Thunder. Like, wow. It's as if no timed passed at all between their epic run to the CFL XI championship and the beginning of this season. Binro Aeoleai and the Thunder are clearly on a mission to become the league's first back-to-back Dragon Bowl winners. Just how good were they? The Thunder led the entire CFL (both conferences) in both offense AND defense. If that's not a sign of a damn complete football team, I don't know what is. Just about everyone on that roster stepped their game up this season, from Aeoleai to young tailback Sawyer Granlund and even to veteran receiver Ulises Willoughby and Quebecois rookie linebacker Louis Fraser - who made a surprise impact in his first pro season. The result? 15-1, with the only loss coming to #2 seed Emerald Cove by a single point. The first perfect regular season remains elusive, but it was a historic season nonetheless. Are they destined to be upset in the postseason?

And what about the other 16 teams in the Blue Conference, you ask? No real surprises like in the Silver Conference. Brandon Reigner had arguably the best season of his career for Emerald Cove (12-4), evidenced by his ability to score 29 points against that stellar Thunder defense. The Ramusok Stars also had their best season in recent memory with 12 wins, and other usual powers like the Blazers (there has to be one Kaldukosic team in the playoffs, right?), Mighty Men and Venom filled in behind. Those old men down in Sarmon also managed to hang on for another year and cling to that 8-seed berth. The Wolfpack were the biggest disappointments, dropping from 11-5 to 6-10 this season. Last year's 1-15 laughingstock, the Hvalsey Lions, took a step forward in their agonizingly-long rebuilding "process", working their way up to 6-10 this time around and looking competitive against the likes of Samaj and Ramusok. Their #1 overall pick, 21-year-old running back Morum Øygard out of U Parougan, was the Blue Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year with 1215 yards.

Blue Conference                Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Pelethas Thunder              16   15   1   440  189 +251
 2 Emerald Cove Conquistadores   16   12   4   395  248 +147
 3 Ramusok Stars                 16   12   4   410  300 +110
 4 Kaldukosic Blazers            16   11   5   356  258  +98
 5 Samaj Spartans                16   11   5   375  324  +51
 6 Helfin Mighty Men             16   10   6   413  257 +156
 7 Na'Malsille Venom             16    9   7   387  286 +101
 8 Sarmon Spirit                 16    9   7   401  308  +93
------------------------^^^PLAYOFFS^^^------------------------
 9 Zakhoro Wolfpack              16    6  10   315  337  −22
10 Azuris Anthrax                16    6  10   289  347  −58
11 Samotath Scourge              16    6  10   302  394  −92
12 Opjenheim Bulldogs            16    6  10   271  389 −118
13 Hvalsey Lions                 16    6  10   250  475 −225
14 Klyde Cyclones                16    5  11   332  397  −65
15 OAS Kingsmen                  16    5  11   288  405 −117
16 Stoneshore Predators          16    4  12   238  401 −163
17 Pirankoper Cowboys            16    3  13   215  362 −147

Playoff Fixtures

Silver Conference

₁Morponte Marauders (11-5) vs. ₈Versiaville Vikings (9-7)

₂Jadde Bruins (11-5) vs. ₇Olask Dolphins (9-7)

₃Hagenheim Vagabonds (10-6) vs. ₆Bayford Blue Dragons (9-7)

₄Keenan Robins (10-6) vs. ₅Dawchire Eagles (9-7)

Blue Conference

₁Pelethas Thunder (15-1) vs. ₈Sarmon Spirit (9-7)

₂Emerald Cove Conquistadores (12-4) vs. ₇Na'Malsille Venom (9-7)

₃Ramusok Stars (12-4) vs. ₆Helfin Mighty Men (10-6)

₄Kaldukosic Blazers (11-5) vs. ₅Samaj Spartans (11-5)

Finnegan Trophy IX

The most controversial aspect of the regular CFL season is the lack of inter-conference games. Aside from the Dragon Bowl, there is no way for teams from opposite conferences to meet in meaningful games. Purists who preferred the CAF and FFA separate like it that way, but the more casual fans wanted to see the, say, Kataklysm and Blazers clash more often. The league heartily agreed, seeing the profit potential of more such games. To appease both sides, The Finnegan Trophy was introduced. It is a soccer-style cup tournament that runs concurrently to the CFL season. Named after the former coach of of our National Gridirion Team, Gary Finnegan, it features 32 teams (all but the last-place finishers from the prior season) going at it single-elimination style. Silver and Blue Conference teams are randomly pitted against each other in the first round draw, and from there, the chips fall where they may. It's madness, but it's quality entertainment. What's at stake? In addition to prize money, the winning team automatically receives one of Cosumar's allotted spots in international competition (along with the Dragon Bowl victor and the best regular season record from each conference) and an additional draft pick.

Past Winners
I: Kaldukosic Kataklysm
II: Stoneshore Predators
III: Kaldukosic Kataklysm (2)
IV: Bayford Blue Dragons
V: Kaldukosic Blazers
VI: Morponte Marauders
VII: Kaldukosic Blazers (2)
VIII: Na'Malsille Venom
IX: _____ _____ ???

>Jadde Bruins                   7 10  0  7  24
 Azuris Anthrax                10  3  7  3  23

 Surpronuk Marsh Monsters       0  7  7  3  17
>Zakhoro Wolfpack              21  7  7  7  42

>Versiaville Vikings           14  3  0  7  24
 Klyde Cyclones                 0  3  0  3   6

>Keenan Robins                 10  3  7  3  23
 Pirankoper Cowboys             7  3  7  0  17

>Dawchire Eagles                7  7  3  3  20
 Opjenheim Bulldogs             7  6  0  0  13

>Morponte Marauders             3  6  0 10  19
 Helfin Mighty Men              0  0  0  0   0

 Crawford Comrades              0  7  6 14  27
>Kaldukosic Blazers             6 10  6  7  29

 Mallox Tigers                  3  6  3  0  12
>Na'Malsille Venom              3  7  3 10  23

 Hagenheim Vagabonds           10  0  0  3  13
>Emerald Cove Conquistadores    3 13  7  3  26

>Bayford Blue Dragons           0  0 10 14  24
 Stoneshore Predators           3  3  0  0   6

>Olask Dolphins                 3  3 17 14  37
 OAS Kingsmen                   0  7  3  3  13

 Flen Jaguars                   0  3  7  6  16
>Ramusok Stars                  0 10  3 10  23

 Altamirano Devils              0 14  7 10  31
>Pelethas Thunder              16 10  0  7  33

>Dusk Bearcats                 10  0  9  3  22
 Samaj Spartans                 7  0  3  6  16

>Kaldukosic Kataklysm           3  3  7  6  19
 Samotath Scourge               0  3  0  3   6

Centus Owls                    0  3  0  7  10
>Sarmon Spirit                  3  6  7  7  23

Few surprises in the first round aside from the mediocre Altamirano Devils giving the at-the-time undefeated Pelethas Thunder a hell of a scare in the fourth quarter. Ok, we didn't really expect the Mighty Men to get blanked down in Morponte either, but the Marauders were probably always gonna win that one. Johannes Van Nifterick threw six touchdowns in Zakhoro's spanking of slumping Surpronuk, and the Comrades and Blazers played a hell of a game in Crawford that Orfeo Na'Toki sealed with a toss to Justus Bod in the back of the endzone with 12 seconds left.

Jadde Bruins                   7  0  0  7  14
>Zakhoro Wolfpack               6  0  6 10  22

>Versiaville Vikings           10 14 14  7  45
 Keenan Robins                  0 10 14  0  24

 Dawchire Eagles                3  3  3  0   9
>Morponte Marauders             7  0  3  7  17

 Kaldukosic Blazers             0  7  7  3  17
>Na'Malsille Venom             10  7  3  3  23

 Emerald Cove Conquistadores    0 10  0  0  10
>Bayford Blue Dragons          10  0  3 13  26

 Olask Dolphins                 3  7  3  3  16
>Ramusok Stars                  3  3 10  3  19

>Pelethas Thunder               6  3  7 10  26
 Dusk Bearcats                 14  0  0  3  17

 Kaldukosic Kataklysm           3  0  0  0   3
>Sarmon Spirit                  0  0  7  7  14

Zakhoro Wolfpack continue to roll on in Finnegan Trophy play, knocking off another Silver Conference heavyweight despite looking putrid in the regular season. The Kataklysm won't salvage their lost season with a Finnegan Trophy - their offense looked discombobulated and hopeless against a savvy, veteran Sarmon defense tonight. Shocking to see the Kataklysm held to just 3 points. The red-hot Thunder, Stars and Vikings also advanced, as did defending trophyholders Na'Malsille Venom.

 Zakhoro Wolfpack        0  3  0  7  10
>Versiaville Vikings     7  3  3  6  19

 Morponte Marauders      6  3  3  3  15
>Na'Malsille Venom      17  7  3  6  33

 Bayford Blue Dragons    0  0  0  7   7
>Ramusok Stars           3  7  3  7  20

 Pelethas Thunder        0  7  7  7  21
>Sarmon Spirit          10 14  3  0  27

Silver Conference are reduced to one representative as Dat Zheng and the Vikings shut down the Zakhoro Wolfpack, only to watch as conference-mates Morponte and Bayford both lost handily to Na'Malsille and Ramusok, respectively (and handily so). More ammo for the old FFA guard. The Thunder, despite their dominance in the regular season, saw their comeback bid against the Spirit come up short after a sleepy start at home.

 Versiaville Vikings     6  0 10  0  16
>Na'Malsille Venom       3  7  7 14  31

>Ramusok Stars           7 14 10  0  31
 Sarmon Spirit           0  0  3  6   9

31 is the magic number. 31-16 for the Venom over the Vikings in a game that was close until the fourth quarter, when Vitali Levan came to life for two touchdowns against a tired Vikings defense. And 31-9 for the Ramusok Stars, who made the Spirit look flat-footed and amateur on both sides of the ball, racing out to a 31-0 lead before pulling their starters in the third quarter. It will be an all-Blue Conference final for the Finnegan Trophy between the Na'Malsille Venom from the west coast and the Ramusok Stars from the east coast.

Na'Malsille Venom       3 10  6  0  19
Ramusok Stars           6  0  0 10  16

The Ramusok Stars grabbed the game by the horns when they drove the length of the field and piledrove Kamaal Dottcorn into the endzone on their first drive. The momentum shifted, however, after Venom star linebacker Cygnus Cason intercepted Garron Holland's pass on a surprise two-point conversion attempt. The Venom sapped all the confidence out of the Stars on that single play, and ended up taking a 13-6 lead into half time. Two more field goals for the Venom in a slow third quarter that saw them control the ball and the clock meant a 19-6 lead going into the final frame for the defending trophyholders. But it wasn't over just yet! The Stars would pull three back near the beginning of the quarter, then dig deep with some big stops before putting together a methodical drive with five minutes left. Garron Holland's composure under pressure was impressive, as he consistently picked out the open receiver. Finally, that open receiver was speedster Duke Leonard at the 2. Leonard spun off of safety Wes Benton and into the endzone with a roar. 19-16! The Ramusok defense would come up with another big stop to get the ball back with just under two minutes left. Unfortunately for them, a second magical drive was not on the cards. The Venom stopped the Stars on 4th & 10 from midfield to seal the unnerving victory.

The NA'MALSILLE VENOM have won the ninth Finnegan Trophy! Being the defending trophyholders, the Venom are now the first CFL team to win the Finnegan Trophy in back-to-back years. Regardless of the result of the Final, the Blue Conference would've taken a 5-4 advantage over Silver Conference in the history of this tournament, since both the Venom and Stars are from the Blue Conference.

CAFL Season IX (1008) - Regular Season

Cosumar Arena Football League     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD
 1 Sundsvall Penguins              22   17   5   489  275 +214
 2 Yambridge Pioneers              22   15   7   439  334 +105
 3 Ruminov Black Panthers          22   13   9   441  333 +108
 4 Aldenskoett Jackhammers         22   12  10   491  372 +119 
 5 Jotungard Goblins               22   11  11   300  352  −52
 6 Cavaleira Cucumbers             22   10  12   433  415  +18
----------------------^^^PLAYOFFS^^^------------------------
 7 Rhupenhoven Raging Rhinos       22   10  12   361  404  −43
 8 Cupe Dutch Killer Whales        22   10  12   394  440  −46
 9 Östrad Giants                   22   10  12   299  382  −83
10 Wealdheim Foxes                 22    9  13   357  444  −87
11 Goldstaff Steelers              22    8  14   361  462 −101
12 Lombrica Fire                   22    7  15   315  467 −152

Playoffs
₁Sundsvall Penguins (Bye)
₂Yambridge Pioneers (Bye)

₄Aldenskoett Jackhammers vs. ₅Jotungard Goblins
₃Ruminov Black Panthers vs. ₆Cavaleira Cucumbers

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Tue Dec 13, 2016 6:33 pm

CFL Season XII (1008) - Playoffs

It's that time again. Of the 34 teams that began the season with bright aspiration, fewer than half remain with their goal of winning the Dragon Bowl intact. Making the postseason is a great accomplishment, but only one team will end the season satisfied. It's time CFL Playoffs time! Single-elimination. No mercy. No second-chances.

First Round

₁Morponte Marauders            14  7  0  3  24
₈Versiaville Vikings            3  7  3  9  22

₄Keenan Robins                  7  3  7  3 7  27
₅Dawchire Eagles                7  0  7  6 0  20

₂Jadde Bruins                   0  7  0  0   7
₇Olask Dolphins                 6  3  7  7  23

₃Hagenheim Vagabonds            3  3  7  0  13
₆Bayford Blue Dragons           0 14  0  7  21

Opening round Silver Conference action saw the Vikings' arduous comeback against the villainous Marauders erased by a 55-yard field goal in the final seconds, stomping on the hearts of Vikings fans in the process. In the 4-5 game, Keenan was positively buzzing for its first ever chance to host a CFL playoff game. Up against another newly-arrived contender on the scene, the Dawchire Eagles, the game was a high-quality OT thriller that showcased the next era of the CFL. But in the end, the Robins continued their march of destiny, driving 80 yards on the first possession of overtime and advancing on Tash Walraven's 8-yard scamper. I haven't seen so much energy in cold, desolate Keenan since Keenan Athletic gained its first promotion to Sekundar Ligan. In a mild upset, the defending Silver Conference champions from Olask stymied the hitherto confident Jadde Bruins. Star runner Avery Broddick, playing with a cast on his elbow, looked less than 100% for the Bruins and, forced to turn to the air, they hit a wall in the form of that great Dolphins secondary. Finally, the Bayford Blue Dragons finally overcame their playoff demons (blown out by 30 at home in last year's first round), surging past the aging Vagabonds on a big 330-yard passing day by Jarvan Voger.

₁Pelethas Thunder               7  6  0  6  19
₈Sarmon Spirit                  3  7  3 10  23

₄Kaldukosic Blazers            10  6  3 10  29
₅Samaj Spartans                 9  0  3  7  19

₂Emerald Cove Conquistadors    10  3  0  3  16
₇Na'Malsille Venom              0  0  3  0   3

₃Ramusok Stars                 10  0  3  3  16
₆Helfin Mighty Men              7  3  0 10  20

Woooow. After a near-perfect 15-1 season, the bookmakers' overwhelming Dragon Bowl favorites, the Blue Conference #1-seed Pelethas Thunder, are ...s t u n n e d... at The Xanadu Dome by the surging Sarmon Spirit. Rejuvenated by the explosive play of midseason receiver acquisition Mia Little, who had 8 rec. for 112 yards, the veteran Spirit just wanted it more than the disturbingly complacent Thunder on the day. Their physical play was enough to edge a more talented team 23-19 at the end after a 13-13 first three quarters. The favorites never quite got going and now they're going home. Joining them are the Spartans, who just didn't have enough on offense to keep up with a lethal Blazers offense led by Orfeo Na'Toki and Justus Bod. In the ugliest and most testy game of the first round, the Conquistadors overcame three ejections to brutalize the Venom 16-3. Quite frankly, we didn't know they had that kind of defense in them. In the late-night final game, the Helfin Mighty Men traveled to Ramusok and got a huge win at the capital. Blerim Timanov was clutch for the Mighty Men in the fourth quarter, leading them on two scoring drives in the last six minutes to take the lead. Akim Fjara's one-handed catch in the corner of the endzone to win it might be the highlight of the year.

Conference Semifinals

Morponte Marauders            10  0 14  7  31
Keenan Robins                  3  3 10  7  23

Bayford Blue Dragons           0  0  0 14  14
Olask Dolphins                 7  6 10  3  26

Tobias Engel's Robins went toe-to-toe with the mighty Marauders for a chance to play for a Dragon Bowl berth, but the fairy tale season ends in Morponte. A touchdown behind for most of the game, the Robins hung in there valiantly but just couldn't get over the hump. Jeston Boulware threw for three touchdowns and ran for a fourth. The Marauders have the best QB in the league and that's a huge advantage to have at this time of year. They also have homefield advantage in the Silver Conference Final as the #1 seed. Visiting them will be the Olask Dolphins, who always manage to flip a switch and find their best form in the postseason. It's their second consecutive Silver Conference Championship appearance. Their win over Bayford wasn't as close as the final score indicates - they took a 23-0 lead into the fourth quarter, with Bayford Municipal Stadium already two-thirds empty by the time the Blue Dragons picked up a pair of garbage-time scores. That Oesterwind-Ness-Kuyengall offensive trio remains one that even the Marauders will be a little frightened of.

Kaldukosic Blazers             7  0  3  6  16
Sarmon Spirit                  0  3  0  3   6

Emerald Cove Conquistadors     6  7  3  0  16
Helfin Mighty Men              3  0  3  3   9

The Spirit finally run out of gas in Kaldukosic. The Blazers went on a seven-minute TD drive to open the game, and Sarmon never recovered from that mental blow. Not even new local favorite Mia Little could salvage the day after running back Ernest Holmes twice fumbled away possession in the opponents' half of the field. What a disappointing way for the former RCU great to likely end his Hall of Fame career in Sarmon. Kaldukosic don't give a shit about that though. The Blazers and their elite run defense are moving on. Their path to the Dragon Bowl goes through Emerald Cove. The Conquistadors took care of the Mighty Men in similar fashion earlier in the day. Emerald Cove safety Samuel Murray had the first three-interception game in CFL Playoffs history, his hands seemingly a magnet for deflections of Timanov passes. Brandon Reigner hasn't been at his best in these last two games, but it has been the Conquistador defense that has stepped up and uncharacteristically propelled this franchise to its first Blue Conference Championship Game.

Conference Championship Games

Morponte Marauders             7  7  3  7  24
Olask Dolphins                 0  3  7  0  10

The Marauders are just too complete of a team. They're built for playoff success. Jeston Boulware was threading passes with his usual deadeye accuracy, Jacques Valdivia provided just enough danger for the play action to work, and Oskirk Hevermann sacked Esben Oesterwind twice in the second half on critical 3rd Downs. The Dolphins will have to wait another year to get back to the Dragon Bowl. Aside from their 33-year-old quarterback, all the Dolphins' top players are relatively young - their window is still wide open next season.

Emerald Cove Conquistadors     7  7 10  7  31
Kaldukosic Blazers             0  7  7  3  17

Brandon fucking Reigner. What a man. The polarizing star quarterback of the Conquistadors finally proved, after all these years, that he can do in the CFL what he did for RCU in NSCF: lead a team to the championship game. This was the finest hour of Reigner's professional career. Against a very capable defense and a very capable opposing quarterback, he stole the show at home, completely in his element and in his rhythm. He completed 25/33 passes for 362 yards, 4 TD and 0 INT. That ought to shut up all the keyboard warriors who said he'd never be a big-time Playoff quarterback. Until next week at least.

DRAGON BOWL XII

The Morponte Marauders (14-5, #1 seed) out of the Silver Conference and the Emerald Cove Conquistadors (15-4, #2 seed) out of the Blue Conference will collide for Cosumarite supremacy. The Marauders are one of the CFL's foremost dynasties, looking to become the first to win three Dragon Bowls (previously won in V and VIII). The Emerald Cove Conquistadors, who have been a solid contender since drafting star quarterback Brandon Reigner, are appearing in their first Dragon Bowl. With Boulware and Reigner, you can make a statistical argument that this Dragon Bowl will feature a match-up of the best QB from each conference. While the limelight will be on the two leading men, Emerald Cove also boast one of the best offensive lines in the Fiefdom (All-Cosumar selections in guard Jakk Trice and center Finn Maki) and a unheralded but much-improved defense, while the Marauders have an underrated runner in Jacques Valdivia and an aggressive defense that excels at blitzing opposing quarterbacks. The battle in the trenches between the Conquistador O-Line and Marauder D-Line is expected to be key. After a week of festivities, the teams take the field at Leviathan Arena...

Will the Marauders plunder or will the Conquistadors conquer?

...

Morponte Marauders             3  0  0  3   6
Emerald Cove Conquistadors     7  0  7  3  17

In a sloppy, nervy game that failed to live up to its billing as a Quarterbacks' Duel, the Conquistadors defeated the Marauders because of their ability to convert their few red zone chances into touchdowns whereas the Marauders settled for field goals despite having Justus Bod, an elite red zone target at tight end. Instead, it was Emerald Cove second-year receiver Seamus Fifield who came out of literally nowhere to make his stamp on history. Fifield had just two receptions in the previous three playoff games combined, but exploded tonight with all of Cosumar watching for a career-high 12 receptions for 138 yards as well as three long punt returns and a recovered onside kick. That Emerald Cove defense, captained by former National Team safety Samuel Murray but populated by hungry unproven young players, is also one of the stories of the season. They were "good but not great" in the regular season but stepped up to a whole new level in the Playoffs. They held three of the four teams they faced, including an elite Marauders offense on the biggest stage, completely out of the endzone.

Linebacker Kalah Na'Safeh became a bona-fide star on this field tonight. He recorded a whopping 16 solo tackles, including three for a loss and three additional QB hits on Boulware. One particularly vicious (but legal) one in the first quarter seemed to knock Morponte's unflappable general off his game for the rest of the night.

It was only 7-3 Emerald Cove at halftime - still a ballgame - but quickly turned to 14-3 after the show and interest dwindled from there as both offenses fizzled. There was never any inkling of a comeback from Morponte and most neutrals' flipped their TVs off when the Conquistadors kicked a field goal to make it 17-3 with seven minutes left.

The EMERALD COVE CONQUISTADORS are the Dragon Bowl XIII Champions! They are now 1-0 in Dragon Bowls, while the Morponte Marauders fall to 2-2. Congratulations to the City of Emerald Cove on a season that will be remembered there forever, and commiserations to the City of Morponte on coming so close once again. It is the fourth consecutive Dragon Bowl to be won by a franchise that had never done so before. The Conquistadors' victory gives Blue Conference a 7-5 advantage over Silver Conference in the game's history, the first time either conference has opened up a two-game lead. Blue Conference has won five of the last seven Dragon Bowls.

Post-Season Awards

Season MVP: Binro Aeoleai (QB, Pelethas Thunder)
Dragon Bowl MVP: Seamus Fifield (WR, Emerald Cove Conquistadors)
Offensive Player of the Year: Jeston Boulware (QB, Morponte Marauders)
Defensive Player of the Year: Leumas Ren (S, Pelethas Thunder)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Morum Øygard (RB, Hvalsey Lions)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Melvin MacDiarmid (DE, Cassandra Wildcats)

CAFL Season IX Playoffs

First Round
₁Sundsvall Penguins - Bye
₄Aldenskoett Jackhammers 50–36 ₅Jotungard Goblins

₂Yambridge Pioneers - Bye
₃Ruminov Black Panthers 47–54 ₆Cavaleira Cucumbers

Second Round
Sundsvall Penguins 57–50 Aldenskoett Jackhammers
Yambridge Pioneers 50–23 Cavaleira Cucumbers

...

IRON BOWL VIII

The SUNDSVALL PENGUINS are the ninth arena league champions! It is their fourth Iron Bowl win, giving them sole possession of the all-time lead. These are still the only three teams to win the CAFL: Sundsvall, Jotungard and Yambrige. The Penguins' victory is their third in four season after having a three-peat bid denied by the Jotungard Goblins last season.

Postseason Awards

MVP: Luis Pham (DT, Ruminov Black Panthers)
Iron Bowl MVP: Declan McEntire (LB, Sundsvall Penguins)
Offensive Player of the Year: Ra'ef Nimmo-Dirksen (QB, Sundsvall Penguins) 
Defensive Player of the Year: Klout Dolving (CB, Jotungard Goblins)

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Dec 30, 2016 1:26 pm

LEAGUE CYCLE XXI PREVIEW (Year 1009)

Twenty full seasons have come and gone since the CosumarLigan system revolutionized domestic soccer. The 20th anniversary season produced all-time highs in attendance, TV ratings and quality, and now it is time to look ahead to the start of a new era. The 21st season is soon to begin!

256 clubs compete across five tiers and in the annual King's Cup (which celebrated its own 10th anniversary last season). The top three tiers (Harlighet Ligan, Sekundar Ligan, Tredje Ligan) are the smallest and most prestigious, with two large Conferences comprising the fourth tier, and several regional divisions comprising the fifth tier. The implementation of this “CosumarLigan” contemporary pyramid structure 21 years ago, along with increasing investment and youth development, has resulted in highly visible growth for the Harlighet Ligan year after year. The first twenty seasons weren’t all highs. There were many restructurings and financial crises along the way...but the Cosumarite game has now reached an unprecedented peak of stability, size, quality and importance. Here's to the past 20 seasons and the 20 more to come!

Now, without further ado, let’s get to what you’re here for. A preview of where each team stands ahead of the 21st Harlighet Ligan season. Enjoy!

Map of Current Clubs:

Overview of Past Winners:
I: OAS Royal FC
II: OAS Royal FC (2)
III: Mallox
IV: Mallox (2)
V: OAS Royal FC (3)
VI: Mallox (3)
VII: OAS Royal FC (4)
VIII: Ramusok United
IX: Klyde
X: Real Azuris
XI: Real Azuris (2)
XII: Cassandra City
XIII: Mallox (4)
XIV: Ramusok United (2)
XV: Cassandra City (2)
XVI: Real Azuris (3)
XVII: Real Azuris (4)
XVIII: Real Azuris (5)
XIX: Cassandra City (3)
XX: Real Azuris (6)
XXI: __________ ???

6 - Real Azuris
4 – OAS Royal FC
4 – Mallox
3 - Cassandra City
2 – Ramusok United
1 – Klyde

REAL AZURIS
Azuris, South Klyde Fief

Nickname: Breakers
Founded: 962
Ground: Massemord Stadium (42,243)
Manager:

Lujendra Mescalin (63)

Transfers In: Phioricus Jernigan (Soldarian FC free), Hakki Ojala (Rastaka Grey Jays free), Bryger Tidesson (Real Azuris II promoted)

Transfers Out: Robert Sieuwerd (retired), Diandra Belgrave (retired), Georgia Kite (retired)

Starting XI (4-3-3):

Ozuna (25) -

Lindberg (27),

Grier (27),

Milani (33),

Chisenhall (24) -

Söderquist (22),

Lachance (33),

Sybill (27) -

Fraser (32 C),

Arrowsword (19),

Bowditch (27)

Key Reserves: Coppellian (CB/32), Adebayo-Akanni (RB/23), Hardwick (DM/33), Ojala (MF/18), Jernigan (LW/35), Tidesson (RW/16), Zigfield (ST/27)
Kit Details: The new home kit offers a redesign of the iconic tidal wave that has long swept over the top of the shirt. Last year, they also debuted a slick new away kit that sports a wave-themed sash. Azuris also occasionally surprise with a bold alternate color scheme: rainbow. The high-tech fabric gives off the appearance of misty rainbow light, like you'd see shimmering by a waterfall.

Preview: Last season was a masterful tour de force. There was consistent form, almost twice as many goals scored as allowed, and the beautiful sight of several players ascending to new heights. The club captured its fourth championship in five years – and second Domestic Double in that span – to engrave its name in stone as the undisputed dynasty of the 1000s. Despite the Harlighet Ligan becoming increasingly competitive, Lujendra Mescalin has managed to actually tighten Real’s grip on the ruling scepter. But, that only means the other 17 clubs will now try even harder to pry it from their grip. With minimal changes to the side, it will require a massive feat of mental toughness for them to fend off both the redoubled efforts of rivals and their own complacency to stay atop the hill. But if any side in the Harlighet Ligan can do it, it’s this one. They’re well accustomed to defending titles – and had several individuals playing truly inspired football last season. Versatile and ever-brilliant attacking threat Sean Fraser seamlessly transitioned into more of a playmaking role. In doing so, he meshed in new ways with fellow stars Andrew Arrowsword and Ronan Bowditch, who benefited with 15 and 21 goals apiece (both career highs). Bowditch took home his first MVP and Golden Boot honors as a result. With his confidence soaring, the Brenecian looked a threat to score every time he got the ball out on the right. But what made the 1008 Azuris squad so special was that the play was equally inspired everywhere on the pitch. Homegrown midfielder Stig Söderquist became a star with his clean tackles and sharp passes, Pasargan international Viviano Milani instantly brought a rare aura of pure quality to the interior defense, and August Ozuna was so good in goal that he cemented himself as Audioslavia’s #1 for the forseeable future. Sandra Sybill supplied crucial vision to the midfield, Mortimer Chisenhall (who just signed a long-term extension) was immaculate defending the right wing, etc. Everyone on this team played their part admirably. The performance of these players marked the beginning of a new era for Real Azuris, but also the end of another as Georgia Kite, Diandra Belgrave and Robert Sieuwerd all decided to make way and walk off into the sunset with their trophies. Mescalin, in turn, has freshened up the bench with younger legs like highly-rated Anglatian Hakki Ojala (the Grier connection paying dividends) and academy standout Bryger Tidesson – either of whom could be the next big thing. Real Azuris, like many teams in the league, have great players. But they’re also a great team and have the not-to-be-understated advantage of the best manager. Very difficult to envision them outside the top three. They also have the depth to sustain a UICA run. Who knows what could happen there…
Last Season: Champions (19-9-6). Prediction: 2nd.

EASTWEALD
Yambridge, Gellano Fief

Nickname: Elves
Founded: 704
Ground: Old Weldenskirgen (43,209)
Manager:

Monica Brightwater (49)

Transfers In: Penumbra Amokachi (Mâ Âlâmëómë), Eva Velasquez (Myana free), Nigel Ebenazher (Myana free), Astrid Palmqvist (Eastweald II promoted)
Transfers Out: Bogwa (Carnival Samba $10m), Tremain Williams (Gaillard free)

Starting XI (4-4-2):

Hernandez (28) -

Pawlukiewicz (29),

Jefferson (28),

Soderlund (28),

Sorenson (27) -

Velasquez (22),

Mordini (24),

de Marisco (30 C),

Klinsmann (33) -
[MRT] Quesadillas (29),

Amokachi (26)

Key Reserves: Brankussen (GK/24), Black (CB/31), Lael (LB/32), Palmqvist (RB/19), Aguero (LM/31), Delklind (MF/31), Kortuufa (ST/26), Ebenazher (ST/32)
Kit Details: Eastweald is famous for their triangle-textured shirt, which they wear in green at home and in yellow (pictured right) on the road, always with the same color of shorts and inverse color socks. They occasionally wear a shiny all dark-gold throwback kit.

Preview: “Second-place Eastweald” has become a universal meme. As Cosumarite media have constantly reminded Elves fans all offseason, their club has finished 2nd in four of the last six seasons. And two straight. 1008’s shortcoming didn’t hurt quite as much as 1007’s spectacular final-matchday heartbreak because Real Azuris were so dominant from the beginning, but that golden Harlighet Ligan trophy remains painfully absent from the trophy cabinet. Champions’ Cup football is great and all, but the supporters at Old Weldenskirgen won’t be truly satisfied until that elusive Harlighet Ligan trophy is finally paraded around their historic stadium. Monica Brightwater and the club leadership, frustrated by six years on the cusp, made it their mission to land a world-class attacking player over the transfer window. Someone who could individually shift the balance of power in the league. The result exceeded all expectations. Brightwater managed to lure countrywoman Penumbra Amokachi, the superstar Nephara striker, from Mâ Âlâmëómë with the enticing challenge of breaking Eastweald’s title curse and the Harlighet Ligan’s Champions’ Cup curse. Yep, Amokachi is coming to Cosumar. Are you excited? You should be. She’s the biggest foreigner to make the move to our corner of Northeastern AO since maybe Tolgus Tregajorran – except that Amokachi is still smack in the middle of her prime. Fans across Cosumar can’t wait to see what she can bring to the table when paired with former ANL stalwart Dan Quesadillas, who scored 20 goals last season himself. Eastweald had to sell pocket-sized terror Bogwa, a fan-favorite, to fund it, but judging by the celebrations that spontaneously erupted in Yambridge after Amokachi’s signing was announced, people are more than okay with it. Merely adding one of the best strikers in the Multiverse isn’t all Eastweald did to strengthen the squad for a long-awaited title. Young Llamanean international Eva Velasquez will add something that has been glaringly absent in recent years: pace and an extra dash of trickery on the wing. Nigel Ebenazher, the former Stoneshore striker turned top scorer in Chromatika, quietly returns to the league as a potentially invaluable depth piece. Homegrown Mina Mordini, who has proven herself a midfielder of real quality alongside Jo de Marisco, has also been signed to a long-term contract extension despite overtures from Cassandra City. The petite de Marisco, though, is the focal point of Eastweald’s expressive tiki-taka style of play. With quick feet and a mind always two steps ahead, the former MVP is Eastweald’s creative engine. Once she develops an understanding of how Amokachi likes to make her runs, De Marisco has the technical ability to put the ball on the end of them. That should be a devastating combination. With savvy veteran winger Rook Klinsmann also crashing in for timely goals and right back Michael Sorenson marauding forward to combine with him, Eastweald can shred defenses in a multitude of ways. They also boast one of the league’s most sturdy center backs in Valladares star Jefferson - who more than compensates for the slightly more error-prone Aleksi Soderlund - as well as the Vanquishers’ #2 goalkeeper (Esteban Hernandez) and last season’s Best XI left back (Kelkath Pawlukiewicz). Eastweald are deeper, more talented, and more aesthetically attractive on the pitch than ever. The main threat to Real Azuris’ continued hegemony. Hell, they might even be favorites.
Last Season: 2nd (15-11-8). Prediction: Champions.

OAS ROYAL FC
Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Whites or Royals
Founded: 982
Ground: The Royal Palace (54,000)
Manager:

Constantine Champali (49)

Transfers In: Juquinho (Brinemouth $5m), Thomas Di Sansev (AFC Monmouth $1m), Demi Duvernay (OAS Royal II promoted)
Transfers Out: Nicola Pecoraro (Charleston Athletic $3m), Ellie Hanger (Emerald City Harmony loan), Peter Wiggin (San Marco Storm free)

Starting XI (4-4-2):

Boakye-Yiadom (27) -

Arntz (31),

Sigurdsson (29),

Fosse (23),

Kontiola (30 C) -

Rocket (28),

Bregoo (25),

Gawain (33),

Schuiling (21) -

Tathtauré (Elf),

Juquinho (31)

Key Reserves: Duvernay (DF/19), Di Sansev (RB/16), Paysinger (RM/36), Mbubu (ST/23), Montag (ST/35)
Kit Details: Sleek all-white unis (shirt pictured right, with white shorts and socks) whenever possible. They also have a grey/white/turquoise secondary kit that pops up occasionally. This shirt, grey socks, and white shorts with a turquoise strip like on the shoulder.

Preview: OAS Royal went from a single goal away from relegation in 1007 to a few goals away from a Champions’ Cup place in 1008. The largest season-to-season jump in Harlighet Ligan history! A number of factors contributed to the massive rebound. Constantine Champali arrived, made some subtle but astute tactical adjustments, and restored the belief in the dressing room with his confidence. Just as everyone suspected, he was born to manage at higher levels. Quebec and club legend Jannick Kontiola stepped up and embraced more leadership duties (including the captaincy) following the 1007 debacle, making Champali’s job easier. His composed two-way play at right back was paramount on the pitch too. Alex Rocket won Most Improved Player with his resplendent play on the left wing. Alex has always torched defenders with his pace, but last season the end product came on a near-weekly basis as well and he contributed a lot of underappreciated defensive work. The insertion of fresh legs and new ideas into central midfield in the form of Rowan Gawain is believed to have helped Guayabalense dynamo Leonidas Bregoo recapture his form after a slumping 1007. Add in the continued excellence of Valanora striker Galasgoldas Tathtauré (with 35 goals in two seasons in Ramusok, he was the lone bright spot in 1007) and some much better luck and fewer injuries, and it’s no surprise that Royal returned to their customary place near the top of the table. Now that that nightmarish 1007 season is squarely behind them as an aberration, King James’ club can move forward with renewed ambition. The symbol of that ambition is Juquinho. For only $5 million, the flashy Apoxian with over 150 career goals and a Nepharim Iron Boot was a bit of a steal. He has a lot left in the tank at 31 years old. Juquinho is what Champali was missing most last year – a dynamic striker of similar quality to Tathtauré for his 4-4-2. No slight to Oskar Montag and Pascal Mbubu (valuable depth strikers, both) or the now-released former captain Peter Wiggin, but none of them quite offered the presence that was needed. Opposing defenses constantly keyed in on Tathtauré with no other truly dangerous scoring threat up top. Pairing Tathtauré’s elegant finishing with Juquinho’s world-class movement to play off of should allow the Royal attack to fulfill its full potential. Cosumarite goalkeepers will dread the sight of Juquinho charging towards their goals with Tathtauré in tandem. With the slippery Rocket and Joost Schuilling pumping balls in from wide areas and Gawain and Bregoo carving through the middle, there should be plenty of chances to go around between Tathtauré and Juquinho. Ramusok bookmakers are already taking bets for which of the two will score more goals! Yep, this team will be fun to watch. If there’s an Achilles heel, it’s the thinness at the back. With Ellie Hanger going to Super-Llamaland on loan and the beloved Nicola Pecoraro returning to Osarius to close out his career after nine years at OAS, they might be screwed if the vital Christopher Fosse or Eithan Sigurdsson is sidelined for any significant length of time. Big things are expected of million-dollar Mercedini youth star Thomas Di Sansev and academy product Demi Duvernay in the future, but they’re not ready to start regularly at this level yet. If Champali can keep a clean bill of health, however, Royal should make the UICA without too much trouble and could impose themselves on the title conversation.
Last Season: 3rd (15-11-8). Prediction: 3rd.

FC KALDUKOSIC
Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief

Nickname: Victors
Founded: 756
Ground: Leviathan Arena (99,000)
Manager:

Corey Simmons Jr. (49)

Transfers In: Arne Ulvstrom (Nomad Brotherhood $1.2m), Mine Flaksenhaar (FC Kaldukosic II promoted)
Transfers Out: Dean Harold McSaunders (retired), Chris Hodges (retired)

Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Koron (29) -

Witek (30),

Litchmoor (28),

Lunds (33 C),

Pakkanen (20) -

Richard (28),

Cunningham (31) -

Perkins (30),

Wadimu (29),

Simmons III (23) -

Stabb (26)

Key Reserves: Davi (CB/29), Banner (RB/30), Meratyn (LW/26), Ulvstrom (CF/29)
Kit Details: At home, they wear a dark green shirt with unique white columns that curve towards the right shoulder, a luxurious yellow collar, white shorts and dark green socks with thin yellow circles at the top. Their secondary kit features a crisp white shirt (pictured right) with dark green shorts.

Preview: People in Kaldukosic just want the season to start already. The offseason was a tiring one. There were the emotional retirement announcements from captain midfield anchor Dean Harold McSaunders and then long-tenured forward Chris Hodges. There were the drawn-out and emotionally draining transfer sagas involving wingers Bennett Perkins and Aspen Meratyn, repeatedly linked with the Sunrisian league and AC Holmenkollen respectively. To top it all off, the Simmons family, which has become synonymous with the club, was involved in a car crash while vacationing in Vilita. As soon as the news broke, rumors swirled about injuries or fatalities to FC Kal manager Corey Simmons Jr. and prized attacker Corey Simmons III, his son. Perkins and Meratyn both ended up staying, and both the elder and younger Simmons survived the scare relatively unscathed (aside from a broken wrist and rib for the gaffer), but everyone with any investment in the club is just ready to focus on the actual soccer again. Speaking of the soccer, FC Kaldukosic’s brand of it mainly revolves around getting the ball up to Kevin Stabb in any way possible. They can do so prettily against sides of lesser or similar quality, but they’re also quite content to engage in rudimentary hoofball if needed. With three straight seasons of 20+ goals, Stabb is a proven force in this league. He commands the box with his work rate, dominant aerial ability and impeccable timing. He’s got a few tricks up his sleeve with the ball on the ground too. You could almost say the Sunrisian World Cup forward has single-handedly powered FC Kaldukosic to UICA status, since their run of consecutive Globe Cups coincides with his breakthrough into the starting line-up. But that wouldn’t be fair to the amazing job Simmons Jr. has done building this squad up over the last five years. With his own son’s showmanship and flair at the top of the pile, FC Kal is more than just Stabb. Georgina Wadimu has benefited from a stroke-of-genius move from the wing to a playmaking role in the hole, utilizing her natural vision and awareness to function as the quarterback of the Victors’ attack, moving the ball around to Perkins, Simmons III and Stabb. She’s found a new best position and led the team in assists last season. Holding midfielders Cervante Richard and Carmelo Cunningham and fullbacks Valeri Witek and Ville Pakkanen are all tall, physical and hardworking defense-first players with only basic technical skill. But they allow the front four to focus their energies on going forward. Jakob Lunds needs no introduction at center back and is the heart and soul of this team with McSaunders gone. He and Brian Litchmoor are burly brick walls in interior defense. You can’t best them physically, but they sometimes struggle to keep up with pacier attackers. Fortunately, Cenian international Ael Koron has been a beast for Kaldukosic in goal, sweeping up most of the mess that gets through. This team is not as complete as a Real Azuris or Eastweald, but they should be potent enough to hold their own in the UICA zone. Just don’t let Simmons drive himself anywhere anymore.
Last Season: 4th (14-10-10). Prediction: 6th.

AC HOLMENKOLLEN
Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Cedars
Founded: 971
Ground: Cedar Road (21,000)
Manager:

Alf Durand (67)

Transfers In: Gunnar Brickwalk (North Laithland $2m), Lois Weaver (Petersburg free), Thelonious Grandstaber (Holmenkollen U18s, promoted)

Transfers Out: Taddeo Loredan (Creed United $6m), Mezei Orbán (retired)

Starting XI (4-4-2):

Kearney (28) -

Luna (31),

Na'Nockeby (27),

Rathskeller (22),

McCallum (23) -

Acock (25),

Brickwalk (32),

Nwapa (28),

Valerikssen (31 C) -

Riprov (20),

Bordeau-Desjardins (28)

Key Reserves: Grandstaber (LB/17), Mattox (CM/30), Weaver (CAM/32), Nyle (ST/19), Akerman (CF/34)
Kit Details: Whenever possible, they wear their beloved pale blue shirt with a red zag (pictured), with solid white shorts and red socks. In the event of color clash, they wear a white shirt blue shorts and red socks.

Preview: Holmenkollen gonna Holmenkollen. The Cedars were down in 12th with eight matches to play, but saved a blazing run of form for the very end of last season. It put them in position to then, with a win on the final day, sneak into the final UICA spot ahead of clubs with ten times the budget (like local rivals Ramusok United). How DO they keep doing this? Through all the coaching changes and young talents sold off, this humble club from suburban Ramusok continues to overachieve and frustrate the big boys with their inexplicable hot streaks. For the second year in a row and third time in club history, Globe Cup fixtures are on the docket again. They didn't make much UICA noise last season, with Semar manager Martin Adnansen opting to focus their limited depth on the league. But Adnansen has departed to take the Molsbik Arkjet job back in his home country and Holmenkollen have tabbed... Alf Durand as their new boss. He was most recently the Assistant Manager of the Valanora national team and has championship and UICA experience with Ramusok United. Durand, a proud and ambitious manager, has hinted at a new approach that could see the Cedars prioritize the Globe Cup and rotate their squad a little more, as well as implement a system that emphasizes more high pressing with their athletic and relatively young front six. It will be interesting to see if Durand can make this work and advance in the Globe Cup while somehow consolidating Holmenkollen's newfound place in the top five going forward. He has his work cut out for him. Taddeo Loredan has finally moved on from his boyhood club, off to prove himself in Nephara. In Loredan, Holmenkollen lose arguably the best Cosumarite defender in the Harlighet Ligan and a revered leader who has been captain since he was just 23 years old. Replacement Sigrun Rathskeller looks the part and impressed in limited opportunities last season, but it's scary to see unknown commodities penciled in as bona-fide starters. Similarly, the retirement of Pasarga midfielder Mezei Orbán leaves a void of technical ability and chance-creation out on the left that unknown Alana Acock seems unlikely to adequately fill. But Holmenkollen have a proven history of playing young, inexperienced kids and molding them into quality Harlighet Ligan players. Key starters like goalkeeper Lilly Kearney, fullback Juniper McCallum and Cosumar U21 striker Lili Riprov are all prior examples of that. Not to mention Loredan himself. Rathskeller and Acock might be the latest feathers in the cap of Holmenkollen's coaches. As long as they play with the chip-on-shoulder energy and never-give-up attitude expected at Cedar Road, the supporters will embrace them win or lose. Besides, it's not as if Durand's squad is devoid of proven quality. A share of the Loredan money was used to bring in Gunnar Brickwalk from North Laithland. The strong, barrel-chested Semar's job will simply be to shadow partner Funanya Nwapa and do all the nitty-gritty midfield work so that the Osarian playmaker can focus on her visionary passing without tiring out. Both have experienced counterparts for their roles on the bench in Nova Anglicana international Brock Mattox and new arrival Lois Weaver. On paper, Holmenkollen should be taking a step back this year, and their predicted finish reflects that (albeit harshly). But this side always seems to defy intuition. With Alf Durand guiding the way and more depth than they've ever had at Cedar Road, Holmenkollen might just surprise some people. Again.
Last Season: 5th (13-9-12). Prediction: 13th.

SAMAJ FC
Samaj, Culmarland Fief

Nickname: Hunters
Founded: 906
Ground: Stadion Jägare (32,000)
Manager:

Luis Varezzi (59)

Transfers In: Kerwin Maston (Na’Malsille Mariners $1.05m), Skal Phillips (Janford City Youth free), Vega Zeale-Riddick (Samaj U18s, promoted)
Transfers Out: Serdjan Aleksovic (Jaalbeck Nafit $1.95m), Isadora Xenophon (retired)

Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Maston (22) -

Cartensen (28),

Ârbo (30),

Kristiansen (29),

Marmor-Lavie (24) -

del Fuego (33),

Valfar (29 C) -

Del Arro (23),

Columbine (25),

Sigurjónsdóttir (21) -

Rowe (31)

Key Reserves: Dalmshelf (RB/31), Phillips (DM/21), Giraun (RW/31), Zeale-Riddick (ST/18)
Kit Details: Their home kit (pictured right) features their iconic diagonal-split shirt and burnt-orange shorts. Their away kit this year is solid of the shade of dark yellow found on the collar to the right, with burnt-orange lettering.

Preview: Luis Varezzi has built a side out on the western plains that’s young and actually…legitimately good. As the likes of Lucien Marmor-Lavie, Rachel Del Arro, Darrius Columbine and Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir have grown up together and evolved from obscure teenage prospects into sparkling talents and internationals, Samaj have gone from Sekundar Ligan to 14th to 8th to 6th. Where will this progression take the Hunters next? If 6th wasn’t their ceiling, the only place left to go is into the UICA zone for the first time in club history. Could it happen? Well, it’d be a mild surprise, but it’s possible. That attacking midfield trident of Del Arro-Columbine-Sigurjónsdóttir is the definite strength of the team. They’re bristling with energy and fresh ideas, and their chemistry and mutual unselfishness is an absolute joy to watch. There’s a decent spine to support them. Valfar is one of the most terrifying midfield enforcers ever to destroy ankles in the Harlighet Ligan. Mikke Kristiansen and Bion Ârbo are experienced albeit unextrordinary starters at this level. Eshani international Hugo Cartensen, however, was an unsung hero last season and many feel he should’ve been selected to the Best XI at left back. He’s a bit more conservative than his counterpart on the right, Marmor-Lavie. She might just be the paciest fullback in Cosumar. She flies. So does new 22-year-old goalkeeper Kerwin Maston – in a different way. He has something like a 50-inch vertical leap (!). He’s replacing a popular figure in Serdjan Aleksovic, who was drawn to an intriguing opportunity to make a big difference in Gadirya. But Maston more than proved his ability last year for relegated Na’Malsille behind a non-existent back line. Spearheading the traditional 4-2-3-1 is Ross Rowe, an above-average Harlighet Ligan striker who doesn’t do anything spectacular but finishes the chances you would expect him to – 16 of them last season, to be precise. However, the whispers going around Samaj (ok, more like feverish chatter) indicate that it’s only a matter of time before he is supplanted by 18-year-old Vega Zeale-Riddick. The tall, lean homegrown striker was mentored by club icon Isadora Xenophon before she retired a couple months ago and is being touted as Samaj’s best young striker since Sur Arora himself. Don’t expect Zeale-Riddick to win the Golden Boot or anything this season, but look for her to start to dip her toe in the Harlighet Ligan waters. Regardless, Samaj should be fine this season. They’re a firmly top-half side now. They might concede a few too many goals to crack the top five, but they can get up and play with anybody.
Last Season: 6th (12-10-12). Prediction: 8th.

WEST GUNDAR FC
Ruminov, Gundar Fief

Nickname: Rugged Men
Founded: 924
Ground: New Harmonia Stadium (36,000)
Manager:

Wyverly Ludlow (33)

Transfers In: Charlie Alotic (AFC Langtree $6m), Florent Marcssen (FC Nuholm player trade), Agafon Tohopka (FC Minebnya Siqornat free), Santiago Curiales (Gundar Fief University)
Transfers Out: Demba Cisse (FC Nuholm $6m + player), Sergio Vilar (retired), Jon Swaim (retired)

Starting XI (4-4-2 Dmnd):

Kooistra (30) -

Pertwee (31 C),

Söder (30),

Haddad (27),

Simonsen (30) -

Altimimy (30),

de Wit (32),

Hallen (31),

Marcssen (26) -

Valgard (21),

Lubiflor (28)

Key Reserves: Tohopka (LB/21), Curiales (CB/21), Robitaille (RM/18), Millhouse (CAM/23), Alotic (ST/23)
Kit Details: Their home whites are pictured right. Their olive-green away kit features black accents and state-of-the-art geometric texturing from Meski.

Preview: Last season, the Rugged Men & Women had the sixth-best attack, the seventh-best defense, and finished seventh overall. Sounds about right. They are a good side, but not a great one. Local hero Mursill Lubiflor is the one to keep your eye on - she's a fireball of energy and a masterful poacher up top. Young counterpart Romikk Valgard is a superb athlete whose finer skills seem to improve each week. The midfield and defense are full of experienced, capable workers well-drilled by Wyverly Ludlow to operate efficiently as units, but few of them stand out individually. Upper-midtable is likely this team's ceiling for now, but the fact that WGFC has stabilized in that vicinity is something everyone in western Gundar should be proud of considering they were considered one of the stereotypical "yo-yo clubs" as recently as four or five years ago. In keeping with the area's agricultural heritage, WGFC has long bet on battlers over technicians. That's still mostly the case with exceedingly physical specimens like Sebastian de Wit and Gustaf Söder setting the tone, but the first exception came three years ago with the massive signing of Semarland #10 Demba Cisse. To use him properly, Cisse forced the Rugged Men to approach something closer to "attractive" soccer, and this grudging evolution helped the club ascend to the atmospheric (for them) heights of 6th and 7ths. Now, the iconic Semar and his immaculate through-balls are moving on, but even in his departure Cisse is helping WGFC. Hometown club FC Nuholm were willing to pay a hefty price for him: $6 million in addition to a younger playmaker of similar quality in Florent Marcssen. With the complimentary Marcssen expected to fill the Cisse hole nicely, they redirected that $6m towards splurging on a young talent for the future: highly-rated striker Charlie Alotic. The Mercedini international should immediately provide competition for minutes for Lubiflor and Valgard and allow Ludlow to rotate a little more than last season, when Valgard in particular looked worn down late on. You can really see the future of WGFC starting to crystallize now. Aging players Cisse, Sergio Vilar (now on the coaching staff) and Jon Swaim have all been cleared out and replaced by the likes of Alotic, local collegiate standout Santiago Curiales and some other intriguing young talents on the bench. Despite appearing a little too dependent on their 30+ year-olds at first glance, the sun is shining bright on the future in West Gundar. Don't bet the farm on 7th again, but they look like they're in the Harlighet Ligan for the long haul.
Last Season: 7th (12-10-11). Prediction: 10th.

RAMUSOK UNITED
Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Blues
Founded: 751
Ground: Fire River Arena (80,000)
Manager:

Gareth Bournemouth (63)

Transfers In: Garnet Langerak (Anomalies free)

Transfers Out: None

Starting XI (4-4-2 Dmnd):

Shaw (30) -

Kang (29),

Langerak (29),

Flanningan (31),

Cooper (20) -

Jonassen (28),

Mulcair (33),

Silvén (26),

Geirsson (31 C) -

Théberge (30),

Culbreth (24)

Key Reserves: Hattingh (DF/21), Alcocer (CB/32), Gjallskald (DF/35), Wells (CM/21), Barnsley (LM/34), Xodó (ST/28), Bérdoon (ST/21)
Kit Details: At home, they wear a blue shirt (pictured right) with solid white shorts and blue socks. On the road, they wear this silver shirt, with solid blue shorts and striped silver/blue socks.

Preview: If Gareth Bournemouth's seat was uncomfortably warm last season…it’s scorching hot now. It hurts to say this, but United is at risk of losing its perception as a title or even UICA contender. One can't help but feel the brand has lost a bit of its luster lately. The talent, wages, infrastructure, attractive market and high-profile manager are all there, but the results just... aren't. Not at the moment. Their last great season, 2nd place four years ago, feels like forever ago. They've finished behind AC-fucking-Holmenkollen both of the last two seasons. Ramusok United. Supporters will tell you that should never happen. Bournemouth will get one more chance because of the success early in his tenure and how much United have invested in him, but make no mistake - it's now do or die for the universally-respected Nepharim. After last season, it was clear what he needed to improve. The attacking players he brought in like Lyyli Silvén and Antonio Mulcair finally all clicked and produced more goals than any other team in the league. They were lethal going forward. But, of course, as soon as he got that all patched up and shiny, a leak sprung up in the back. The Blues suddenly started leaking an alarming number of goals last season. Only two Harlighet Ligan teams conceded more. Even with superstar internationals Robin Geirsson and Curtis Théberge returning to form after mediocre 1007s, United's lethality going forward could not cancel out the defensive woes enough to qualify for the UICA. So what has Bournemouth done to rectify things? Ramusok United's transfer window was headlined by Garnet Langerak. The former AFC Treason defender is exactly the type Bournemouth likes. Besides being Nepharim, she's experienced, composed and level-headed, and will likely relegate Robbie Alcocer to the bench after a poor season exacerbated by temperament issues. In addition to the new Flanningan-Langerak center back partnership, Bournemouth signed prized young right back Tug Cooper to a new contract, banking on the 20-year-old to continue developing, and issued a verbal warning to Seon Jin Kang, the beloved longtime left back who underperformed last season. Atticus Hattingh is chomping at the bit for starters' minutes behind him. Will these moves be enough to whip into shape a back line that shipped two goals per game? Will United then be able to maintain their impressive scoring rate from last season? Could this be Elena Culbreth's final season at United after putting herself in the shop window with 15 goals last season? What color will deep-lying playmaker Kira Jonassen dye her hair this season? These are the questions that hang over eastern Ramusok as 1009 dawns.
Last Season: 8th (12-10-12). Prediction: 4th.

CASSANDRA CITY
Cassandra, Cresscalus Fief

Nickname: Reds
Founded: 882
Ground: The Amphitheatre (60,000)
Manager:

Arturo Mancini (53)

Transfers In: Aakif Guerin (Pontifucia Academy free), Charles Dyer Vry (Cassandra City II promotion)

Transfers Out: Kurtis Samarqand (Zakhoro Aces loan)

Starting XI (4-3-3):

Metz (27) -

Grimswald (28),

Wing (28),

Campbell (33),

Boag (27) -

Serafino (22),

Cole (25),

Bardsen (28) -

Zelaya (25),

Tortuu (30 C),

Goulding (26)

Key Reserves: Iziduko (GK/25), Seppänen (LB/35), Misty (CB/24), Guerin (LM/18), Na'Tule (MF/31), Dyer Vry (ST/18), Brandybok (ST/30)
Kit Details: At home, Cassandra wear their customary all-red (right). Away, they wear a half-and-half red & white shirt with black shorts and, distinctively, one red and one white sock (inverted from shirt).

Preview: Similar situation as their rivals Ramusok United above. Big club, championship aspirations, coming off a disappointing campaign. Only the mood isn't quite as dire up north because City won the Harlighet Ligan the year before last, after all. Their title defense never really got off the ground last season, as they settled in the heart of midtable for pretty much the entire season. The Reds can't use their electric run from the Champions' Cup to the Globe Cup Quarterfinals as an excuse for their uninspiring domestic play either, because Eastweald still challenged for the league title despite advancing just as far. The defending wasn't as good as it was in 1007, but it was never catastrophically bad like Ramusok United experienced at times, and the spectacular saves of Calogero Metz helped cover up a lot of the blemishes. The three-pronged strike force underwhelmed a little bit, with Marcos Zelaya and Jol Tortuu battling injuries and shaky form in front of goal. The signing of Jason Goulding was a big success, however. He had a stellar season with 17 goals and pulled some of Tortuu and Zelaya's weight. So, in the end, there is no easy scapegoat to blame for Cassandra City's mediocre season. It was more a case of everybody taking small steps back. Even the pass completion % of infamously consistent midfield general Kwame Cole dipped a bit. When you add up all those small steps back, it results in one big collective slide down the table. Such is life in a competition of the Harlighet Ligan's parity. The line between "success" and "failure" can be extremely thin. A point or two here and there can be the difference between UICA status and bottom half. As such, it might've been wise on the part of Arturo Mancini that he didn't overreact to last season's finish and rock the boat with a bunch of offseason moves. He'll return the same starting eleven, confident that he can win with them again. Cassandra City play a high-energy 4-3-3 that saw them tie for the Harlighet Ligan lead in shots (despite only scoring the seventh-most goals). It relies upon the tireless work rate of the likes of Bellerophon Serafino in midfield to shield the back line, win possession and shuttle it forward to the front three. There, the exciting Zelaya provides width while the broad-shouldered Jol Tortuu offers hold-up play in the middle. Goulding starts from the right but basically drifts wherever he feels like based on the activity of Tortuu and countryman Zelaya, with whom he has already struck up a strong connection on and off the pitch. Locals are also high on newly-signed Eastfield Lodge prospect Aakif Guerin, who could allow Mancini to start resting the overworked Serafino a bit, and teenage striker Charles Dyer Vry fresh from the academy. This could be a bounce-back year for the Reds. How much so? Anyone's guess. In Mancini Cassandra trusts.
Last Season: 9th (13-7-14). Prediction: 7th.

See the next post (coming soon) for the second half of the Harlighet Ligan team previews! It will include overviews for the lower four tiers as well.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 6:34 pm

See the previous post for the first half of this Harlighet Ligan team-by-team preview.
This is the second half, plus an overview of the lower tiers.

CRAWFORD CITY FC
Crawford, Numenvernien Fief

Nickname: Elephants

Founded: 924
Ground: Orangi Stadium (61,000)
Manager:

Jehan Bair (56)

Transfers In: Hannah Alcouin (Spatula City Utensils $40m), Semyon Yucob (Bellmont City loan return)
Transfers Out: Callie Flores (FC Maris Ladies free)

Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Theoklitos (29) -

Lorence (32),

Pell (30),

Poindexter (26),

Reiniger (30) -

Na'Kebia (29),

Marshall (23) -

Postecoglou (29),

Coultan (26),

van Kruistum (32 C) -

Alcouin (24)

Key Reserves: Weschler (GK/18), Gain (CB/22), Hublot (MF/24), Sherman (DM/35), Yucob (W/22), McBride (RW/31), Guilliver (CF/23), Kurosawa (CF/36)
Kit Details: CCFC's gorgeous teal, crimson and gold home kit is the envy of the league. Their white away kit, with gold and teal accents, isn't too shabby either.

Preview: 1009 is the Year Of The Striker in Cosumar. Eastweald made waves by landing Penumbra Amokachi... OAS signed Juquinho... even Roddy Fraser reportedly came close to agreeing to terms with Mallox. Arguably the most surprising arrival of the transfer window, however, came at the very end, as Sunrisian superstar Hannah Alcouin chose Crawford City FC out of a crowd of cash-waving suitors from across the sporting world. Though it turned heads when it was announced, Alcouin's decision actually makes sense when you consider all the factors. She'd be keenly aware of the success her World Cup teammate Kevin Stabb has had over in Kaldukosic, and the arrival of Amokachi some days prior would have further legitimized Cosumar as a destination for an elite in-prime striker. The humble Alcouin, despite her extraordinary gifts, has never been one to seek the brightest spotlights either. The CCFC fanbase, while large, is relatively placid and without unreasonable expectation. Making Globe Cups pretty regularly would satisfy them. The money probably played a role too. Just maybe. The half-Vaporeon's $40m transfer from 95X set a league record, so we can assume her salary is similarly stratospheric. So, now that she has made the Harlighet Ligan arguably the premier competition for strike talent in the Multiverse, can Hannah Alcouin make the difference where it matters for her new club? Most certainly. The ONE thing the Elephants lacked last season was a true goal-scoring center forward who could find the back of the net consistently. The Guilliver-as-the-starter experiment didn't really work out. He's a tremendous athlete but squandered far too many chances. Dmytro Kurosawa the opposite - a legendary finisher but not mobile enough anymore. Alternating between the two yielded frustrating results. Alcouin is both - a remarkable physical specimen who can dominate defenders up top but also possesses world-class technical skill and a cracking shot from distance. If the perennial Team MVP, radiant #10 Kim Coultan, can supply Alcouin half of the chances she served on a platter for Guilliver last season, the $40m woman will be feasting. Flank that connection with another World Cup winner in Jorit Van Kruistum on the right and the eye-popping speed of Kostas Postecoglou on the left and you have a front four to rival any in Atlantian Oceania. Jehan Bair's high-octane 4-2-3-1 will allow plenty of opportunities for them to combine with numbers in midfield and use their creativity. It does, however, also leave Crawford susceptible to breaks - particularly down the flanks. An astonishing two-thirds of opponents' goals came that way last season. Former Cosumar U21 international Peter Marshall, finally displacing ancient club lifer Phillip Sherman, injects a much-needed dose of youthful range and resilience, but the defense remains a weakness. Jens Reiniger and Lyndon Pell are good players, but the unit as a whole is startlingly average next to the championship-caliber attack. Coultan & Alcouin should power the teal, crimson and gold to their first UICA berth in six years, but they're probably too vulnerable going the other way to sustain a title challenge...this season.
Last Season: 10th (12-9-13). Prediction: 5th.

ZAKHORO ACES
Zakhoro, Ankortroth Fief

Nickname: Aces
Founded: 888
Ground: Zapt Park (29,400)
Manager:

Isla Safarova (49)

Transfers In: Carmine Quaglia (Grigio Calcio $1m), Kurtis Samarqand (Cassandra City loanee), Kadija Na’Duha (Aces U18s promotion)

Transfers Out: Koru Özturk (Nomad Brotherhood loan), Holger Grosz (retired)

Starting XI (3-2-3-1-1):

Ely (32) -

Quaglia (27),

Ebuzoeme (26),

Halloran (32) -

Payet (31),

Carneiro (22) -

Durot (30),

Gutinho (28),

Nathael (24) -

Temuge (24)
-

Samarqand (24)

Key Reserves: Sinistar (GK/23), Santos (LB/27), Na’Duha (CB/17), Lynch (DF/35), Hathoway (MF/33), Tarmé (RM/18), Kot (ST/30)
Kit Details: Primary kit features a white shirt with a black sash (pictured right), black shorts and white socks. Their secondary kit features an aerodynamic all-brown look with varying shades of brown in a gradient pattern.

Preview: It's a sixth consecutive season in the top flight for the Aces, who have a record four Sekundar Ligan titles but have not played in it since their last in 1003. Šimon Holguín did a stellar job setting Zakhoro up for a glorious long-term future in the HL midtable. Though Holguín now departs for a deserved opportunity to manage bigger-budgeted and traditionally more stable FC Samotath, he leaves behind a versatile squad with some real quality, which should make the transition easy for his successor. That person is Isla Safarova. Although the longtime director of Mallox's youth academy and Mallox II is most famous for developing and mentoring Anders Engström, she has a track record of getting the most out of raw talent that spans decades. Her skills are in line with the Aces' refocused efforts to develop their next Worsaw or Sigler from within (Koru Özturk? Tarmé?) and the bevy of high-potential players already on the roster that are just starting to enter their prime. In addition to tricky midfielder Nathael, Temuge is one such player, and is the main man for the southwesterners. Playing as an advanced playmaker or withdrawn secondary striker in Zakhoro's brand of 3-5-2, Temuge is the catalyst for much of what the Aces do in the attack. The 24-year-old Savalen captain took another step forward last year, overcoming a slow start to his second Harlighet Ligan season to lead the Aces on a charge from the relegation zone to 10th after the midseason break. Lack of chemistry with Audioslavian forward Federico Kot accounted for some of his early unproductiveness, so Safarova made it a point to bring in another option over her first transfer window as a Harlighet Ligan manager. She secured Kurtis Samarqand on loan from Cassandra City, with the Iskandervale gem itching for a chance to prove himself as an every-week player after showing well in limited minutes for Cassandra. His long frame and elegant shot should provide a nice counterweight for diminutive dynamo Temuge. The Aces are lethal on the break with tall, physical winger Balotin Durot offering an outlet and the quick-thinking Gutinho as the connective tissue between Temuge-Samarqand and Zakhoro's solid back three (and the two junkyard dogs Carneiro and Payet who shield them). If Temuge is in top form for most of the season and Samarqand hits the ground running, the Aces could knock a few of the "big boys" on their back and become the surprise UICA contenders of the season. At the very least, this team is too good to be worried about relegation barring any disasters.
Last Season: 11th (12-9-13). Prediction: 12th.

MALLOX FC
Mallox Township, Gellano Fief

Nickname: Tigers
Founded: 804
Ground: Orange Palace (46,000)
Manager:

Alvin Burnsides (51)

Transfers In: Johannes Sindelaar (Emerald City Harmony $8m), Till Ümann (FC Soessch $3m), Soren Winterkorn (Klyde Heritage $1.5m)

Transfers Out: Mathis Woodgate (Creed United $12m), Alistair Redalen (Rosbank Town free), Stuart Gildon (retired)

Starting XI (4-3-3):

Sindelaar (29) -

Mauvonts (32 C),

Wenceslaw (21),

Diggory (29),

Thompson (27) -

Lindroos (28),

Ümann (27),

Deville (30) -

Kilgallon (33),

Winterkorn (26),

Nhatandal (Elf)

Key Reserves: Gunnersen (LB/34), Danko (CB/18), Vanderpool (RB/RM/28), Haines (CM/30), Kelly (CF/34), Lvr'ael (CF/22)
Kit Details: New diamond-textured orange home kit pictured right. Away, they wear black, with a subtle watermark of the city's industrial district skyline in the background.

Preview: Last season was a bitter, bitter pill to swallow for the passionate Mallox faithful. After Brenecian duo Mathis Woodgate and Cassandra Kilgallon arrived and heroically carried the Tigers back to the cusp of the top five (missing out on the final matchday), optimism was abound across Mallox at this time last year. Then, when they opened the season with a 6-0 thumping of the Mariners, the optimism cranked up to a whole new level.....only to be stomped underfoot just as it had started to blossom. After the raucous home opener, it took Mallox nearly two months to win another game. Lots of draws, lots of close losses. The season that was supposed to herald Mallox's glorious return to UICA status was essentially down the drain before the midseason break. The eroding morale was exacerbated by constant rumors that star goalkeeper Woodgate, the man responsible for much of the initial promise, was unhappy and requesting a transfer. The Tigers did band together and play better football in the second half of the season - in keeping with Mallox pride and tradition - but a stumbling, injury-riddled final month saw them wind up 12th...the lowest finish in club history. Once it mercifully ended, Woodgate confirmed the dreaded rumors by hopping on the first flight to Nephara. As I said, tough season for the fans.

It was also tough for longtime manager Alvin Burnsides. Despite the championship Burnsides brought to The Orange Palace, patience for his "rebuilding project" is wearing thin since nothing seems to be, you know...building. Over the last several years, each encouraging season has been followed by a step backward a la last season. Mallox II coach Isla Safarova was reportedly pressing for his job behind the scenes, advocating a complete wiping of the slate and reshaping of the squad via youth. But the club brass were too reluctant to pull the plug on the iconic Burnsides' team just yet, so Safarova will take her vision to Zakhoro instead. Not oblivious to all this, Burnsides is desperate to win - and win now. This desperation was reflected in his approach to the transfer window. He took a high-risk, high-reward gamble on former Schottic golden boy Till Ümann, once an electric attacking player whose career was sidetracked by injuries before ultimately settling in as a technical holding midfielder for FC Soessch. Burnsides will deploy Ümann in the heart of his three-man midfield, hoping that he will rediscover some of his former playmaking prowess with shuttlers Jesper Lindroos and Stephon Deville taking care of most of the nitty-gritty midfield work next to him. It's not quite the advanced starring role Ümann seemed destined for as a teenager, but it's a set-up that will allow him to express his vision and ability a bit more than he has been able to with Soessch. Assuming he remains healthy, that is. Burnsides was also desperate for a new striker, with Alistair Redalen never quite cutting it in his time in orange. Soren Winterkorn will now take on much of the goalscoring burden. The fans are pretty underwhelmed with the signing. After all, if interfief rival Eastweald can sign Amokachi and effing Crawford can sign Alcouin, why couldn't Mallox also get an elite foreign striker? Winterkorn checks a lot of the boxes: pace, size, work rate, impressive goals in his highlight reel. Could be an efficient and underrated addition. But he also has minimal top flight experience, having worked his way up the ladder from Conference play.

At least the rest of the $12m Woodgate windfall went towards a surefire performer: Woodgate's replacement in goal, Johannes Sindelaar. The best keeper in Super-Llamaland, Sindelaar has been coveted by foreign clubs for some time. While it's hard to replace Woodgate, the Mallox defenders are in good hands once again. Oh yeah, they're not too shabby either, with three internationals and a former Best XI selection on the back line. Mallox still have a solid team and still have one fantastic Brenecian, but I'm afraid those ever-true supporters will have to wait a bit longer for the return of their glory days. By placing Ümann and Winterkorn in focal roles, Burnsides is betting all his marbles on unproven commodities. It'll be a stroke of genius if it all clicks on the pitch, or his last strike if it doesn't.
Last Season: 12th (11-11-12). Prediction: 11th.

TREFTADAETH ALLIANCE
Ashen Point, Parougan Fief

Nickname: Astronomers
Founded: 979
Ground: The Wormhole (28,000)
Manager:

Truda Jotunnoj (61)

Transfers In: Evander Sinque (Fort Archer $0.5m), Bethan Davies (Marque free), Socorro Shakir (Tavernia Academy free)
Transfers Out: Darwyn Lucassen (retired), Jorge Caputo (retired)

Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Martinsky (27) -

Brinegar (29),

Champali (25),

McCaskill (34 C),

De Leon (26) -

ter Voert (25), [MRT] Chamberlain (28) -

Xkoranate (17),

Sinque (22),

Davies (32) -

Feliciano (33)

Key Reserves: Mountainvista (DF/30), Shakir (RB/18), Arce (AM/32), Harig (RW/28), Ironside (CF/37), La Rock (ST/25)
Kit Details: Traditional black-and-white striped home kit with a light grey watermark of the famous Treftadaeth telescope. Away kit features a golden yellow shirt covered with constellations of small navy stars, with matching navy shorts and gold socks.

Preview: Newly-promoted Treftadaeth Alliance had a remarkable season, with their unlikely quest for UICA placement lasting much longer than anyone expected. Their form and fortune dried up in a flash towards the end (hence 13th instead of 5th) but it was still a successful return to the top flight. Truda Jotunnoj had a lot of success running a 4-2-3-1 with former Vanquisher and Crystal Mertagne star Darwyn Lucassen given "the keys to the car" in the central playmaking role. Eight of their twelve losses came when they wandered from this 4-2-3-1 for some reason or another. But regardless of how they lined up, and regardless of whether Lucassen or someone else wore the #10, the stellar central midfield play of hardworking Jan ter Voert and Gavin Chamberlain allowed the rest of the team to thrive. They're back for more - and so are the same four starters in defense that won the Sekundar Ligan and came up together. Alliance were expected to be a high-scoring, high-conceding thrill ride, but Cosudel Champali and company proved themselves capable of defending at this level. Right back Nidia De Leon even found opportunities to contribute going forward too and was among the team leaders in assists. Stability is so important for a side trying to carve out a place in the Harlighet Ligan. Truda Jotunnoj has that where it matters most - in the spine of his team. Casual observers are expecting Alliance to crash back down to Sekundar Ligan because of the somewhat unexpected retirement of Lucassen, the highest-profile star in club history, but I think they'll be fine because of that stability. It's true that Treftadaeth's system depends heavily on brilliance from the attacking midfield positions (for goals and to feed hulking header-machine Pepito Feliciano), but they're arguably deeper there than before despite losing Lucassen. Jotunnoj refortified over the transfer window by reeling in Fort Archer's sought-after #10 Evander Sinque (the reigning Tredje Ligan MVP) and bringing home dynamic and versatile attacking threat Bethan Davies from her stint in Brenecia. Folks up in Ashen Point are also expecting 17-year-old phenom Scylla Xkoranate to take a big step forward this season. Depth amongst the entire back six is a concern that went unaddressed, but there's definitely enough quality here to stay up.
Last Season: 13th (11-11-12). Prediction: 15th.

STONESHORE UNITED
Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief

Nickname: Greys
Founded: 771
Ground: SweetHaven Stadium (70,000)
Manager:

Douglas Tibet (46)

Transfers In: Efe Na’Kele (Real de Mpulo free), Fakir Yacine (In Taman Training Center #3 free)
Transfers Out: Achmed Kazeera (retired)

Starting XI (5-4-1):

Stefansen (33) -

Drake (30),

Na’Kele (29),

Pystynen (30),

Solberg (25),

DeVolder (25) -

Penterzen (29),

McKirkley (33),

Andela (29 C),

Na'Tarejen (25) -

Caipirinha (21)

Key Reserves: Tournay (GK/26), Doblet (CB/28), Singleton (CB/35), Yacine (LM/19), Crowther (ST/34), Yamaguchi (ST/31)
Kit Details: Famous all-grey at home. Shirt pictured. The shorts have some maroon and white side-patterning like on the shoulders. On the road, they wear blue and white hoops with solid blue shorts and blue/white hooped socks.

Preview:. The southeastern strongmen typically employ a flexible 3-5-2 against similar quality opponents or a more conservative 5-4-1 against the likes of Real Azuris and Eastweald, keeping the outside backs home and sliding in an additional defensive-minded midfielder like Kasey McKirkley in lieu of a second striker like Adrienne Crowther. Regardless of exactly how adventurous mercurial manager Douglas Tibet is feeling on the day (and there's really no telling with him), Stoneshore's strength is and has always been defending. And they play to that strength. Ex-Crawford silent giant Efe Na'Kele headlined the transfer window, joining fellow massive, bruising center backs Tuomas Pystynen and Jorg Solberg to complete what is now the tallest back line in Harlighet Ligan history by almost any metric. Wingbacks Dolor DeVolder (who just re-signed after a transfer saga involving both big Ramusoki clubs) and Jerrell Drake are both tall, physical specimens for their position. When these guys get numbers behind the ball and bunker in, that "Stoneshore Stonewall" (as the chant goes) can be exceedingly difficult to break down. If a shot does happen to squirt through, they have the beloved Adren Stefansen in goal - extremely underrated because of how few save opportunities he actually gets. All too often, opponents will get frustrated and pour forward with increasing abandon. That's when those grey shirts will spring to life at the first mistake, ready to flip the game on its head in the blink of an eye. Stoneshore United are built for counter-attacking. It's what they do. The wingbacks and midfield shuttlers Refik Penterzen and Tégen Na'Tarejen, all capable of putting in a full gritty defensive shift, can also fly forward with unexpectedly scorching pace at a moment's notice. Once they've sprung the counter, they usually look for the feet of Aidan Andela to then play the key pass. Andela is vital. He's about the only player on this roster you could call "technical". He can't shoot the ball into the ocean, but his close control and quick decision-making is the linchpin of the famous Stoneshore counter. It's usally up to Caipirinha to make the right run at the right time for Andela to find her. She's an intriguing young striker. Lean, shifty and with as confident a finish as anyone in the league when she's feeling it. So far in her young career though, that only seems to be about one in every three matches. Na'Tarejen, a dangerous sort on the wing, also likes to make a late run in there from the right. All in all, Stoneshore is a difficult side to project. They'll do what they always do and everyone knows it. It's just a matter of how well they can execute it this season. I'm really worried about how they'll produce enough goals to keep up with the improved strike forces around Cosumar (Amokachi, Alcouin, etc).
Last Season: 14th (13-5-16). Prediction: 17th, Relegation.

FC SAMOTATH
Samotath, Parougan Fief

Nickname: Black Hawks
Founded: 845
Ground: Alesund Stadion (60,000)
Manager:

Šimon Holguín (45)

Transfers In: Molly Killanen (IFK Aldenskoett $2m), Kimus de Vries (IFK Aldenskoett $2m), Ayk Panossian (Intersunrisian HS free), Isaac Archambault (Montgomery free), Capsin Sibuc (University of Parougan)

Transfers Out: The Bruce (Muirford Athletic $3m), Lindsey Severin (QC Onyx FC free), Winona Bedullin (AC Sainati free), Jubal Va’Mono (retired)

Starting XI (1-3-2-4):

Barrus-Bari (22) –

Panossian (18) -

Killanen (23),

Shrowder (28),

Dias Pinto (25) -

Cosme (31),

de Vries (24) -

Harmonium (25),

Hummel (28),

Levy (32),

Vorobyov (28)

Key Reserves: Etton (GK/31), Sibuc (CB/21), Charania (DF/34), Dé (MF/19), Archambault (LW/31), Rush (ST/28)
Kit Details: FC Samotath is all about the Red & Black Attack. Nice split-color kit with that awesome hawk at home (pictured) and a black away shirt with some neat arrow designs.

Preview: Well, no one can call Šimon Holguín shy. Always the forward-thinker, Holguín waltzed into Samotath and completely reshaped the squad in his first week there. Caring not that he moved - with no prior connections - to a fief perceived as being mistrustful of outsiders to replace Sid Dawson, their most revered manager of all-time. Took balls. He promptly named inexperienced understudy Olvir Barrus-Bari his #1 goalkeeper, disgruntling Phoebe Etton, who had faithfully guarded FC Samotath's posts since 1002. Holguín quickly accepted an Osarian offer for cult hero defender The Bruce that Dawson had spent years resisting, and then used the money to bring in not one, but two players from old-time enemies IFK Aldenskoett. He also reportedly pushed a few respected players (Severin, Bedullin) out the door and raised further eyebrows with the first-choice line-up he trotted out in the preseason friendlies. It was an, err... odd formation that can be best described as a 1-3-2-4. Three defenders playing a high wide line, with a lone sweeper roving behind between them and the goalkeeper, like a gridiron safety. Two water-carrier midfielders, two advanced wingers, two central strikers. Adding to the supporters' skepticism, the main option at that theoretically-critical sweeper spot seems to be Sunrisian teenager Ayk Panossian, who has never played professionally before. But Mr. Holguín is confident in the fearless 18-year-old, calling him "a rockstar". And he is confident that his unorthodox new system can allow the Black Hawks to maintain their trademark "four-forward front-line" and pursuit of maximum goals scored without giving up the most in the league on the other end like they did last season. Hey, when you finish one place above the danger zone, something's gotta change. The board seems to have given Šimon Holguín free reign to experiment for solutions however his heart desires, and a lot of the "shocking" moves he made upon arrival make more sense if you consider that he had a specific new system with specific player attributes in mind. I particularly think IFK duo Molly Killanen (a fullback with some real skill going forward and a rare combination of youth and experience) and Kimus De Vries (a crisp two-way midfielder) will be instant difference-makers in their new roles. I can already envision them as the glue that holds this 1-2-3-4 or whatever it is together and propels Samotath back to the top half. Plus, they're a really cute item off the pitch. Never underestimate couple chemistry! Anyway, Holguín has always been on the cutting edge of sport analytics, so the numbers must support his "innovative" formation. Here are more numbers that can't be denied: wingers Miroslav Vorobyov and Gwinevra Harmonium combined for 28 goals last season. They are in sizzling form and will continue to find ample opportunities cutting inside with 6"7 forward Sigmund Levy sucking defenders in like a black hole.
Last Season: 15th (11-9-14). Prediction: 9th.

KLYDE
Klyde City, North Klyde Fief

Nickname: Doves
Founded: 649
Ground: The Klyde Sportsplex (88,000)
Manager:

Blinne Va'Tuaras (37)

Transfers In: Sophia Trevelyan (New Llama Stars $3.5m), Adam Stones (Llara Llera free), Booker Beckers (Oljestaden IF free), Micke Kvalderkorr (Klyde II promoted)
Transfers Out: Anna Bowman (retired)

Starting XI (3-4-3):

Alo (30) -

O’Mercury (19),

Kerric (33),

Ward (20) -

Svenskah (22),

Writhlin (26),

Farkanhan (34),

Skarsgaard (30) -

Trevelyan (27),

Alexander (18),

Partell (30)
Key Reserves: Hasanu (GK/24), Stones (LB/34), Beckers (DF/19), Alemany (DM/27), Fierro (CM/18), Skye (ST/32)

Kit Details: At home, they wear their classics all-purple kit with turquoise accents (pictured right). Away, the colors are inverted and turquoise becomes the dominant color.

Preview: It's good to have the old purple-and-turquoise back in the fold. Following their unbelievable 1007 relegation, Klyde were as dominant as you might expect in their first season in the second division, clearly conveying that they expect it to be their last. Former LigAnaia force Deon Partell feasted on the lower level of defending, winning both the Golden Boot and MVP award with 27 goals and 9 assists. Kárpáty Alexander also made his breakthrough. The hyped Pasargan teen (though you would never guess he's only 18 from looking at him or watching him play) added 14 goals after becoming a full-time starter around Matchday 10. It'd be silly to expect Partell and Alexander to be equally prolific against HL defenses this year, so enthusiastic young manager Blinne Va'Tuaras (a club legend at goalkeeper) went out and got them some help. Striker Sophia Trevelyan was the jewel of Klyde's transfer window, joining on the last day to silence critics of their previously quiet offseason. Trevelyan is the latest in a wave of Super-Llamaland national team stars flocking to Cosumar, following the footsteps of smashing successes Vorobyov and Lindberg. Trevelyan has been a winner throughout her career in Eastham and Super-Llamaland, and Va'Tuaras will be hoping she can bring some of that mentality to North Klyde as they look to re-establish their winning culture. She's a darting striker equally good passing or shooting, and can play anywhere on the attacking line - even on the wing or as a False Nine. In the Doves' possession-oriented 3-4-3, she'll play as one of two slightly withdrawn "second strikers" flanking #9 Partell. With Alexander as the other, it has the potential to be a very competent strike trio in this league. The key element in the 3-man backline, meanwhile, is the central centerback Tham Kerric. While young wide centerbacks Sarah Ward and Celty O'Mercury function like true classical centerbacks, Kerric has to play exactly like a distributing midfielder in the back to maintain Klydian possession and exhaust opposing presses. This is new position is a fantastic fit for Kerric, long one of the most composed passing defenders in the league. The midfield is a diamond, with intelligent Lenka Skarsgaard as the spearhead and bustling Luella Svenskah as the defensive base. I really thought Klyde needed to replace one or both of the wide midfielders between them, as Nic Farkanhan has slowed considerably and Wayne Writhlin has never proven to be more than a very good Sekundar Ligan player. But they didn't. Klyde's game hinges on keeping possession. It worked with this personnel in Sekundar Ligan, but I think the Doves might get overrun in midfield this year despite the numbers they have there. Trevelyan, Alexander and Partell will score enough goals to spare the humiliation of another relegation, but only just.
Last Season: Sekundar Ligan Champions (21-4-9). Prediction: 16th, Relegation Playoff.

OLASK ISLANDERS
Olask, Olask Fief

Nickname: Islanders, Laskies
Founded: 846
Ground: Kamu Road (24,000)
Manager:

Johannes Lundblade (40)

Transfers In: Will Couturiaux (Morponte Fief $2.5m), Massif DeKlan (Goldstaff City $0.8m)
Transfers Out: None

Starting XI (4-4-1-1):

Sutton (26) -

Rennold (26),

Van Duren (31 C),

Carr-Ponce (21),

Na'Tokeho (26) -

Silvio (31),

Couturiaux (22),

Abboud (31),

Clarke (20) -

Poxay (23) -

K. Northbourne (23)
Key Reserves: DeKlan (CB/20), Shatraug (CM/32), Griffiths (RM/36), G. Northbourne (AM/23), Shinigata (ST/36)
Kit Details: The iconic pewter blues (right) at Kamu Road. Elsewhere, they don a red x-design.

Preview: Olask are the media's consensus pick to finish last, but that pessimism isn't quite shared by the local supporters on Olask Island. They have love talented coach Johannes Lundblade, and he appears to have a vision for his team going forward, settling on a 4-4-1-1 last season and handing extensive minutes to bright youngsters Elijah Clarke, Tajo Carr-Ponce and, presumably now, Massif DeKlan and Will Couturiaux. There's a solid base to build from defensively - a rugged bunch led by the permanently-scowling Joseph Van Duren and short but reflexive shot-stopper Haruka Sutton. Further forward is where the concern lies, however. The Islanders only scored 44 goals last season...in Sekundar Ligan. Their defense carried them to the promotion, but asking them to now carry the team to safety against the big boys seems like a tall order. Noah Silvio is a premier talent as an inverted winger out on the left, but isn't getting any younger. No attacking reinforcements came in the transfer window either, so the Islanders will have to hope for free-roaming playmaker Hera Poxay and lone striker Karl Northbourne, both just 23, to make a much bigger impact on the Harlighet Ligan than they did three years ago. Both have some quality and tremendous work rate, but will it be enough?
Last Season: 2nd in Sekundar Ligan (19-6-9). Prediction: 18th, Relegation.

PELETHAS UNITED
Pelethas, Morponte Fief

Nickname: Miners, Silver & Gold
Founded: 835
Ground: Drango Way (24,000)
Manager:

Euan Jersey (44)

Transfers In: Auburn Tarrant (Crisisbless $7m), Solomon Harm (Chromatik free), Rowan Varghese (Urrhediao free), Konnor Rossini (Francisca Orient free), Bruce Sanchez (Phalanx AF free), Isaac Kvist (Kangemark Sport free)
Transfers Out: None

Starting XI (4-2-2-2):

Kingsley (32) -

Babaturk (25),

Tang (29),

Harm (26),

Rossini (32) -

Viablaine (20),

Carmichael (29) -

Tarrant (29),

Varghese (24) -

Saxmark (21),

Hairenbyrne (18)
Key Substitutes: Wolff (CB/19), Kvist (DM/20), Splitt (AM/19), Sanchez (ST/33)
Kit Details: In solidarity with their mining roots, Pelethas wear their classic Silver & Gold (pictured right) at home. Note the mountaintops on the chest. On the road, they wear this regal crimson and gold kit.

Preview: After a six-year wait, the charismatic Euan Jersey has once again led Pelethas United back to the 'Glory League'. Six years ago, he opted for the "keep squad continuity and grind out results" approach to staying up and was rewarded with one of the most dour, futile seasons in Harlighet Ligan history. This time, he has gone all-in in the opposite direction. Pelethas are determined to make a big splash in their return to the top flight, entering the season with the most publicity buzz of all three newly-promoted teams. Just look at the high-profile arrivals Jersey lured to the southern coast! Auburn Tarrant and Solomon Harm, high-level Nepharim Premiership performers. Cosumar international Bruce Sanchez. Goal-scoring midfielder Rowan Varghese. Sturdy A-League veteran Konnor Rossini. With all of these names bolstering an up-and-coming young side that was already playing attractive, technically expressive football, the question is not whether Pelethas should stay up, but just how far they can go. They might struggle in front of goal at first with Kare Saxmark and Linn-Katrin Hairenbyrne (who together scored 30 goals last season) being inexperienced at this level, but both have the quality to adapt and be productive. And United have the reliable Sanchez waiting in the wings if they don't. While that terrific Tarrant-Varghese attacking midfield is the most eye-catching part of the squad, the biggest strength might just be a back six that is simultaneously skilled with the ball and physically ruthless. Barunia legend Rose Kingsley could also make the difference in goal, with lots of valuable Harlighet Ligan experience in her 10+ years in Cosumar.
Last Season: 3rd in SekundarLigan (16-9-9). Prediction: 14th.

Versiaville

IFK Aldenskoett

Na’Malsille Mariners

Goldstaff City

Nomad Brotherhood FC (favorites)

Morponte Fief

Klyde Heritage FC

Keenan Athletic

Centus Serpents

Helfin Fief

Ziemelu Skaida

Begtatt Isle Athletic

Pristine Forest

Revanigruud Riversharks

Yambridge FC

FC Flen

Fevelo Colony

Gwynt Tywyll

Portsmouth FC

Pardock Island

Sarmon FC

Fort Archer

Sepultura

Riverside Crew

Rexnor District 3
West Devellin FC

Otkins Numenvernia

Brayllor Town
White Tower FC

Everlong FC

Regéla United

Tamiat Town

Larkinham Town

Nuur Origins FC

Silk FC
Sindo Fief

AFC Obscura 98
DeFinko Magni Blandinn
Caledon Legion

Gnoss Gallants AFC

Conference Cosumarus

Forest Hill FC
Esterhollow Harbor
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona
IFK Sundsvall
Sporting Pirankoper
Dawchire Town
Hagenheim South End
AC Opjenheim
Hvalsey 08
Cadonica United
SC Cirith 01
Sontafe City
Cassandra Cosmopolitan
Azure Lane FC
Inter Juta
Coppell City FC
Chesterton Cottagers
Woods of Ypres
Yellow Meadow Lynwood
Ingleton Town
West Ellum
Moore Hill Pirates
Kaldukosic Volmacht FC
East Devellin FC
Gladsax Chariot FC
Olympique Sur Mer
Grayslake
Real Bellavista

Conference KC

Atletico Oterro
Real Azuris II
Seryddwyr Aberaeron
Usk Town
Ciems Mungonduvia
Hamlack Town
Meryuma Marshals
IFK Nordön
Buscari Bridge Force
Murkwaamp Suns
Salfa City
Tornline
Rexnor District 7
Tierra Interstellar Wanderers
Aberaeron Celtic
Kalloroda United
FK Pentagram Pjattervid
Sammet Ridge
Varvonti Firestorm
Aläng FF

FC Kviststad
Wilmontsbloom Blue Star
Villa Forsetti
Wiedna Town
Noumen Town
Gwerin Athletic
Treacherous Cove AFC
Moggington County
Atletisk Kvelertak
Emerald Cove SC
Sólstafir
Cerulia City FC
Flithby Town
Satyricon Nemeses AFC
Sadenia Paladins
Gibwir Marsnal
Glasbon SC
Erpland County
Ardamirchan Isle United
Baymar Lagune
Oppland 806
Interstellar Erurok
VfL Läutenstadt
Klyde II
Svart-Guld Klingaställe
Noths Castle
Orias-Kvissle SC
CD Panteras Nueces
Oxbow Lake
Lindsborg Premier

HSC Centus
Atletisk Östrad
Marshall-Blue FC
Chittersbee Rangers
Atletisk Surpronuk
Östrad Rockets FC
Lewisville Athletic
Dusk Athletic
Wealdheim Bards
AFC Wernersburg
Scarromere FC
FC Stellendam
Ollston Town
Zirconim City
Paulsendam Town
Nabataea Town
IFK Sokulldak
United FC of Stoneshore
Sporting Corrian
Somberlain FC
1. FC Guggenheim
Interstellar Östrad
Cape Dutch Copperheads
Ramusok United II
FC Kaldukosic II
OAS Royal FC II
Eastweald II
FC Samotath II
Mallox II
IFK Keukenhok

Scarborough
Ajatarra Alligators
FC Kastanjestad
Lykathea City
Rhithlungwerddon Town
FC Fejd
High Noon FC
Highlanders
Atamac Wanderers
Sporting Culmar
Malm Town
Mintwick Marmots
Goldsoul FC
Gorgoroth United
Hassaburess Athletic
Austentrapp City FC
Jotungard 99 FC
Carnessa County
Impera Town
Columbia Town
Briquia Southside FC
Keldin Town
Black Diamond Osterhaut
FC Invierness 912
Cassandra City II
Morponte Fief II
Ombra Castle
Harlegan Rovers
Club Toftir
Club Varden

Gamma Zakhoro
Chamomile Town
Stortrommeby Town
Miklagaard Salvation
Crawford City FC II
East Ellum
IFK Karlsborg
Bayford City
FC Va'Lubasa
Rhupenhoven Town
Yuonela Town
FC Arkadius
Tromsdale Town
Dillinger Town
Nidive Falcons
FC Na'Travii
SC Swamport
Thergothon Town
Drummond's FC
Duval Town
Crawford Sharks SC
Theli City
Na'Malsille Mariners II
Vfl Bolmenstadt
Red Star Karbosic
Talmusok City
SEP Bjarnum
FC1. Richtofen Avalanche
Klovstad Club
Ayr Athletic

FC Dynamo Kurbads
Piander Falls FC
Drahva United
SC Vronus 510
Templar-Lune
NOVIA Alliance
Tonsei Tumult
Orion Wanderers
Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC
Marinus City
Menoptera United SC
Borzac Sequins
Kreanoltha Vipers
Romstafar Outpost
Rexnor District 1
Rexnor District 4
Rexnor District 5
Rexnor District 6
Rexnor District 8
Rexnor District 9
Sporting Club Macofor
Dockery Union
Execo Station
Whitestone Athletic
Tranquility Treepolis
New Hagenheim Canopy
Snaigow Hoarfrost
Levithia Shrievenzale
Fayanora Pontonese
Rhodes Ravens AFC

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:20 am

Series B Champions' Cup - First Preliminary Round

(COS)   Pelethas United    3–2    Turbine Moss FF   (BSE)   2–1   1–1

Series B Champions' Cup - Second Preliminary Round

(COS)   Pelethas United  p 1–1    Moncton Schooners   (QUE)   0–1   1–0  (3–1 pen)

Series B Champions' Cup - Third Preliminary Round

(COS)   Pelethas United    3–1    Filipéia   (USI)   2–0   1–1
(COS)   Olask Islanders    1–0    AS Marcadia   (AUD)   0–0   1–0  (aet)

Globe Cup - Second Preliminary Round

(COS)   AC Holmenkollen    2–1    Desert Province FC   (DKI)   1–1   1–0

Globe Cup - Third Preliminary Round

(COS)   OAS Royal FC    5–0    Fayborough United   (TMB)   5–0   0–0
(AZA)   FC Dawson    2–3    FC Kaldukosic   (COS)   1–2   1–1
(COS)   AC Holmenkollen  a 3–3    Felineism PC   (FET)   0–1   3–2

Champions' Cup - Second Preliminary Round

(SEM)   Molsbik Arkjet    4–4 a  Eastweald   (COS)   4–1   0–3

Champions' Cup - Third Preliminary Round

(COS)   Real Azuris    9–1    Albertpool   (BRG)   6–0   3–1
(VIL)   Jungle Strike FC    2–3    Eastweald   (COS)   2–2   0–1

For the first time ever, the Cosumarite UICA contingent is flawless in the prelims. All eight teams advance to their respective playoff rounds. Particularly impressive were Champions' Cup representatives Eastweald and Real Azuris. The former edged two quality Atlantian sides and the latter pulverized poor Albertpool 9-1. Could one of them soon become the first Cosumarite club in the group stage of the competition?

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 1
Pelethas United 1–2 Ramusok United
FC Samotath 4–0 Mallox
Stoneshore United 1–1 Klyde
Olask Islanders 1–5 Eastweald
West Gundar FC 5–1 Cassandra City
Real Azuris 2–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
OAS Royal FC 1–1 Crawford City FC
AC Holmenkollen 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
Samaj FC 1–1 FC Kaldukosic

On your marks... set... GO!!! The race for the 21st Harlighet Ligan crown has begun! Several teams got off to fast starts out the gate. Mallox weren't ready for FC Samotath or the bloodthirsty crowd at Alesund Stadion, surrendering the season's first hat trick to Lasse Hummel in a 4-0 thrashing. Perhaps more telling than than Samotath's scary attacking display was the fact that they produced a rare clean sheet in their debut under Simon Holguin's new formation. Penumbra Amokachi's first taste of Cosumarite football was a hard, rocky pitch on remote Olask Island against an Islanders side that looked completely out of its depth. While not the best first impression of the league, Amokachi seemed nonetheless pumped about her easy brace as Eastweald pumped five past Haruka Sutton. In the most surprising result of the day, West Gundar matched Eastweald's scoreline...against Cassandra City. With John Campbell resting a minor calf injury, Cassandra City were a mess defensively on their debut. The West Gundar strikers danced circles around City interior defenders Kaden Wing and Misty... to the loud thrill of New Harmonia Stadium. Mursill Lubiflor had a first half hat trick that put the Reds in shock, then watched from the bench in the second half as substitute Charlie Alotic spectacularly chipped home the fourth and Romikk Valgard scrappily made it five late on. What a start for the Rugged Men! Many Cosumarites also tuned in to the Crawford-OAS Royal match to catch the debuts of marquee imports Hannah Alcouin and Juquinho. Alcouin opened her Harlighet Ligan account in the 38th minute with an athletic diving header, but neither new signing would come away with their first win, as Willy Arntz equalized for OAS just two minutes later.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 2
Ramusok United 1–1 FC Kaldukosic
Zakhoro Aces 1–2 Samaj FC
Crawford City FC 5–1 AC Holmenkollen
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–1 OAS Royal FC
Cassandra City 0–1 Real Azuris
Eastweald 10–0 West Gundar FC
Klyde 1–1 Olask Islanders
Mallox 2–1 Stoneshore United
Pelethas United 0–1 FC Samotath

*drops mug* ...... TEN??!?!? Eastweald have just tied the all-time league record for goals in a single game that was set last season by Ramusok United. She's admittedly yet to face a good defensive team, but so far Penumbra Amokachi is making this Harlighet Ligan thing look all too easy! She led the way with a hat trick today against West Gundar, but Eastweald's scintillating performance was far from a one-woman effort. All over the pitch, the movement was swift and the diverse passing combinations on-point. Art in motion. Every member of the midfield scored - including two for Rook Klinsmann - and Jo de Marisco ended up with five assists to go with her goal. Five! Jefferson and Aleksi Soderlund were also immaculate in defense, shutting out a West Gundar strike force that put five on Cassandra City just last week. There's a long way to go, but Eastweald look to be playing some of the best football this league has seen with their Amokachi-inspired shot of confidence. That said, don't forget about six-time title-winners Real Azuris. The defending champs are not going to cede the throne easily, as evidenced by their two clean sheet victories to begin the season. August Ozuna was the hero this week, standing on his head for large stretches to keep Marcos Zelaya and Cassandra City at bay. Thanks to the services of one of the world's best goalkeepers, Peder Hardwick's scrappy 74th minute goal was enough to put the Breakers alongside Eastweald with 6 points. Also starting the season on top is FC Samotath. The red-and-black spoiled Pelethas United's first home Harlighet Ligan match in six years with another impressive clean sheet and a powerful Sigmund Levy header. In other news, the season's first Metro Classic between Ramusok and Kaldukosic ended in a forgettable 1-1 draw and Hannah Alcouin made her home debut for Crawford City FC, earning a standing ovation for her complete striker's hat trick after the 5-1 win. Her understanding with playmaker Kim Coultan, who scored the other two goals, is already turning heads.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Paraguay SC (CPV) 0-3 Real Azuris
Eastweald 3-2 CD FAS (SJG)

Real Azuris dominate in Capivara Group to all but book their flights to the group stage. They got big performances and goals from veteran stars Ronan Bowditch and Sean Fraser as well as a long-range wondergoal from Super-Llamaland left back Adrian Lindberg. But the real highlight of the round was Eastweald's fascinating encounter with CD FAS at Old Weldenskirgen. The Eastweald supporters turned out in big numbers and big voice for this huge match-up, and were rewarded with a thrilling match full of exciting attacking play from both teams. Twice CD FAS put the home side on their heels (Ace Newman, Hazel van Robben) but twice Dan Quesadillas equalized. Then, local Yambridge girl Mina Mordini delivered the Elves a crucial winner in the 71st minute, beating Tukhbatulin to his left post from the top of the box. Everyone is already looking forward to the second installment of this one in San Jose Guayabal. Thanks to Mordini, all Eastweald need to advance is a draw.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
OAS Royal FC 2-3 Molsbik Arkjet (SEM)
Marketnewton FC (BRG) 1-1 AC Holmenkollen
New Dundee Star (PCR) 1-0 FC Kaldukosic

Cosumarite clubs collectively expended all their energy on the Champions' Cup, it seems. Tough day in the Globe Cup, as OAS Royal and Kaldukosic both go down to clubs they probably should've beaten. AC Holmenkollen are surprised by the defensive solidity of Marketnewton in Brigantii and settle for a lackluster draw.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Salem City (FET) 0-1 Olask Islanders
Klyde 1-1 Shinagawa-cho State FC (DKI)
Pelethas United 0-1 Dashturnbein (EUR)

Olask Islanders do a professional job on their trip to Felinetopia, and Euran side Dashturnbein do the same visiting Pelethas. Meanwhile, Klyde will be disappointed by their concession of a potentially critical away goal to Shinagawa-cho in stoppage time after controlling most of the game with a decently rotated line-up.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 3
FC Samotath 0–0 Ramusok United
Stoneshore United 1–0 Pelethas United
Olask Islanders 0–1 Mallox
West Gundar FC 1–3 Klyde
Real Azuris 1–1 Eastweald
OAS Royal FC 0–0 Cassandra City
AC Holmenkollen 2–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
Samaj FC 1–0 Crawford City FC
FC Kaldukosic 1–3 Zakhoro Aces

Championship favorites Real Azuris and Eastweald collided for the first time this weekend with some fanfare, but settled for a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw, neither team really cementing itself as the better. Rook Klinsmann continued his scorching early form, however, notching his fourth goal of the season with a side-footed volley of Eva Velasquez's long crossfield pass at close range. Grizzled veteran winger Phioricus Jernigan came off the bench and played the hero in his first appearance for Real Azuris, taking advantage of some lax defending from Pawlukiewicz in the first minute of stoppage time to equalize with an exquisite curler. The famous Azurian wing tandem of Fraser and Bowditch was strangely quiet, as they were in the preceding two league games. Pelethas United have struggled early on as well, all their new headlining players taking more time than expected to settle in and gel. The Miners were left scratching their heads after 90 minutes in Stoneshore, still in search of their first point, after a heavily disputed penalty was given to the home side to break a long 0-0 deadlock. Of all the newly-promoted sides, Klyde are have had the most promising start to their season. They put in a good shift today at West Gundar, riding excellent execution on offensive set-pieces and a great game from Kárpáty Alexander to give Blinne Va'Tuaras his first Harlighet Ligan win, 3-1. The Player of the Week, however, was a unanimous choice after Temuge led the Zakhoro Aces to a come-from-behind victory with a hat trick at Kaldukosic's cavernous Leviathan Arena.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Real Azuris 2-0 _{(5-0 agg.)} Paraguay SC (CPV)
CD FAS (SJG) 2-3 _{(4-6 agg.)} Eastweald

Real Azuris and Eastweald are the first Cosumarite clubs to qualify for the group stage of the UICA Champions' Cup. Congratulations to both teams on this long-awaited accomplishment. The whole Fiefdom is proud. Eastweald's victory especially garnered praise after they bravely took the fight to CD FAS in front of a hostile 112,000 in Santa Ana and came out with a repeat 3-2 scoreline. The well-rounded performance featured highlight-reel team goals from Quesadillas, Amokachi and Velasquez.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Molsbik Arjket (SEM) 1-0 _{(4-2 agg.)} OAS Royal FC
AC Holmenkollen 2-2 _{(3-3a agg.)} Marketnewton FC (BRG)
FC Kaldukosic 1-1 _{(1-2 agg.)} New Dundee Star (PCR)

Credit to New Dundee Star, who played extremely hard to stave off Kevin Stabb and the Victors in Kaldukosic, and Molsbik Arkjet, who bunkered to perfection and devastated on the counter, but it's still disheartening to see Cosumarite representation wiped out of the Globe Cup before even the Qualifying Round.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Olask Islanders 2-1 _{(3-1 agg.)} Salem City (FET)
Shinagawa-cho State FC (DKI) 2-3 _{(3-4 agg.)} Klyde
Dashturnbein (EUR) 2-0 _{(3-0 agg.)} Pelethas United

Pelethas are outplayed in a dull affair in Eura, to no huge surprise, and the Islanders finish off Salem City, also to no surprise. Klyde, at least, managed to provide some excitement by going back and forth with Shinagawa-cho. The game was no showcase for defending, but Sophia Trevelyan and Kárpáty Alexander both assisted each other for goals that will go on their respective skills compilations: Alexander backheel to Trevelyan and Trevelyan rabona cross to Alexander. The Doves join the Islanders in the SBCC group stage.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 4
Ramusok United 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
Crawford City FC 0–1 FC Kaldukosic
Treftadaeth Alliance 4–1 Samaj FC
Cassandra City 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
Eastweald 1–1 OAS Royal FC
Klyde 1–5 Real Azuris
Mallox 1–1 West Gundar FC
Pelethas United 2–1 Olask Islanders
FC Samotath 2–1 Stoneshore United

Ah, the Klyde Isle Derby, how we missed thee. As the purple of Klyde FC and the blue of Real Azuris mingled together in the crowd of 80,000, one couldn't help but feel that all is once again right with the world now that Klyde is back in the Harlighet Ligan. Unfortunately, the "stop and smell the roses" moment didn't last long. The Real Azuris attack perhaps made Klyde wish they were still back in the Sekundar Ligan, humiliating them in front of their home crowd. The Breakers flooded the Klyde midfield and manipulated their three-man back line. Five different players all got on the scoresheet: Andrew Arrowsword, Sean Fraser, Ronan Bowditch, Sandra Sybill, Phioricus Jernigan. Beleaguered former champions Ramusok United and Cassandra City both picked up much-needed wins at home to kickstart their campaigns. Strong defense carried the day with Garnet Langerak having a monster performance for the Blues and John Campbell returning to the health for the Reds. And while they didn't win, the orange-clad legions in Mallox were also encouraged by a gritty defensive performance against visiting attack-minded neighbors West Gundar. The club was also excited to see Till Ümann play his best game yet in Cosumar, exerting influence on the game with and without the ball and opening his account with a smashing finish from a tough angle.

Later in the day, we knew someone was going to get their first win of the season in the Pelethas-Olask game, we just didn't expect a clash of winless newly-promoted teams to be so damn entertaining. The intimate crowd under Pelethas Peak was furious when the referee showed a straight red card to Solomon Harm for elbowing Karl Northbourne in the nose on an aerial challenge early on. Their mood flipped on its head moments later, however, after Euan Jersey sent on 19-year-old defender Kurt Wolff to replace Harm. The teenager, a fan favorite, won a scrum for an unclaimed corner in the 26th minute and polished it off to put Pelethas ahead despite being a man down. Olask made it 1-1 in the 37th minute on a lovely piece of play. Hera Poxay carved her way into the box with great control, and dished the ball out to Noah Silvio on the left. Silvio then played the ball back in to the near post, to which Poxay had made a clever run. The pass was timed perfectly and Poxay slipped it between Rose Kingsley and her post with a single, elegant touch. After half time though, things got even more interesting. Both sides picked up red cards in the first ten minutes to make it 10v9 (Viablaine's a penalty but Northbourne missed wide right before being sent off himself). With only 17 field players, the game really opened up. Breathless end-to-end action. Five shots off the woodworks, some great saves (and blown chances) and generally very stressed out goalkeepers. It was impossible to tell which team would come out on top, but Drango Way was loving it - standing for almost the entire half. Finally, in the 79th minute, 9-man Pelethas broke through, the quality of Auburn Tarrant making the difference despite their disadvantage. Her low, swerving shot bent around the dive of Haruka Sutton and left her with no chance. Cathartic scenes! From there, Tarrant's tireless running and Wolff's defensive efforts helped Pelethas keep their 2-1 lead for the remaining 10+ minutes. Can the Miners now string a few together and climb up the table? How will Johannes Lundblade pick his Islanders up after this psychological blow?

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 5
Stoneshore United 2–1 Ramusok United
Olask Islanders 4–1 FC Samotath
West Gundar FC 1–1 Pelethas United
Real Azuris 3–0 Mallox
OAS Royal FC 5–0 Klyde
AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Eastweald
Samaj FC 1–1 Cassandra City
FC Kaldukosic 3–6 Treftadaeth Alliance
Zakhoro Aces 3–0 Crawford City FC

Whatever Lundblade did, it worked. The Islanders come to life back home, picking apart FC Samotath's new defensive scheme - becoming the first team to really figure it out. And they did it without Karl Northbourne, who turned out to have a broken nose from last week's Harm incident. Stoneshore made Ramusok United's visit to the southeast a living hell as always, defending like hell and finding Caipirinha on the counter for the win. Leading women Mursill Lubiflor and Rowan Varghese traded goals (and, afterwards, jerseys) in the West Gundar-Pelethas match, Real Azuris swept aside Mallox's challenge with goals from Fraser, Bowditch and Viviano Milani. It wasn't a good day for the other Klydian club, however, as OAS Royal's limping attack finally flared to life with five goals against Klyde at The Royal Palace. The Doves' young defenders were overwhelmed by the quality of Juquinho (who opened his account in style with a hat trick) and Galasgoldas Tathtauré (goal and assist) up top as Leonídas Bregoo kept a stranglehold of the midfield and notched the final goal. Late substitute Dex Delklind produced a deserved winner for Eastweald in Holmenkollen, Cassandra City's strikers continued to misfire in a bland 1-1 draw with Samaj. Meanwhile, Bethan Davies continues to show the world how much she grew in her time at Marque. With her usual bravado and vulgarity, the fiery Treftadaeth Alliance winger put on a show in Kaldukosic, blasting her third goal of the season past Ael Koron and assisting all three of Pepito Feliciano's brute finishes. Alliance made a major statement, taking a 4-0 lead in 60 minutes. Substitutes Mike La Rock and Reinhard Ironside came in for Davies and Feliciano for the final half hour and each added another goal to ward off a Kevin Stabb-led comeback attempt from the home side. Finally, the Zakhoro Aces made an equally resounding statement by trumping resented Crawford in the Southwestern Derby. Err, Temuge did. The Savalen icon achieved his second hat trick of the young season - he is carrying the Aces on his back so far.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 6
Ramusok United 1–3 Crawford City FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–1 Zakhoro Aces
Cassandra City 4–0 FC Kaldukosic
Eastweald 3–2 Samaj FC
Klyde 2–2 AC Holmenkollen
Mallox 2–1 OAS Royal FC
Pelethas United 1–3 Real Azuris
FC Samotath 0–1 West Gundar FC
Stoneshore United 0–1 Olask Islanders

Hannah Alcouin and Kim Coultan team up in the capital to throw a wrench in United's plans, the former earning Goal of the Month honors with a spectacular long-range volley of her own first shot that popped back out to her off the crossbar. Gareth Bournemouth could only shake his head in incredulity. At least he's not Corey Simmons Jr. right now. The FC Kaldukosic manager needs a new defense. After surrendering six to not-even-that-good Treftadaeth Alliance at home last week, FC Kal went ahead gave up four to an out-of-form Cassandra City that hadn't even scored more than one goal in a game until now. Even worse? Three of the four were scored by squad teenagers getting their first chances. After Marcos Zelaya finally began his tally for the season with a nifty jig past wrong-footed Jakob Lunds, Eastfield Lodge prospect Aakif Guerin came in and abused Ville Pakkanen for an easy brace and 18-year-old academy star Charles Dyer Vry was left in acres of space to tap home his first senior goal in red. A fun, evenly-matched advertisement for the Harlighet Ligan at Old Weldenskirgen was knotted 2-2 (Mordini and de Marisco for Eastweald, Del Arro and Marmor-Lavie for Samaj) until Rook Klinsmann earned and converted a penalty with the final fucking act of the game (of course it was him) to launch spirited choruses of "Ode to the Elves" for the next three hours and add three points to Eastweald's column in 2nd place behind Real Azuris. The defending champions made quick work of the Miners in Pelethas, Sandra Sybill having herself a banner 10/10 day with two goals and an assist to Ronan Bowditch.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 7
Olask Islanders 1–1 Ramusok United
West Gundar FC 3–4 Stoneshore United
Real Azuris 0–0 FC Samotath
OAS Royal FC 1–2 Pelethas United
AC Holmenkollen 0–2 Mallox
Samaj FC 2–2 Klyde
FC Kaldukosic 3–3 Eastweald
Zakhoro Aces 2–0 Cassandra City
Crawford City FC 3–0 Treftadaeth Alliance

Huh. You don't expect to put two of the best attacks in the league (Azuris, Samotath) on the pitch together for 90 minutes and get not a single goal. You also don't expect any match involving Stoneshore United to total seven goals. Yet both of these things happened this week. No, we didn't mix up the scorelines. Real Azuris' frontline was uncharacteristically frustrated at home by the defensive laboring of FC Samotath's young sweeper Ayk Panossian, but dominated midfield possession to starve Samotath's four-pronged strike force of chances going the other way. Meanwhile, Stoneshore achieved their highest-scoring game of the season by repeatedly burning a West Gundar team, that was repeatedly naive going forward against their counterattacking machine. Not even WGFC's prolific strike duo of Lubiflor and Valgard (ten goals combined already this season) could keep up with the goals gifted away. Elsewhere, Auburn Tarrant helped Pelethas scalp OAS Royal in Ramusok with a goal and assist off free kicks, Eastweald missed a chance to overtake Real Azuris by conceding a shocking 3-3 equalizer to Kevin Stabb off a hideous clearance, and the stars shone in the southwest as Kim Coultan and Temuge led their respective teams to impressive home victories.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 8
Ramusok United 5–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Cassandra City 1–3 Crawford City FC
Eastweald 1–4 Zakhoro Aces (Klinsy, Temuge)
Klyde 1–3 FC Kaldukosic
Mallox 0–1 Samaj FC
Pelethas United 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
FC Samotath 1–3 OAS Royal FC
Stoneshore United 1–1 Real Azuris
Olask Islanders 0–2 West Gundar FC

Lots to talk about this week. Ramusok United trounced Treftadaeth Alliance in the midweek, earning high praise from Bournemouth for rallying together to truly coalesce on the attacking end for the first time this season. Curtis Théberge struck twice, causing plenty of problems for the Alliance defense all day, allowing Elena Culbreth, Lyyli Silvén and young Azrean Jacob Wells to get their names shouted by Fire River Arena as well. In other news, Alf Durand is already in trouble at AC Holmenkollen. The Cedars look...bad. As feckless as many feared without Taddeo Loredan or Mezei Orbán. The only consistent sparks have come from Cosumar U21 striker Lili Riprov, but even she was nowhere to be found as Holmenkollen laid an egg at Pelethas this week. They fell behind on a well-taken Rowan Varghese strike and just went through the motions after that. People are also talking about Leonídas Bregoo, after another standout performance from him led OAS Royal past FC Samotath, and Hakki Ojala, the much-anticipated young prodigy from Anglatia who scored his first goal for Real Azuris this weekend after coming on with his team down 1-0 and immediately changing the game.

But the match that people are really talking about after this week's slate is Eastweald-Zakhoro. For a few reasons. It was Eastweald's first loss of the season for one, and it wasn't even particularly close. But also because of the interesting stories amongst the game's goalscorers. Temuge is providing goals by the bunches for the Aces, and they live and die by the chances he creates for himself. The Aces are 4-0-0 this season when Temuge scores and 0-0-4 when he doesn't. The Savalen #10, who currently leads the Golden Boot race with nine goals, is on pace for a very special season if he can sustain even half of this production. On the other side, Rook Klinsmann for Eastweald is having a very special run of his own. With some uncanny 33-year-old magic that he didn't have last season, Klinnsmann scored again versus the Aces, taking the ball off Carmine Quaglia and nutmegging onrushing Odovacar Ely to cut the lead to 3-1. The right-winger has found the back of the net in four consecutive matches (and six of the last seven). One would have been labelled a lune for suggesting this at the start of the season, but Klinsy actually leads Eastweald with seven goals after eight matches ahead of the great Penumbra Amokachi herself. Only by one (she has six), but still. Thanks to the two Nepharim, Eastweald are within touching distance of leaders Real Azuris despite the stunning loss this weekend. "We just need to put this one out of our minds and focus solely on an important trip to Crawford in four days," captain Jo de Marisco said.

1009 Harlighet Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Real Azuris             8    5   3   0    16    4  +12    18
 2  Eastweald               8    4   3   1    25   12  +13    15
 3  Crawford City FC        8    4   1   3    15    9   +6    13
 4  Mallox                  8    4   1   3     8   11   −3    13
 5  OAS Royal FC            8    3   3   2    13    7   +6    12
 6  Ramusok United          8    3   3   2    13    8   +5    12
 7  Zakhoro Aces            8    4   0   4    14   11   +3    12
 8  Samaj FC                8    3   3   2    11   12   −1    12
 9  Stoneshore United       8    3   2   3    11   11    0    11
10  FC Samotath             8    3   2   3     9    9    0    11
11  West Gundar FC          8    3   2   3    14   20   −6    11
12  Pelethas United         8    3   1   4     8   10   −2    10
13  Treftadaeth Alliance    8    3   1   4    15   18   −3    10
14  FC Kaldukosic           8    2   3   3    13   19   −6     9
15  Olask Islanders         8    2   2   4     9   13   −4     8
16  Cassandra City          8    2   2   4     8   12   −4     8
17  Klyde                   8    1   4   3    11   20   −9     7
18  AC Holmenkollen         8    1   2   5     7   14   −7     5

Golden Boot Leader:    Temuge (9)

IFK Aldenskoett and Na'Malsille Mariners off to good starts in their quests to go straight back up, with Versiaville stuggling a bit more. Goldstaff City are the class of the other teams, Blaise Bamba Diop in top form in front of goal and Lind Fontaine solidfying things on the back line. Yambridge are the surprise of the early season, rattling off some impressive results after being picked to finish near the bottom.

1009 Sekundar Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  IFK Aldenskoett            8    5   2   1    11    4   +7    17
 2  Na'Malsille Mariners       8    4   3   1    15    8   +7    15
 3  Goldstaff City             8    4   2   2    11    6   +5    14
 4  Yambridge FC               8    3   4   1    17   11   +6    13
 5  Nomad Brotherhood FC       8    3   4   1    15    9   +6    13
 6  Centus Serpents            8    4   1   3    12   10   +2    13
 7  Morponte Fief              8    3   3   2     8    7   +1    12
 8  Klyde Heritage             8    3   2   3     7    4   +3    11
 9  Revanigruud Riversharks    8    2   5   1     7    9   −2    11
10  Keenan Athletic            8    3   2   3    14   18   −4    11
11  Versiaville                8    3   1   4     9    7   +2    10
12  Fevelo Colony              8    2   4   2     5    5    0    10
13  Gwynt Tywyll               8    2   3   3     4    6   −2     9
14  Pristine Forest            8    2   2   4     9   16   −7     8
15  Bergtatt Isle Athletic     8    1   4   3     6    9   −3     7
16  FC Flen                    8    1   4   3     9   13   −4     7
17  Helfin Fief                8    1   3   4     7   16   −9     6
18  Ziemelu Skaida             8    0   3   5     4   12   −8     3

1009 Tredje Ligan           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1   Braylor Town             10    7   2   1    18    5  +13    23
 2  Rexnor District 3        10    7   2   1     8    2   +6    23
 3  AFC Obscura 98           10    7   1   2     8    2   +6    22
 4    Sindo Fief               10    7   0   3    17    9   +8    21
 5  Fort Archer FC           10    6   2   2    31   11  +20    20
 6  Regalia City             10    6   1   3    13    9   +4    19
 7  Larkinham Town           10    4   3   3    14   11   +3    15
 8  Portsmouth FC            10    4   3   3    12   11   +1    15
 9  Pardock Island           10    4   2   4    27   22   +5    14
10  Otkins Numenvernia       10    4   2   4    13   18   −5    14
11  Sepultura                10    4   0   6    14   10   +4    12
12  Gnoss Gallants AFC       10    3   3   4     6    6    0    12
13    DeFinko Magni Blandinn   10    3   3   4    13   16   −3    12
14    White Tower FC           10    3   3   4    11   15   −4    12
15  Riverside Crew           10    3   2   5    13   17   −4    11
16  Everlong                 10    3   2   5    14   26  −12    11
17    West Devellin            10    2   4   4     9   17   −8    10
18  Sarmon FC                10    2   3   5    11   14   −3     9
19  Tamiat Town              10    2   3   5     6   10   −4     9
20  Nuur Origins FC          10    2   2   6    11   12   −1     8
21    Caledon Legion           10    1   5   4    11   22  −11     8
22  Silk FC                  10    1   2   7     6   21  −15     5

Division marked in parenthesis (H-->S-->T-->L1-->L2). Major upsets and high-profile games bold.

First Round

Red Star Karbosic (L2) 3–2 FC Kviststad (L2)
SEP Bjarnum (L2) 1–3 Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2)
VfL Bolmenstadt (L2) 2–2 Cadonica United (L1) (2–2 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Tranquility Treepolis (L2) 0–2 FC Fejd (L2)
Rexnor District 6 (L2) 1–0 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2)
Versiaville (S) 1–0 Chittersbee Rangers (L2)
Somberlain FC (L2) 1–2 Glasbon SC (L2)
Atletisk Kvelertak (L2) 0–2 Cassandra City (H)
Treftadaeth Alliance (H) 2–1 Rexnor District 9 (L2)
Sontafe City (L1) 0–0 IFK Karlsborg (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Atamac Wanderers (L2) 0–1 Noths Castle (L2)
Wiedna Town (L2) 2–0 Theli City (L2)
Jotungard 99 FC (L2) 3–3 Highlanders (L2) (4–4 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Fayanora Pontonese (L2) 4–3 Harlegan Rovers (L2)
Caledon Legion (T) 1–0 FC Va'Lubasa (L2)
Whitestone Athletic (L2) 2–3 CD Panteras Nueces (L2)
Salfa City (L1) 3–3 Kreanoltha Vipers (L2) (4–4 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Dusk Athletic (L2) 1–0 Marinus City (L2)
Crawford Sharks SC (L2) 0–1 FC Na'Travii (L2)
FC Samotath (H) 3–0 Tromsdale Town (L2)
Borzac Sequins (L2) 4–3 Ardamirchan Isle United (L2)
Olympique Sur Mer (L1) 4–1 Gwerin Athletic (L2)
FC Samotath II (L2) 2–5 Grayslake (L1)
Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L1) 1–0 Falco Na'Diveh (L2)
Pardock Island (T) 3–1 Romstafar Outpost (L2)
Dawchire Town (L1) 2–2 Forest Hill FC (L1) (3–3 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Oppland 806 (L2) 0–2 Sepultura (T)
Esterhollow Harbor (L1) 3–4 Buscari Bridge Force (L1)
West Devellin (T) 1–0 Sarmon FC (T)
FC Kaldukosic (H) 4–1 Morponte Fief II (L2)
Piander Falls FC (L2) 1–0 Eastweald II (L2)
Ciems Mungonduvia (L1) 1–0 Tonsei Tumult (L2)
Sporting Culmar (L2) 0–1 Inter Juta (L1)
Gwynt Tywyll (S) 4–3 Drahva United (L2)
Otkins Numenvernia (T) 3–3 IFK Keukenhok (L2) (4–3 AET)
Ayr Athletic (L2) 2–0 Lindsborg Premier (L2)
Everlong (T) 0–4 IFK Aldenskoett (S)
Baymar Lagune (L2) 1–1 FC Dynamo Kurbads (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Svart-Guld Klingastalle (L2) 2–1 Riverside Crew (T)
Meryuma Marshals (L1) 1–0 Marshall-Blue FC (L2)
Usk Town (L1) 2–3 Na'Malsille Mariners (S)
Rhupenhoven Town (L2) 0–1 DeFinko Magni Blandinn (T)
Nuur Origins FC (T) 1–1 Klyde II (L2) (1–2 AET)
Helfin Fief (S) 4–2 IFK Skulldjak (L2)
OAS Royal FC (H) 4–1 Real Bellavista (L1)
Ramusok United (H) 3–2 Rexnor District 3 (T)
AC Holmenkollen (H) 3–4 Samaj FC (H)
Impera Town (L2) 1–1 Rexnor District 1 (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Mallox (H) 1–0 Crawford City FC II (L2)
FC Invierness 912 (L2) 0–3 Silk FC (T)
IFK Sundsvall (L1) 2–1 FK Pentagram Pjattervid (L1)
AFC Wernersburg (L2) 0–1 Club Toftir (L2)
Fevelo United (S) 2–2 Coppell City FC (L1) (3–3 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Bergtatt Island Athletic (S) 2–1 Cassandra Cosmopolitan (L1)
Menoptera United (L2) 0–1 Atletisk Surpronuk (L2)
FC Flen (S) 1–2 Rexnor District 4 (L2)
Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) 1–0 Revanigruud Riversharks (S)
Goldsoul FC (L2) 2–2 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1) (2–3 AET)
Orion Wanderers (L2) 2–4 White Tower FC (T)
Sammet Ridge (L1) 0–4 Flithby Town (L2)
Klyde (H) 0–0 Keenan Athletic (S) (1–0 AET)
Chamomile Town (L2) 2–2 Cerulia City FC (L2) (2–2 AET) (3–2 pen.)
Gnoss Gallants AFC (T) 0–1 SC Cirith 01 (L1)
Levithia Shrievenzale (L2) 1–1 Sporting Club Macofor (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–1 pen.)
Bayford City (L2) 2–2 Sólstafir (L2) (2–2 AET) (7–8 pen.)
West Ellum (L1) 2–1 High Noon FC (L2)
Pristine Forest (S) 0–2 Nomad Brotherhood (S)
Gorgoroth (L2) 1–2 Hagenheim South End (L1)
Cassandra City II (L2) 2–1 Treacherous Cove AFC (L2)
Östrad Rockets FC (L2) 2–2 SC Swamport (L2) (2–2 AET) (4–1 pen.)
Zirconim City (L2) 0–2 Olask Islanders (H)
Lykathea City (L2) 2–3 Rhithlungwerddon Town (L2)
Aläng FF (L1) 1–3 Tornline (L1)
Moggington County (L2) 1–0 Miklagaard Salvation (L2)
Emerald Cove (L2) 3–4 Rexnor District 7 (L1)
Zakhoro Aces (H) 4–4 Chesterton Cottagers (L1) (6–4 AET)
East Devellin (L1) 3–0 Ajatarra Alligators (L2)
Atlético Oterro (L1) 2–6 Klyde Heritage FC (S)
Hamlack Town (L1) 0–0 Na'Malsille Mariners II (L2) (2–1 AET)
IFK Nordön (L1) 2–1 OAS Royal FC II (L2)
Woods of Ypres (L1) 2–3 Regalia City (T)
Braylor Town (T) 0–1 Sadenia Paladins (L2)
West Gundar FC (H) 3–1 Noumen Town (L2)
Stoneshore United (H) 4–1 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star (L2)
AFC Obscura 98 (T) 1–0 Talmusok City (L2)
Mintwick Marmots (L2) 2–1 Austentrapp City FC (L2)
Interstellar Östrad (L2) 1–0 Club Varden (L2)
Rexnor District 8 (L2) 3–2 Ramusok United II (L2)
AFC Centus (L2) 1–1 Klovstad Klub (L2) (1–1 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Paulsendam Town (L2) 0–1 Gamma Zakhoro (L2)
New Hagenheim Canopy (L2) 1–5 Eastweald (H)
Scarromere FC (L2) 2–1 Hvalsey 08 (L1)
Morponte Fief (S) 0–0 VfL Lautenstadt (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Rhodes Ravens AFC (L2) 0–0 Templar-Lune FC (L2) (1–0 AET)
Carnessa County (L2) 3–3 Gladsax Chariot FC (L1) (3–4 AET)
Black Diamond Osterhaut (L2) 3–2 Moore Hill Pirates (L1)
Yuonela Town (L2) 1–1 Varvonti Firestorm (L1) (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Gibwir Marsnal (L2) 3–4 Crawford City FC (H)
Ziemelu Skaida (S) 1–2 Fort Archer FC (T)
1. FC Guggenheim (L2) 3–2 Volmachtia Kaldukosic (L1)
Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2) 5–3 Aberaeron Celtic (L1)
Erpland County (L2) 2–0 Scarborough (L2)
Real Azuris II (L1) 0–0 AC Opjenheim (L1) (1–0 AET)
Yambridge FC (S) 3–0 Rexnor District 5 (L2)
Real Azuris (H) 4–0 Ombra Castle (L2)
Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) 1–1 Novia Alliance (L2) (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)
FC Stellendam (L2) 0–0 Interstellar Erurok (L2) (0–1 AET)
Dillinger Town (L2) 0–0 Malm Town (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Villa Forsetti (L2) 0–2 Ingleton Town (L1)
SC Vronus 510 (L2) 0–2 Portsmouth (T)
FC1. Richtofen Avalanche (L2) 0–1 Atletisk Östrad (L2)
Execo Station (L2) 1–0 Mallox II (L2)
East Ellum (L2) 3–5 Orias-Kvissle SC (L2)
Larkinham Town (T) 2–0 Briquia Southside (L2)
Wealdheim Bards (L2) 4–3 Tamiat Town (T)
Lewisville Athletic (L2) 2–3 Ollston Town (L2)
Goldstaff City (S) 1–0 Oxbow Lake (L2)
Kalloroda United (L1) 2–3 Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L1)
Nabataea (L2) 1–0 Sporting Corrian (L2)
Centus Serpents (S) 2–0 Columbia Town (L2)
Drummond's FC (L2) 3–3 Dockery Union (L2) (3–4 AET)
United FC of Stoneshore (L2) 0–0 Hassaburess Athletic (L2) (0–1 AET)
FC Kaldukosic II (L2) 0–1 Azure Lane FC (L1)
FC Kastanjestad (L2) 2–4 FC Arkadius (L2)
Keldin Town (L2) 1–4 Sporting Pirankoper (L1)
Duval Town (L2) 0–0 Sindo Fief (T) (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) 5–0 Thergothon Town (L2)
Pelethas United (H) 1–0 Stortrommeby Town (L2)

Ah, the first round. Hundreds of fourth and fifth-tier sides duking it out for the right to get fed to a Harlighet or Sekundar Ligan team in the next couple rounds. Only two HL clubs were unlucky enough to get drawn against each other in this very early stage: AC Holmenkollen and Samaj. Clayton Bordeau-Desjardins had Holmenkollen cruising with a 2-0 brace at the hour mark, but the spirited young Hunters fought back and rode out 4-3 victors after a wild finish with goals from Ross Rowe, Rachel Del Arro and Darrius Columbine (2).

Second Round

Red Star Karbosic (L2) 1–2 Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2)
VfL Bolmenstadt (L2) 1–2 FC Fejd (L2)
Rexnor District 6 (L2) 0–3 Versiaville (S)
Glasbon SC (L2) 3–7 Cassandra City (H)
Treftadaeth Alliance (H) 3–1 Sontafe City (L1)
Noths Castle (L2) 2–0 Wiedna Town (L2)
Jotungard 99 FC (L2) 2–5 Fayanora Pontonese (L2)
Caledon Legion (T) 4–0 CD Panteras Nueces (L2)
Salfa City (L1) 5–1 Dusk Athletic (L2)
FC Na'Travii (L2) 2–2 FC Samotath (H) (2–3 AET)
Borzac Sequins (L2) 3–5 Olympique Sur Mer (L1)
Grayslake (L1) 4–4 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L1) (4–4 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Pardock Island (T) 0–0 Forest Hill FC (L1) (0–1 AET)
Sepultura (T) 1–0 Buscari Bridge Force (L1)
West Devellin (T) 0–1 FC Kaldukosic (H)
Piander Falls FC (L2) 2–0 Ciems Mungonduvia (L1)
Inter Juta (L1) 0–0 Gwynt Tywyll (S) (0–1 AET)
Otkins Numenvernia (T) 1–0 Ayr Athletic (L2)
IFK Aldenskoett (S) 1–0 Baymar Lagune (L2)
Svart-Guld Klingastalle (L2) 0–1 Meryuma Marshals (L1)
Na'Malsille Mariners (S) 5–3 DeFinko Magni Blandinn (T)
Klyde II (L2) 2–4 Helfin Fief (S)
OAS Royal FC (H) 0–1 Ramusok United (H)
Samaj FC (H) 6–2 Impera Town (L2)
Mallox (H) 2–0 Silk FC (T)
IFK Sundsvall (L1) 3–3 Club Toftir (L2) (3–3 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Coppell City FC (L1) 3–1 Bergtatt Island Athletic (S)
Atletisk Surpronuk (L2) 0–0 Rexnor District 4 (L2) (0–0 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) 2–1 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1)
White Tower FC (T) 2–2 Flithby Town (L2) (3–2 AET)
Klyde (H) 4–0 Chamomile Town (L2)
SC Cirith 01 (L1) 0–0 Levithia Shrievenzale (L2) (2–0 AET)
Sólstafir (L2) 0–2 West Ellum (L1)
Nomad Brotherhood (S) 5–1 Hagenheim South End (L1)
Cassandra City II (L2) 1–0 Östrad Rockets FC (L2)
Olask Islanders (H) 4–0 Rhithlungwerddon Town (L2)
Tornline (L1) 0–2 Moggington County (L2)
Rexnor District 7 (L1) 4–6 Zakhoro Aces (H)
East Devellin (L1) 2–1 Klyde Heritage FC (S)
Hamlack Town (L1) 1–2 IFK Nordön (L1)
Regalia City (T) 1–0 Sadenia Paladins (L2)
West Gundar FC (H) 3–3 Stoneshore United (H) (3–3 AET) (1–3 pen.)
AFC Obscura 98 (T) 0–0 Mintwick Marmots (L2) (0–0 AET) (6–5 pen.)
Interstellar Östrad (L2) 0–1 Rexnor District 8 (L2)
Klovstad Klub (L2) 0–1 Gamma Zakhoro (L2)
Eastweald (H) 5–2 Scarromere FC (L2)
Morponte Fief (S) 1–0 Rhodes Ravens AFC (L2)
Gladsax Chariot FC (L1) 2–3 Black Diamond Osterhaut (L2)
Yuonela Town (L2) 3–5 Crawford City FC (H)
Fort Archer FC (T) 5–2 1. FC Guggenheim (L2)
Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2) 3–1 Erpland County (L2)
Real Azuris II (L1) 3–6 Yambridge FC (S)
Real Azuris (H) 5–0 Novia Alliance (L2)
Interstellar Erurok (L2) 3–5 Dillinger Town (L2)
Ingleton Town (L1) 3–2 Portsmouth (T)
Atletisk Östrad (L2) 2–2 Execo Station (L2) (3–3 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Orias-Kvissle SC (L2) 0–3 Larkinham Town (T)
Wealdheim Bards (L2) 1–1 Ollston Town (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Goldstaff City (S) 2–4 Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L1)
Nabataea (L2) 0–1 Centus Serpents (S)
Dockery Union (L2) 0–2 Hassaburess Athletic (L2)
Azure Lane FC (L1) 2–0 FC Arkadius (L2)
Sporting Pirankoper (L1) 2–3 Duval Town (L2)
Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) 3–5 Pelethas United (H)

Woah there! Who's idea was it to have a Major Ramusok Derby in the second round? That intern from Dancougar who randomly selected the draw is so fired. But the game is played, there is much excitement, and Ramusok United dump crosstown rivals OAS Royal out of their owner's own cup with an Olimpico corner from Kira Jonassen. In other news, Stoneshore United triumphed over West Gundar on penalties after an intriguing 3-3 game and HL promotion hopefuls Goldstaff City were upset 4-2 by nearby fourth-tier side Yellow Meadow Lynwood.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Thu Jan 19, 2017 6:50 pm

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 9
West Gundar FC 0–1 Ramusok United
Real Azuris 1–0 Olask Islanders
OAS Royal FC 1–3 Stoneshore United
AC Holmenkollen 0–3 FC Samotath
Samaj FC 4–2 Pelethas United
FC Kaldukosic 2–2 Mallox
Zakhoro Aces 1–0 Klyde
Crawford City FC 1–1 Eastweald
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–4 Cassandra City

The biggest anticipated match of the weekend was by far the first showdown between Penumbra Amokachi and Hannah Alcouin, the two newest symbols of the Harlighet Ligan. Crawford supporters have a reputation for being "casual" or "fair-weather", but they came out in force for this one - Orangi Stadium was full and rockin'. The match largely didn't live up to the hype, as both teams came out overeager and racked up cards in the first half and then settled into a cautious stalemate in the second half. But CCFC were able to run out on a high in the final seconds when Kim Coultan layed it off to Jens Reiniger after a short corner and the ever-consistent Pasargan lashed home the equalizer from the right. The sun was shining bright in the tropical southwest that day. The region's other club, the Zakhoro Aces, also kept their momentum going with a Temuge-inspired 1-0 win over Klyde. The Savalen international became the first to score double-digit goals this season with his simple redirection of Gutinho's squared ball into the box in the 20th minute. The Aces have now won three in a row and will surely be glancing at their current place in the UICA zone and wondering if they can hold onto it until the midseason break. "I haven't even looked at the table yet this season, and none of my players have either," said first-year Aces manager Isla Safarova. "All that matters is the next opponent, the next win. If it's Matchday 30 and we're still doing well, maybe then we'll take a peek." Suuuuure, Safarova. Sure. In other news, Real Azuris increased their cushion at the top with a surprisingly difficult win over Olask Islanders (Ronan Bowditch chipping Sutton from a tough angle at the hour mark), Ross Rowe scored a hat trick off a hat trick of assists from Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir in Samaj FC's demolition of Pelethas and, curiously, all four goals in the 2-2 draw between Mallox and FC Kaldukosic were scored by defenders...but none off set-pieces.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 10
Ramusok United 3–1 Cassandra City
Eastweald 5–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Klyde 1–0 Crawford City FC
Mallox 1–0 Zakhoro Aces
Pelethas United 1–1 FC Kaldukosic
FC Samotath 3–0 Samaj FC
Stoneshore United 0–0 AC Holmenkollen
Olask Islanders 0–2 OAS Royal FC
West Gundar FC 0–3 Real Azuris

Klyde and Mallox saw marquee signings Sophia Trevelyan and Till Ümann step up to notch huge 1-0 winners this weekend; Mallox ended the Aces' run by assigning hard-running defender Danko Tas to bruise up Temuge's ankles. People expected Eastweald to become The Penumbra Amokachi Show this season, but what has instead made the Wood Elves so fun to watch has been the offensive contributions they're getting from all over the pitch. Wingers Eva Velasquez and Rook Klinsmann continue to be ridiculously productive, both scoring in a 5-0 rout of Treftadaeth Alliance this week. Left back Kelkath Pawlukiewicz has made strides on the attacking end over the last few seasons and was also rewarded with a long-awaited goal this week, squeezing a tight finish past Martinsky at his left post after overlapping Velasquez. Finally, Amokachi got her goal at the end by masterfully slowing her streaking run just enough to lose Solomon Harm and allow Velasquez's hanging cross to fall perfectly onto her head and loop deliciously inside the far post.

If you're into games that were actually, um, somewhat competitive, you probably tuned into the Reds-Blues rivalry. An enmity as fierce as any since the infamous Millennial Season Showdown, subsequent encounters between Cassandra City and Ramusok United have been consistently fascinating. This weekend's edition was no exception. Veterans Jol Tortuu and Robin Geirsson, both of whom scored in that famous 3-2 game nine years ago, scored within two minutes of each other to thrill Fire River Arena and send the match into half time 1-1. The Blues, undoubtedly still scarred by events nine years ago, drew from that pain to secure victory in the second half and up their unbeaten run to four matches. Their quality in the final third was too much for Cassandra City. In the 48th minute, Antonio Mulcair dribbled through the defense with remarkable skill and fired a laser at Calogero Metz. The Farf keeper made a splendid save, but Elena Culbreth, bursting with confidence this season, pounced on the rebound to make it 2-1 to United! Felix Shaw made two great saves of his own to deny Jason Goulding and maintain the Blues' lead, and then Curtis Théberge wrapped things up in the 76th minute with a tidy finish to the far post after a horrendous attempt at a back-pass by City's Kaden Wing. The army of blue-clad supporters in East Ramusok delighted in putting their new claim on the rivalry's bragging rights to use after the final whistle, with Culbreth going up into the crowd to sing with them. Maybe she won't look to move in the transfer window after all.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 11
Real Azuris 1–5 Ramusok United
OAS Royal FC 1–1 West Gundar FC
AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Olask Islanders
Samaj FC 0–0 Stoneshore United
FC Kaldukosic 0–3 FC Samotath
Zakhoro Aces 3–1 Pelethas United
Crawford City FC 2–2 Mallox
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–1 Klyde
Cassandra City 6–0 Eastweald

First words out of fans' mouths this weekend were simply, "What the fuck???" The two pacesetters going in, Real Azuris and Eastweald, are taken out to the back and beaten to a pulp with a baseball bat. The Breakers embarrassed 5-1 at home by Gareth Bournemouth's scorching-hot Ramusok United (Mulcair brace) and Eastweald with no answers for Cassandra City's pace and athleticism in a 6-0 drubbing under the lights of The Amphitheatre with six different scorers. In Holmenkollen, the Cedars' usual fast start to the league has been flipped on its head this year. AC Holmenkollen simply can't buy a goal and they've dug themselves a sizable hole (that rhymed!). Now, even the Olask Islanders - the only other team struggling similarly for goals - have come to town and raided Cedar Park for three points. Karl Northbourne deepened Alf Durand's troubles as he enthusiastically stamped a bouncing Hera Poxay through-ball past the onrushing Lilly Kearney in the 16th minute. Holmenkollen? Not even a single shot on goal registered against Olask's relatively inexperienced back four. The Gunnar Brickwalk-Funanya Nwapa partnership in midfield is simply not working, and strikers Riprov and Bordeau-Desjardins are getting isolated up top with the wide players constantly having to cover defensively instead of getting forward to provide service. It's clear that Durand needs to make changes or else AC Holmenkollen might suffer relegation during a Globe Cup season. NOT struggling in his new job is FC Samotath's Šimon Holguín. Samotath seem to be getting better and better the more they grow accustomed to Holguín's new 1-3-2-4 system. They're rounding into scary form right now, having won their last three matches by a combined 9-0. Their front four are just a marvel to watch, with Sigmund Levy and Miroslav Vorobyov providing the highlight reel material this week, but defensive reinforcements like Molly Killanen and Kimus de Vries have been a revelation as well. Magisterial sweeper Ayk Panossian impressively held Kevin Stabb in check this week and has seen FC Samotath to the joint-best defensive record in the Harlighet Ligan. Hey, Holguín warned us.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 12
Ramusok United 1–1 Eastweald
Klyde 1–1 Cassandra City
Mallox 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Pelethas United 1–0 Crawford City FC
FC Samotath 2–2 Zakhoro Aces
Stoneshore United 1–1 FC Kaldukosic
Olask Islanders 1–1 Samaj FC
West Gundar FC 5–0 AC Holmenkollen
Real Azuris 0–1 OAS Royal FC

Massive result for Constantine Champali. OAS Royal went into MasseMord Stadium and defeated the mighty Real Azuris. Rowan Gawain and Leonídas Bregoo were able to win the midfield battle against Stig Söderquist and Florentin Lachance (no easy feat) to dictate the tempo of the game. In the end, their on-point performances (and that of the defense) put Alex Rocket in a position to arch a dipping winner under the crossbar from the left, 15 yards out. The trailing pack failed to fully take advantage of Real Azuris' stumble, however, as Eastweald and Ramusok United got in each others' way with a 1-1 draw at Fire River Arena and FC Samotath's streak was spoiled by Šimon Holguín's former charges from Zakhoro. Levy plucked two goals out of the air in the first half, but the Aces came roaring back in the second half behind teenage substitute Tarmé, who is really having a breakthrough season. The 18-year-old Cosumar youth international scored her third goal in four substitute appearances, cutting inside from the right wing and clinically finding the far lower corner for the 2-2 equalizer. Alesund Stadion booed her ecstatic celebration, but you can bet the folks out west in Zakhoro were proudly cheering her on. Back east, AC Holmenkollen and FC Kaldukosic are really laboring for wins. Ok, so Holmenkollen's struggles aren't exactly a surprise, as calamitous defending this week resulted in a Romikk Valgard hat trick and Mursill Lubiflor brace for 5-0 victors West Gundar, but Kaldukosic simply haven't been able to get any liftoff despite some decent performances. Like today. FC Kal had all the possession and chances in Stoneshore, and finally went ahead on Bennett Perkins' strike at the hour mark. But they just couldn't hold on to their lead. Again. Ael Koron conceded a needless penalty with minutes to go and Aidan Andela duly put it past him. Auburn Tarrant did the same from the spot for Pelethas United in Crawford to stun a CCFC side that was strangely "off" on the day.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 13
OAS Royal FC 0–0 Ramusok United
AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Real Azuris
Samaj FC 1–0 West Gundar FC
FC Kaldukosic 0–2 Olask Islanders
Zakhoro Aces 2–1 Stoneshore United
Crawford City FC 1–1 FC Samotath
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–2 Pelethas United
Cassandra City 0–0 Mallox
Eastweald 0–1 Klyde

The Major Ramusok Derby is a snoozer, the Aces kept rolling despite missing Temuge to a minor calf strain, and AC Holmenkollen lose at home but Alf Durand keeps his job for another week because no one expected him to beat Real Azuris anyways. Kurtis Samarqand came alive and had his finest performance for Zakhoro, puncturing the Stoneshore Stonewall with a hard-fought brace. It was also a good day for the newly-promoted sides. The Islanders stunned FC Kaldukosic at Leviathan Arena 2-0 (young defender Tajo Carr-Ponce with a monstrous performance), Rowan Varghese was a cut above Treftadaeth Alliance all afternoon for Pelethas, and Klyde prolonged Eastweald's rough patch with a well-worked 1-0 win at Old Weldenskirgen (Skarsgaard baffling Esteban Hernandez with a long blast after the restart). Penumbra Amokachi was visibly frustrated with herself for sending a golden chance wide of the post in stoppage time, but she'll perhaps be more frustrated with her strike partner Dan Quesadillas, who uncharacteristically has yet to score a goal this season and mistimed a few passes for her.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 14
Ramusok United 3–1 Klyde
Mallox 1–1 Eastweald
Pelethas United 1–1 Cassandra City
FC Samotath 1–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Stoneshore United 5–2 Crawford City FC
Olask Islanders 1–3 Zakhoro Aces
West Gundar FC 9–7 FC Kaldukosic
Real Azuris 0–3 Samaj FC
OAS Royal FC 2–0 AC Holmenkollen

Woah! What a week! Ok, let's get this out of the way first: Dat 9-7 game. Both WGFC and FC Kal had good attacks and struggling defenses coming into this one, so plentiful goals were to be expected in Ruminov. But this... this match tacked a few exponents onto the expectations. West Gundar came out guns blazing at home and put themselves on top 2-0 after eight minutes, setting the tone. Kevin Stabb roped one back for Kal three minutes later to signal that it would be a competitive game, and then a flurry of five goals in ten minutes midway through the half made it 4-4 in a flash. Bennett Perkins later put Anne Simonsen on skates and swatted another one past Jed Kooistra to put FC Kaldukosic up 5-4 at the break. New Harmonia Stadium was already emotionally exhausted, but shit was just getting started. The second half was all about Mursill Lubiflor. The tricky West Gundar FC striker already had one goal to her name, but poured in three more in the 57th, 77th and 93rd minutes to power her side to victory in the second half, outpacing Corey Simmons III's second-half brace for Kaldukosic. Lubiflor's last goal being the 8-7 winner. Young Amberian defender Agafon Tohopka came on and nodded home a cherry-on-the-cake goal in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time to make it 9-7. West Gundar tend to blow hot-and-cold in front of goal, but when they're hot... yikes, it's like the surface of Venus. Poor Jakob Lunds. He had little defensive help in this one called out several of his teammates by name after the match. FC Kaldukosic seem to be in a bad place psychologically.

But don't let the spectacle in West Gundar distract from the great football on display across Cosumar this week! Leonídas Bregoo stole the show in OAS Royal's triumph in a minor Ramusok derby with Holmenkollen, scoring and earning the free kick that Christopher Fosse chested into the back of the net. Samaj FC proved that Real Azuris are in fact beatable at home, Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir bending a spectacular free kick past the outstretched fingertips of August Ozuna with minimal run-up in the 76th minute. Hugo Cartensen locked down Ronan Bowditch defensively and Valfar patrolled in front of the back line cutting off Sandra Sybill's attempts to feed Arrowsword, and then both Cartensen and Valfar were poetically rewarded for their efforts with gritty set-piece goals in the 78th and 85th minutes. Silence in Azuris. And this time, Ramusok United DID capitalize on the stumble. Robin Geirsson made quick work of Klyde, carving open the visiting turquoise defense for a brace and a classy chipped assist to Elena Culbreth, drawing United within one point of the defending champions. Meanwhile, Eastweald are still having trouble getting back to winning ways. In a rowdy derby atmosphere at The Orange Palace, De Marisco tapped in an easy finish to cap off a nice sequence of build-up in the box and establish Eastweald superiority, but Gellano Fief neighbors Mallox stole the show late with a dramatic Luco Haines curler. Another slumping club with high expectations, Crawford City FC, was simply outmuscled in Stoneshore. The physical Greys targeted CCFC's frailties, scoring four of their five goals off set-piece headers. Not even Alcouin can compensate for such inexcusable defending.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 15
AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Ramusok United
Samaj FC 4–1 OAS Royal FC
FC Kaldukosic 3–1 Real Azuris
Zakhoro Aces 1–0 West Gundar FC
Crawford City FC 1–2 Olask Islanders
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–0 Stoneshore United
Cassandra City 5–0 FC Samotath
Eastweald 4–1 Pelethas United
Klyde 0–0 Mallox

Alf Durand is the first managerial casualty of the season. Who woulda thunk. Holmenkollen's second derby loss in two weeks was the straw that broke the camel's back. As was typical in Durand's brief tenure, Holmenkollen were utterly toothless going forward and sloppy in midfield. It's impressive that Lilly Kearney was able to hold off Ram U for as long as she did until Nacho Bérdoon, getting his first start in place of the resting Théberge, finally broke through in the 61st minute. Durand's successor will have a hell of a task. Holmenkollen are already ten points removed from safety. They'll probably wish they had someone like Cassandra City striker Jason Goulding, who earned Player of the Week honors with four goals in his club's 5-0 win. Real Azuris, meanwhile, suffered their first back-to-back defeats in about two years thanks to Kaldukosic, Kevin Stabb just being a constant handful up top. He overpowered Viviano Milani for one goal, holding him off with one arm while stampeding through the box before picking out the side-netting, and outjumped Hector Grier for another. Andrew Arrowsword pulled one back for Azuris with a delightful solo run and finish of his own, but Aspen Meratyn's thunderbastard sealed the 3-1 victory for FC Kal. Maybe that kind of win is just what Kaldukosic need to pull themselves up out of the dirt as we approach the midseason break. One club that definitely isn't short on form or confidence, however, is Zakhoro. Isla Safarova's Aces are flying higher than ever - unbeaten in five and comfortably in the UICA zone. Temuge made the difference again versus West Gundar, pulling down Carmine Quaglia's long ball over the top, spinning off a defender and slotting past the keeper in the 14th minute. Crawford City FC also adhered to recent trends: Hannah Alcouin scoring and then watching in dismay as her defense gave the game away. After the cash CCFC splashed in the last two transfer windows, losing at home to a club like Olask does not sit well.

Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group D                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   CNv  Bas  NoU  Ewl
1 Celtic Noviodunum         NGD    6    3   1   2    11    6   +5    10    —   3–0  0–2  0–0
2 Bastion                   EUR    6    3   0   3     9   10   −1     9*  3–2   —   2–1  3–0
3 Northern Union            BRE    6    3   0   3     7    8   −1     9*  0–2  2–1   —   1–0
4 Eastweald                 COS    6    2   1   3     6    9   −3     7   1–4  2–0  3–1   —

It was thought that Amokachi would give Eastweald a chance to advance out of this tough group. Sure, they ended up finishing last and exiting UICA competition, but the Elves still acquitted themselves well in their debut at this level. It was an extremely tightly-contested group, and a 2-0 home win over Bastion (Velasquez, Amokachi with beautiful goals assisted by Mordini) provided a memorable highlight, but Eastweald just couldn't find a way to get that one away result they needed to advance.

  Group E                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   RAz  TCM  RCU  Aér
1 Real Azuris               COS    6    3   1   2     9    8   +1    10    —   1–1  3–2  2–0
2 Taeshan City Miners       TAE    6    2   3   1     8    6   +2     9   1–2   —   1–1  2–1
3 Raynor City United        VAL    6    2   2   2    11    8   +3     8   2–1  0–0   —   4–0
4 CF Aéropag                ACF    6    2   0   4     7   13   −6     6   2–0  1–3  3–2   —

Real Azuris are the first Cosumarite club to advance to the knockout rounds of the Champions' Cup! Even Klyde fans are grudgingly pleased for their southern brethren to receive deserved recognition on the global scale. Though Real Azuris won their group and Eastweald finished last, the only difference between their records was that Azuris managed to win a game abroad. The real shock of Group E, however, was that Taeshan City Miners squeaked into second to dump recent multiverse champions Raynor City United into the Globe Cup.

Series B Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group A                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   G98  SJo  OlI  Swm
1 Gatineau UC 98            VLD    6    5   0   1    11    3   +8    15    —   2–1  1–0  5–1
2 Sant Jordi CF             USI    6    3   1   2    11   10   +1    10   0–1   —   0–0  4–3
3 Olask Islanders           COS    6    1   2   3     6    8   −2     5   0–2  3–4   —   1–1
4 Swanmouth                 ETN    6    1   1   4     7   14   −7     4   1–0  1–2  0–2   —

The Islanders were kinda dismal in the group stage, clearly prioritizing Harlighet Ligan play. The Valladar and Sunrisian clubs were clearly the class of the group, as Olask's only win came against Ethanian side Swanmouth, who were somehow even worse. Now, all hands on deck for the relegation fight!

  Group G                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   Kly  SSl  AFb  NBI
1 Klyde                     COS    6    4   2   0    10    6   +4    14    —   2–2  1–0  2–1
2 San Solari FC             COM    6    3   2   1    10    8   +2    11   1–2   —   2–1  2–1
3 Agri Foodbowl             ETM    6    1   1   4     8   10   −2     4   1–2  1–2   —   3–1
4 Nassau Bay Independence   NGD    6    0   3   3     7   11   −4     3   1–1  1–1  2–2   —

Klyde are a little better-equipped to pursue SBCC glory, and manager Blinne Va'Tuaras unaplogetically made it a priority. His bold ambition paid off, as Klyde went undefeated to win their group and advance. It may have cost them a little bit in the league, as the Doves still sit around the edge of the relegation zone, but Va'Tuaras clearly believes his players can handle simultaneous competitions. Kárpáty Alexander, Deon Partell and Sophia Trevelyan contributed three goals each in Group G play.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 16
Ramusok United 1–0 Mallox
Pelethas United 2–0 Klyde
FC Samotath 0–4 Eastweald
Stoneshore United 2–2 Cassandra City
Olask Islanders 3–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
West Gundar FC 1–0 Crawford City FC
Real Azuris 4–1 Zakhoro Aces
OAS Royal FC 1–0 FC Kaldukosic
AC Holmenkollen 3–0 Samaj FC

Most of the big boys win. Ramusoki clubs United and OAS enforce clean sheets against good opponents and escape 1-0 winners with leading men Robin Geirsson and Juquinho the heroes. Eastweald are not confused by FC Samotath's unusual tactics or theatrics at Alesund Stadion, bypassing the Black Hawks' challenge entirely with a 4-0 scoreline that could've been more. Quesadillas finally opened his account for the season with a brace, unselfishly provided the first on a platter by Amokachi. Real Azuris too struck four times against Zakhoro Aces, with three coming from the right foot of one Ronan Bowditch. The Brenecian has started showing signs of last season's indomitable form recently, which is a bad sign for leaders Ramusok United and the rest of the league. He clearly relished the task of putting the upstart Aces back in their place. Speaking of upstarts, what has gotten into the Olask Islanders lately? The side universally pegged to finish last started off commensurate with predictions, but in the last six matches, they've stacked together a 4-1-1 record. I must say, they actually looked pretty good against Trefta. Young Will Couturiaux has found his footing in the Harlighet Ligan, and his silky pass and endless running are doing wonders for Olask's midfield. They hang onto the ball more than they used to, and they actually do stuff with the possession. Chief playmaker Hera Poxay seems to be figuring out how to perform consistently at this level, playing a gorgeous through ball in to the feet of Karl Northbourne this week, which the Semar striker polished off with aplomb. Perhaps the Islanders have what it takes to stay up. And, you know, despite how utterly godawful they were for the first 15 matches, maybe, just maybe, AC Holmenkollen do too. In their first showing under new manager Minnie Lotuda (the stern disciplinarian formerly of Klyde FC), the Cedars stirred into action and delivered their home crowd a decisive win - just their second of the season.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 17
Samaj FC 1–0 Ramusok United
FC Kaldukosic 1–2 AC Holmenkollen
Zakhoro Aces 0–2 OAS Royal FC
Crawford City FC 1–1 Real Azuris
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 West Gundar FC
Cassandra City 3–0 Olask Islanders
Eastweald 3–0 Stoneshore United
Klyde 1–7 FC Samotath
Mallox 1–0 Pelethas United

Is it here already? The last match before the month-long midseason break? Huh. Time flies. And so does Gwinevra Harmonium. The FC Samotath winger was a force up and down the left side this week (2 goals, 2 assists) with her blazing pace and intelligence. Samo are lifted into the top half at the break. Over at Old Weldenskirgen, with Dan Quesadillas finally remembering how to score a goal last week,his muscle memory kicked in and he bagged himself three more this week. After a fifteen-match drought, he concludes the first half of the season with five in his last two. Eastweald sit just two points out of the lead without ever really having top strikers Quesadillas and Amokachi clicking at the same time. If they can become a true partnership over the break, look out. Ramusok United and Real Azuris hold the top two spots, but neither left a particularly convincing final statement before the break - United toppled in Samaj largely by kangaroo-like goalkeeper Kerwin Maston and Azuris succumbing to a late Spike Lorence equalizer in Crawford. You know who did make a statement? OAS Royal. Their match against Zakhoro at Zapt Park was a dogfight for UICA placement and they stamped their authority from the opening whistle. Leonídas Bregoo was phenomenal once again orchestrating the attack (he's putting up MVP-level numbers) and OAS's staunch defense showed why they're one of the best units in the league by not allowing Temuge an inch of breathing room. Royal go into the break with a hold on 4th.

The second half of the season is set for any of these top six or seven teams to make a run at the title. No club has separated itself at all yet, so there' sure to be plenty of drama and, hopefully, a down-to-the-wire finish. At the other end, FC Kaldukosic and Crawford City are the surprise names near the bottom. Both teams began with UICA aspirations but quickly became undone by defensive woes and now face uphill battles to return to midtable respectability in the second half.

  1009 Harlighet Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Ramusok United         17    9   5   3    28   13  +15    32
 2  Real Azuris            17    9   4   4    29   19  +10    31
 3  Eastweald              17    8   6   3    44   23  +21    30
 4  OAS Royal FC           17    8   5   4    24   15   +9    29
 5  Samaj FC               17    8   5   4    25   22   +3    29
 6  Zakhoro Aces           17    9   1   7    27   23   +4    28
 7  Mallox                 17    7   6   4    16   17   −1    27
 8  FC Samotath            17    7   4   6    29   25   +4    25
 9  Cassandra City         17    6   6   5    31   21  +10    24
10  Stoneshore United      17    5   7   5    23   22   +1    22
11  West Gundar FC         17    6   3   8    30   35   −5    21
12  Pelethas United        17    6   3   8    19   24   −5    21
13  Olask Islanders        17    6   3   8    19   24   −5    21
14  Treftadaeth Alliance   17    6   2   9    23   35  −12    20
15  Crawford City FC       17    4   5   8    23   24   −1    17
16  FC Kaldukosic          17    3   6   8    28   41  −13    15
17  Klyde                  17    3   6   8    17   36  −19    15
18  AC Holmenkollen        17    3   3  11    13   29  −16    12


Golden Boot Leaders: 
  Temuge (12)
  Mursill Lubiflor (12)

In the last nine matches, Versiaville have rocketed up to the top of the Sekundar Ligan, propelled by sparkling young goalkeeper Vance Commerford, a thorny defense and thunderous breakout center-forward Sirena Va'Drevu. The Nomads have also been impressive of late, Koru Özturk and Christian Beckcamp catching fire before the break. Fevelo Colony are the surprise of the season, occupying the Promotion Playoff space at the midway point. No one saw the Fevelians coming as serious contenders, but if they do earn promotion, they'll become the first offworld colonial club to earn a place in Cosumar's top flight. Almost everybody is rooting for them.

1009 Sekundar Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Versiaville               17   10   2   5    21   11  +10    32
 2  Nomad Brotherhood FC      17    8   6   3    32   20  +12    30
 3  Fevelo Colony             17    8   5   4    21   11  +10    29
 4  Na'Malsille Mariners      17    8   4   5    24   15   +9    28
 5  IFK Aldenskoett           17    8   3   6    20   14   +6    27
 6  Helfin Fief               17    8   3   6    25   27   −2    27
 7  Keenan Athletic           17    7   5   5    26   29   −3    26
 8  Goldstaff City            17    7   4   6    22   17   +5    25
 9  Klyde Heritage            17    6   7   4    12    7   +5    25
10  Centus Serpents           17    6   5   6    24   24    0    23
11  Gwynt Tywyll              17    6   5   6    12   13   −1    23
12  Morponte Fief             17    6   5   6    12   17   −5    23
13  Yambridge FC              17    5   6   6    26   23   +3    21
14  Pristine Forest           17    5   5   7    16   22   −6    20
15  Revanigruud Riversharks   17    4   7   6    20   24   −4    19
16  Ziemelu Skaida            17    4   4   9    16   23   −7    16
17  FC Flen                   17    2   6   9    16   31  −15    12
18  Bergtatt Isle Athletic    17    1   6  10    17   34  −17     9

AFC Obscura, who won the Conferece KC last year, are looking at consecutive championships and promotions if they can maintain their current six-point lead atop the Tredje Ligan. Every single member of their stellar defense, from the goalkeeper to the right back, is a legit Harlighet Ligan prospect. They'll be moving up even if the club does not. Sekundar Ligan regulars Pardock Island, conversely, are trying to go straight back up after being relegated for the first time in years. So far, so good. Sohyun Kang has been scoring goals by the bucketload. Fort Archer and Braylor Town seem like locks for the top six, with a whole host of other sides set to duke it out for the final two slots in the promotion playoff.

1009 Tredje Ligan           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  AFC Obscura 98           21   14   4   3    20    7  +13    46
 2  Pardock Island           21   12   4   5    50   33  +17    40
 3  Fort Archer FC           21   11   6   4    52   30  +22    39
 4   Braylor Town             21   11   5   5    30   16  +14    38
 5    Sindo Fief               21   11   4   6    28   21   +7    37
 6  Regalia City             21   10   4   7    28   29   −1    34
 7  Portsmouth FC            21    9   6   6    29   27   +2    33
 8  Rexnor District 3        21    8   8   5    11    7   +4    32
 9  Riverside Crew           21    9   5   7    28   27   +1    32
10  Larkinham Town           21    8   6   7    39   30   +9    30
11    West Devellin            21    8   6   7    28   25   +3    30
12  Otkins Numenvernia       21    7   7   7    30   40  −10    28
13  Nuur Origins FC          21    7   6   8    32   27   +5    27
14    White Tower FC           21    7   6   8    28   23   +5    27
15    DeFinko Magni Blandinn   21    6   8   7    32   29   +3    26
16  Gnoss Gallants AFC       21    6   6   9    13   12   +1    24
17  Sepultura                21    6   3  12    27   31   −4    21
18  Sarmon FC                21    4   7  10    21   30   −9    19
19  Tamiat Town              21    5   4  12    12   27  −15    19
20  Everlong                 21    4   7  10    26   43  −17    19
21    Caledon Legion           21    4   6  11    24   44  −20    18
22  Silk FC                  21    3   4  14    16   46  −30    13

Third Round

Aaaand here come the giant-slayings. The third round is usually good for a few shockers. In-form Versiaville exact revenge on the Harlighet Ligan for booting them out last season by dominating a rotated Cassandra City at the Pavilion. Regélian colonials Salfa City, from down in Conference play, humble FC Samotath after a frantic 120 minutes and penalties. Most juicily of all, third-tier Fort Archer were on cloud nine after eliminating nearby southwestern giants Crawford City FC (with a mostly full-strength squad) through an inspired defensive performance. Playing at Orangi Stadium against the likes of Hannah Alcouin and winning will be an experience those Fort Archer players will never forget.

Fourth Round

The field is thinned with a fine-toothed comb in the fourth round. Most of the Lägre Ligan hopefuls were finally eliminated and bigger clubs serious about winning the competition started coming to the fore. With a couple exceptions. Fresh off their own upset of Cassandra City, Versiaville were upended by Geminus Colony's fifth-tier Snaigow Hoarfrost thanks to a monstrous five-goal performance from local wunderkind Sett Horn. Down in Stoneshore, Douglas Tibet rested his entire starting defense and let the kids play. They rewarded him by conceding six goals to rampant third-tier side AFC Obscura. Caipirinha kept them in it, but still. Ouch. I guess those young defenders aren't ready for The Stonewall yet.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Jan 22, 2017 5:21 pm

Cygnus Cup First Round
FC Olimpia Solimán (SJG) 0-2 Real Azuris
Real Azuris 2-0 FC Olimpia Solimán (SJG)
Real Azuris advance 4-0 on aggregate

Real Azuris don't have a true break like the other 17 teams, with Cygnus Cup fixtures running through the Cosumarite midseason. Plucky FC Olimpia Solimán shockingly winning the Guayabalense cup was a major international storyline, but they buckle under the weight of 180 minutes of pressure from the likes of Andrew Arrowsword and national hero Sean Fraser, who scores in his home country in the first leg.

Cygnus Cup Round of 16
Guilder (BRE) 1-0 Real Azuris
Real Azuris 2-0 Guilder (BRE)
Real Azuris advances 2-1 on aggregate

Guilder, the current employers of one Eido Noldor, had the defensive strength to offer a tougher challenge. Harriet Payne gave Guilder a 1-0 lead to take to Cosumar, but Real Azuris were too much at home. Ronan Bowditch turned the tables back to 2-1 by half time, and Guilder just didn't have the sophistication in the final third to test August Ozuna in the second half.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 18
Ramusok United 3–0 Pelethas United
Mallox 1–0 FC Samotath
Klyde 1–1 Stoneshore United
Eastweald 1–0 Olask Islanders
Cassandra City 1–0 West Gundar FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–1 Real Azuris
Crawford City FC 4–2 OAS Royal FC
Zakhoro Aces 4–1 AC Holmenkollen
FC Kaldukosic 3–1 Samaj FC

A few weeks off did nothing to interrupt the form of Zakhoro Aces or Ram Utd. The Gutinho-inspired Aces eviscerated hopeless Holmenkollen while the Blues, hungry for vengeance after some disappointing seasons, won comprehensively against Pelethas, inching ever so slightly further ahead at the top of the table. Felix Shaw kept another clean sheet, aided by Langerak and Flanningan intercepting every probing pass from Tarrant and Varghese. Elena Culbreth delivered the goods on the other end with a brace. Her performances this season are laying to rest the debate as to whether she has what it takes to be a top-tier starting striker in this league. Culbreth's classy left boot has become Gareth Bournemouth's most dangerous weapon this season. Of course, excellent service and the presence of Curtis Théberge (who also scored) help, as did the Miners' idiotic tendency to leave her completely unmarked... Over in Gellano Fief, Mallox smartly funneled FC Samotath's prolific wide players inside and grinded out a Sindelaar-inspired 1-0 victory at home while Eastweald satisfied their own nearby home crowd with an identical scoreline. Penumbra Amokachi finally broke Olask's fierce resistance in the 79th minute, exchanging some training ground passes with Dan Quesadillas before picking out her spot and burying a 16-yard effort in the back of the net. It was a big three points for Eastweald with Real Azuris earlier dropping the ball up north on a snowy pitch. Andrew Arrowsword scored and was lively as ever, but Real were clearly less well-rested than the other seventeen teams after playing through the midseason break in Cygnus Cup. This problem will only worsen as they enter the meat of their international slate.

Cygnus Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
Real Azuris 1-0 Mierton Manatees (TAE)

Not the Breakers' most attractive display, but Ronan Bowditch gives them some breathing room as early as the 6th minute and they don't concede an away goal in the remaining 84 - that's what matters.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 19
FC Kaldukosic 0–0 Ramusok United
Samaj FC 0–0 Zakhoro Aces
AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Crawford City FC
OAS Royal FC 0–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Real Azuris 0–0 Cassandra City
West Gundar FC 0–1 Eastweald
Olask Islanders 1–1 Klyde
Stoneshore United 0–0 Mallox
FC Samotath 1–0 Pelethas United

Shit, what an absolutely dreary day of football. Five of the nine matches are 0-0 draws. Three of the remaining four matches feature only a solitary goal. Five. total. goals. In 820+ combined minutes of play. But, of course, on a day with only three losers, AC Holmenkollen find a way to be one of them. They're solid defensively for long stretches - as to be expected under the whip of Minnie Lotuda - but hardly see the ball. Given Crawford's quality in the final third, it was only a matter of time before they sparked some magic when given unlimited opportunity. There was nothing Holmenkollen's defenders could do but watch when Jorit Van Kruistum looped in a brilliant running cross from the right, placed indefensibly in-step into the path of Kim Coultan, who nicked the ball past Kearney first-time to continue Crawford's positive start to the second half of the season.

Cygnus Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Mierton Manatees 0-2 _{(0-3 agg.)} Real Azuris

A slightly rotated Real Azuris is able to coast to a routine win with Andrew Arrowsword leading the way while Fraser and Bowditch rest. With an inspirational roar, Arrowsword pummeled young Bryger Tidesson's cross into the back of the net in the 9th minute to dampen the mood in Taeshan early. The sight sucked the fight out of the Manatees. Experienced Fraser-backup Phioricus Jernigan scored a heady goal in the 66th minute to seal Azuris' semifinals berth in the Cup Winners' Cup.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 20
Ramusok United 0–1 FC Samotath
Pelethas United 0–1 Stoneshore United
Mallox 1–2 Olask Islanders
Klyde 0–0 West Gundar FC
Eastweald 1–1 Real Azuris
Cassandra City 1–1 OAS Royal FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
Crawford City FC 2–1 Samaj FC
Zakhoro Aces 6–3 FC Kaldukosic

It's official. The Zakhoro Aces were no first-half-of-the-season fluke. After Ramusok United are downed by Gwinevra Harmonium's flying header and Eastweald and Real Azuris split the points at Old Weldenskirgen, the Aces crash the title race in style. It seemed like it would be FC Kaldukosic's morning when Georgina Wadimu split the Zakhoro defense to set up Kevin Stabb in the 7th minute and Bennett Perkins followed suit three minutes later with an acute strike to the far side-netting, but... things can change quickly in this sport. Ville Pakkanen got sent off for a studs-up challenge in the 36th minute and Cervante Richard followed him out after picking up a second yellow shortly after the restart. Suddenly finding herself with a two-man advantage, Isla Safarova sent her Aces on the offensive... and the floodgates opened. FC Kaldukosic's bright 2-0 start was erased within ten minutes. And the Aces just kept going, ratcheting up to a 6-2 lead by the 82nd minute. Burgeoning superstar Temuge preyed upon the 9-man FC Kal to score twice and help his new partner-in-crime Kurtis Samarqand bag his first career hat trick. With Gutinho masterful in midfield behind them, the Aces have an attack that is rolling on all cylinders. The most viral highlight of the weekend, however, was Galasgoldas Tathtauré's 92nd minute equalizer that maintained OAS Royal's UICA position at Cassandra City's expense. After being pushed from behind by Catheline Boag while breaking clear on goal, the confident elf could've easily gone down. Instead, he wagged a sassy finger back at Boag while simultaneously rounding Calogero Metz and slotting home. Savage.

AOCL Group Stage

P Group A                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   RAz  CFC  HsD  ArC              
1 Real Azuris                   6   4  2  0   14   5  +9   14    —   0–0  3–2  2–0
2 Carter FC                     6   3  2  1   11   7  +4   11   1–4   —   1–0  6–1
3 Hastmead Diamante             6   2  1  3    7   8  −1    7   0–0  1–2   —   1–0
4 Arlington Crew                6   0  1  5    6  18 −12    1   2–5  1–1  2–3   —

Impressively, Real Azuris top an AOCL group that included traditional powers like Hastmead and Carter after doing the same in the Champions' Cup. Lujendra Mescalin is pushing all the right buttons and making all the right decisions with this squad right now. Their away triumphs (4-1 in Commerce Heights, 5-2 in West Guiana... even 0-0 in Osarius can be considered a triumph) speak volumes. There's a sense that Real Azuris aren't fucking around like a lot of Cosumarite teams in the past. They could actually force their way into the region's upper echelon and win this thing.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 21
Zakhoro Aces 1–3 Ramusok United
FC Kaldukosic 0–2 Crawford City FC
Samaj FC 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
AC Holmenkollen 3–1 Cassandra City
OAS Royal FC 4–1 Eastweald
Real Azuris 3–1 Klyde
West Gundar FC 2–1 Mallox
Olask Islanders 2–0 Pelethas United
Stoneshore United 2–4 FC Samotath

The high that was palpable in the air in Zakhoro after last week wears off when league leaders Ramusok United pay them a visit at Zapt Park. United take a 3-0 lead in a smash-and-grab in the first half hour, and it gets worse when Aces MVP Temuge limps off with a wince and a hand on his thigh shortly thereafter. Aces fans will be collectively holding their breath for the medical report. They're still in the top four, but a serious injury to the current Golden Boot leader could doom their dream season. Crawford City FC continue their four-game winning streak against an FC Kaldukosic side that just can't catch a break this season, Kostas Postecoglou a terror down the left wing, and AC Holmenkollen's own losing streak finally comes to an end thanks to a shocking display of defensive organization from Cassandra City. Arturo Mancini was so displeased (or embarrassed) after Gunnar Brickwalk knifed through his defense for a free header to make it 3-1 that he straight-up walked out of the stadium and waited on the bus. Across the Fiefdom on Olask Island, the Islanders lent their survival chances a massive boost by defeating fellow relegation fighters Pelethas United with a pair of euphoric goals in the final fifteen minutes (Poxay, Northbourne). Fortunately for Pelethas, 17th-place Klyde also lost: 3-1 to their hated southern rivals in Azuris. Sean Fraser is always just that much better in Azuris, and the Real supporters were chanting his name after he delivered them a second Klyde Isle Derby win this season with a free kick goal, a dive that led to Arrowsword's penalty and an assist to Sandra Sybill. Fraser was the Player of the Week, narrowly edging out countryman Leonídas Bregoo, who powered OAS Royal to a marquee victory over 2nd-place Eastweald to pull the Whites back into the title race.

Cygnus Cup Semifinals, First Leg
Real Azuris 4-3 Celtic Noviodunum (NGD)

Lujendra Mescalin won't be happy with conceding three away goals or nearly choking away a 3-1 lead, but even he was jumping along with the rest of MasseMord Stadium when Florentin Lachance slipped into the box and swept a low shot between the legs of the Celtic keeper in the 89th minute to steal the lead back. "These clubs from New Gelderland, they're always tough to play against in UICA competition. I think we underestimated them a little bit," Mescalin said. "We'll have to be at the top of our game when we visit them for the second leg. Our goal is to make the Final for a chance to bring home our first international trophy."

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 22
Ramusok United 3–1 Stoneshore United
FC Samotath 2–1 Olask Islanders
Pelethas United 1–1 West Gundar FC
Mallox 1–3 Real Azuris
Klyde 1–3 OAS Royal FC
Eastweald 1–1 AC Holmenkollen
Cassandra City 5–1 Samaj FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–1 FC Kaldukosic
Crawford City FC 0–3 Zakhoro Aces

Cassandra City put Samaj through the shredder to draw within shooting distance of the Hunters on the outskirts of the UICA zone, all three strikers (Goulding, Tortuu, Zelaya) and right back Boag scoring. Samaj keeper Kerwin Maston added the fifth himself on a clumsy own goal, mishandling a Zelaya cross blazed across the face of goal. Midweek, folks in Zakhoro had mixed emotions when news came through that Temuge's thigh injury was not serious... but that he would be sitting out from the weekend's highly-anticipated Southwestern Derby in Crawford as a precaution. But as it turns out, the Aces did just fine without their talisman this time. Right winger Nathael stepped up to help fill the void, crackling with life every time the ball came his way. He ended up with his first career brace, proverbially wiping the Aces' unexpected 1009 success in the face of all 50,000 smug Crawfordites in attendance. In the weekend's other news, Ramusok United continue to not fuck up for a little longer, turning in another confident 3-1 victory (their favorite scoreline of late) with Théberge and Culbreth (twice) each feasting on delightful Kira Jonassen long balls to do the honors. Under the radar, FC Samotath have been quietly racking up wins recently to re-enter the UICA picture while Eastweald are quietly winless in three despite Amokachi's acrobatic volleyed goal this week. Formerly entrenched in 2nd, the Elves have let Ramusok United drift away in front a little and allowed the likes of Azuris, OAS and Zakhoro to draw neck-and-neck with them.

Cygnus Cup Semifinals, Second Leg
Celtic Noviodunum (NGD) 1-0 _{(4a-4 agg.)} Real Azuris

Finally, in the semifinals, the Cygnus Cup is the first of their three international competitions that Real Azuris exit. Credit Celtic Noviodunum goalkeeper Eliot Horn for five massive saves and goalscorer Kira Koromin for doing her best impression of her brother Kel to jig past Hector Grier and punch a rapid shot inside Ozuna's near post. The Real Azuris players are bitterly disappointed to miss out on a Final, but they still have a few more chances to make one happen this season.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 23
Crawford City FC 3–3 Ramusok United
Zakhoro Aces 2–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
FC Kaldukosic 3–1 Cassandra City
Samaj FC 4–1 Eastweald
AC Holmenkollen 4–3 Klyde
OAS Royal FC 3–4 Mallox
Real Azuris 0–2 Pelethas United
West Gundar FC 0–0 FC Samotath
Olask Islanders 0–0 Stoneshore United

Lots of thrilling finishes, clutch individual performances, and impactful results this weekend! Best matchday so far this season! Too much went down to accurately recapture all the excitement for you, so let's just try to speed through it all. Hannah Alcouin trotted out a World Cup-esque performance for Crawford City FC, but her awe-inspiring solo hat trick still wasn't enough for three CCFC points as young left back Atticus Hattingh (of all people) bagged a last minute equalizer for Ramusok United (in his first start in place of injured regular Seon Jin Kang) to maintain United's lead atop the table. A loss would've been forgiven by Gareth Bournemouth anyways because Eastweald and Real Azuris simultaneously suffered more alarming setbacks of their own. Eastweald were caught out by four Samaj FC counters, Darrius Columbine having a jolly old time turning in three of the rapidfire sequences to the roar of a bloodthirsty local crowd, and Real Azuris' B-team showed why they won't be the ones starting in the Champions' Cup in four days. Mescalin's mix of veteran back-ups and inexperienced teenagers fell flat at home as tireless Pelethas eventually imposed their will late through young Linn-Katrin Hairenbyrne and Kurt Wolff.

Meanwhile, long-struggling Holmenkollen and Kaldukosic showed signs of life with resilient wins, lifted up by the belief of their home supporters. Holmenkollen, finally getting results under Minnie Lotuda, are out of last place for the first time all season after coming back from a Sophia Trevelyan goal down three times (she had a hat trick) against new bottom-feeder Klyde before Brickwalk blasted home a winner from the top of the box in stoppage time. Massive six-point swing in the relegation fight. And that wasn't even the only 4-3 winner on the day. It was quite a scene at The Royal Palace as OAS and Mallox elicited flashbacks to their glorious 980s duels with a scintillating end-to-end showcase of pace and guile. Mallox have nestled into the top half this season on the strength of their defense and midfield work rate, but OAS always seem to bring out this other side of them. And, against the odds, the orange-clad underdogs actually beat Royal at their own game. Cassandra Kilgallon ripped OAS hearts out when she pranced to the byline in the 86th minute and squirted a ball back to the middle, which Soren Winterkorn stumbled to reach but still managed to rake through the diving arms of Johannes Sindelaar and across the line. Ah, classic stuff. Oh yeah, and somewhere in the middle of it all, Olask and Stoneshore made history..... by playing quite possibly the most boring 95 minutes in the history of the sport. Typical.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
Cednia Beach AFC (TUR) 2-2 Real Azuris

Back to the international competition that people really care about! The Breakers are deer in the headlights in the first half, going down 2-0 (Kryhata Calanndi brace) amidst a suffocating Turori atmosphere and sparking halftime debate about whether Cosumarite clubs are "ready" for this level. They weren't much better to start the second half, nearly giving away a third goal, but you know what they say: goals change games. Only it wasn't one of the veteran leaders who inspired Real Azuris to turn things around, but rather, 19-year-old Andrew Arrowsword. The Cenian singlehandedly powered through the Cednia defense for a goal of sheer determination in the 66th minute, grabbed the ball, and rallied his team back to the center circle with a fist raised in the air. They responded. After pinning the Turorians back in their own half for a series of near-misses, Sandra Sybill finally unlocked the key pass, playing in Ronan Bowditch for a clean first-time finish. In the end, despite shitting their pants in the first half, the Breakers ride a wave of confidence back to Cosumar with two away goals in hand. Could be worse.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
Castleford Athletic (TMB) 1-1 Klyde

Klyde do a job in Tumbra with several of their older players resting, Sophia Trevelyan converting an egregious 33rd minute handball penalty. Blinne Va'Tuaras would rather have not conceded that 88th minute equalizer to a 10-man opponent, but it's still set up well for Klyde to take care of business at The Sportsplex in the second leg.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 24
Ramusok United 2–2 Olask Islanders
Stoneshore United 2–1 West Gundar FC
FC Samotath 0–3 Real Azuris
Pelethas United 3–2 OAS Royal FC
Mallox 0–3 AC Holmenkollen
Klyde 1–1 Samaj FC
Eastweald 0–4 FC Kaldukosic
Cassandra City 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–1 Crawford City FC

What is even going on anymore? OAS Royal are left in a daze in Pelethas after Juquinho's would've-been 3-3 equalizer at the death rattled both posts AND Kingsley's back and still stayed out. Strugglers AC Holmenkollen and FC Kaldukosic entered Gellano Fief lion dens Orange Palace and Old Weldenskirgen and won by a combined 7-0. Gunnar Brickwalk was the difference-maker for Holmenkollen in midfield, bullying Mallox's Till Ümann into submission and masterfully setting the attack in motion. Gargantuan but baby-faced teenage left back Thelonious Grandstaber also kept scrappy winger Kilgallon in check in his first career start. Kaldukosic were able to stun Eastweald at their own fortress thanks to a vintage ANL defensive performance from grizzled Semar legend Jakob Lunds and some top-drawer saves by Ael Koron. Then, with Amokachi and De Marisco out of sync and frustrated (the former ranting to the air in animated fashion), FC Kaldukosic were able to cash-in in the second half with 59th, 66th, 78th and 89th minute goals from their full cast of attacking midfielders (Simmons III, Wadimu, Perkins, Meratyn). Real Azuris, similarly, have that scary look in their eyes again after trampling FC Samotath at Alesund Stadion, showing shades of 1008 with Sean Fraser and Ronan Bowditch rampant - finding each other for three goals.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Real Azuris 1-1 _{(3a-3 agg.)} Cednia Beach AFC (TUR)

Real Azuris squeak through to the Quarterfinals on the strength of that ever-productive Fraser-to-Bowditch connection, though they needed Goal Line Technology to bail them out at the end when the refs initially (but incorrectly) thought Calanndi's frantic stoppage time header went over the line after deflecting under the crossbar.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Klyde 1-0 _{(2-1 agg.)} Castleford Athletic (TMB)

They love Sophia Trevelyan in North Klyde Fief. Nuff said.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 25
!Treftadaeth Alliance 2–0 Ramusok United
Crawford City FC 0–1 Cassandra City
Zakhoro Aces 0–1 Eastweald
FC Kaldukosic 3–4 Klyde
Samaj FC 1–1 Mallox
AC Holmenkollen 0–0 Pelethas United
OAS Royal FC 3–0 FC Samotath
Real Azuris 2–2 Stoneshore United
West Gundar FC 4–0 Olask Islanders

Eastweald needed that. After taking media heat for both her performance and antics in last week's 4-0 loss, Penumbra Amokachi responded by putting her head down and dragging the Elves back within touching distance of the top with a crucial 1-0 result in Zakhoro. The Nepharim icon was a constant threat, lashing the deciding goal in under the crossbar in the 20th minute and constantly pressuring the Aces' defenders with more zeal than we've seen all season from anyone. She was hellbent and her fingerprints were apparent in every facet of the Elves' performance. At the other end of the table, Klyde are relieved to come out on the winning end of a 4-3 thriller in Kaldukosic to avoid being cut adrift in last place. Thanks to Deon Partell's trio of well-timed headers in the middle (one-upping Kevin Stabb's headed brace), the Doves draw within three points of Kaldukosic's Relegation Playoff spot. "I may have won the Sekundar Ligan Silver Boot last season, but I never want to play in that league again," Partell said after the match. "We are not going to be the ones to stain the legacy of Klyde Football Club with a second relegation." But someone has to go down. West Gundar took a big step forward in obtaining their safety today. Florent Marcssen, off-and-on this season in Cisse's playmaking role, had one of his "on" days, toying with the Olask Islanders. He chipped Sutton for a lovely opening goal and later scooped a ball over the defense onto the chest of Romikk Valgard, who brought it down mid-run and half-volleyed it into the top corner for his second goal of the day. Charlie Alotic added a fourth late, continuing to thrive as a super-sub against fatigued opponents.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 26
Ramusok United 1–0 West Gundar FC
Olask Islanders 1–3 Real Azuris
Stoneshore United 2–1 OAS Royal FC
FC Samotath 1–2 AC Holmenkollen
Pelethas United 1–0 Samaj FC
Mallox 0–0 FC Kaldukosic
Klyde 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
Eastweald 3–1 Crawford City FC
Cassandra City 2–1 Treftadaeth Alliance

Penumbra Amokachi and Hannah Alcouin go head-to-head and both live up to the headline billing with well-taken early strikes, but Amokachi's supporting cast makes the difference as Eastweald go on to defeat Crawford 3-1 behind a swerving Mina Mordini goal in the 77th minute and Dan Quesadillas' tidy finish of Eva Velasquez's squared ball from the left in the 84th. Two points ahead of them, Real Azuris rest several players for the AOCL Quarterfinals but are still too hot for the Olask Islanders to handle. The locals in Olask get excited when Kanan Abboud flicks a Noah Silvio corner into the back of the net in just the 2nd minute, but Mortimer Chisenhall answers with a corner goal of his own in the 28th minute and Sybill and Astor Zigfield strike in the second half. Bottom two AC Holmenkollen and Klyde both win to mount the pressure on FC Kaldukosic in 16th. Corey Simmons Jr. must now start to acknowledge the very real possibility of relegation and adjust his tactics accordingly. Local girl Elena Culbreth was the hero once again in Ramusok as she kept United top with a sliding 89th minute winner poked between the legs of Nidal Haddad and past wrong-footed Kooistra. If Blues' fans thought her transfer saga was bad last offseason, the demand for her services overseas is going to be five times more intense in a few months. The Globe Cup picture has also shifted this week. The Zakhoro Aces have finally cooled down and dipped out of the top five, Temuge not quite the same since his thigh injury. They are replaced by Arturo Mancini's Cassandra City, who also leapfrog OAS Royal into 4th after Constantine Champali's men fell victim to Stoneshore's tough interior defense and red-hot Refik Penterzen on the counter. Samaj too could've ascended past Royal with a win, but instead are dragged back under the water by Pelethas. The Miners stay afloat in lower-midtable thanks to an unbridled performance from mercurial teen Saltorious Splitt, who finally got one to stick after sending about fifty other long-range efforts into orbit.

AOCL Quarterfinals, First Leg
Guerra (USI) 0-0 Real Azuris

AOCL Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Real Azuris 3-1 Guerra (USI)

Guerra are tough to break down in an intimately hostile setting on the Western Sunrise Islands, but their defensive weaknesses are exposed when they make the trek north to Cosumar. Fraser, Arrowsword and Lachance all score in the last fifteen minutes of the first half and Mescalin promptly switches out three starters for the second half. Gotta stay fresh with all this unprecedented congestion Real Azuris are dealing with: going deep in the King's Cup, Champions' Cup, Cygnus Cup and AOCL. How will it all play out for them? Stay tuned...

1009 Harlighet Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Ramusok United         26   13   8   5    43   23  +20    47
 2  Real Azuris            26   13   7   6    45   30  +15    46
 3  Eastweald              26   12   8   6    54   38  +16    44
 4  Cassandra City         26   11   8   7    45   30  +15    41
 5  OAS Royal FC           26   11   7   8    43   31  +12    40
 6  Zakhoro Aces           26   12   3  11    43   37   +6    39
 7  FC Samotath            26   11   5  10    38   37   +1    38
 8  Samaj FC               26   10   8   8    35   36   −1    38
 9  Treftadaeth Alliance   26   11   4  11    36   43   −7    37
10  Mallox                 26    9   9   8    25   31   −6    36
11  Stoneshore United      26    8  11   7    34   34    0    35
12  Pelethas United        26    9   5  12    26   34   −8    32
13  Crawford City FC       26    8   6  12    37   39   −2    30
14  West Gundar FC         26    8   6  12    38   42   −4    30
15  Olask Islanders        26    8   6  12    28   38  −10    30
16  FC Kaldukosic          26    6   8  12    45   57  −12    26
17  AC Holmenkollen        26    7   5  14    27   41  −14    26
18  Klyde                  26    5  10  11    31   52  −21    25


Golden Boot Leader:   Temuge (15)

Keenan Athletic returned from the midseason break with a spring in their step, going 7-1-1 in the ensuing nine games to rise up the table and secure the top spot going into the home stretch. Longtime Electrumite striker Mischa Frederick caught fire and scored a goal in all nine matches. IFK Aldenskoett, the preseason favorites, have also found a groove in the second half of the season. If their resplendent form continues, any one of Nikita Lundgren, Teor Rwang or Karlus Sjunitsson could be in with a Sekundar Ligan MVP shout. Goldstaff City, meanwhile, are still hot on the trail of becoming the first new team to earn a Harlighet Ligan debut since Klyde Heritage five years ago.

1009 Sekundar Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Keenan Athletic           26   14   6   6    43   35   +8    48
 2  IFK Aldenskoett           26   14   4   8    37   24  +13    46
 3  Na'Malsille Mariners      26   13   6   7    36   22  +14    45
 4  Goldstaff City            26   13   5   8    37   26  +11    44
 5  Helfin Fief               26   13   4   9    38   35   +3    43
 6  Versiaville               26   13   3  10    24   16   +8    42
 7  Nomad Brotherhood FC      26   11   8   7    46   29  +17    41
 8   Fevelo Colony             26   10   7   9    32   29   +3    37
 9  Pristine Forest           26   10   7   9    34   40   −6    37
10  Morponte Fief             26    9   8   9    21   27   −6    35
11  Gwynt Tywyll              26    9   7  10    23   22   +1    34
12  Klyde Heritage            26    8   9   9    19   18   +1    33
13  Centus Serpents           26    7  10   9    40   34   +6    31
14  Revanigruud Riversharks   26    8   7  11    33   47  −14    31
15  Ziemelu Skaida            26    8   5  13    27   35   −8    29
16  Yambridge FC              26    6   8  12    34   42   −8    26
17  Bergtatt Isle Athletic    26    4   9  13    31   47  −16    21
18  FC Flen                   26    4   7  15    28   55  −27    19

1009 Tredje Ligan           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  AFC Obscura 98           32   19   6   7    30   15  +15    63
 2  Fort Archer FC           32   17   7   8    67   40  +27    58
 3  Pardock Island           32   16   9   7    70   51  +19    57
 4   Braylor Town             32   16   8   8    51   33  +18    56
 5  Riverside Crew           32   15   9   8    41   35   +6    54
 6  Regalia City             32   16   6  10    45   41   +4    54
 7    Sindo Fief               32   15   8   9    41   31  +10    53
 8  Rexnor District 3        32   14  11   7    23   13  +10    53
 9    DeFinko Magni Blandinn   32   14   9   9    47   35  +12    51
10  Otkins Numenvernia       32   11  12   9    50   53   −3    45
11    West Devellin            32   12   8  12    43   47   −4    44
12  Portsmouth FC            32   12   7  13    45   45    0    43
13  Nuur Origins FC          32   11   9  12    48   40   +8    42
14  Gnoss Gallants AFC       32   10  10  12    23   20   +3    40
15  Larkinham Town           32   11   7  14    51   49   +2    40
16  Sepultura                32    9   7  16    40   50  −10    34
17  Everlong                 32    7  11  14    38   54  −16    32
18    White Tower FC           32    7  10  15    33   42   −9    31
19    Caledon Legion           32    8   7  17    38   62  −24    31
20  Tamiat Town              32    7   8  17    23   44  −21    29
21  Sarmon FC                32    5  11  16    36   54  −18    26
22  Silk FC                  32    6   8  18    28   57  −29    26

Division represented in parenthesis (H--->S--->T--->L1--->L2)

Round of 16
Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) 3–5 Treftadaeth Alliance (H)
Salfa City (L1) 1–2 FC Kaldukosic (H)
Gwynt Tywyll (S) 1–3 Samaj FC (H)
Mallox (H) 0–1 Klyde (H)
Nomad Brotherhood (S) 2–0 Zakhoro Aces (H)
AFC Obscura 98 (T) 4–5 Eastweald (H)
Fort Archer FC (T) 3–3 (3–3 AET) (3–4 pen.) Real Azuris (H)
Centus Serpents (S) 3–2 Pelethas United (H)

The two Lower League colonial sides leave their blood and guts on the pitch in front of national audiences, but ultimately bow out 5-3 and 2-1 to Harlighet Ligan opposition. Nomad Brotherhood and Centus Serpents, however, carried the Sekundar Ligan banner into the Quarterfinals by punching out the Zakhoro Aces and Pelethas United, respectively. Centus striker Magali Quaranta made Harlighet Ligan scouts write down his name with a two-footed brace that buried the Miners early. Sekundar Ligan compatriots Clwb Gwynt Tywyll nearly completed a perfect round for the second division, pushing Eastweald to the edge, but Dan Quesadillas' experience and quality was too much in the end. The Mertian star spared Monica Brightwater the stress of extra time by scoring his fourth goal of the match with the final touch. 5-4, Eastweald. With Real Azuris' B-team navigating through late perils of their own in the same half of the bracket, the fans and pundits are already licking their lips at the prospect of a titanic Azuris-Eastweald semifinals clash. The other side of the bracket is more wide open, with Klyde eying a second straight semifinals appearance after Sophia Trevelyan's nifty backheeled finish put them past Mallox.

Quarterfinals
Treftadaeth Alliance (H) 4–3 FC Kaldukosic (H)
Samaj FC (H) 1–2 Klyde (H)
Nomad Brotherhood (S) 2–2 (2–3 AET) Eastweald (H)
Real Azuris (H) 3–0 Centus Serpents (S)

Talented teenager Scylla Xkoranate rises to the occasion for Treftadaeth, assisting twice and scoring too to help the Astronomers overcome a Kevin Stabb hat trick and advance past FC Kaldukosic. It is Treftadaeth Alliance's deepest ever cup run. Xkoranate wasn't the only teenage hero in the Quarterfinals - Kárpáty Alexander stepped up and flashed a winning bullet header past Kerwin Maston in the 80th minute for Klyde. Real Azuris dispatched the Centus Serpents without hardly breaking a sweat, but Nomad Brotherhood had Eastweald teetering on the edge for a bit. Penumbra Amokachi ultimately delivered an extra time winner with a burst of pace and a powerful finish, but Eastweald fans were made to keep their heart medication nearby again. But all that matters is that they made it to the Semifinals, where defending cupholders Real Azuris await...

Semifinals Fixtures

Treftadaeth Alliance vs. Klyde FC
@ Leviathan Arena (99.114), Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief

Eastweald vs. Real Azuris
@ The Amphitheatre (60.000), Cassandra, Cresscalus Fief

...

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Jan 28, 2017 3:54 am

Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
Real Azuris 0-1 Celtic Noviodunum (NGD)

Here Real Azuris are at last, after years of domestic dominance, on the biggest of international stages with a chance to make a statement. A statement of their own worthiness and quality as a team, and of the Cosumarite game as a whole. Against the same Celtic side that just knocked them out of the Cygnus Cup Semifinals, no less. Unfortunately, the Breakers play the first leg with the weight of that opportunity pressing down heavily upon them. They're tight, anxious. Trying too hard to force things to happen instead of relying on their natural chemistry and flow. Celtic play it cool and patiently absorb the overeager attacks before striking on the break through Kira Koromin in the 61st minute. Real need to win in New Gelderland in the second leg to continue Cosumar's first CC foray.

Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
Club Marítimo (SJG) 3-1 Klyde

Klyde are simply second-best in San Jose Guayabal. Deon Partell struck early for the Doves (16'), but further quality chances would be scarce. While the Klyde players would love to pursue an international trophy, their minds must surely be focused on what looks set to be a historically-tight relegation scrap back home this year.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 27
Cassandra City 4–0 Ramusok United
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–4 Eastweald
Crawford City FC 1–0 Klyde
Zakhoro Aces 2–1 Mallox
FC Kaldukosic 1–2 Pelethas United
Samaj FC 4–0 FC Samotath
AC Holmenkollen 0–0 Stoneshore United
OAS Royal FC 5–0 Olask Islanders
Real Azuris 1–4 West Gundar FC

Eastweald go top for the first time since Matchday 3 (by a couple goals' difference, but top nonetheless) after an inspired Penumbra Amokachi, looking increasingly adapted to the Cosumarite game (and knowing it), plundered Alliance's cement-legged defence for three goals in the last ten minutes (80', 84', 86') with her devilishly clever runs and pinpoint accuracy. Ramusok United, leaders since before the midseason break, slip back into second after getting caught in a Storm of Fury in Cassandra. The Reds and their raucous supporters had this opportunity for vengeance circled on the calendar, as evidenced by the massive tifo bragging about "ruining United title bids since 1000" (history repeating itself?). The Reds backed it up and exacted revenge for the 3-1 loss their rivals dealt them earlier in the season. Marcos Zelaya was at his best, getting young fullback Tug Cooper to trip over his shoestrings with a dizzying bit of skill before curling to the far post. Yevhen Bardsen whipped a pair of resplendent short-range free kicks into the back of the net to flummox Felix Shax, and Bellerophon Serafino fittingly sealed the Ramusok's misery with a 30-foot laser in stoppage time. There was nothing Gareth Bournemouth could do - Cassandra City were simply a force of nature on the day. 4-0. Many performances this weekend could also be classified as "forces of nature". OAS Royal were already cruising to a 3-0 victory over their lackluster visitors from Olask when Nepharim veteran Oskar Montag came on in the 71st minute and flashed his Sabrefell Moths form with a quick brace of pure class. Rachel Del Arro swung in sumptuous delivery after sumptuous delivery from the left in Samaj's 4-0 deconstruction of Holguin's FC Samotath, three of which were nodded in for goals to give her a hat trick of assists. And we didn't even get to Romikk Valgard torching Viviano Milani for a brace or Rowan Varghese's dagger assist and goal in Kaldukosic.

Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Celtic Noviodunum 0-1 _{(1-1 agg.)} Real Azuris
Real Azuris advance on penalties, 5-4

The story of the CC Quarterfinals is August Ozuna. With his four critical regular-time saves and the game-winning shootout save, the Audioslav international kept Real Azuris in the tie and allowed their attacking cast to do just enough to send them to the semis. Amazingly, it was 16-year-old prodigy Bryger Tidesson who delivered the one required goal - in the 74th minute. Pouncing with the quickest reaction on a Florentin Lachance free kick that dropped unclaimed in the middle of the box, Tidesson scrambled to shift the ball onto his strong right foot, leaned back and lifted it into the roof of the net! His reaction of disbelief as disappointment rang in New Gelderland was priceless. This what dreams are made of! Everyone knows the Cosumar DBC international now. The job that center-halves Milani and Grier did to keep the dangerous Koromin sheathed for 120 minutes cannot be understated either.

Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Klyde 3-3 _{(4-6 agg.)} Club Marítimo

Klyde come out swinging home, transparent in their all-in pursuit of goals. They got enough of them (a 3-0 result would have sent them through) but unfortunately the lead-grabbing goals of Nic Farkanhan, Kárpáty Alexander and Partell were all equalized by Marítimo counterparts. It was good to see them put up a valorous fight deep in international competition, but it is now time for Blinne Va'Tuarus to dial in on the relegation battle with only seven Harlighet Ligan matches remaining.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 28
Ramusok United 1–1 Real Azuris
West Gundar FC 1–3 OAS Royal FC
Olask Islanders 2–1 AC Holmenkollen
Stoneshore United 0–1 Samaj FC
FC Samotath 1–1 FC Kaldukosic
Pelethas United 1–1 Zakhoro Aces
Mallox 1–2 Crawford City FC
Klyde 3–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Eastweald 1–3 Cassandra City

This is shaping up to be one of the closest and most tightly-contested Harlighet Ligan seasons in history. Five clubs within two points of each other in the title race. Cassandra City must now be taken seriously as legit contenders for the first time this season after drawing level with incumbent leaders Eastweald with a rousing 3-1 victory at Old Weldenskirgen. Marcos Zelaya has been dynamite for Cassandra City in the second half of the season - overseeing their current five-game winning streak by scoring in each one. He also set up academy favorite Charles Dyer Vry for the third goal with a breathtaking one-in-a-million long diagonal pass. It spliced perfectly through several Eastweald defenders from across the field, Dyer Vry somehow surging ahead of Jefferson to get on the end of it with speed we didn't know he had and poking it around sliding Esteban Hernandez. Eastweald and Cassandra City are now in a three-way tie with Real Azuris (47 pts) a point behind Ramusok United (48 pts) after the latter two sides shared the spoils from a terse affair at Fire River. And only a further point behind that trio, rounding out the UICA places, is OAS Royal (46 pts). Constantine Champali's side have been arguably the most consistent performers over the length of the season, instant Område av Storslagenhet favorite Juquinho adding two more goals to his tally this week, but just haven't been able to get over the hump and into the top two. Other headlines included Partell-inspired Klyde ascending out of the relegation zone for the first time in forever, Hannah Alcouin's 91st minute winner at Mallox and a debut professional goal for Samaj striker Vega Zeale-Riddick in her first start - also a winner.

AOCL Semifinals, First Leg
Real Azuris 3-3 Carter FC (COM)

Carter FC exact a measure of revenge on Real Azuris for embarrassing them 4-1 in the group stage. They don't beat Azuris, but they pile up three away goals at the Breakers' own place, erasing a 2-0 half time lead (Lachance, Bowditch) and putting a damper on the home crowd with a penalty in the final minute of regular time. Just like in the Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Real Azuris likely need a win in the second leg to advance. If they can overcome Carter's vastly superior historical experience, Real Azuris could become the first Cosumarite club in the AOCL Final.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 29
Eastweald 1–1 Ramusok United
Cassandra City 1–1 Klyde
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 Mallox
Crawford City FC 3–3 Pelethas United
Zakhoro Aces 3–3 FC Samotath
FC Kaldukosic 2–0 Stoneshore United
Samaj FC 1–0 Olask Islanders
AC Holmenkollen 1–0 West Gundar FC
OAS Royal FC 3–1 Real Azuris

All five Saturday games end in disappointing draws, including three of the top five teams. That made Sunday's Royal-Real fixture a potential battle for 1st place. The struggle for pole position was mirrored on the pitch, as the two star-studded teams struggled desperately for the upper hand straight from the opening whistle. Lachance, Sybill and Söderquist diligently controlled the midfield for Real Azuris in the early goings, but it was OAS who opened the scoring in just the 7th minute. Rowan Gawain intercepted a deflected Lachance pass and immediately sprung the speedy Joost Schuiling on the counter. Schuiling knocked the ball around Söderquist and flew headlong into space. After a quick scan, the Licentian played his opposite winger Alex Rocket on the left. Before marker Mortimer Chisenhall had a chance to react, Rocket cut inside and stroked the top corner with his right foot. Still determined to reclaim their Harlighet Ligan throne, Real Azuris answered in less than five minutes through Bowditch. But the party-waiting-to-happen at The Royal Palace wouldn't be contained for long. In the 16th minute, Leonídas Bregoo elicited a deafening roar and even some scattered chants of "MVP" when he put OAS back up 2-1 with an emphatic follow-up of Galasgoldas Tathtauré's saved shot. The energy level and tempo of these fit, pacy sides remained high as the match wore on, but the quality of finishing did not. 2-1 it stayed after a litany of near-misses by Juquinho and particularly Sean Fraser, until finally Rocket put the match away late with his second of the night. OAS Royal are in 1st place as we begin the five-match countdown. What decade are we in again?

...But five matches is so many when you only lead on goal differential (thanks to Théberge rescuing a point for Ram United at Eastweald) and now have SIX clubs within a single win of the top. That new sixth team? Samaj. The Hunters have flown just under the radar all season, always a notch below the top five, but have now entered the ring after hitting stride the last three matches (all wins). The media have anointed starlet-in-the-making Vega Zeale-Riddick as the shining heroine. She did score euphoric 1-0 winners in each of the last two matches (her first two starts in place of Ross Rowe), but Luiz Varezzi also has Samaj playing flawless team defense. They haven't allowed more than a single goal in a match in about two months. It's way too soon for Samaj fans to start planning their days off work, but this is the best chance they've ever had of international soccer if they can hold serve. But clouded by the Dark Side of Margaret, the UICA picture still is. As is the relegation picture. It has long been assumed that at least two of the well-established east coast trio of Holmenkollen, Klyde and Kaldukosic would go down, but all three have been doing better lately and they've collectively narrowed the gap between them and the next tier (Olask, West Gundar) to just three points.

AOCL Semifinals, Second Leg
Carter FC 3-3 (4-4 AET) _{(7-7 agg.)} Real Azuris
Real Azuris advance on away goals

Ohhh, man. *Sigh* What a doozy. Talking heads across the region are already heatedly debating the legitimacy of this result, but Real Azuris are through to the AOCL Final. Why the controversy? Well, Carter and Azuris replicated the same 3-3 result in Commerce Heights that they did in Cosumar. So away goals were even and the game advanced to extra time. Normally in knockout tournaments, away goals are thrown out the window at this point and any tied score at the end of extra time would result in penalties. Apparently, this rule does not exist in the AOCL. Carter scored on a corner at the very beginning of the period, but Andrew Arrowsword scrappily equalized to complete his hat trick ten minutes later. The 120th minute arrived and many players and coaches began to prepare for penalties. But instead, the referee whistled that the game was over, indicating Real Azuris the victors on away goals (4-3). ...Effectively punishing Carter for having to host the only leg in which extra time could be played. As you can imagine, general confusion and then outrage ensued. The Breakers and their staff were hurried out of the stadium in precautionary anticipation of violent reactions. The Azurian players and fans would surely have preferred it to not be in such controversial fashion, but hey, a final is a final. Meanwhile, the Rushmoris and Esportivans are surely having a hearty laugh at our Atlantian shenanigans...

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 30
Ramusok United 0–1 OAS Royal FC
Real Azuris 1–1 AC Holmenkollen
West Gundar FC 1–2 Samaj FC
Olask Islanders 1–0 FC Kaldukosic
Stoneshore United 0–0 Zakhoro Aces
FC Samotath 3–7 Crawford City FC
Pelethas United 0–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Mallox 0–3 Cassandra City
Klyde 0–4 Eastweald

It might just be the biggest Ramusok Derby ever. Final month of the season... Royal and United tied for first place... Belittling banter from Juquinho and Alex Rocket casting Royal in their traditional role as villains... so much on the line. Though there was no shortage of atmosphere at Fire River Arena, good looks at goal were in scarce supply (if you could see through the mass of blue flags, that is) as both defenses stepped up and refused to break. Both pairs of center backs (Fosse - Sigurdsson and Flanningan - Langerak) were truly exemplary, disciplined through every trick respective attacking generals Bregoo and Robin Geirsson threw at them. But one always sensed that this pivotal game would have a winner and a loser. In the 80th minute, it was Alex Rocket who flew into the box on a corner and roped a volley past Felix Shaw to win it for OAS Royal FC. Rocket, the same curly-haired bastard who called Gareth Bournemouth's team a bunch of "mjittas" (particularly rude Cosumarite slang equivalent of 'spineless' or 'wimps') on Instagram three days prior. Of course it was him. OAS Royal villain status confirmed. But hey, they're alone at the top now, and United are dropped to fifth. They earned the right to talk.

Real Azuris players have also made their pride for their international accomplishments very public, but those exertions have drained their league form. They've been just scraping by for awhile now, and reached a new low after tying Holmenkollen this week, dipping out of the UICA zone. Teams that have inched ahead of them like Cassandra City and Samaj FC are getting hot at the right time. It could be tough for Real to haul themselves back into this fight. Meanwhile, the Olask Islanders grinded out a massive 1-0 result over FC Kaldukosic at home - one that likely assures their surprising safety and darkens the clouds over Cosumar's largest city. The candidates for Player of the Week were Hannah Alcouin (first to the 20-goal threshold with a second consecutive brace), Jo de Marisco (had her most magical performance this season repeatedly penetrating Klyde's back line with majestic passes) and old Jol Tortuu (also netted a quality brace as Cassandra City accentuated Mallox's freefall). For the first time in its history, the fan vote for the award was unbelievably split 33.333% each way. So the FSF brass decided they're all Player of the Week. No arguments here.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 31
Klyde 1–3 Ramusok United
Eastweald 3–1 Mallox
Cassandra City 1–0 Pelethas United
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 FC Samotath
Crawford City FC 1–1 Stoneshore United
Zakhoro Aces 4–1 Olask Islanders
FC Kaldukosic 3–3 West Gundar FC
Samaj FC 1–1 Real Azuris
AC Holmenkollen 1–2 OAS Royal FC

Precarious leaders OAS Royal teeter on the verge of a derby meltdown when Alana Acock rifles a deflected shot past Kojo Boakye-Yiadom's left in the 10th minute, giving relegation-motivated Holmenkollen a precious 1-0 lead. The Royal fans that took the monorail across the capital started getting antsy when their phones alerted them that competitors Cassandra City (Bardsen), Eastweald (Amokachi againt archrival Mallox) and Ram United (Théberge) had all taken gone ahead by the 15th minute mark. Each went on to win... but so did OAS Royal, 2-1, after rallying back in the second half. Juquinho was sprung loose on a free kick set-play in the 61st minute. The Apoxian drilled the soft-rolling ball through the crowd and into the lower corner first-time. Later, Pascal Mbubu was felled in the box after scorching Juniper McCallum with his pace, and Leonídas Bregoo confidently sent the winning penalty down the open middle. Real Azuris manager Lujendra Mescalin called his team's visit to Samaj "an absolute must-win", needing all three points to move back into the top five. But not even Mescalin's extra prodding could rally the Breakers to reverse their stale domestic form. Ronan Bowditch pounced on a Samaj defensive error and chipped home early in the second half, but Real Azuris looked out of ideas in possession after that, perhaps distracted by the CC Semifinal looming in three days. Samaj capitalized. Midfield battering ram Valfar (who gave Sybill hell all evening) provided the equalizer Stadion Jägare so desperately yearned for (and Azuris so desperately dreaded) on a rare trailing run into the box. Valfar went over to the supporters and did the honors of firing the celebratory ray gun into the sky, symbolizing the shot that Real's dwindling hopes of repeating just took. Lower in the table, there was some shuffling as Treftadaeth Alliance shuttered FC Samotath's attack to solidify upper-half position, impressive for the smaller North Peninsula club, and Georgina Wadimu single-handedly shouldered FC Kaldukosic up out of the automatic relegation zone with her second and third goals in two matches. Temuge also had a brace in Zakhoro's breezy home win, narrowing the gap behind Hannah Alcouin for the Golden Boot to two.

Champions' Cup Semifinals, First Leg
Rozelle (BRE) 1-1 Real Azuris

It finally feels real as Azuris take the pitch. They are really about to play for a spot in the most massive game in club soccer. Unlike their off-kilter starts in previous rounds, Real Azuris put the pedal to the metal right away - clearly burning to dispel the taste of that Samaj match. Sean Fraser came close in just the 2nd minute, forcing an athletic save low to Jonah Nkutu's right with a sweeping shot that capped off some great passing and moving by the front three. Bowdtich, who once called Rozelle home, forced another diving save in the 7th minute after knocking down a Fraser cross and scuffing it towards the left post. Finally, in the 11th minute, Sandra Sybill made the breakthrough. She simply hammered a hard free kick straight at the wall, but the Rozelle players turned and the ball whistled untouched through a gap and into the back of the net. With a lead and an away goal and a healthy respect for Tevin Lilley, Mescalin immediately reined his team back in a little bit. The more conservative approach worked for awhile. Rozelle registered just one shot on target in the first half. Halftime tactical adjustments by Raven Cullen, however, made the difference. Whatever Cullen did, Lilley found himself with some extra space to operate and run into with his blazing pace. In just the 48th minute, Elsie Drover found Lilley with a booming through ball from deep. Lilley's deft first touch put Grier out of position, and he quickly collected himself and flicked the ball into Ozuna's side-netting. 1-1. Despite a couple more decent chances each way, the score would hold to the final whistle. Everything for Real Azuris to play for in the second leg in front of their hyped-up fans at MasseMord Stadium.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 32
Ramusok United 2–4 AC Holmenkollen
OAS Royal FC 2–5 Samaj FC
Real Azuris 1–3 FC Kaldukosic
West Gundar FC 1–1 Zakhoro Aces
Olask Islanders 2–2 Crawford City FC
Stoneshore United 3–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
FC Samotath 5–2 Cassandra City
Pelethas United 1–0 Eastweald
Mallox 1–1 Klyde

WHAT. THE. FUCK. Nothing goes how it should. Nothing. Whether it was nerves or something else, all the big teams at the top self-destruct despite having every possible motivation not to. Real Azuris are eliminated from championship contention (the rest of Cosumar singing Hallelujah) by an FC Kaldukosic side with a gun to its head, Ramusok United are likewise caught off-guard by the energy and ruthless finishing of derby visitors AC Holmenkollen (Lili Riprov brace), Cassandra City open themselves up too much in Samotath and are made to pay 5-2 (all four Samo attackers scoring) and 2nd-placed (heh) Eastweald are held off by a Pelethas side running out some youth with nothing to play for. Yikes. To top it off, leaders OAS Royal (somehow still leaders) lose to red-hot Samaj FC in an avalanche of goals from Darrius Columbine and Rachel Del Arro. Absolute shocker in defense from Fosse to Boakye-Yiadom in goal. Samaj FC have all the momentum in the world at the right time - they're undefeated in ten matches with two to play - and now with a shot at the title thanks to all the losses above them this week. Their first ever UICA berth looks like it's in the bag, but can they pull off an even bigger miracle? In other news, Klyde are in dire straits in last after failing to match the wins of Holmenkollen and Kaldukosic, Hannah Alcouin scored yet another brace in yet another CCFC draw, and Kurtis Samarqand spectacularly kept the Aces' UICA hopes alive with a 94th minute bicycled equalizer at suddenly-relegation-frightened West Gundar.

Champions' Cup Semifinals, Second Leg
Real Azuris 2-1 _{(3-2 agg.)} Rozelle

Ronan Bowditch must still harbor resentment for Rozelle from his time at Rozelle United. Again in Leg 2, he stepped up and terrorized his countrymen to Real Azuris' benefit. His cracking long-range shot gave the South Klydian side a 2-1 aggregate edge in the 20th minute. Later, in the 55th minute, Bowditch's tricky dribbling on the right and a smart layoff allowed his 16-year-old understudy Bryger Tidesson to run up and pick out the top corner, fresh off the bench. Since Matilda Ferrell had equalized everything just prior, and no more goals ensued, Tidesson's strike was the deciding goal once again. The fearless teenager, who doesn't even have a driving license yet, has sent his club to the Champions' Cup Final. Judging by the overjoyed songs echoing across downtown Azuris all night, Tidesson could retire at 16 and be a club legend forevermore. As for Bowditch, his status was already set in stone.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 33
Mallox 2–1 Ramusok United
Klyde 2–2 Pelethas United
Eastweald 4–4 FC Samotath
Cassandra City 4–0 Stoneshore United
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–3 Olask Islanders
Crawford City FC 1–1 West Gundar FC
Zakhoro Aces 0–4 Real Azuris
FC Kaldukosic 0–0 OAS Royal FC
Samaj FC 0–2 AC Holmenkollen

...And the cookie starts to crumble. Klyde FC, so recently one of the big shiny institutions of the Harlighet Ligan, are locked into their second relegation in three years. They tried so hard after equalizing in the 76th minute through Trevelyan, but just couldn't find that third goal at home. Pelethas were determined to play spoiler. Ugly incident afterwards as a few bad apples amongst the devastated Klyde supporters shouted insults at Deon Partell (who admittedly botched a few sitters late that could've saved them) as he headed into the tunnel. The striker proceeded to confront them face-on, emotions flaring, eventually being pulled away by teammates before the argument could get physical. But they couldn't stop him from aiming a middle finger at the fans before disappearing into the dressing room. Afterwards, Partell clarified that the gesture was directed only towards the specific fans who verbally abused him, and thanked the rest for their loyal support throughout a disappointing season.

Much cheerier scenes at The Amphitheatre, as Cassandra City glowingly ascended into 1st with a 4-0 demolition of a Stoneshore side that appeared to already be on vacation. Zelaya was brilliant with a hat trick, as was orchestrator Kwame Cole. The Reds were inconsistent in the first half of the season, but they've indisputably been one of the very best teams in the second half (10-3-3 since the midseason break). Because this season never had any frontrunners gain separation, that run is enough to now put Cassandra City in a position where they control their own destiny going into the final match. The other combatants for the title are OAS Royal and Eastweald, who fell one and two points behind, respectively, after disappointing draws this week. Samaj FC, new to these types of pressures at the end of the season, choked away their chance, letting a home atmosphere unlike any I've ever seen in Samaj fizzle to waste. Ramusok United, leaders for much of the season, slumped out of the title race in Mallox - no fluidity up top and disjointed in midfield.

1009 Harlighet Ligan        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Cassandra City         33   16   9   8    63   37  +26    57
 2  OAS Royal FC           33   16   8   9    59   39  +20    56
 3  Eastweald              33   15  10   8    71   49  +22    55
 4  Samaj FC               33   15   9   9    49   42   +7    54
 5  Ramusok United         33   14  10   9    51   37  +14    52
 6  Real Azuris            33   14  10   9    55   43  +12    52
 7  Zakhoro Aces           33   14   7  12    54   48   +6    49
 8  Treftadaeth Alliance   33   13   6  14    44   57  −13    45
 9  FC Samotath            33   12   8  13    54   59   −5    44
10   Crawford City FC       33   11  10  12    54   50   +4    43
11  Pelethas United        33   11   8  14    35   43   −8    41
12  Mallox                 33   10  11  12    32   44  −12    41
13  Olask Islanders        33   11   7  15    37   51  −14    40
14  Stoneshore United      33    8  15  10    38   45   −7    39
15   AC Holmenkollen        33   10   7  16    37   48  −11    37
16  West Gundar FC         33    9   9  15    49   54   −5    36
17  FC Kaldukosic          33    8  11  14    55   65  −10    35
18  Klyde                  33    6  13  14    39   65  −26    31 Relegated

One matchday remains...

SEASON FINALE PREVIEW

Below is a summary of the stakes in each game of Matchday 34. In a move inspired by the Nepharim Premiership, all nine matches will kick off simultaneously on Saturday for the first time - making for a riveting conclusion to the season with so much on the line around the Fiefdom.

Cassandra City @ Olask Islanders: A win in Olask wins the 21st Harlighet Ligan trophy. It's that simple. A draw could also suffice for Cassandra if OAS lose and Eastweald draw. Olask have exceeded expectations this season by securing safety with relative ease, but come on. It's still Olask. There are no excuses for Cassandra City not to win this match at Kamu Road and lift the golden trophy. The last two seasons NOT won by Real Azuris were won by Cassandra City, so Arturto Mancini's side have the experience to get this done.

Zakhoro Aces @ OAS Royal FC: The Royal Whites have a chance to win their first trophy in over 15 years in front of the King and their home fans. They have to win and Cassandra can't. But if Cassandra City botch the job and draw in Olask, then the door opens for Royal with three points. Zakhoro are a tougher proposition than Olask, Temuge reportedly eager to reach the 20-goal mark, but like the Islanders, the Aces have nothing to play for but pride. Sure, they technically could still qualify for the Globe Cup, but it's mathematically less likely than an Azure Dragon showing up and dancing the polka. OAS Royal fans will be slightly worried if their club have the legs in them to keep up with Temuge. Their immensely talented but shallow squad looked fatigued last week and couldn't get anything going against stubborn Jakob Lunds and Ael Koron in Kaldukosic.

Eastweald @ Stoneshore: If neither of the above two clubs want the title enough to win, Eastweald can swoop in and take it at long last with a win of their own (depending on GD if Cassandra City draw). It's not the greatest odds, but at least Monica Brightwater (unlike Constantine Champali for Royal) will have confidence in her attack after Jo De Marisco put on a clinic against Samotath last week, scoring and helping Eva Velasquez record a brace. That said, it's in Stoneshore. The Greys are sure to pack into Stoneshore Stonewall mode and fight to end the season with what they strive for down there: clean sheets. But hey, even if Cassandra or OAS win, Eastweald could still finish 2nd again! *Winces*. Sorry, sorry. Bad taste. Please don't murder me, Eastweald fans.

Samaj FC @ Ramusok United: Now this is an interesting one. The new young contenders on the rise versus the faltering midseason title favorites. Both clubs are in the Top Five & Globe Cup at the moment, but the loser of this match is at risk of being displaced by Real Azuris. Yet, Samaj also has an outside shot at the second Champions' Cup place with a win. There is no solid ground in the top six right now. Potential landing spots vary wildly, so in-game strategies will shift by the minute depending on events elsewhere. If Real Azuris make it clear they are going to take care of Crawford, all the pressure is suddenly piled on United to go for the win. If Azuris-Crawford seems headed for a draw, it could be mutually beneficial for Samaj and United to settle for a draw. One thing we know for certain: Gareth Bournemouth's future might just be decided by which side of that UICA line United come out on.

Crawford City FC @ Real Azuris: CCFC have nothing at stake but the semantics of finishing top half, but for Real Azuris the stakes are clear: they must win to qualify for the Globe Cup. After their international successes this season, it would be a huge setback to have nothing next season. Of course, if they win the Champions' Cup coming up, they'll be assured a place again regardless. But Lujendra Mescalin would much rather have the Globe Cup in his back pocket just in case. Crawford is defensively suspect, so Real are going to GO for this win at home.

FC Kaldukosic @ AC Holmenkollen: Minnie Lotuda has earned her new reputation as an escape artist. Holmenkollen were dead in the water, cut adrift so far that the shoreline of safety was no longer even visible on the water's horizon. Until Lotuda arrived in whipped them into shape. They're not out of the woods yet, but all they need is a draw at Cedar Park to preserve their Harlighet Ligan status. FC Kaldukosic on the other hand, two points behind Holmenkollen, MUST win to avoid an absolutely shocking relegation (they were 4th last year!). It's a classic struggle for survival. One of these two teams is going down this weekend...

Treftadaeth Alliance @ West Gundar: ...Unless the scenario with FC Kaldukosic winning is coupled with West Gundar losing to safely midtable Alliance at home. In that case, Kaldukosic would leap ahead of Holmenkollen and West Gundar, depositing WGFC into the red zone for the first time all season at the only time that matters. West Gundar are unlucky to find themselves in this position given the terrific form of strikers Romikk Valgard and Mursill Lubiflor and a defense that wasn't really as bad as the media made it out to be, but they have to find a way to grab a point here.

Klyde @ FC Samotath: If flipping channels/screens between nine different matches will stress you out, I give you permission to ignore these next two - the only ones with nothing substantial at stake. Klyde are already dead and buried and FC Samotath, currently 9th, will just be hoping to stay top half. Although it IS always fun to marvel at the Alesund Stadion theatrics. They usually save some new flying tricks with their trained mascot hawks for the last home game.

Mallox @ Pelethas United: These two sides sit even on points in 11th and 12th. This match can be considered something of a midtable tiebreaker then.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Mon Jan 30, 2017 10:42 pm

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 34

0' - 198 players stretching in their starting positions, 18 teams ready to finish the seasons strong, 9 stadiums full of fans sitting down with their popcorn, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. All at the same time. Here we go! Split-screen mode activated! First kicks.........NOW!

3' - Two minutes and change have gone by Fiefdomwide, and OAS Royal are the first to score! After patient passing around the box, the ball made its way to fullback Jannick Kontiola on the right. When none of the Aces closed down the Quebec vet, he surged forward and looped in what we think was meant to be a hanging cross. But no one got a head to it and the keeper's vision was obstructed, so it swung all the way inside the far post instead! A cheer broke out at The Royal Palace as the electronic live table updated and showed Royal in 1st. (OAS 1-0 ZAK).

5' - Woah woah woah! Slow down, Mallox! This live updating thing is going to be harder than I thought. Before I had a chance to report Bella Thompson's opening goal, Stephon Deville added a second scarcely a half-minute later. It's a meaningless game, but somebody forgot to tell Mallox that! (PEL 0-2 MLX).

8' - This Pelethas-Mallox game has all the action so far. It's a meaningless one, but someone forgot to tell the teams that! The Miners pull one back in style, Auburn Tarrant executing a well-rehearsed give-and-go move with lethal partner Rowan Varghese before slotting past a helpless Sindelaar. (PEL 1-2 MLX).

15' - Oh, so close! West Gundar mere millimeters from a goal that could assure them safety! The crowd collectively stood in anticipation as Florent Marcssen whipped in a picturesque corner and Gustaf Söder soared through the air to mash his forehead into it. It bounced up from the grass towards the side-netting... But just as West Gundar were about to celebrate, Treftadaeth keeper Martinsky got a single fingernail to it - just enough to tip it onto the post and back out. Cosudel Champali with the clearance.

19' - And Constantine Champali with the "hug-the-nearest-assistant" goal celebration! His team is showing the fortitude under pressure to win the title today. It's 36-year-old Warren Paysinger, getting the surprising nod to start, who lost his defender, ran onto Rowan Gawain's pass and coolly squeezed a shot between Odovacar Ely and the near post. Your move, Cassandra City. (OAS 2-0 ZAK).

22' - About halfway through the first half now and seven of the nine matches are still nil-nil. As is typical for big games, as no team wants to give it away early. Meanwhile, down in Pelethas, Jesper Lindroos already has the game's fourth goal, cleaning up the mess with a tight finish after Igor Tang bullied Soren Winterkorn off the ball but forgot to, you know, get the ball. Apparently, Alvin Burnsides has instructed Mallox to try to boost their paltry 'Goals For' stat on the last day. (PEL 1-3 MLX).

27' - Oh, Kaldukosic. Lili Riprov slices through their defense, Adnan Valerikssen precisely redirecting Funanya Nwapa's pass with his left foot to find her run, and the young Holmenkollen native scoops under the crossbar. The only top-flight club in Cosumar's largest city now needs two goals to stay up. (HMK 1-0 KAL).

29' - That's a nice goal. Klyde play the angles to perfection in the final third and Sophia Trevelyan provides the leaning finish from seven yards on the left. Olvir Barrus-Bari could've done better - he got a palm to it. (SAM 0-1 KLY).

30' - It has been an unbearably long 30 minutes in Cassandra. All the red shirts at The Amphitheatre are ready to party, but no such breakthrough has been forthcoming. The Olask Islanders are determined to sit back, stay compact, and make the Reds earn it. Marcos Zelaya had an OK chance a couple minutes ago, but hurried his shot wide.

33' - There it is! City grab the winning scoreline they need to keep OAS Royal away from their trophy. Jason Goulding brings down Bellerophon Serafino's long ball with an outstretched right foot and softly taps it around Haruka Sutton. (CAS 1-0 OLA).

34' - Yet another goal in Pelethas, Ryan Carmichael narrowing the gap for the hosts thanks to some godawful set-piece marking on Tarrant's free kick. (PEL 2-3 MLX).

35' - We have our first two yellow cards of the day. One caution goes to Crawford's Spike Lorence for missing the ball and stamping Bowditch's ankle. The other to Stoneshore's Dolor DeVolder for halting Eastweald's advantage with a shirt-tug.

36' - And both ensuing free kicks are converted into opening goals near simultaneously! Florentin Lachance cleared the wall with a knuckleball technique that left Theoklitos with no chance (RAZ 1-0 CRW). Mere seconds later, Mina Mordini swerved hers low around the wall and inside the right post from the edge of the box. (EAW 1-0 STN). Now Real Azuris and Eastweald just need their rivals to concede some goals.

39' - Eastweald would've just given their lead straight back up were it not for a fantastic save! Hernandez leaps and plucks Caipirinha's softly curled shot out of the top corner. It was behind him!

41' - Sophia Trevelyan bags her second before half time. Tham Kerric finds her in a bit of space on the right with a long ball over the top, she clears the onrushing Barrus-Bari with a delightful little chip, then walks it in past the chasing Panossian. The pocket of Klyde supporters in Samotath clap politely. Another fine Trevelyan performance can't change the fact that it was the worst season in club history. (SAM 0-2 KLY).

45' - FC Kaldukosic and the Olask Islanders come close to game-changing equalizers before half time, but Stabb thundered the crossbar and Karl Northbourne flubbed his lines at point-blank. Time to take a break and let the first 45 minutes of action sink in.

Ramusok United 0–0 Samaj FC
AC Holmenkollen 1–0 FC Kaldukosic
OAS Royal FC 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
Real Azuris 1–0 Crawford City FC
West Gundar FC 0–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Olask Islanders 0–1 Cassandra City
Stoneshore United 0–1 Eastweald
FC Samotath 0-2 Klyde
Pelethas United 2–3 Mallox

46' - The soccer is back! Ramusok United and Samaj FC played an exceedingly dull first half unfitting of such a crucial UICA duel, but Elena Culbreth finally gives the massive crowd something to clap for when she nutmegs Biôn Ârbo on the right side of the box, slinks inside and drives a dangerous ball across the face of goal. No one was there, but it was still the most positive thing for Ram Utd. so far...

47' - Danger on the other side of Ramusok! The Aces pulled one back against Royal! They spring a counter and Temuge ghosts into the middle of the box to poke home Kurtis Samarqand's sliding pass from the byline. One more goal would put Temuge at 20 for the season and throw Royal's title bid in serious jeopardy. (OAS 2-1 ZAK).

50' - GOAL UNITED! GOAL UNITED! Fire River Arena erupts as Antonio "The Hawk" Mulcair bends an incredible shot into the top corner from 20 yards out! Great moment to cap a great season from the Eshan legend. Ram U slides up to 4th in the live table and Samaj falls out of the top five. (RMU 1-0 SMJ).

57' - No real action to speak of for the last few minutes. The energy of the new half has worn off but the threat of the final whistle is not so urgent yet.

58' - The Ramusok United lead doesn't last long. Darrius Columbine steps up and sends Felix Shaw the wrong way from the spot after Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir's cross struck Tug Cooper's hand. (RMU 1-1 SMJ).

61' - And that just makes the penalty hurt even worse for United. Real Azuris, whom they need to match, have strengthened their lead in South Klyde. Sean Fraser with a screamer of a long-range free kick. (RAZ 2-0 CRW).

62' - Before you can catch your breath, another goal over in Samotath! The Doves are taking all their frustrations out on the Black Hawks. This time, it's sturdy defensive midfielder Luella Svenskah, scoring her first goal of the season off Skarsgaard's corner with a hard-fought nodded effort at the far post. (SAM 0-3 KLY).

68' - Another Schottic woman gets on the scoresheet! This time it's someone a little more accustomed to it: Kim Coultan. With a silky turn off of Söderquist, Peter Marshall found her downfield on the break. Coultan pranced into the box and put Grier on the ground with a quick-footed feint to the outside. Then the Crawford star angled back inside and picked out the far post. Wow. It will be a stressful final 20 minutes for Real Azuris, who now cling to their Globe Cup spot by a single goal. (RAZ 2-1 CRW).

71' - OMG, that's a horrible miss! The ball was rolled out on a carpet to Rachel Del Arro with an open goal from five yards, but the Samaj attacker somehow sliced it over the bar! Still 1-1, all East Ramusok collectively exhaling in relief. The Hunters may come to regret that one.

79' - After a dry stretch, there's not much to report except that Azuris' Lachance and Stoneshore's McKirkley were issued potentially important yellow cards. And, bittersweetly, that a pair of old forwards from the past Harlighet Ligan era subbed on to make likely their final appearances for their longtime clubs. Jimmy Kelly for Mallox (friend and ex-teammate Anders Engström in attendance) and Dmytro Kurosawa for Crawford City FC. Even the opposing fans took a moment to stand and pay homage to these league legends.

85' - Well, how about that! Maybe Kurosawa should rethink his decision to retire! The tall 36-year-old has silenced all of Azuris with a chested finish at the far post, capping off a textbook sequence of build-up from Crawford. Real Azuris' 2-0 lead evaporated. Back in Ramusok, Blues fans are hi-fiving as their smartphones receive the update. (RAZ 2-2 CRW).

86' - Hey, something is finally happening over in West Gundar! Oh, but it's not good news for those wishing the home side to stay up. With only a few minutes still to navigate, Treftadaeth has remanded West Gundar into the Relegation Playoff spot, Pepito Feliciano clinically redirecting Bethan Davies' squared ball from the right into the goal. (WG 0-1 TFT).

87' - The goals just keep rolling in here as the end of regular time approaches! Cassandra City can now feel their grips closing on the title as Yevhen Bardsen's glancing corner header hit the back of the net. (CAS 2-0 OLA).

88' - PENALTY! Kontiola wins the ball for OAS with a sliding tackle, but he went through Temuge's legs in the process! Kontiola is desperately pleading with the ref, pointing to the ball that he won, but the decision has already been made. What a huge fucking mistake mistake. If the penalty is converted, Royal cede 2nd place to Eastweald. That would be Narrative.

89' - Temuge hangs out left of the ball, saunters up, and..... IT'S SAVED! Kojo Boakye-Yiadom faked a dive to his right, then bounced the other way after Temuge bit and went left. Easy two-handed stop! Temuge denied his 20th goal and, barring further developments, Eastweald denied Champions' Cup. The Royal Palace is jubilant, though an undercurrent of disappointment remains as Olask continue to show no sign of helping them win the title versus Cassandra.

90' - All nine regular-times come to an end. Stoppage time amounts range from one minute to five.

90+1' FC Kaldukosic have life! Kevin Stabb holds the ball up and flicks it into the flying path of winger Ville Pakkanen, who dramatically sweeps it under Lilly Kearney. The league's media department rejoices as Cosumar's largest TV market can stay up with one more goal here in stoppage time. They have about one minute left to make it happen... (HMK 1-1 KAL).

90+2' - Club legend Jol Tortuu officially launches the championship celebrations in Cassandra with a side-footed finish in the box after several minutes of sustained pressure. When the destined cherry-on-top goal finally came, The Amphitheatre exploded like a shaken bottle of soda! Cassandra City are the 1009 Harlighet Ligan champions! (CAS 3-0 OLA).

90+2' - At the same time, the final whistle blew on OAS Royal's victory over Zakhoro, finalizing Cosumar's two Champions' Cup representatives next season. And unless Real Azuris or Samaj can find a late winner in the next two minutes, the Globe Cup field is set as well: Eastweald, Samaj, Ram Utd.

90+3' - There IS a late goal! But it's not one that matters. Lasse Hummel with the thumping header to reward the Samotath fans for sitting through their uninterested performance. (SAM 1-3 KLY).

90+3' - Meanwhile, down in Sekundar Ligan, the final whistle blows on the only thing that was left to decide: the Promotion Playoff spot. AKA 3rd. IFK Aldenskoett lose 2-0 to the Mariners but are fortunate to hang onto it. If Goldstaff City had scored one more goal at Ziemelu Skaida, they'd have it on Goals For tiebreaker instead.

90+4' - Last chance for Kaldukosic. They have the ball in the Holmenkollen half and the ref is going to let them play out this possession. Cunningham...Meratyn...Wadimu... now Corey Simmons III has it on the right, looking promising. He beats young left back Grandstaber and drills a cross into the box... it hits the chest of Kevin Stabb, who lets it drop, takes a couple touches to find a line of sight through the defense... and FIRES! For a second, it seemed as if the Sunrisian superstar would deliver his most heroic moment yet and save Kaldukosic from their fate. The shot was a good one. Some pace on it, some movement. Kearney was beat! But her young center back was there to bail her out. Sigrun Rathskeller, waiting by the post, desperately headed Stabb's shot off the line. Final whistle. Utter disbelief as several Kaldukosic players are resting their hands on their heads and soaking in the Cedar Road jeers, mouths agape.

AOCL FINAL
@ The Battleground, Raynor City, Valanora

Huge atmosphere in Valanora as Real Azuris line up opposite AC Izotz Zubia - the bonafide giants of the COCANEFA subregion. Zubia are the definitive favorites, as former Multiverse champions and the current employers of one Laborious Hawk and oozles of other vets seasoned on such stages. Azuris have had a bit of time to recuperate from their disappointing Harlighet Ligan finish, however, and will be looking to use their first international final as a learning experience to prepare for the even bigger Champions' Cup Final next week.

August Ozuna makes a couple key saved in the first fifteen minutes as the Azurian defense is still trying to get its feet set. Then they straighten things out and Real start to get into the game a little more, Andrew Arrowsword blazing a 16-yard effort just a hair over the bar at the half-hour mark. It was Hawk who opened the scoring soon after, however. Making the most of a classy assist from Fabio Mancini, the elf flashed his agility to paralyze Milani and his power to smash the ball first-time through Ozuna. It was that 1-0 scoreline that hung over The Battleground as half time came and went. It was a game - and Real Azuris were confident that they could keep it as such and give themselves a chance to win at the end.

AC Izotz Zubia had other plans. Txordinutzko Etxehartzaren jump-kicked Gregory Besoitagoena's swinging cross into the back of the net in the 52nd minute and Frantzisko Apexarena supplied an unsavable top-drawer penalty five minutes later. 3-0. And no one around Atlantian Oceania was surprised. Sandra Sybill garnered some respectability back for Real Azuris and inserted herself into highlight reels in the process later when she went on a long, mazy solo run starting from her own half and finished it off with a goal on the other end. Morlaithan Aldamiel, Paranawê and those monsters in Zubia's defense tightened up after a subsequent berating by Ari Mendea though and the Breakers found them increasingly difficult to penetrate. Real Azuris had no choice but to commit more numbers into the attack. Apexarena eventually made them pay, collecting a Hawk through ball in the final moments and feathering it into the top corner.

AC Izotz Zubia (AUD) 4-1 Real Azuris
Hawk 32'
Etxehartzaren 52'
Apexarena 57'
Sybill 74'
Apexarena 89'

UICA CHAMPIONS' CUP FINAL

Hello, my name is Marc Kirkovic. Welcome to my live commentary feed of tonight's Champions' Cup Final here on TheCourier.cos. I'm typing to you live from Turori, soaking it all in at the Almintora National Stadium. Bright and sunny here, many players squinting as they warm up.

Here are the teams John Greaves and Lujendra Mescalin have picked for this momentous occasion:

Bastion XI (4-2-2-2): Douglas; Russell, Ritter, Omaexevarria, Williams; Ajax, Bassa; Morrison, Benedict; Underwood, Jones

Real Azuris XI (4-1-2-3): Ozuna; Lindberg, Grier, Milani, Chisenhall; Söderquist; Lachance, Sybill; Fraser, Bowditch, Arrowsword
Bench: Coppellian, Adebayo-Akanni, Hardwick, Ojala, Jernigan, Tidesson, Zigfield

Of course, more than just a really prestigious trophy is on the line for Real Azuris. Due to their failure to qualify through the Harlighet Ligan, Real Azuris need to win the Champions' Cup tonight to have UICA status next season. But like in the AOCL, the Breakers are the underdogs. Still minnows on this elevated stage, it would be a surprise to see them spring an upset on a Euran side consistently ranked in the world's top twenty clubs.

And the referee is getting the game underway! Here's to a great match!

1' - Due to the game being in Atlantian Oceania, the Real Azuris fans are well-represented here. They're making a lot of noise as in the early moments as Mortimer Chisenhall earns a throw-in. I see several Cosumarite flags in audience.

4' - OOH! Real Azuris are piling some pressure on Bastion. Sandra Sybill touches the ball to Andrew Arrowsword before he cuts it back to Florentin Lachance. The Audioslavian proceeds to clip the ball forward past the last defender in Sean Fraser's path, but it is well-read by Jeffrey Douglas.

6' - Peter Morrison is felled at the corner of the box and it's a free kick for Bastion. Looking at the replay, Real Azuris are fortunate the ref didn't call a penalty. It could've gone either way. It's a good delivery, but Hector Grier heads it away.

9' - First real chance of the game! Real Azuris are still on the front foot, and it's Stig Söderquist with a fine run and ball into the middle of the box, which Fraser collects and lays off for Arrowsword. The Ceni star is well-marked, but he uses his strength to get a shot off. Saved by Douglas!

14' - Bastion's first real extended spell of possession. Nice patient build-up play as they wait for the killer pass to open up. They moment finally comes, Lofty Jones played behind the defense in acres of space, but the pass was too strong and goes out for a goal kick.

17' - Exciting stuff in Almintora! On the other end now, Sybill releases Arrowsword fresh from an offside trap! Arrowsword is through on goal! But it's smothered by Douglas before Arrowsword can make a decision. World-class goalkeeping.

20' - UNDERWOOD! Adrian Bassa's ball finds Dion Underwood's head, but the Bastion striker's neck-snapping effort is caught by August Ozuna.

21' - Real Azuris waste no time hitting back the other way! This first half has had a very end-to-end feel to it. Ozuna plays it to Adrian Lindberg on the left, who surges forward and picks out Fraser in the middle. Fraser takes on Willem Ajax, cuts inside and fires a fine effort from distance at Douglas! The Euran keeper does well once again, parrying it wide for a corner.

25' - Jeremy Benedict has been a very positive presence for Bastion for the last few minutes, whipping several balls into the box ripe for the taking. Each has been cleared away, but it's only a matter of time...

32' - It seems Azuris have devised a new gameplan: dink the ball at every opportunity for Arrowsword to latch onto! Again it nearly sticks, but Douglas rushes out well.

33' - Morrison is left alone for a free header! Oh, but his effort is disappointing. He placed it on target, but it needed more pace to elude Ozuna's paws. Greaves will be furious at another wasted chance.

36' - Both teams struggling to retain the ball now. Suddenly Underwood is released on goal... only for Söderquist to aptly dispossesses him. Underwood tries to fall over Söderquist's trailing leg but for once - there have been SO MANY niggling fouls in this one - the refs don't buy it.

40' - WOW!!!! Quick-fire is an understatement as Fraser is played all on his own down the left, and does superbly well to take his man on and cut into the box, but his shot is JUST deflected over the bar by Douglas! Fraser and Douglas are undoubtedly the Men of the Match so far.

43' - Bastion are closing the half on the front foot. Fortunately, Azurian defender Hector Grier has grown into the match as it has worn on. He just made to vital plays to hold Bastion at bay, first casually intercepting a clever ball meant for Lofty Jones and then heading out Morrison's cross to a teammate seconds later.

44' - I may have just cursed him. Grier gives away a foul on the edge of the box against Underwood, who has been very lively up top. The free kick is a poor one though.

45+1' - Dangerous times for Real Azuris as Bastion continue to fish for a goal to take into the break. Lofty Jones almost got the better of Viviano Milani, but the Pasargan's influence was enough to disrupt Jones into blazing over the bar. The whistle is in the referee's mouth now.

HALF TIME: BST 0-0 RAZ. It has been a terrific first half, with both sides showing great intent to score and win the encounter. More in the next 45, por favor!

46' - Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen! The second half is just underway in Almintora. Both sides are raring to go back into action.

49' - OOOOH! Underwood nearly latches onto an inch-perfect through ball, but Milani does brilliantly to read the pass and slide away for a throw-in. The ensuing throw sees Ajax try to slip Underwood through again, but this time they get it right and force Ozuna to make a diving stop. Bastion have picked up right from their promising end to the first half.

54' - A pair of chances for Arrowsword in the last five minutes. He kicks air trying to spectacularly volley Lindberg's pacy cross, then sees his short-range effort off a fine would-be Sybill assist blocked by the knees of Douglas. The Euran is in fine form tonight between the sticks.

56' - GOAL REAL AZURIS! 1-0 It's that man Fraser, The Black Panther, who steps up first on the biggest stage! What a strike! He beats a Bastion shirt for dead with his pace and smashes into the bottom-right corner with aplomb. You have to say the lead is deserved!

58' - Unbelievable!!! They say you're always most vulnerable after scoring, and it almost seemed that way as straight after, Bassa finds Benedict, who then slips the ball to Jones free in the box. But the stretching striker cannot quite poke the ball past Ozuna. A glorious chance...

60' - Sybill is shown the game's first yellow card, penalized for going hard into Jason Russell to slow a Bastion break. Meanwhile, both managers use the stoppage to make substitutions. 33-year-old Lachance makes way for the fresh legs of Hakki Ojala in the Real Azuris midfield, and Bastion make a similar move switching Morrison for young Harrison Burns.

62' - Stig Söderquist has shown well tonight in his usual role as the efficient clean-up guy at the base of the midfield, with the odd piece of invention, but here he takes matters into his own hands with a surging run at the Bastion defense! He even unleashes a strike! But it drags wide.

63' - Lindberg again causes all sorts of problems for Bastion with another tantalizing cross, but the danger is neutralized. And now we have Chisenhall gallopping down the opposing flank, which results in a neat triangle involving Sybill and Bowditch! It breaks down, however.

66' - Hey, that's naughty! Russell gets revenge on Sybill for hard challenge on him a few minutes ago, nearly throttling her to the ground as she turned towards goal! That'll be a free kick.

70' - Bastion finally end the spell of Real Azuris dominance, possessing the ball in the final third for the last couple minutes. You can feel the pressure to equalize starting to mount. Basse finally plays a great through ball for Jones, but Milani manages to get a leg up and deflect the powerful shot out for a corner. The short corner is played to Russell in a dangerous position but the threat soon fizzles away as Ojala picks his pocket.

72' - More valiant goalkeeping by Jeffrey Douglas, as he is on his toes to anticipate Bowditch's deflected cross and smother it before the nearby Arrowsword can pounce.

75' - On the other end, the Azuris goalkeeper Ozuna tries to replicate Douglas' heroics but is a little too overeager with his punch-out!! Ha. Despite clearing the ball, his fist also connected with Pierce William's noggin. He's now down and requiring treatment.

77' - Another stoppage now as Williams AGAIN finds himself hurt, Söderquist clattering into him this time. The left back's night is over as Rhys West comes on to replace him.

82' - The game has slowed down considerably in tempo, as Real Azuris hope to grind the match out with as little hassle as possible.

84' - GOAL BASTION! 1-1! Just as I say that! Bastion are level! Bassa drives a low free kick into the box, and someone in there got a touch to it to wrong-foot Ozuna! After another look, it appears to have been the substitute Burns. And it was a definitely intentional - a subtle flick with impeccable timing! Incredible! The stadium is going ooh and ah at the replays. WE HAVE A GAME, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!

86' - Burns wants more! Underwood dinks a ball into his path, and he beats the Real Azuris high line, charges forward and steps over the ball to unbalance Ozuna before laying off for Jones. But the Bastion striker puts another shot wide. Outstanding play from Bastion though. If only Jones had his shooting boots tonight.

90' - That's pretty cynical from Bastion's Omaexevarria. The Audioslavian veteran intentionally trips up Bowditch in his stride to the right byline. Any goal conceded now would be damning - hard to blame him for preferring to organize and defend a free kick than give the Brenecian a free picking in the run of play.

90+3' - Both sides are granted opportunities to seize late glory. The aforementioned free kick falls to Arrowsword in the box after a scrum but he fluffs his lines. And then just now, Bastion take too long passing the ball around the edge of the box and Grier eventually hacks it away. To extra time!

Regular Time: BST 1-1 RAZ. Nervous buzz in Turori now as the enormous audience anxiously waits to witness history. Will Bastion build upon the late Harrison Burns strike that forced the coming 30 minutes, or will the unexpectedly competitive Real Azuris take their Cinderella story all the way?

95' - Bastion have had all of the ball so far in the first half of extra time but not much real danger yet. Söderquist has just been yellow-carded for breaking up a sequqnce that could've been promising by bringing down West.

97' - OH WHAT A MISS BY REAL AZURIS! Ronan Bowditch so close! A sublime cross by Chisenhall found him all free outside the six-yard box, but the Brenecian sent it straight at the goalkeeper!

99' - GOAL REAL AZURIS! 2-1! BUT HE SOON MAKES AMENDS! The electric winger is sprung loose by compatriot Arrowsword after a nice bit of hold-up play. Arrowsword's looping pass down the right is perfect, and Bowditch runs onto it and chips the ball over Douglas before slamming it in the open net! THE REAL AZURIS FANS HERE CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!! SUCH REACTIONS! Last year's HL Golden Boot winner has come through again!

102' - Jeremy Benedict sobers the celebrations and reminds everyone watching that there's still over 15 minutes left here. The Bastion winger received the ball outside the box, and powered a superb shot for the left corner that only narrowly missed the target.

105' - With the last play of the first half of extra time, Sandra Sybill earns her second yellow card with a slight push on Ajax. The Azuris bench is outraged, but Sybill is gone. They will have to see out the final period with 10 men. Mescalin gives the signal for defender Cosmo Coppellian to come on for the second half of extra time, presumably replacing Fraser in a definite defensive move.

107' - Bastion are charging forward with increasingly reckless abandon here in the second half of extra time. Do Real Azuris have what it takes to hold them off for 15 more minutes down a woman? Each minute will be long, but that's what it will take to prevail.

110' - Ojala is injured/timewasting on the ground after an aerial clash with the much larger Ritter. Bastion are annoyed, trying to pull the Anglatian back up.

112' - Bastion throwing in attack after attack, but the Breakers are still holding out. They've got nine behind the ball now, with giant Coppellian anchoring a compact five-man rearguard. Even the neutrals are sweating now...

115' - BOWDITCH! Real Azuris finally manage to relieve the pressure, Ronan Bowditch released down the right by Söderquist. He charges across midfield, waits for some of his teammates to catch up, passes off to Ojala, then gets the ball back further downfield. West plays off of him, so the Brenecian pulls the trigger from range...but misses the target. The confidence is impressive, but you would've liked to have seen him use a little more time.

117' - There's not much time left for Bastion to get back into the game. Their desperation shows through as Ajax earns a yellow for kicking Arrowsword in the knees trying to get the ball back. Of course, Arrowsword is in excruciating pain as a result.

118' - Burns breaks free on the right side of the box and drives in a dangerous cross, but Grier makes a vital block and it clears it out for a corner on the right.

120' - BASSA! The Bastion midfielder blasts a prayer from the outside of the box, but his powerful low shot misses to the left.

120+2' - Underwood receives the ball in the middle of the box, 15 yards out. This could be the last chance - can he be Bastion's hero? He turns off Milani... takes a few tight touches... and curls it towards the top-right corner before Coppellian can step over......but it's SAVED BY OZUNA! I think my heart just skipped a beat!

And there's the final whistle! It's over!
Real Azuris have won the Champions' Cup! Cosumarite soccer has reached the pinnacle of the Multiverse! And so has each and every member of the club.

It's surely one of the most surprising Champions' Cup runs in the tournament's history, and will always be remembered as the Fiefdom of Cosumar's first UICA title. The heart these Breakers showed while defending against one of the world's biggest clubs throughout extra time with 10 men was truly inspiring. And it ensured Real Azuris will play in the Champions' Cup again next year.

Bastion 1-1 (1-2 AET) Real Azuris
Fraser 56'
Burns 84'
Bowditch 99'

Promotion/Relegation Playoff

West Gundar FC are here after finishing 16th in the Harlighet Ligan. It was an entertaining season. One of stellar play from the striker positions, but hindered somewhat by inconsistent service and riddled with defensive blunders. WGFC have a history of bouncing straight back up, but young manager Wyverly Ludlow would rather not suffer her first career relegation. It would also be the club's first in six or seven years, ruining a nice little era of top-flight stability. Further, their chances of keeping even one of their star strikers (Mursill Lubiflor and Romikk Valgard) go out the window if they drop to Sekundar Ligan.

IFK Aldenskoett are trying to come straight back up after suffering relegation last season. Their first Sekundar Ligan season in six years was marked by a strong start and a wavering period in the middle that allowed rivals to catch back up. They picked it back up and had a resurgence at the two-thirds mark, but then tapered off a little at the end. Nevertheless, they still punched their tickets here by a single GD point on the final matchday. A lot of IFK's Harlighet Ligan core is still there - they have the quality to take this match. Will they? It's anyone's guess.

1009 Harlighet Ligan    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Cassandra City         34   17   9   8    66   37  +29    60 Champions, CC
 2  OAS Royal FC           34   17   8   9    61   40  +21    59 CC
 3  Eastweald              34   16  10   8    72   49  +23    58 GC
 4  Samaj FC               34   15  10   9    50   43   +7    55 GC
 5  Ramusok United         34   14  11   9    52   38  +14    53 GC
 6  Real Azuris            34   14  11   9    57   45  +12    53 CC*
 7  Zakhoro Aces           34   14   7  13    55   50   +5    49
 8  Treftadaeth Alliance   34   14   6  14    45   57  −12    48
 9  Crawford City FC       34   11  11  12    56   52   +4    44
10  FC Samotath            34   12   8  14    55   62   −7    44
11  Mallox                 34   11  11  12    35   46  −11    44
12  Pelethas United        34   11   8  15    37   46   −9    41
13  Olask Islanders        34   11   7  16    37   54  −17    40
14  Stoneshore United      34    8  15  11    38   46   −8    39
15  AC Holmenkollen        34   10   8  16    38   49  −11    38
16  West Gundar FC         34    9   9  16    49   55   −6    36 Relegated
17  FC Kaldukosic          34    8  12  14    56   66  −10    36 Relegated
18  Klyde                  34    7  13  14    42   66  −24    34 Relegated
*Automatically qualify for Champions' Cup as current cupholders



Harlighet Ligan Season XXI Champions: 
CASSANDRA CITY

GOLDEN BALL (MVP):
1.   GK Calogero Metz (Golden Ball)
2.   CAM Leonídas Bregoo
3.   MF Bellerophon Serafino
4.   SS Temuge
5.   CF Hannah Alcouin


NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: 
1.   ST Penumbra Amokachi
2.  ST Juquinho
3.   ST Hannah Alcouin
4.  CB Garnet Langerak
5.    LM Eva Velasquez


YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (U21): 
1.   ST Romikk Valgard (21)
2.   ST Andrew Arrowsword (19)
3.   AM Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir (21)
4.   ST Caipirinha (21)
5.   RWB/RM Ville Pakkanen (20)


GOAL-SCORERS' TABLE:
22 -   Hannah Alcouin (Golden Boot)
19 -   Temuge
16 -   Jason Goulding
   -   Penumbra Amokachi
   -   Romikk Valgard
15 -   Mursill Lubiflor
   -   Kevin Stabb
14 -   Juquinho
   -   Caipirinha
   -   Pepito Feliciano
13 -   Elena Culbreth
   -   Ronan Bowditch
   -   Miroslav Vorobyov
   -   Gwinevra Harmonium
   -   Marcos Zelaya
12 -   Sophia Trevelyan
   -   Ross Rowe
   -   Lili Riprov
   -   Curtis Théberge
   -   Jol Tortuu
11 -   Andrew Arrowsword
   -   Rowan Varghese
   -   Lasse Hummel

The Cosumarite Courier Team of the Season:

GK -   Calogero Metz (Golden Gloves)
LB -   Justinian Grimswald
CB -   Mike Flanningan
RB -   Tug Cooper
LM -   Alex Rocket
CM -   Valfar
CM -   Leonídas Bregoo
RM -   Ronan Bowditch
ST -   Temuge
ST -   Jason Goulding
ST -   Hannah Alcouin

Manager -   Luis Varezzi

SEMIFINALS

Semifinals locations randomly drawn from list of eligible venues. King's Cup Final always played at The Royal Palace.

 Treftadaeth Alliance 2-2 (3-2 AET) Klyde 
@ Leviathan Arena (99.114), Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief

The match was emblematic of the way the Harlighet Ligan season went for these two teams. Similar in quality on paper, with Klyde actually the ones stringing some nice passes together and playing attractive soccer, but Alliance just have that extra bit of savvy and grit that Klyde lack. Klyde underachieve and lose 3-2 in the end - to an Alliance side that has made a habit of overachieving. That's why one is still in the Harlighet Ligan and one is going down. That 70% possession stat nonetheless. It was a good game though. Deon Partell and Bethan Davies traded first half strikes to make it 1-1 at half time. It stayed there until the final fifteen minutes, when Pepito Feliciano gave Alliance a late 2-1 lead only for Sophia Trevelyan to level it right back. Extra time was largely uneventful and the game seemed destined for penalties. ...Until the fourth minute of stoppage time after the 120th minute, when big Treftadaeth Alliance defender Calib McCaskill bowled over multiple purple shirts to glance a low corner inside the near post. Dogpile celebration commenced. Treftadaeth Alliance, for the first time in club history, are going to The Royal Palace to play for the King himself in the King's Cup Final.

 Eastweald 4-4 (4-4 AET) (2-4 pen.) Real Azuris 
@ The Amphitheatre (60.000), Cassandra, Cresscalus Fief

The semifinal pairing that everybody wanted to see and, after it came to fruition, everyone talked about for weeks. Surprisingly, the game still managed to exceed expectation! Pulling in the highest TV ratings of any match this season, last year's 1st and 2nd place sides waged an enthralling war in attacking soccer for 90 minutes. Eva Velasquez opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a beautiful curler from the left side of the box for Eastweald, but Real Azuris had taken a 2-1 lead by the 32nd minute after Ronan Bowditch and Florentin Lachance did the honors in quick succession. The score remained 2-1 for awhile, and then everyone thought the match was probably over when Sean Fraser struck to make it 3-1 in the 65th minute. But those people should've known better given how free-flowing and fast-paced the game was. A sparkling sequence of passing by Eastweald set Dex Delklind up to practically walk it in in the 77th minute, and her majesty Penumbra Amokachi equalized three minutes later with a sublime outside-foot finish. But wait, there's more! Eastweald fans thought their team had completed a magical comeback win when Rook Klinsmann gave them a 4-3 lead in the 89th minute, opportunistically polishing off a Dan Quesadillas shot that had bounced off the post, but this time Real Azuris would take their turn to stunningly equalize! Who else but Andrew Arrowsword, who always seems to suddenly have rockets strapped to his boots by the time stoppage time hits, to criss-cross the Eastweald defense with dizzying skill and slip a composed finish under Esteban Hernandez? It's the stuff of legend. The two halves of extra time came and went with it somehow still at 4-4, allowing August Ozuna another turn in the spotlight. Just like in the Champions' Cup, the Real Azuris keeper was massive in the penalty shootout. He saved three Eastweald penalties to send his club to its second consecutive King's Cup Final.

FINAL

TREFTADAETH ALLIANCE vs. REAL AZURIS

@ The Royal Palace (54,000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

It's the last match of the 1009 calendar year and season for both teams. Real Azuris finished 6th in the Harlighet Ligan, but just won the Champions' Cup less than a week ago. They'll be riding an emotional high and looking to up their trophy haul to two. Treftadaeth Alliance finished 8th in the Harlighet Ligan, their highest finish in club history, and are playing in their first ever cup final. Real Azuris are the heavy favorites, naturally as a Multiverse Champions, though most neutrals in the Fiefdom are rooting heavily for humble Alliance to knock them down a peg.

Real Azuris and Eastweald are the only clubs to win multiple King's Cups in the tournament's 11-year history. A win here today would make Real Azuris the first club with three - all won in the last four years.

Let's take you to the action at The Royal Palace!

...

1' - We're off! The Royal Palace is swathed mostly in Real Azuris blue and pink, but there is one corner where the Treftadaeth Alliance faithful have congregated to make their voices heard. The camera pans frequently to the central suite from which King James customarily oversees this match.

6' - Bowditch: Real Azuris wasting no time making their mark on this match! They put Treftadaeth in a hole early, Ronan Bowditch mercilessly dribbling Jan ter Voert before pulling up at the top of the box and popping off a truly elegant goal. This place is loud. 1-0.

26' - Feliciano: Alliance have an answer! Evander Sinque loops a weak ball into the box, but Hector Grier makes a mess of it and allows it to go straight through to wide-open Pepito Feliciano! The big man takes a touch and slots an easy finish past Ozuna from 11 yards. If the Astronomers are to win the King's Cup, one gets a sense that they'll need Azuris to make another mistake or two like this one. 1-1.

33' - SO CLOSE! Andrew Arrowsword holds the ball up well and lays it off for Sean Fraser on the left. The Black Panther bends a hard shot towards the top corner. I can't tell if it would've gone in or not - it was close - but Morgedal Martinsky did a spectacular job to get up there and make the fingertip save.

45' - Another great chance for Real Azuris with the last play of the first half. Bowditch takes a free kick from way far out on the right and very nearly manages to belt an absolute screamer of a goal. Unfortunately, it slams down off the crossbar and Sadie Brinegar is able to get to it first and head it out for a corner.

~HALF TIME~
(TFT 1-1 RAZ)

47' - Arrowsword: With the first corner of the second half, Sybill whips a ball into the area, Lachance heads it down with a leap and Arrowsword - waiting at the edge of the six-yard box with his back to goal - simply sticks out a foot and gently flicks it backward over his head. Of course, it goes in. 2-1.

58' - Since their opening goal, quality chances have been hard to come by for Treftadaeth Alliance. But one finally looks on right now! Pepito Feliciano, pressuring the attackers, forces a turnover in Real Azuris' own half. Bethan Davies is ready and flies into open space on the right flank. Feliciano finds her. Davies makes it to the byline before backheeling back to Feliciano. The big man sees Sinque running to the far post and tries to thread a ball to him through the box. It's slightly behind him, so all Sinque can do is drag his trailing foot onto the ball. What would've been a sure goal becomes a soft, savable effort. Ozuna scrambles and saves it.

77' - Stig Söderquist already has a yellow card, and definitely could've been given a damning second one for that ill-advised late slide into Scylla Xkoranate. The 17-year-old rolls into a ball on the ground, but the referee has mercy on Real Azuris. "No more, or you're down to 10 men" his gesticulation to Söderquist seems to proclaim.

90+1' - Feliciano: All these fucking bandwagon Real supporters here will have to wait a little bit longer to see their adopted cub lift another trophy! Alliance have bagged an injury-time equalizer!!! Sinque triggers Real's offside trap, Xkoranate masterfully beats it on the left, and Gavin Chamberlain sends a ball over the top to her with well-rehearsed timing. Xkoranate picks her head up and sees Feliciano on a bull-rush into the box. She puts it in his path and he slides for the 8-yard finish before Ozuna can react!

Big 'ole Pepito Feliciano has been clutch today converting his few chances for Alliance. Does he have an extra time winner in him?

~Extra Time~
TFT 2-2 RAZ

93' - Real Azuris nearly score off a corner at the beginning of a period again. Viviano Milani gets a towering head to it at the back of the crowd, but it soars a foot over the bar.

96' - Ojala: Real Azuris have an unquenchable thirst for trophies! They score first in extra time to dampen the mood in the Treftadaeth corner. And it's 18-year-old substitute Hakki Ojala, who just came on! Alliance commit too many numbers forward in search of their own breakthrough, and Real Azuris are just too good to get away with that against. Milani wins the ball off Davies, marauds forward and pinpoints a long entry pass to Sybill at the midfield line, who turns off of Chamberlain and plays Ojala in behind the defense. Cosudel Champali tries to intercept but underestimates Ojala's pace and gets cut out. Free on goal from 15 yards, the Anglatian teenager makes no mistake and lifts a confident scoop over Martinsky. Fabulous!

115' - Alliance have no choice now. They pour numbers forward again, and bring on another experienced forward in Reinhard Ironside. And the ex-Newrook Nepharim nearly sends it to penalties with his first touch! The fresh-legged attacking midfield trio of Alex Arce, Sinque and Tallulah Harig charging the Real Azuris defense, Ironside bullies his way into position in the box and outmuscles Champali to collect Sinque's pass. With a rapid turn, he blazes a shot toward goal! But it misses the frame wide.

120+5' - Sandra Sybill looks slightly disappointed as the final whistle blows right when she was about to take a shot to try and make it 4-2, then she realizes that she just won the King's Cup. Again! Celebrations commence at The Royal Palace and the King begins to make his way down to the pitch to personally award the Cup and congratulate the winners: Lujendra Mescalin's Real Azuris.

~Sekundar Ligan, Tredje Ligan and Lägre Liganes tables will be posted separately soon due to character limit~

Thank You For Reading!

...

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Feb 01, 2017 1:23 am

Slightly boring final results at first glance as Versiaville win their second Sekundar Ligan title and IFK Aldenskoett join them in going straight back up (poor Goldstaff City...such a likable squad & came so close). But sandwiched between them is Keenan Athletic in 2nd, a side nobody saw coming. In fact, this website preseason projection's had them 11th. Traditionally a yo-yo side between the second and third divisions, Athletic finally managed to cement themselves in Sekundar Ligan in recent years and now find themselves amongst the best in the Fiefdom. They have a busy offseason ahead of them.

1009 Sekundar Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Versiaville               34   20   3  11    35   18  +17    63 Champions, Promoted, SBCC
 2  Keenan Athletic           34   17   9   8    55   44  +11    60 Promoted, SBCC
 3  IFK Aldenskoett           34   17   6  11    44   29  +15    57 Promoted, SBCC
 4  Goldstaff City            34   17   6  11    47   33  +14    57
 5  Nomad Brotherhood FC      34   14  13   7    59   37  +22    55
 6  Na'Malsille Mariners      34   16   7  11    45   30  +15    55
 7  Fevelo United             34   15   8  11    45   36   +9    53
 8  Morponte Fief             34   14  11   9    33   30   +3    53
 9  Helfin Fief               34   15   7  12    45   46   −1    52
10  Pristine Forest           34   13  10  11    43   46   −3    49
11  Centus Serpents           34   12  12  10    47   36  +11    48
12  Gwynt Tywyll              34   12  10  12    27   25   +2    46
13  Klyde Heritage            34   11  11  12    28   26   +2    44
14  Ziemelu Skaida            34    9   8  17    36   48  −12    35
15  Revanigruud Riversharks   34    9   8  17    35   60  −25    35
16  Yambridge FC              34    6  10  18    41   61  −20    28 Relegated
17  Bergtatt Isle Athletic    34    5  11  18    36   60  −24    26 Relegated
18  FC Flen                   34    5   8  21    32   68  −36    23 Relegated



Sekundar Ligan XXI Champions:



Silver Boot:
  ST Mischa Frederick (19 goals)

Silver Ball (Best Player): 
  GK Vance Commerford

AFC Obscura accomplish a rare feat in Cosumarite soccer: consecutive promotions. They were in Conference last season, but next season will playing in front of 40,000 at historic stadiums like The Klyde Sportsplex and Leviathan Arena (wow, that Kaldukosic relegation still hasn't sunk in) up in Sekundar Ligan. Their defense, led by the fearsome Gylve Roniger, was absolutely dominant, allowing only one goal every two games. Fort Archer also go back up after a two-year wait. Braylor Town shock in the Promotion Playoff to earn their first Sekundar Ligan promotion after close to a decade in the Tredje Ligan.

1009 Tredje Ligan           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  AFC Obscura 98           42   24  10   8    41   20  +21    82 Champions, Promoted
 2  Fort Archer FC           42   21  10  11    85   60  +25    73 Promoted
 3  Pardock Island           42   20  12  10    85   59  +26    72 Promotion Playoff
 4  Regalia City             42   22   6  14    63   53  +10    72 Promotion Playoff
 5   Braylor Town             42   20  10  12    69   50  +19    70 Promotion Playoff
 6  Riverside Crew           42   19  13  10    48   38  +10    70 Promotion Playoff
 7  Otkins Numenvernia       42   19  12  11    75   61  +14    69
 8  Rexnor District 3        42   18  14  10    29   18  +11    68
 9    DeFinko Magni Blandinn   42   18  13  11    57   43  +14    67
10    Sindo Fief               42   18   9  15    48   47   +1    63
11  Larkinham Town           42   15  12  15    64   58   +6    57
12  Nuur Origins FC          42   14  13  15    61   54   +7    55
13  Portsmouth FC            42   15  10  17    57   57    0    55
14    West Devellin            42   15  10  17    51   61  −10    55
15  Sepultura                42   14   8  20    53   60   −7    50
16  Gnoss Gallants AFC       42   12  13  17    27   28   −1    49
17  Everlong                 42   11  14  17    47   62  −15    47
18    Caledon Legion           42   10  10  22    43   75  −32    40 Relegated
19  Tamiat Town              42    9  12  21    33   57  −24    39 Relegated
20  Silk FC                  42    9  11  22    39   69  −30    38 Relegated
21    White Tower FC           42    8  13  21    42   61  −19    37 Relegated
22  Sarmon FC                42    7  13  22    43   69  −26    34 Relegated



Tredje Ligan XXI Champions:



Bronze Boot:
  RW Sohyun Kang (23 goals)

Bronze Ball (Best Player):
  CB Gylve Roniger

Promotion Playoffs
₃Pardock Island 4-1 Riverside Crew₆
₄Regalia City 0-0 (0-1 AET) Braylor Town₅

Pardock Island 3-3 (3-3 AET) (4-5 pen.) Braylor Town
Promoted to Sekundar Ligan:

1009 Conference Cosumarus   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dawchire Town               27   19   5   3    26    8  +18    62 Champions, Promoted
 2 Forest Hill FC              27   14  10   3    35   15  +20    52 Promoted
 3 Hagenheim South End         27   15   5   7    28   22   +6    50 Promotion Playoff
 4 Cadonica United             27   13   6   8    37   24  +13    45 Promotion Playoff
 5 IFK Sundsvall               27   12   9   6    33   20  +13    45 Promotion Playoff
 6 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona       27   12   8   7    45   25  +20    44 Promotion Playoff
 7 Azure Lane FC               27   13   4  10    28   19   +9    43
 8 Hvalsey 08                  27   11   8   8    20   16   +4    41
 9 Moore Hill Pirates          27   11   7   9    23   14   +9    40
10 West Ellum                  27   11   7   9    28   23   +5    40
11 Esterhollow Harbor          27   11   7   9    21   19   +2    40
12 AC Opjenheim                27   11   6  10    12   13   −1    39
13 Sontafe City                27   10   7  10    36   33   +3    37
14 Sporting Pirankoper         27    9  10   8    27   27    0    37
15 Grayslake                   27    8  13   6    22   22    0    37
16 Cassandra Cosmopolitan      27    7  15   5    23   20   +3    36
17 Woods of Ypres              27   10   6  11    25   26   −1    36
18 Olympique Sur Mer           27    9   6  12    22   25   −3    33
19 Volmachtia Kaldukosic       27    8   7  12    17   27  −10    31
20 Real Bellavista             27    7  10  10    34   45  −11    31
21 Chesterton Cottagers        27    6  12   9    17   20   −3    30
22 Coppell City FC             27    6  12   9    21   26   −5    30
23 Inter Juta                  27    8   6  13    32   44  −12    30
24 East Devellin               27    7   7  13    22   29   −7    28
25 Yellow Meadow Lynwood       27    6   8  13    15   22   −7    26
26 Gladsax Chariot FC          27    6   7  14    20   32  −12    25
27 Ingleton Town               27    3  10  14    10   29  −19    19
28 SC Cirith 01                27    4   4  19    23   57  −34    16

Promotion Playoffs
₃Hagenheim South End 0-3 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona₆
₄Cadonica United 1-2 IFK Sundsvall₅

SC Torpedo Kejsarkona 0-3 IFK Sundsvall
Promoted to Tredje Ligan:

1009 Conference KC             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sammet Ridge                    38   21   9   8    49   29  +20    72 Champions, Promoted
 2 Aberaeron Celtic                38   19  12   7    53   36  +17    69 Promotion Playoff
 3 Seryddwyr Aberaeron             38   21   5  12    55   38  +17    68 Promotion Playoff
 4 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   38   17  13   8    53   31  +22    64 Promotion Playoff
 5 Buscari Bridge Force            38   17  11  10    38   23  +15    62 Promotion Playoff
 6 Salfa City                      38   16  10  12    22   19   +3    58
 7 Tornline                        38   15  11  12    33   33    0    56
 8 Usk Town                        38   16   7  15    70   58  +12    55
 9 Kalloroda United                38   14  13  11    39   33   +6    55
10 Real Azuris II                  38   13  13  12    33   32   +1    52
11 Meryuma Marshals                38   12  10  16    43   43    0    46
12 Atlético Oterro                 38   12  10  16    56   64   −8    46
13 Murkwaamp Suns                  38    9  18  11    35   33   +2    45
14 IFK Nordön                      38   11  12  15    27   34   −7    45
15 Varvonti Firestorm              38   12   8  18    32   45  −13    44
16 FK Pentagram Pjattervid         38    9  16  13    48   68  −20    43
17 Hamlack Town                    38   11   9  18    46   61  −15    42 Relegated
18 Rexnor District 7               38   10  11  17    23   30   −7    41 Relegated
19 Aläng FF                        38    9  11  18    20   33  −13    38 Relegated
20 Ciems Mungonduvia               38    9   5  24    32   64  −32    32 Relegated

Promotion Playoffs
₂Aberaeron Celtic 1-1 (2-1 AET) Buscari Bridge Force₅
₃Seryddwyr Aberaeron 0-0 (0-1 AET) Tierra Interstellar Wanderers₄

Aberaeron Celtic 2-1 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers
Promoted to TredjeLigan: Aberaeron Celtic

Lägre Ligan 2 - Klyde    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Svart-Guld Klingaställe   29   16   8   5    37   21  +16    56 Champions, Promoted
 2 Treacherous Cove AFC      29   16   6   7    42   21  +21    54 Promoted
 3 Villa Forsetti            29   15   8   6    39   27  +12    53
 4 Sólstafir                 29   13  11   5    35   17  +18    50
 5 Noumen Town               29   14   6   9    36   22  +14    48
 6 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star   29   13   9   7    48   36  +12    48
 7 Emerald Cove              29   12  11   6    44   32  +12    47
 8 Interstellar Erurok       29   14   5  10    46   36  +10    47
 9 CD Panteras Nueces        29   13   7   9    40   28  +12    46
10 Sadenia Paladins          29   11  13   5    32   23   +9    46
11 Maymar Lagune             29   12   9   8    35   28   +7    45
12 Ardamirchan Isle United   29   13   6  10    46   45   +1    45
13 FC Kviststad              29   12   7  10    26   25   +1    43
14 Wiedna Town               29   11   7  11    42   39   +3    40
15 Cerulia City FC           29   11   7  11    24   25   −1    40
16 VfL Läutenstadt           29   11   6  12    37   39   −2    39
17 Erpland County            29   10   9  10    30   32   −2    39
18 Gwerin Athletic           29   10   8  11    28   35   −7    38
19 Moggington County         29   11   4  14    33   37   −4    37
20 Oppland 806               29    9   8  12    37   44   −7    35
21 Flithby Town              29    7  12  10    35   44   −9    33
22 Glasbon SC                29    8   8  13    29   40  −11    32
23 Lindsborg Premier         29    8   7  14    25   34   −9    31
24 Klyde II                  29    9   4  16    27   45  −18    31
25 Oxbow Lake                29    9   3  17    25   41  −16    30
26 Noths Castle              29    7   8  14    22   34  −12    29
27 Atletisk Kvelertak        29    6  10  13    23   33  −10    28
28 Orias-Kvissle SC          29    7   7  15    32   44  −12    28
29 Satyricon Nemeses AFC     29    7   7  15    40   54  −14    28
30 Gibwir Marsnal            29    6   7  16    29   43  −14    25

Lägre Ligan 2 - East     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Atletisk Surpronuk        29   20   4   5    39   12  +27    64 Champions, Promoted
 2 Atletisk Östrad           29   16   9   4    46   23  +23    57 Promoted
 3 FC Samotath II            29   15  12   2    36   20  +16    57
 4 AFC Wernersburg           29   16   5   8    37   20  +17    53
 5 Chittersbee Rangers       29   15   7   7    41   26  +15    52
 6 Interstellar Östrad       29   14   9   6    28   18  +10    51
 7 IFK Skulldjak             29   13  11   5    37   20  +17    50
 8 Paulsendam Town           29   15   5   9    35   24  +11    50
 9 Marshall-Blue FC          29   15   3  11    33   26   +7    48
10 Dusk Athletic             29   13   9   7    28   23   +5    48
11 AFC Centus                29   13   6  10    39   29  +10    45
12 Eastweald II              29   13   6  10    29   23   +6    45
13 Cape Dutch Copperheads    29   11  12   6    30   26   +4    45
14 Somberlain FC             29   12   6  11    32   28   +4    42
15 Mallox II                 29   10  12   7    27   24   +3    42
16 Wealdheim Bards           29   10   8  11    23   35  −12    38
17 FC Stellendam             29   10   6  13    40   38   +2    36
18 Ollston Town              29    8  10  11    32   38   −6    34
19 Zirconim City             29    8   9  12    25   32   −7    33
20 Sporting Corrian          29    9   5  15    19   32  −13    32
21 IFK Keukenhok             29    6  13  10    23   33  −10    31
22 FC Kaldukosic II          29    7   8  14    32   41   −9    29
23 Scarromere FC             29    7   8  14    22   32  −10    29
24 1. FC Guggenheim          29    7   8  14    21   34  −13    29
25 United FC of Stoneshore   29    8   5  16    19   36  −17    29
26 Nabataea                  29    6  10  13    30   44  −14    28
27 OAS Royal FC II           29    4  13  12    13   26  −13    25
28 Östrad Rockets FC         29    6   6  17    17   32  −15    24
29 Lewisville Athletic       29    3  10  16    16   33  −17    19
30 Ramusok United II         29    3   9  17    19   40  −21    18

Lägre Ligan 2 - Central  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Black Diamond Osterhaut   29   18   7   4    39   18  +21    61 Champions, Promoted
 2 Cassandra City II         29   18   4   7    36   19  +17    58 Promoted
 3 Rhithlungwerddon Town     29   14   9   6    26   12  +14    51
 4 Highlanders               29   14   9   6    33   20  +13    51
 5 Scarborough               29   14   9   6    34   22  +12    51
 6 Club Toftir               29   15   5   9    27   19   +8    50
 7 Club Varden               29   15   4  10    28   20   +8    49
 8 High Noon FC              29   13   9   7    24   17   +7    48
 9 Goldsoul FC               29   13   8   8    32   23   +9    47
10 Jotungard 99 FC           29   14   5  10    30   21   +9    47
11 Atammac Wanderers         29   13   8   8    33   27   +6    47
12 FC Fejd                   29   13   7   9    26   23   +3    46
13 Lykathea City             29   13   6  10    24   23   +1    45
14 FC Kastanjestad           29   12   7  10    24   17   +7    43
15 Morponte Fief II          29   10   9  10    26   21   +5    39
16 Sporting Culmar           29    8  13   8    30   28   +2    37
17 Mintwick Marmots          29    9   9  11    23   23    0    36
18 Harlegan Rovers           29   10   6  13    19   27   −8    36
19 Ajatarra Alligators       29    9   7  13    21   28   −7    34
20 Briquia Southside FC      29   10   4  15    32   42  −10    34
21 Malm Town                 29    8   9  12    19   24   −5    33
22 FC Invierness 912         29   10   3  16    23   37  −14    33
23 Gorgoroth                 29    8   7  14    29   24   +5    31
24 Columbia Town             29    9   4  16    20   34  −14    31
25 Impera Town               29    7   9  13    20   31  −11    30
26 Carnessa County           29    7   7  15    13   20   −7    28
27 Keldin Town               29    7   7  15    18   26   −8    28
28 Hassaburess Athletic      29    7   6  16    15   28  −13    27
29 Austentrapp City FC       29    6   9  14    20   43  −23    27
30 Ombra Castle              29    3  10  16    15   42  −27    19

Lägre Ligan 2 - West      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Talmusok City              29   16   9   4    33   14  +19    57 Champions, Promoted
 2 SEP Bjarnum                29   16   4   9    30   19  +11    52 Promoted
 3 Klovstad Klub              29   14   9   6    25   17   +8    51
 4 Bayford City               29   14   7   8    35   24  +11    49
 5 Crawford Sharks SC         29   12  13   4    23   14   +9    49
 6 Falco Na'Diveh             29   14   6   9    33   17  +16    48
 7 Duval Town                 29   14   6   9    20   12   +8    48
 8 IFK Karlsborg              29   13   6  10    32   31   +1    45
 9 SC Swamport                29   12   8   9    33   25   +8    44
10 Ayr Athletic               29   12   7  10    23   20   +3    43
11 Crawford City FC II        29   11  10   8    28   27   +1    43
12 Miklagaard Salvation       29   11   7  11    22   23   −1    40
13 FC1. Richtofen Avalanche   29   12   3  14    22   28   −6    39
14 Dillinger Town             29   11   6  12    16   27  −11    39
15 Stortrommeby Town          29    9  11   9    22   20   +2    38
16 Gamma Zakhoro              29   10   7  12    24   22   +2    37
17 Rhupenhoven Town           29    9  10  10    20   26   −6    37
18 East Ellum                 29    9  10  10    20   29   −9    37
19 FC Arkadius                29   10   6  13    21   24   −3    36
20 Chamomile Town             29    7  14   8    24   22   +2    35
21 FC Va'Lubasa               29    9   8  12    17   17    0    35
22 Red Star Karbosic          29    9   8  12    20   25   −5    35
23 Na'Malsille Mariners II    29    7  13   9    19   19    0    34
24 Drummond's FC              29    9   7  13    18   24   −6    34
25 Yuonela Town               29    8   8  13    21   25   −4    32
26 Tromsdale Town             29    7  10  12    24   31   −7    31
27 Theli City                 29    7   9  13    31   41  −10    30
28 VfL Bolmenstadt            29    9   3  17    16   28  −12    30
29 Thergothon Town            29    7   8  14    10   19   −9    29
30 FC Na'Travii               29    6   9  14    15   27  −12    27

Lägre Ligan 2 - Colonial  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Borzac Sequins             29   19   6   4    37   16  +21    63 Champions, Promoted
 2 Rhodes Ravens AFC          29   18   6   5    46   23  +23    60 Promoted
 3 Drahva United              29   17   6   6    37   19  +18    57
 4 FC Dynamo Kurbads          29   16   5   8    45   32  +13    53
 5 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC   29   15   7   7    19   18   +1    52
 6 Kreanoltha Vipers          29   13  10   6    24   17   +7    49
 7 Rexnor District 8          29   15   3  11    28   20   +8    48
 8 Levithia Shrievenzale      29   14   6   9    29   23   +6    48
 9 Orion Wanderers            29   13   8   8    37   25  +12    47
10 Piander Falls FC           29   13   8   8    35   24  +11    47
11 Templar-Lune FC            29   13   7   9    21   15   +6    46
12 Marinus City               29   12   9   8    37   23  +14    45
13 New Hagenheim Canopy       29   12   9   8    27   17  +10    45
14 Sporting Club Macofor      29   11   8  10    34   29   +5    41
15 Rexnor District 5          29   10  10   9    28   25   +3    40
16 Execo Station              29   11   7  11    22   25   −3    40
17 Romstafar Outpost          29    9  10  10    16   13   +3    37
18 Tranquility Treepolis      29   11   4  14    20   27   −7    37
19 Rexnor District 6          29   10   6  13    18   22   −4    36
20 Dockery Union              29    9   8  12    24   22   +2    35
21 Tonsei Tumult              29    9   7  13    22   31   −9    34
22 Rexnor District 9          29   10   3  16    36   43   −7    33
23 Menoptera United SC        29   10   3  16    17   24   −7    33
24 NOVIA Alliance             29    7  10  12    19   30  −11    31
25 SC Vronus 510              29    8   5  16    27   46  −19    29
26 Rexnor District 4          29    6   9  14    33   57  −24    27
27 Snaigow Hoarfrost          29    6   7  16    17   30  −13    25
28 Fayanora Pontonese         29    7   3  19    23   45  −22    24
29 Whitestone Athletic        29    5   8  16    20   35  −15    23
30 Rexnor District 1          29    4   6  19    13   35  −22    18 Relegated

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun May 14, 2017 2:09 am

The Cosumar Football League (CFL) is Cosumar's highest level of gridiron football. The CFL was formed in 994, uniting two rival leagues that divided Cosumar for decades: the Cosumar Association of Football (CAF) and Fiefdom Football Alliance (FFA). The CAF became the "Silver Conference", while the FFA became the "Blue Conference". A fierce enmity still lingers between the two groups of teams, which makes the postseason meeting of the two conference champions ("the Dragon Bowl") even more intense. With 17 teams in each conference, the CFL has 34 total teams. Teams play each of their conference opponents once, for a 16-game season. The top eight in each conference advance to a 16-team single elimination playoff, culminating with the Dragon Bowl. The CFL is the second-most popular sporting league in Cosumar behind only the Harlighet Ligan ("Glory League"), the top flight of our soccer pyramid.

Dragon Bowl Champions:
I: Jadde Bruins
II: Kaldukosic Blazers
III: Kaldukosic Kataklysm
IV: Sarmon Spirit
V: Morponte Marauders
VI: Sarmon Spirit (2)
VII: Kaldukosic Blazers (2)
VIII: Morponte Marauders (2)
IX: Zakhoro Wolfpack
X: Versiaville Vikings
XI: Pelethas Thuner
XII: Emerald Cove Conquistadors
XIII: _____ _____???

CFL Season XIII (1010) - Regular Season

In the Silver Conference, for the first time in 13 seasons, the Kaldukosic Kataklysm have missed the playoffs after losing to the Vikings on the final week of the season. It seems that with the arrival of the new decade, their 00s dominance over the Silver Conference regular season has passed. Not a great start to the post-Jakkrik Levinsson era. They just weren't the same without him - even with that staunch secondary. The Vikings also regressed a bit with 37-year-old franchise QB Gordo Vu'Faka and 31-year-old linebacking stud Dat Zheng finally showing signs of age. One dynasty that hasn't faded one bit, however, is that of the Morponte Marauders. Yet another 11-5 season for Jeston Boulware & company, this time setting some single-season defensive records with Quin Wooton taking a major step forward in his third season out of Stoneshore to become one of the CFL's top linebackers.

But while the Marauders were the best team by the eye test, the top seed actually goes to Hagenheim. The Vagabonds had an efficient run-first offense and a gritty defense with a mix of savvy veterans and explosive rookies. This combination powered them to 12 close wins. Finally, the big storylines of the season were the turnarounds of the Centus Owls and Dusk Bearcats under first-year head coaches who whipped the defenses into shape. Both went from at least 10 losses to at least 10 wins. Last season's turnaround darlings, the Eagles, failed to build on their success after star runner Nic Perrantes was lost for the season in Week 3 with ACL/MCL tears. At the bottom, the Altamirano Devils were.... well, the less said the better. Fewest touchdowns scored in the last five seasons.

Silver Conference           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Hagenheim Vagabonds          16   12   4   337  237 +100    36
 2 Morponte Marauders           16   11   5   399  287 +112    33
 3 Centus Owls                  16   10   6   345  267  +78    30
 4 Dusk Bearcats                16   10   6   325  305  +20    30
 5 Olask Dolphins               16   10   6   297  287  +10    30
 6 Mallox Tigers                16    9   7   281  278   +3    27
 7 Surpronuk Marsh Monsters     16    9   7   313  314   −1    27
 8 Versiaville Vikings          16    8   8   297  273  +24    24
------------------------^^^PLAYOFFS^^^------------------------
 9 Dawchire Eagles              16    8   8   295  274  +21    24
10 Bayford Blue Dragons         16    8   8   318  303  +15    24
11 Kaldukosic Kataklysm         16    7   9   313  314   −1    21
12 Jadde Brutes                 16    7   9   314  323   −9    21
13 Crawford Comrades            16    7   9   292  340  −48    21
14 Flen Jaguars                 16    6  10   252  286  −34    18
15 Cassandra Wildcats           16    6  10   253  384 −131    18
16 Keenan Robins                16    5  11   277  291  −14    15
17 Altamirano Devils            16    3  13   230  375 −145     9

In the Blue Conference, the Conquistadors somehow managed to improve on their franchise-best regular season from last year. They continued the blazing hot streak that saw them run the table in the Dragon Bowl Playoffs, Brandon Reigner consolidating his reign as the undisputed best QB in the CFL right now. But his life is made so much easier by that amazing Offensive Line, who are perhaps the real MVPs - though they won't win the award. The Thunder did their usual thing, torching defenses left and right with their gunslinging spread offense and scary-fast receivers.

The expected contenders filed in behind the Conquistadors and Thunder: the Venom, Spirit, Mighty Men, Wolfpack and Blazers. The only real surprise was that the Samotath Scourge were able to sneak into the Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Just a couple years ago, they were the laughingstock of the league. But the arrival of longtime Arena League MVP QB Francis Hibbert and young receiver Madison Weeldreyer have turned them into a capable offense. At 8-8 they're far from world-beaters, but the city of Samotath is overjoyed to have a freaking playoff game to rally around. Even if it's in the fortress of Emerald Cove...

  Blue Conference             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Emerald Cove Conquistadors   16   13   3   416  215 +201    39
 2 Pelethas Thunder             16   12   4   435  291 +144    36
 3 Na'Malsille Venom            16   11   5   371  300  +71    33
 4 Sarmon Spirit                16   10   6   379  276 +103    30
 5 Helfin Mighty Men            16   10   6   348  322  +26    30
 6 Zakhoro Wolfpack             16    9   7   299  265  +34    27
 7 Kaldukosic Blazers           16    9   7   288  265  +23    27
 8 Samotath Scourge             16    8   8   304  345  −41    24
------------------------^^^PLAYOFFS^^^------------------------
 9 Azuris Anthrax               16    8   8   279  349  −70    24
10 OAS Kingsmen                 16    8   8   364  441  −77    24
11 Ramusok Stars                16    7   9   318  316   +2    21
12 Opjenheim Bulldogs           16    7   9   300  333  −33    21
13 Samaj Spartans               16    6  10   322  331   −9    18
14 Stoneshore Predators         16    6  10   330  383  −53    18
15 Hvalsey Lions                16    5  11   313  326  −13    15
16 Pirankoper Cowboys           16    5  11   283  384 −101    15
17 Klyde Cyclones               16    2  14   236  443 −207     6

Playoff Fixtures

Silver Conference

₁Hagenheim Vagabonds (12-4) vs. ₈Versiaville Vikings (8-8)

₄Dusk Bearcats (10-6) vs. ₅Olask Dolphins (10-6)

₂Morponte Marauders (11-5) vs. ₇Surpronuk Marsh Monsters (9-7)

₃Centus Owls (10-6) vs. ₆Mallox Tigers (9-7)

Blue Conference

₁Emerald Cove Conquistadores (13-3) vs. ₈Samotath Scourge (8-8)

₄Sarmon Spirit (10-6) vs. ₅Helfin Mighty Men (10-6)

₂Pelethas Thunder (12-4) vs. ₇Kaldukosic Blazers (9-7)

₃Na'Malsille Venom (11-5) vs. ₆Zakhoro Wolfpack (9-7)

Finnegan Trophy X

The most controversial aspect of the regular CFL season is the lack of inter-conference games. Aside from the Dragon Bowl, there is no way for teams from opposite conferences to meet in meaningful games. Purists who preferred the CAF and FFA separate like it that way, but the more casual fans wanted to see the, say, Kataklysm and Blazers clash more often. The league heartily agreed, seeing the profit potential of more such games. To appease both sides, The Finnegan Trophy was introduced. It is a soccer-style cup tournament that runs concurrently to the CFL season. Named after the former coach of of our National Gridirion Team, Gary Finnegan, it features 32 teams (all but the last-place finishers from the prior season) going at it single-elimination style. Silver and Blue Conference teams are randomly pitted against each other in the first round draw, and from there, the chips fall where they may. It's madness, but it's quality entertainment. What's at stake? In addition to prize money, the winning team automatically receives one of Cosumar's allotted spots in international competition (along with the Dragon Bowl victor and the best regular season record from each conference) and an additional draft pick.

Past Winners
I: Kaldukosic Kataklysm
II: Stoneshore Predators
III: Kaldukosic Kataklysm (2)
IV: Bayford Blue Dragons
V: Kaldukosic Blazers
VI: Morponte Marauders
VII: Kaldukosic Blazers (2)
VIII: Na'Malsille Venom
IX: Na'Malsille Venom (2)
X: __________ _________ ???

 Cassandra Wildcats            7  6  0  0  13
>Zakhoro Wolfpack              7  0  7  3  17

>Dusk Bearcats                 7  0  6  0 3  16
 Emerald Cove Conquistadors    0  3  0 10 0  13

>Flen Jaguars                  0 14  7  0  21
 OAS Kingsmen                  7  3  6  3  19

 Morponte Marauders           14  3 10  3 0  30
>Stoneshore Predators         10 14  3  3 3  33

>Mallox Tigers                10  0 10  0  20
 Samotath Scourge              3  3  0  3   9

>Hagenheim Vagabonds          10  7  7  3  27
 Hvalsey Lions                10  0  0  3  13

>Bayford Blue Dragons          3  6  7 10  26
 Ramusok Stars                 7  3 10  3  23

 Versiaville Vikings          10  3 10  0  23
>Surpronuk Marsh Monsters     10 10  3  6  29

 Keenan Robins                   3  3  3   9
>Azuris Anthrax                0 10 14  7  31

>Kaldukosic Kataklysm         14 10  7  0  31
 Helfin Mighty Men             3 10  0  7  20

 Altamirano Devils             3  7  3  0  13
>Kaldukosic Blazers           14  0  3  3  20

>Centus Owls                   3 10 10  3  26
 Klyde Cyclones                0  0  7  0   7

>Jadde Brutes                  9  7  0  7  23
 Na'Malsille Venom             0  0  0  7   7

>Dawchire Eagles               7  7 10  7  31
 Samaj Spartans                0 14  3  0  17

 Opjenheim Bulldogs            3  0  3 10  16
>Sarmon Spirit                10 14  0 10  34

 Olask Dolphins                0  0  0  7   7
>Pelethas Thunder              3  3  7  6  19

What a round! The twice-defending champion Venom crash out already, ensuring we will finally have another new Finnegan Trophy victor. What's more, powerhouse teams like Morponte and Emerald Cove are both upended on overtime field goals (to the Bearcats and Predators, of all teams!). Upset city. That Morponte-Stoneshore game was probably the best of the bunch. Stoneshore Predators rookie QB Aldur Tronstad (fresh off the NSCF 16 championship) had his best game so far in his new city, racking up 200 yards in the first half as the Predators raced out to a 24-14 lead. The experienced Marauders adjusted and shut Tronstad down in the second half, but from there the defense took over to see out the shock win. Corbin Kelleners' two timely sacks of Boulware in overtime prevented the former trophywinners from completing the comeback.

>Zakhoro Wolfpack            0 10  0  7  17
 Dusk Bearcats               3  3  0  0   6

 Flen Jaguars                3  0 10  7  20
>Stoneshore Predators       10 14  3  7  34

>Mallox Tigers               7  3  0  714  31
 Hagenheim Vagabonds         0  7  7  3 7  24

>Bayford Blue Dragons        3  3 14 10  30
 Surpronuk Marsh Monsters    3  3  3  3  12

>Azuris Anthrax              7  7  3  3  20
 Kaldukosic Kataklysm        6  0  0 10  16

>Kaldukosic Blazers         14  7  7  3  31
 Centus Owls                 0 10  7  0  17

>Jadde Brutes                7  0  7  0  14
 Dawchire Eagles             3  0  0  3   6

>Sarmon Spirit               0  3 14  7  24
 Pelethas Thunder           10  0  3  0  13

The Kataklysm and Blazers almost set-up a rare Kaldukosic derby for the Quarterfinals, but new Kataklysm quarterback Euan Hestigate threw a dagger interception as they were pressing for a potentially game-winning touchdown. The Azuris Anthrax will surprisingly proceed to face the Blazers instead, led by a monster performance from rookie safety Gilan Nairn in the secondary. The best game of the round was an all-Silver Conference duel between the Tigers and Vagabonds in Hagenheim. After a back-and-forth thriller in regulation, the Mallox walked out victors thanks to a freaking 88-yard run by Luke Lallobe in overtime, the bruising back slipping through the arms of several Vagabond defenders - even Wayne Troumper. What a way to end it!

 Zakhoro Wolfpack        3 14  6  7  30
>Stoneshore Predators   10 14  7  0  31

>Mallox Tigers           0  7  7  3  17
 Bayford Blue Dragons    0 10  0  0  10

>Azuris Anthrax          6  6 10  3  25
 Kaldukosic Blazers      0  7  6  0  13

>Jadde Brutes            6  0  7  7  20
 Sarmon Spirit          10  3  3  0  16

It all evens out. There will be two Silver and two Blue Conference teams in the semis, both squaring off against each other. The Stoneshore Predators might be stuggling in CFL play this season, but they've put together a scintillating run in the Finnegan Trophy. The followed up their upset of the Marauders by blowing out Flen and, now, topping the high-scoring Wolfpack in a shootout. Aldur Tronstad has had his typical rookie growing pains, but the RCU signal-caller has shown in this tournament flashes of a promising professional future. He went straight at DuAndre Castillo and threw four touchdowns in this game without even a single receiver you could call a true #1. The Tigers also march on thanks to another spotty game in a season worryingly full of spotty games for Bayford franchise QB Jarvan Voger. The Anthrax also continue to prove that their resurgence into the Blue Conference playoff hunt is no fluke. They shuttered the Blazers' run game and made Orfeo Na'Toki constantly sweat in the pocket, disrupting the former Dragon Bowl champion's rhythm and holding him to 198 yards and 1 TD with 2 INT. But the MVP for the Anthrax might've been kicker Kevin Solloway, who hit six field goals of 45+ yards for the first time in Cosumarite history.

 Stoneshore Predators    7  0  7  0  14
>Mallox Tigers           0 13  7 10  30

>Azuris Anthrax          0 14  3 13  30
 Jadde Brutes            3  0  0  3   6

The Predators put up a fight, but Curtis Chimney was too much for them as the game wore on. The dual-threat QB rushed for two TDs in the second half to put the Tigers in their first Finnegan Trophy Final, representing Silver Conference! They'll face Blue Conference's Azuris Anthrax, who routed the no-show Jadde Brutes with Sebastian Andrade & Naevius Brooks connecting to deadly effect.

Mallox Tigers (S)       0  3  7  0  10
Azuris Anthrax (B)      7  3  3  0  13

THE FINAL! Packed stadium and huge TV audience...of course it's a low-scoring defensive struggle. Both D-lines won the battle in the trenches, making it difficult for either team to get much going. Holmgrin Hedlund's TD run on the Anthrax's opening drive ended up being the difference four quarters later. Curtis Chimney really struggled for the Tigers, fumbling twice on big hits by Finnegan Trophy Final MVP Andre Stauch and throwing an additional two interceptions to Gilan Nairn. Nevertheless, he still gave them a dim hope to send it to overtime late, but rookie kicker Alan Highsmith understandably missed short from 62 yards. Shame, because linebacker Berahthram Nedved was having the game of his life for the Tigers, racking up an astonishing 17 solo tackles.

The AZURIS ANTHRAX have won the tenth Finnegan Trophy! It is the Anthrax's first trophy in modern history, and the fourth consecutive Finnegan Trophy to go to the Blue Conference, which now takes a 6-4 advantage over Silver Conference in the history of this tournament.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed May 17, 2017 5:45 pm

CFL Season XIII (1010) - Playoffs

It's that time again. Of the 34 teams that began the season with bright aspiration, fewer than half remain with their goal of winning the Dragon Bowl intact. Making the postseason is a great accomplishment, but only one team will end the season completely satisfied. It's time CFL Playoffs time! Single-elimination. No mercy. No second-chances.

First Round

SILVER CONFERENCE

₁Hagenheim Vagabonds           3  0  7  0  10
₈Versiaville Vikings          10  6  0 10  26

₄Dusk Bearcats                10  6  6  0  22
₅Olask Dolphins                0 10  0  7  17

₂Morponte Marauders           10  3 10  3  26
₇Surpronuk Marsh Monsters      0  7  3  0  10

₃Centus Owls                   0  7  0  3  10
₆Mallox Tigers                 7 10  0  7  24

Despite obtaining the #1 seed in the Silver Conference, the Vagabonds walked a fine line all year with their narrow low-scoring victories. It came back to haunt them in the first round of the Playoffs. They wasted the #1 seed and homefield advantage, letting Vikings bell cow Neptune Trevorrow (fresh and rejuvenated off a 6-week absence) run all over them for 160 yards on 2 TD. This game was over by halftime. The Vikings underwhelmed in the regular season partly because of injuries and age, but if they get healthy and become their vintage selves in the playoffs....look out! In the weekend's other big Silver playoff matchups, the underrated Bearcats survived a comeback attempt from Thoumen Kuyengall and the Dolphins, the Morpone Marauders casually sent the Marsh Monsters back the other way, and Mallox taught newcomers Centus Owls a lesson in the toughness of playoff football. Those poor Centus players will be feeling the bruises all offseason.

BLUE CONFERENCE

₁Emerald Cove Conquistadors   13  0  7  7 7  34
₈Samotath Scourge              7  0 10 1014  41

₄Sarmon Spirit                 7  3  3  7  20
₅Helfin Mighty Men             0 14 14  7  35

₂Pelethas Thunder              3  7  7 13  30
₇Kaldukosic Blazers            3  7 14  7  31

₃Na'Malsille Venom             7  0  0  0   7
₆Zakhoro Wolfpack             10  3  0  0  13

WHAT A SHOW! THE DEFENDING CHAMPS, THE BOOKIES'S FAVORITES, GO DOWN IN OVERTIME!!! TO THE TEAM MAKING ITS FIRST EVER PLAYOFF APPEARANCE! That's the right, Brandon Reigner and the Conquistadors are gone already. Despite being the Fiefdom's most dominant team all year, they end the campaign in shame because of one edge-of-a-coin loss. That's just how the CFL works, like it or not. The Scourge, for their part, were brilliant. They rose to the occasion. They marched into Emerald Cove Coliseum and showed no fear. Francis Hibbert went stroke-for-stroke with Reigner and, in the end, his 27-yard bullet to Madison Weeldreyer in the center of the endzone won it in double overtime, 41-34. Masterful all-around performance. Well, the defense would like to not give up 30+ points, but hey, it was the Conquistadors. Sveinn Sneijder did well just to pick off Reigner once. The Scourge's midday feat inspired the rest of the lower Blue Conference seeds who played later, it seems. All of the lower seeds won, even if none were as shocking because of the intense parity in Blue this season. The Kaldukosic Blazers definitely aren't your typical underdog 7-seed. Still, that game-winning touchdown drive from their own 11-yard line with 1:30 remaining was textbook efficiency under the brightest of spotlights.

Conference Semifinals

SILVER CONFERENCE

Versiaville Vikings    13  7  0 10  30
Dusk Bearcats           6  3 10 10  29

Morponte Marauders     10  0  7  7  24
Mallox Tigers           0 13  0  6  19

With a chance to play for a Dragon Bowl berth on the line and a loud crowd of 60,000 in Versiaville, the upstart Bearcats came out swinging. Defensive end Kamil Yeoman lowered his shoulders and sent Vikings RB Neptune Trevorrow to the locker room in the first quarter with a highlight-reel big hit that set the tone. The favored Vikings would have to earn their place in the Silver Conference Championship. Unfortunately for the Bearcats, their kicker missed the extra point after a perfectly-executed opening touchdown drive - also setting a tone for missed opportunities. With Trevorrow sidelined, the game quickly turned into a quarterbacking shootout between Vikings veteran Gordon Vu'Faka (37) and Bearcats new-starter sensation Brittany Lucassen, fourteen years his junior and also the only female starting QB in the CFL this season. Vu'Faka won that battle in the first half, giving his Vikings a 20-9 halftime lead with a 20-yard strike to old partner-in-crime Wynn Pressham and a 54-yard bomb to deep threat Thomen Hanfstaengl. Lucassen led the Bearcats roaring back in the second half after she settled down, running for a score and throwing for another, but their upset bid fell one point short after Neptune Trevorrow returned to the game just in time to pound the ball over the goal line at the death. One point. Remember that missed extra point? Ouch. Vikings advance - just barely - to face the juggernaut Morponte Marauders, who briefly had a spot of trouble against the visiting Tigers but cruised to victory in the end.

BLUE CONFERENCE

Samotath Scourge        7  0  3  7  17
Helfin Mighty Men       7  0  0  7  14

Kaldukosic Blazers      7  3  7  0  17
Zakhoro Wolfpack        0  3  0  3   6

Less exciting in the Blue Conference. The Blazers absolutely shut down the Wolfpack offense behind Artur Seeger's 11 solo tackles. The 8-8 Samotath Scourge continue their Cinderella story, edging the Mighty Men in a sloppy hard-on-the-eyes affair in the desert. Two of the four touchdowns were scored by the defenses. But all the people in Samotath care about is that their team will play in its first Blue Conference Championship Game next week in Kaldukosic.

Conference Championship Games

SILVER CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Versiaville Vikings     7  0  3  7  17
Morponte Marauders     10  0  0  0  10

The Vikings are showcasing just how versatile of a team they are en route to their second Dragon Bowl appearance. Last week, they won with Gordon Vu'Faka and their offense. This week, in the Silver Championship Game, they won with defense. Schottic defensive tackle Tom Tin had a treble of sacks of big Jeston Boulware - not an easy quarterback to get to the ground - and his teammates helped hold Jacques Valdivia to only 61 rushing yards. It was tied at 10 for most of the second half until Vu'Faka found Pressham camping out in the back of the endzone between the safeties with five minutes left. Despite their vast postseason experience, the Marauders just couldn't get anything going and failed two fourth-down conversions in the final minutes.

BLUE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Samotath Scourge        7  3  3  0  13
Kaldukosic Blazers      6  3  7 14  30

All dreams must come to an end. The Scourge miss out on making it two 8-8 teams in the Dragon Bowl. They were simply overpowered by the big-city Blazers in the end. Orfeo Na'Toki came to life in the 4th quarter crunch time and went 12/13 for 185 yards and 2 TD in that final frame. Curinho's acrobatic one-handed diving interception of Francis Hibbert to ice the game was the signature moment of the 1010 Blue Championship.

DRAGON BOWL XIII

It is the fewest combined wins of any Dragon Bowl match-up to date as the 8-seed Versiaville Vikings (8-8) out of Silver Conference prepare to take on the 7-seed Kaldukosic Blazers (9-7) in Pelethas. Both are star-studded veteran teams that underachieved by their standards in the regular season, but have caught fire here in the postseason. That's all it takes if you have the talent. Get healthy and get hot at the right time. With a win, the Vikings will become the first 8-8 team to win the Dragon Bowl - and they're already the first .500 team to make it to one. If the Blazers prevail, on the other hand, they will become the first CFL franchise to win three Dragon Bowls, earn more bragging rights over crosstown rivals Kataklysm, and continue Blue Conference's recent advantage in the big game.

Will the Blazers catch fire again or will the Vikings plunder their hopes?

...

...

...

Versiaville Vikings     0  7  0 10  17
Kaldukosic Blazers      3  3  3  7  16

With an over-capacity audience at The Xanadu Dome buzzing with spectacle and thousands flashing camera lights, the teams took about a quarter to settle into a groove and string some first downs together. The Blazers put the first points on the board near the end of the 1st with a short field goal after Dat Zheng dropped Takk Van Der Wix in the backfield on 3rd down from the 11. The Vikings responded in the 2nd quarter, however, as Gordon Vu'Faka led his team on a 74-yard touchdown drive. The biggest play being a screen to slot receiver Gareon Estrin that exploded down the sideline for 34 yards. The Blazers closed the gap to 7-6 before half time, this time with a longer 50-yard field goal.

The second half started much like the first, with the teams' rhythms disrupted by the lengthy halftime festivities featuring iconic folk trio The Saplings. The Blazers were able to move the ball well, but the Vikings once again holding them to a field goal, Tom Tin bursting through the line to force Orfeo Na'Toki to throw the ball away on 3rd & Goal at the 4. 9-7 Blazers. Kaldukosic stretched their lead to nine early in the fourth, finally getting a well-deserved touchdown as tight end Justus Bod got open on a seam route and broke two tackles before finally being dragged down as he crossed the goal line. 16-7 with just under ten minutes left. The Versian fans were starting to doubt...

But never doubt a cast of wily veterans who know this might be their last chance on the biggest stage of their sport! With six minutes left, 37-year-old Vikings QB Vu'Faka hit trusty 34-year-old tight end Wynn Pressham for four consecutive completions to march straight into the red zone. There, Vu'Faka ran for another first down himself before handing it off to nearly-30 running back Neptune Trevorrow on 1st, 2nd and 3rd & Goal. The third time was the charm for Trevorrow and the three longtime teammates butted heads enthusiastically as they trotted back to their sideline as the kicking unit ran on. But they hadn't done it yet. 16-14 Blazers, 3:30 left. That's when another grizzled star stepped up. Just when it looked like the Blazers were going to run the clock out at midfield, 31-year-old linebacker Dat Zheng punched the ball loose from runner Van Der Wix! After what seemed like an eternity of scrambling and dogpiling, it was finally determined that the Vikings had recovered the ball! Madness. Sheer madness.

With just over a minute left, all they needed to do was advance 25 yards to enter the comfortable range of kicker Uhtmar Va'Gl. And that they did. It was nervy, especially when Kurt Bromton nearly picked off Vu'Faka's overthrown pass in the middle of the field on 1st down, but Vu'Faka turned to his safety blanket, Pressham, who dragged the Vikings to the 37 yard line. And with precisely two seconds left, Va'Gl kicked the 54-yard field goal... Straight. Down. The. Middle. Massive clutch genes in that Vloo. 17-16 Vikings on the last-second field goal! And the team rushes the field in euphoric abandon as The Xanadu Dome backdrop watches on, soaking up the history....

The VERSIAVILLE VIKINGS are the Dragon Bowl XIII Champions! They are now 2-0 in Dragon Bowls after also winning Dragon Bowl X, while the Kaldukosic Blazers fall to 2-2. The Vikings are the first team without a regular season winning record (8-8) to win the Dragon Bowl. Congratulations to the City of Versiaville on what might be the crowning swansong accomplishment for this generation of aging stars, and commiserations to the Kaldukosic Blazers on coming so close to a third Dragon Bowl trophy. The Vikings' victory narrows the Blue Conference's lead to just 7-6 over Silver Conference in the history of the championship meeting.

Post-Season Awards

Season MVP: Brandon Reigner (QB, Emerald Cove Conquistadors)
Dragon Bowl MVP: Wynn Pressham (TE, Versiaville Vikings)
Offensive Player of the Year: Macauley Swarthman (RB, Hagenheim Vagabonds)
Defensive Player of the Year: Quin Wooton (LB, Morponte Marauders)
Foreign Player of the Year: Mia Little (WR, Sarmon Spirit, Schottia)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Aldur Tronstad (QB, Stoneshore Predators)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Gilan Nairn (S, Azuris Anthrax)

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Tue May 30, 2017 8:27 pm

LEAGUE CYCLE XXII PREVIEW (Year 1010)

Here we are again, 21 full seasons gone by since the FSF reorganized and re-energized Cosumarite domestic soccer with the CosumarLigan system. The 21st season once again set new records for revenue, attendance and TV ratings. It marked the start of a new era for on-pitch quality as well, with Real Azuris becoming the first Cosumarite club to win the UICA Champions' Cup and a record number of internationals calling the Härlighet Ligan home. The improvement doesn't seem to be slowing either, with the league now awarded three Champions' Cup places for the upcoming season for the first time ever. It wasn't all smooth sailing, as there were many restructurings and financial crises over the last few decades, but the Cosumarite game has now reached an unprecedented stability, size and importance. Soccer in the Fiefdom has never been bigger or better.

Here's how it works: 256 clubs compete across five professional tiers and in the annual King's Cup. The top three tiers (Härlighet Ligan, Sekundar Ligan, Tredje Ligan) are the smallest and most prestigious, with two parallel Conferences comprising the fourth tier, and five large regional competitions comprising the fifth tier. In that huge fifth tier, the definition of "professional" is stretched somewhat with some teams aligning closer to "semi-pro". But at least four fully professional tiers is more than past Cosumarite generations could have ever dreamed for. Thanks to the implementation of this contemporary “CosumarLigan” pyramid structure and FSF incentives to develop youth Fiefdomwide, there has been highly visible progress throughout the pyramid - not just in the Härlighet Ligan. The Sekundar Ligan on its own could arguably be a UICA Top 35 league now, as evidenced by three different clubs going to the SBCC Final in recent years.

But now, without further ado, let’s get to what you’re here for. A preview of where each Härlighet Ligan team stands ahead of the 22nd season. Enjoy!

Map of Current Clubs:

Overview of Past Winners:
I: OAS Royal FC
II: OAS Royal FC (2)
III: Mallox
IV: Mallox (2)
V: OAS Royal FC (3)
VI: Mallox (3)
VII: OAS Royal FC (4)
VIII: Ramusok United
IX: Klyde
X: Real Azuris
XI: Real Azuris (2)
XII: Cassandra City
XIII: Mallox (4)
XIV: Ramusok United (2)
XV: Cassandra City (2)
XVI: Real Azuris (3)
XVII: Real Azuris (4)
XVIII: Real Azuris (5)
XIX: Cassandra City (3)
XX: Real Azuris (6)
XXI: Cassandra City (4)
XXII: __________ ???

6 - Real Azuris
4 – OAS Royal FC
4 – Mallox
4 - Cassandra City
2 – Ramusok United
1 – Klyde

CASSANDRA CITY
Cassandra, Cresscalus Fief

Nickname: Reds
Founded: 882
Ground: The Amphitheatre (60,000)
Manager:

Arturo Mancini (54)

Transfers In: Phillippe-Michel Schneiderlin (Fallourr $13m), Ki Niro (Selyne Aethenians $10m), Ursula Rowan (Parrhesia United $7m), Bennett Perkins (FC Kaldukosic $1.5m), Q'orianka Va'Afaja (East Ellum $0.5m), Jarobi Konse (unattached)

Transfers Out: Marcos Zelaya (Portus Central $50m), Kurtis Samarqand (Zakhoro Aces $2m), Brandybok (Dinamo Bender free), Ben Seppänen (retired)

First XI (4-3-3):

Metz (28) -

Grimswald (29),

Wing (29),

Campbell (34),

Boag (28) -

Serafino (23),

Rowan (22),

Schneiderlin (26) -

Goulding (27),

Tortuu (31 C),

Niro (27)

Key Reserves: Iziduko (GK/26), Misty (CB/25), Na'Tule (RB-M/32), Guerin (LM/19), Bardsen (MF/29), Perkins (L-RW/31), Dyer Vry (ST/19)
Kit Details: At home, Cassandra wear their customary all-red (right). Away, they wear a half-and-half red & white shirt with black shorts and, distinctively, one red and one white sock (inverted from shirt).

Preview: Cassandra City perhaps benefited from their lack of UICA fixtures last season, as they grew progressively stronger as the season wore on. They ended it on a stellar 9-1-1 run of form that saw them reclaim the title for the second time in three years. Star goalkeeper Calogero Metz had the best season of his already-illustrious career, as did Cosumarite international Bellerophon Serafino as the heartbeat and pace-setter of the midfield. So, the Härlighet Ligan trophy is in Cosumar's mecca of showbiz and debauchery yet again... but that might be a curse as much as a blessing. The Reds are getting pretty good at winning titles, but they've yet to master the art of defending them. The worst two finishes in recent club history (14th and 9th) both followed championship seasons. Will the new decade bring a new City that can consolidate its place at the top of the table? Well, that's a good question, because this pretty much IS a new City side. After an eye-popping sum of Iron Syndicate cash fell in their lap for streaky attacker Marcos Zelaya, Arturo Mancini was able to go on a shopping spree of the likes this club has never seen. Pacey Chromatik international Ki Niro is arguably an upgrade over Zelaya for a $40m profit - her superior work rate is ideal for Mancini's demanding tactics. Combined with versatile and efficient goal-scoring forward Jason Goulding (33 goals over last two seasons) and the strong hold-up play and in-the-box passing of Jol Tortuu, City's potent front three shouldn't miss a beat. A good chunk of the rest of the Zelaya money was put into overhauling the midfield. Parrhesia United starlet Ursula Rowan is a perfect fit to take the reins in the center of the pitch - a natural passer. Great touch with both feet and that tireless work rate that Mancini so prioritizes. Mancini used the Quebecois connection to also swoop for Philippe-Michel Schneiderlin, a midfielder with experience at the highest levels, to complete a midfield trio with Serafino and Rowan. Cassandra City will rely on their box-to-box running and two-way prowess to shield the back line, win possession and move the ball forward to the front three. Technically capable fullbacks Justinian Grimswald and Catheline Boag will also play a role there. Speaking of defenders, City's defensive corps could've really used an infusion of new talent like the midfield got. There's aging and thin depth across the board. One gets the sense that they were made to look better than they really are by Metz's heroics in goal last season. If dignified 34-year-old stalwart John Campbell can hold down the fort for one more year, the Reds should be solid. However, should they succumb to their "Champions' Curse" again, it will probably be because of their vulnerability in the back four. But make no mistake: if that shiny new front six gels, this team could be great for years to come - and great fun to watch!
Last Season: Champions (17-9-8). Prediction: 4th.

OAS ROYAL FC
Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Whites or Royals
Founded: 982
Ground: The Royal Palace (54,000)
Manager:

Constantine Champali (50)

Transfers In: Elsie Drover (Rozelle $10m), Aswad Munif Shalhoub (Vice City $8m), Corey Simmons III (FC Kaldukosic $6m), Jordan Strumm (New Revolution $1m), Sen Marsteller (unattached), Zoë Aedelbrandt (OAS II promoted)
Transfers Out: Kojo Boakye-Yiadom (FC Jansberg free), Pascal Mbubu (Hullbury Town free)

First XI (4-4-2):

Shalhoub (24) -

Duvernay (20),

Sigurdsson (30),

Fosse (24),

Kontiola (31 C) -

Rocket (29),

Drover (23),

Gawain (34),

Simmons III (24) -

Tathtauré (Elf),

Juquinho (32)

Key Reserves: Arntz (LB/32), Strumm (CB/31), Di Sansev (RB/17), Paysinger (RM/37), Bregoo (CM/26), Montag (ST/35), Marsteller (ST/18)
Kit Details: Sleek all-white (shirt right, with white shorts & socks) whenever possible. They also have a grey/white/turquoise secondary kit that pops up occasionally. This shirt, grey socks and white shorts that have a turquoise strip like the shoulder's.

Preview: Having come agonizingly close to their first title in fifteen years last season, Constantine Champali feels OAS Royal's new recruits can take them that elusive next step back to their "rightful place" in 1010. Their 2nd place finish was an improvement on the 3rd place of Champali's debut season (not to mention the relegation scare the year prior), meaning the club is pointing in all the right directions. Champali brought his trademark flat 4-4-2 with him when he left behind his collegiate dynasty across town at Ramusok Capital University, and its simplicity and balance has proved effective in the Härlighet Ligan as well. Most of the creativity and chance-creation will come from the wide areas in the form of curly-haired speed demon Alex Rocket on the left and flashy new arrival Corey Simmons III on the right. Then the real danger comes from the strike pair of Juquinho and Galasgoldas Tathtauré. There might not be a duo with more collective experience in the region. The relentless Apoxian and the elegant Vanorian struck up a delightful understanding of each others' games last season, playing off each other in beautiful ways. With experienced defenders Jannick Kontiola, Eithan Sigurdsson, Jordan Strumm and Willy Arntz still in their prime (albeit just) and youngsters like Demi Duvernay, Christopher Fosse and Thomas Di Sansev (not to mention Ellie Hanger out on loan) rising to the fore, Champali will continue to have a deep, rock-solid back line too, now reinforced by Aswad Munif Shalhoub, who secured the first-choice goalkeeping spot for Pasarga with his outstanding performances in the last World Cup cycle. Prized transfer window signing Elsie Drover, the spunky pride of Rosbank Town, is a do-it-all type in midfield who is tasked with vigilantly patrolling to keep opponents from finding spaces between Royal's lines and keeping the possession that is paramount for their methodical style of play. The Brenecian internationalist's youthful energy will also enable the... less youthful Rowan Gawain to focus on their visionary distribution. All in all, OAS Royal has invested sufficiently to win their long-awaited fifth Härlighet Ligan title. They're tactically balanced, well-coached, well-funded and well-supported across the Fiefdom. The only problem? The other usual suspects have strengthened too. It will come down to the little details.
Last Season: 2nd (17-8-9). Prediction: 3rd.

EASTWEALD
Yambridge, Gellano Fief

Nickname: Elves
Founded: 704
Ground: Old Weldenskirgen (43,209)
Manager:

Monica Brightwater (50)

Transfers In: Peter Morrison (Bastion $17m), Aeris Cossadel (Tir Snake Strike $7.5m)
Transfers Out: Dan Quesadillas (Klyde $10m), Myken Lael (Aznavour OSC free)

First XI (4-4-2):

Hernandez (29) -

Pawlukiewicz (30),

Jefferson (29),

Soderlund (29),

Sorenson (28) -

Velasquez (23),

Mordini (25),

de Marisco (31 C),

Morrison (31) -

Cossadel (30),

Amokachi (27)

Key Reserves: Brankussen (GK/25), Black (CB/32), Palmqvist (RB/20), Aguero (LM/32), Delklind (CM/32), Klinsmann (RM/34), Kortuufa (ST/27)
Kit Details: Distinctive triangle-textured shirt, which they wear green dominant at home or yellow (pictured right) on the road, always with the same color of shorts and inverse color socks. They occasionally wear a shiny all dark-gold throwback.

Preview: It's Year Two of the Penumbra Amokachi era at Old Weldenskirgen. Amokachi was dominant in spurts last season - and 16 goals in 31 league starts is nothing to scoff at - but expectations for the international megastar will be elevated now that she has an adjustment year under her belt and a new supporting cast built around her talents. Some very obvious friction between Amokachi and strike 'partner' Dan Quesadillas made it clear that Yambridge wasn't big enough for the two of them. Amokachi wasn't going anywhere, so... sayonara Quesadillas! He's sold and replaced by Aeris Cossadel, more of a playmaking second-striker who won't battle Amokachi for the same spaces and will almost exclusively look to make her life easier. The unexpected arrival of Peter Morrison after a storied Bastion career will also make life easier for Amokachi. His creative savvy on the right will mesh well with Eastweald's tiki-taka system and, if all goes as envisioned, he'll be among the league leaders in assists just as he was year-in year-out in Eura. Monica Brightwater will also be hoping Morrison brought his championship-winning boots coming off a Euraleague title. As Eastweald supporters are painfully aware, their beloved old club overlooking the golden canopy of Eastweald Wood has somehow still yet to win the Härlighet Ligan despite being one of the most consistent top performers in the 26 years of its existence. That's almost three decades of restlessness now heaped upon Amokachi and Morrison's shoulders. Fortunately, the Elves of Eastweald have plenty of other talent to share the pressure. Jo de Marisco and Mina Mordini are fleet-footed midfield technicians with great chemistry - together the creative engine of Eastweald's expressive style of play. The former, in her ninth season with the club, bleeds green-and-gold and is more eager to deliver a championship to Old Weldenskirgen than anyone. Eva Velasquez, though she doesn't have the name recognition of Morrison, is hugely important to Eastweald's plans over on the opposite wing and is one of the most exciting young players in Cosumar. Valladares international Jefferson is arguably the best center back in the league and Esteban Hernandez is in the same conversation at goalkeeper. Eastweald brought in Amokachi and Morrison to win trophies. But on paper, this is the most talented side they've ever had across the board. It's hard to pick out a weakness, even in the reserves. If the title drought is still intact after another season or two, it can only be considered a massive failure.
Last Season: 3rd (16-10-8). Prediction: Champions.

SAMAJ FC
Samaj, Culmarland Fief

Nickname: Hunters
Founded: 906
Ground: Stadion Jägare (32,000)
Manager:

Luis Varezzi (60)

Transfers In: Niels Roijacker (AC Izotz Zubia $5m), Cedric Pearson (Bananas FC $3m), Gutinho (Zakhoro Aces $1m), Tomi Jakoljevic (Morponte Fief $0.4m), Carl Erakin (Oxbow Lake $0.2m)
Transfers Out: Ashton Dalmshelf (Cypher Town free), Marculi del Fuego (retired), Yennifer Giraun (retired)

First XI (4-2-3-1):

Maston (23) -

Cartensen (29),

Jakoljevic (21),

Roijacker (34),

Marmor-Lavie (25) -

Phillips (22),

Valfar (30 C) -

Del Arro (24),

Columbine (26),

Sigurjónsdóttir (22) -

Zeale-Riddick (19)

Key Reserves: Kristiansen (CB/30), Erakin (CB/19), Pearson (DM/25), Gutinho (AM/29), Rowe (CF/32)
Kit Details: Their home kit (pictured right) features their iconic diagonal-split shirt and burnt-orange shorts. Their away kit this year is solid of the shade of dark yellow found on the collar to the right, with burnt-orange lettering.

Preview: How does a team proceed a year after exceeding all expectations to secure its highest ever Harlighet Ligan finish? It seems impossible for the Hunters not to take a step back this season. A small one, at least. You can never say never with Luis Varezzi at the helm (they practically worship him here), but it's no secret that this club - in keeping with the quaint, rustic city it calls home - will always be outstripped in spending and resources by clubs both above and below it in this preview. UICA fixtures being added into the mix for the first time in club history will only make it even more difficult for Samaj to replicate that top four finish. The good news is that Varezzi managed to bring almost all his key players back to give it a go. They'll be lethal on the break again with athletic attack-minded midfielders Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir, Darrius Columbine and Rachel Del Arro (all molded into foreign internationals here on the western plains) sizzling with chemistry in those decisive moments in space. Leading the line up top will be budding star Vega Zeale-Riddick. The tall, lanky teenager is a striker in the mold of former mentor Isadora Xenophon, though perhaps even more versatile than she appears - able to excel polishing off quick-fire chances on the counter or as a more traditional lump-it-into-the-box target forward. She took over the starting job midway through last season and proved she was the real deal, propelling Samaj up to that 4th place finish with several important goals. She's the real wild card for predicting Samaj FC's season. Just how much will Zeale-Riddick develop from her first season to her second? While the likes of VZR and Sigurjónsdóttir have established themselves as the faces of the club, ball-hawking defensive midfielder Valfar is the heart and soul. The captain's warriorlike fighting spirit, observable in every challenge and last-ditch run, is what instilled belief in this team that they really could tango with the Eastwealds and Reals of the world in the UICA zone. Hugo Cartensen and Lucien Marmor-Lavie, quietly two of the top-performing fullbacks in Cosumar, will also pick back up where they left off after starting all 34 of last season's matches. The only area in flux, then, is central defense. An unorthodox new pairing must gel quickly as one of Tomi Jakoljevic or Carl Erakin (both green young prospects scooped from lower leagues) will have to win the place alongside 34-year-old marquee transfer Niels Roijacker. The Champions' Cup winner and Zozi icon is an absolute rock who lends instant credibility to Samaj's Globe Cup hopes, but they're asking a lot of him. I also fear their depth will be sorely tested this season. It was thin last season without Globe Matches added in - and they were fortunate to maintain a mostly clean bill of health. Now, three veteran depth pieces depart, and although Gutinho is a nice pick-up as a starting-caliber player who can be deployed anywhere across midfield, there's not enough for Varezzi to rotate effectively. An injury to Roijacker or Valfar (both over 30) or... anybody would be a huge blow. This a good side with a great manager, but I don't think they're quite a great side yet. This degree of success is uncharted water for them and it will show a bit in 1010.
Last Season: 4th (15-10-9). Prediction: 7th.

RAMUSOK UNITED
Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Blues
Founded: 751
Ground: Fire River Arena (80,000)
Manager:

Gareth Bournemouth (64)

Transfers In: Viablaine (Pelethas $5m), Lilly Kearney (AC Holmenkollen $3m), Keohane (Granger Dragonites), Tajo Carr-Ponce (Olask Islanders $2m), Dustin Bachelor (Project +90 Eura), Ivo Jago (Mierton Manatees free)

Transfers Out: Elena Culbreth (Kingsgrove $7m), Kira Jonassen (Stoneshore United $4.2m), Felix Shaw (Los-Juantos Coastal), Kristian Gjallskald (retired), Gavin Barnsley (retired)

First XI (4-4-2 Dmnd):

Kearney (29) -

Hattingh (22),

Langerak (30),

Carr-Ponce (22),

Cooper (21) -

Viablaine (21),

Keohane (23),

Silvén (27),

Geirsson (32 C) -

Bérdoon (22),

Théberge (31)

Key Reserves: Kang (LB/30), Flanningan (CB/32), Bachelor (DM/17), Mulcair (LM/34), Xodó (ST/29), Jago (ST/27)
Kit Details: At home, they wear a blue shirt (pictured right) with solid white shorts and blue socks. On the road, they wear this silver shirt, with solid blue shorts and striped silver/blue socks.

Preview: Ramusok United accomplished their goal of returning to UICA status last season, but only just. A bitter taste remains after the Blues led the league for much of the season but bottled it by winning only one of their final eight matches. The slide started with a humbling 4-0 defeat to bitter rival Cassandra City. After that tough result, it seemed like the team just quit on Gareth Bournemouth. Concerning signs. So the "peoples' club" of Cosumar's capital set out to freshen up the squad, lest they slip back into a subordinate role to fellow Ramusok power OAS Royal. They made huge ripples amongst the fanbase by shipping Kira Jonassen - local girl and crux of their midfield for almost a decade - down to Stoneshore. Message sent. Complacency will not be tolerated in East Ramusok. Bournemouth would've surely liked to hang on to sweet-shooting striker Elena Culbreth, but with Nacho Bérdoon chomping at the bit for minutes on the bench and Curtis Théberge still ticking along, it made sense to take Kingsgrove's money and reinvest it in that aforementioned transfusion of new blood elsewhere. United shopped local this time, raiding several smaller Härlighet Ligan clubs for their best and brightest. Bastion of consistency Lilley Kearney will finally move across town from AC Holmenkollen to guard United's goal after years of speculation linking the two parties. The rebellious Viablaine, fresh off a breakthrough season in Pelethas, will replace Jonassen at the base of the midfield diamond. She'll never have Jonassen's renowned passing range and accuracy, but she's a much livelier defensive presence - fixing what has been an achilles heel for United in recent seasons. She'll ease the defensive burden on centerpiece #10 Robin Geirsson - indisputably the best player in club history - as he encroaches into his 30s. Plus she has cool tattoos. Ram U also looked out west, scalping high-flying Eastfield Lodge center-half Tajo Carr-Ponce from the Islanders for a surprisingly reasonable fee. They also made one foreign signing in versatile Brenecian midfielder Keohane, a top player from the disbanded Islander league with both physical strength and technical ability in spades. Keohane, Bérdoon, Viablaine, Carr-Ponce, not to mention fully-blooded Vanquishers fullback Tug Cooper, are extremely promising young players. I like the direction. New blood can cure many ills in football. Besides, this is a team that, barring that late collapse, was on the brink of title contention already. If Bournemouth can mesh the fresh new faces with returning key figures like Geirsson, Lyyli Silvén - that nimble, instinctive (plus gorgeous) midfielder he loves to combine with - and stalwart defender Garnet Langerak, anything is possible with the quality they have. It might be a year away though.
Last Season: 5th (14-11-9). Prediction: 5th.

REAL AZURIS
Azuris, South Klyde Fief

Nickname: Breakers
Founded: 962
Ground: Massemord Stadium (42,243)
Manager:

Lujendra Mescalin (64)

Transfers In: Liesl Vanzanto (IFK Nordön $3m), Massimiliano Biondi (unattached), Hidalgo Antúnes (Real Azuris II promoted)
Transfers Out: Liesl Vanzanto (Dinamo Sainati loan), Florentin Lachance (retired)

First XI (4-3-3):

Ozuna (27) -

Lindberg (28),

Grier (28),

Milani (34),

Chisenhall (25) -

Söderquist (23),

Ojala (19),

Sybill (28) -

Fraser (33 C),

Arrowsword (20),

Bowditch (28)

Key Reserves: Coppellian (CB/33), Adebayo-Akanni (RB/24), Hardwick (DM/34), Antúnes (CM/18), Jernigan (LW/36), Tidesson (RW/17), Zigfield (ST/28)
Kit Details: Home kit is a redesign of the 'ole tidal wave that has long swept over the top of the shirt. They also sport a slick away kit with a wave-themed sash. Azuris also save a bold alternate for special times: rainbow. A high-tech fabric gives off the appearance of misty rainbow light, as you'd see shimmering by a waterfall.

Preview: It has been quiet on the sunny coast of South Klyde this offseason. There’s a distinct lack of headline-grabbing arrivals in Real Azuris’s squad for 1010, but that continuity might be what the Breakers need to convert last year’s stunning Champions' Cup triumph into a return to domestic dominance. Understandably, the league took something of a back seat last season as Azuris simply kept winning in both the CC and AOCL. The retirement of midfield general Florentin Lachance is the main difference to Lujendra Mescalin's squad, but it's expected that highly-regarded teenager Hakki Ojala is ready to plug into a full-time starring role there after being groomed as a regular substitute for a couple seasons. He'll have big shoes to fill in the heart of the Azurian midfield, responsible for knowing what is going on around him on all sides at all times and transitioning their free-flowing system quickly between defense and offense with the right passes. Of his midfield partners, national team starter Stig Söderquist sits further back and focuses on ball-winning and short tidy passes, whereas the skillful Sandra Sybill roams all around in more advanced positions looking for angles and pockets of space to play into terrifying wingers Sean Fraser and Ronan Bowditch or the waiting feet of freakishly athletic central striker Andrew Arrowsword. That's a LOT of pace and power up top between those three. ...As the whole footballing Multiverse is now keenly aware after their heroics on the biggest stages last year. No questions in defense either with four internationals on the back line and one of the top goalkeepers in the world right now in August Ozuna. Of course, they'll have Champions' Cup and AOCL and now Cygnus Cup too to contend with next season, but the combination of Mescalin's management, their expansive style of play, and their enviable depth (17-year-old Bryger Tidesson looks a superstar in the making) ensures Real Azuris will continue to be one of the best teams in the league.
Last Season: 6th (14-11-9). Prediction: 2nd.

ZAKHORO ACES
Zakhoro, Ankortroth Fief

Nickname: Aces
Founded: 888
Ground: Zapt Park (29,400)
Manager:

Isla Safarova (50)

Transfers In: Selena Aliena (Sherbrooke Noksekjeonsa $3m), Kurtis Samarqand (Cassandra City $2m), Ksenia Winterseer (Aces U18 promotion)

Transfers Out: Gutinho (Samaj FC $1m), Fabricio Santos (Falkner United free), Merton Lynch (retired)

First XI (3-2-3-1-1):

Sinistar (24) -

Quaglia (28),

Ebuzoeme (27),

Halloran (33) -

Payet (32),

Carneiro (23) -

Durot (31),

Aliena (29),

Nathael (25) -

Temuge (25),

Samarqand (25)

Key Reserves: Ely (GK/33), Na’Duha (CB/18), Winterseer (DM/17), Hathoway (MF/34), Tarmé (AM/19), Kot (ST/32)
Kit Details: Primary is a white shirt with a black sash (pictured right), black shorts and white socks. Their secondary kit features an aerodynamic all-brown look with varying shades of brown in a gradient pattern.

Preview: For the Zakhoro Aces, each of the last three seasons has represented tremendous progression. After narrowly dodging the relegation playoff in 1007, they finished 11th in 1008 and then 7th last year under Isla Safarova. With the Härlighet Ligan's UICA zone expanding to six this season, dare the Aces dream of a first ever Globe Cup qualification? All they'd need to do is finish one place higher than last season. It will be tough, but Safarova is a manager who seems like she has a plan and always says the exact right things. It'd be foolish to count them out. The man to watch is Temuge. He was the most dangerous attacking player in all of Cosumar last season, dragging the Aces up the table with 19 goals and 14 assists (directly involved in 60% of Zakhoro goals) despite a nagging thigh injury and stated discomfort with the humid jungle weather in the southwest (he's from frigid Savalen). Short at 5"7 but strong as a horse, he's one of the bona-fide stars of the league now with his ability to dribble at pace, take on defenders 1v1 and finish. As evidenced by his 14 assists, he's also unselfish and has developed an effective connection with finesse striker Kurtis Samarqand, whose loan from Cassandra City was made permanent last week. If opponents overcommit to stopping him, Temuge has the ability to make them pay via the tall Iskandervale international. They have a vertical relationship - Temuge playing in the hole directly underneath Samarqand - and the rest of the Aces' set-up follows suit. They play through the middle, controlling the center of the park with a three-man back line that can play high and pass, and a five-man midfield consisting of two junkyard dog CDMs and three box-to-box midfielders ahead of them. As a result, Zakhoro can get pretty narrow and are exploitable down the flanks. So the Aces will concede their share of goals, especially on counters, but they're planning to simply score more with that Temuge-led attack. The loss of Gutinho, one of their main protagonists in recent seasons, to the allure of UICA soccer in Samaj is one that stings, but former Real Azuris star Selena Aliena will more than suffice replacing him as the leader of the midfield as she finally returns from stints in Legalese and Quebec.
Last Season: 7th (14-7-13). Prediction: 11th.

TREFTADAETH ALLIANCE
Ashen Point, Parougan Fief

Nickname: Astronomers
Founded: 979
Ground: The Wormhole (28,000)
Manager:

Truda Jotunnoj (62)
Transfers In: Kirum Ingolfsson (Rozelle United $2.21m), Timo Sorben (Eikborg Club $2m), Pekka Mäntysaari (Ziemelu Skaida, $0.6m), Gerry Duffy (Coret Hawks free), Jimmie Maloney (unattached)
Transfers Out: Sadie Brinegar (Pelethas United $1.7m), Alex Arce (Stade-National free)

First XI (4-2-3-1):

Martinsky (28) -

Duffy (31),

Champali (26),

McCaskill (35 C),

De Leon (27) -

Sorben (33), Chamberlain (29) -

Xkoranate (18),

Sinque (23),

Davies (33) -

Ingolfsson (31)

Key Reserves: Mountainvista (CB/31), Shakir (RB/19), Maloney (DM/18), Harig (RW/29), Mäntysaari (AM/26), Feliciano (CF/34), La Rock (ST/26)
Kit Details: Traditional black-and-white striped kit with a light grey watermark of the famous Treftadaeth telescope. Alternate kit is a golden yellow shirt covered with constellations of small navy stars, with matching navy shorts and gold socks.

Preview: Well, it seems that Alliance have done it this time. What every newly-promoted club aspires to do: stabilize in the Härlighet Ligan midtable. For the first time, preparations are underway for a third consecutive top-flight season up in isolated Ashen Point. And though their top half finish was slightly misrepresentative of what was at times a frustrating and inconsistent season (with the third-worst goal differential)..... 8th is 8th! Truda Jotunnoj can only be thrilled at how far his labor of love has taken this modestly-funded club. They were in Tredje Ligan when he arrived all those years ago. Fortunately, the board seem keenly aware of how precarious their newfound footing is. It was a successful transfer window up north considering their means. With Pelethas desperate for a capable left back and splashing cash left and right, it was a shrewd piece of business to sell Sadie Brinegar to them at over value and then pick up Gerry Duffy from Coret Hawks in an absolute steal of a free transfer. Always nice when you can upgrade a position and pad the bottom line at the same time. Alliance were also in desperate need of a striker with primary goalscorer Pepito Feliciano turning 34 at the end of last season. The jovial big man will still play a role, but it's Kirum Ingolfsson's job now. Fans were ecstatic when Ingolfsson, who most locals fans know from watching Cosumarite-friendly Rozelle United, was announced as the newest Alliance Astronomer. A complete forward who's efficient in the box and does everything the right way, Ingolfsson should be a hit in Ashen Point. The only question is whether he'll actually get enough chances and service to make a difference. Alliance tend to concede the possession battle and resort to very direct, route-one football. They can play some nice stuff against less formidable opposition, but mostly they'll just try to outwork you and lump it forward through the air. That's not necessarily Ingolfsson's best game (though he has some size and heading ability), nor is it that of other high-profile arrival Timo Sorben. The 33-year-old LigAnaia veteran is more a of a cerebral midfielder and might not have the legs to do that grind for a whole season. Last season's leading assister and chance creator, right winger Bethan Davies, is also 33 now - though it's hard to imagine that firecracker slowing down anytime soon...or ever. At least Alliance are fairly stable in the back, with the evergreen Calib McCaskill and understudy Cosudel Champali really emerging as a fine defender. Overall, it's a bit of a transition year for Alliance as some of their old core are starting to age out but youngsters like Scylla Xkoranate, Socorro Shakir and Evander Sinque have yet to find full footing. Jotunnoj should have the pieces to cobble together a decent season, but it might take a couple months to figure it out. 8th again is a reach. Survival is still the focus.
Last Season: 8th (14-6-14). Prediction: 12th.

CRAWFORD CITY FC
Crawford, Numenvernien Fief

Nickname: Elephants

Founded: 924
Ground: Orangi Stadium (61,000)
Manager:

Jehan Bair (57)

Transfers In: Sarah Ward (Klyde $4m), Kubra Babaturk (Pelethas $2.5m), Vara Swan (Gwynt Tywyll $1.4m), Jennifer Farrow (Pontifucia Academy free)
Transfers Out: Hublot (Furinkazan free), Dmytro Kurosawa (retired)

First XI (4-2-3-1):

Theoklitos (30) -

Babaturk (26),

Ward (21),

Poindexter (27),

Reiniger (31) -

Na'Kebia (30),

Marshall (24) -

Yucob (23),

Coultan (27),

van Kruistum (33 C) -

Alcouin (25)

Key Reserves: Weschler (GK/19), Lorence (LB/33), Swan (RB/23), Pell (CB/31), Sherman (DM/36), Postecoglou (LW/30), McBride (RW/32), Guilliver (CF/24)
Kit Details: CCFC's gorgeous teal, crimson and gold home kit is the envy of the league. Their white away kit, with gold and teal accents, isn't too shabby either.

Preview: This is set up to be the year it finally all comes together for Jehan Bair in Crawford. His "three-year plan" to overturn a culture of underachievement and realize CCFC's lofty potential is now entering its... third season. If things are trending towards another mediocre 10th or 9th again by the midseason break, after all that billionaire owner Tulsa Na'Jekeh (of Orangi Bottling Co.) has invested from the new stadium to the $40m for world-class striker Hannah Alcouin, he won't hesitate to give Bair the axe. That said, though results haven't necessarily shown it, the Elephants have made visible progress in the last two years. Bair's got the attack humming again, Alcouin's 1009 Golden Boot trophy the proof. Star #10 Kim Coultan is looking re-energized again with ambitious signings like Alcouin and classy World Cup champion Jorit Van Kruistum around her. Bair has also done a nice job of youth development with pacy winger Semyon Yucob, who returns from his loan spell much improved technically and ready to start alongside Coultan and Van Kruistum in the attacking midfield trident, and teen goalkeeper Hansi Weschler, who is set to take over King's Cup duties. (That's another competition CCFC badly want to win this season after losing the Final twice in the last four years.) But if the front four is so elite with their sheer quality, high-octane style and tricky combination play... why have CCFC's results been so decidedly non-elite? Well, as Bair set out with Na'Jekeh's cash like a kid with his mom's credit card to construct his fantasy attack, the defense got somewhat neglected. An aging back line was taken advantage of time and time again by the improved attacking corps around Cosumar last season. To choruses of Hallelujah! from the fans, Bair has now made the third transfer window of his 'three-year plan' all about defenders. The final step to make Crawford a title contender? A new left back, right back and center back (ages 26, 23 and 21) have arrived in the sunny southwest and at least two, especially Osarius international Sarah Ward figure to start right away. If they're as successful as Crawford's recent additions on the other end of the pitch, this team should be duking it out at the business end of the table with the biggest clubs in Cosumar. But the more interesting question to outsiders might be whether Alcouin will use her half-Vaporeon abilities to top her goal total of 22 from last season with intense competition for the Golden Boot expected from Penumbra Amokachi.
Last Season: 9th (11-11-12). Prediction: 6th.

See the next post (coming soon) for the second half of the Härlighet Ligan team previews!
It will include overviews for the 2nd-5th tiers as well.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:44 pm

See the previous post for the first half of this Harlighet Ligan team-by-team preview.
This is the second half, plus an overview of the lower tiers.

FC SAMOTATH
Samotath, Parougan Fief

Nickname: Black Hawks
Founded: 845
Ground: Alesund Stadion (60,000)
Manager:

Šimon Holguín (46)

Transfers In: Jordan Emery (Slateport Bulls $6.7m), Diandra Ballard (AFC Treason $6m), Sheldon Serra (Zenit Attawapiskat $5.5m), Sol Guss (Crystal $2m), Ferenc Ianosz Molnár (Fehér F.C. free)

Transfers Out: Olvir Barrus-Bari (Peynol-Lunas $3.25m), Isaac Archambault (Na'Malsille Mariners $3m), Ashmedi Charania (retired)

First XI (1-3-2-4):

Ballard (36) –

Panossian (19) -

Killanen (24),

Sibuc (22),

Serra (31) -

Dé (20),

de Vries (25) -

Emery (22),

Hummel (29),

Levy (33),

Vorobyov (29)

Key Reserves: Etton (GK/32), Molnár (SW/28), Shrowder (CB/29), Dias Pinto (RB/26), Cosme (MF/32), Harmonium (LW/26), Rush (ST/29), Guss (ST/22)
Kit Details: FC Samotath is all about the Red & Black Attack. Nice split-color kit with that awesome hawk at home (pictured) and a black away shirt with some neat arrow designs.

Preview: FC Samotath is one of the oddities of the footballing multiverse. Somewhat shielded from the rest of the Cosumarite eastern seaboard by the majestic cliffs and alien karst formations of the northern peninsula, Samotath developed a slightly different culture for the sport. Namely, they are obsessed with goalscoring. Now, everybody likes goals, but the average Samotathian views a soccer match more like a stage performance more than a contest. Most onlookers at state-of-the-art Alesund Stadion will leave happier with an exciting 5-4 loss than a 2-1 win. After all, four goals is better than two. Duh. The matchday atmosphere at FC Samotath evolved to compliment this onus on putting on an exciting show. They're the only Härlighet Ligan team with a costumed mascot, an live hawk that flies around and does tricks during the game, pyrotechnics, etcetera. The typical FC Samo season for the last 20+ years has predictably consisted of phenomenal attacking play (remember Addam Andsman-Savage? Nazeau Roga?) cancelled out to midtable by defenses tactically set up to fail. The club was content with this for a long time because the fans were. Until recently. With so much more money and global stature in the league now, the board has started to glance upwards at trophy-winning clubs like Real Azuris and realize how many potential millions they're losing by playing a reckless style that virtually eliminates them from UICA contention from the get-go. Enter Šimon Holguín. The sharp-tongued manager cultivated a reputation as a genius and analytics innovator in Zakhoro. If anyone could devise a way for FC Samotath to keep playing with four strikers without conceding so many goals, it would be him. After last season... let's just stay it's still a work-in-progress. Holguín's unconventional "1-3-2-4" took most of the season for his players to learn and they allowed more goals than any returning team. But never fear, help is on the way! The club is fully behind the new direction and approved a record-high amount spent on defense. Olvir Barrus-Bari is granted his transfer request to make room for decorated Nephara goalkeeper Diandra Ballard - 36 but still pure class - and beloved Cosumar defender Sheldon Serra - playing in his home country for the first time after an entire career in Quebec. Between Serra and Molly Killanen on the left, FC Samotath might ironically have the best wide defenders in the league now. Diamond-in-the-rough Ferenc Ianosz Molnár will become the first Natanian to play in Cosumar and share time with Ayk Panossian at that crucial sweeper spot in front of goalkeeper. That's not to say Samo lost touch with their goalscoring roots. Not by a long shot. A fearless young winger who loves to take defenders on and go for goal himself, $6.7m man Jordan Emery is a perfect fit and a fantastic signing for the club and league. He was pursued by the likes of 1830 Cathair. The nature of Samotath's aggressive tactics mean the Slateport product can pad his stats with plenty of goals and catch the eye of the Valladar national team. Opposite winger Miroslav Vorobyov joint-led the Black Hawks with 13 goals last season and saw his standing rise in the Llamanean team. Midfield shuttlers Kimus de Vries and Hernan Dé have become experts at finding the wingers in space down the flanks, and the XL-sized central duo of Sigmund Levy and Lasse Hummel between them ensures defenders stay honest. It remains to be seen if Holguín can translate Samotathian entertainment football into winning football, but at the very least, this team will do "typical Samo" better than ever.
Last Season: 10th (12-8-14). Prediction: 8th.

MALLOX F.C.
Mallox Township, Gellano Fief

Nickname: Tigers
Founded: 804
Ground: Orange Palace (46,000)
Manager:

Kennedy Kopenhaver (60)

Transfers In: Trajan Bruyne (Lylat Starfox $7m), Alexander Kárpáty (Klyde $4m), Gustaf Söder (West Gundar $0.4m), Rui Mokanga (North Laithland free), Johan-Jakob Weiss (Paulo Alfonso free), Natassja Ravnajuv (Sporting Culmar), Mehmet Curwyk (Mallox II promoted)

Transfers Out: Soren Winterkorn (Willox Street Pirates $2m), James Diggory (Duredain Barricade free), Némoda Lvr'ael (released), Jimmy Kelly (retired), Mark Hal Gunnersen (retired), Tobias Umpton (retired)

First XI (4-3-3):

Sindelaar (30) -

Mauvonts (33 C),

Bruyne (23),

Danko (19),

Thompson (28) -

Lindroos (29),

Ümann (28),

Deville (31) -

Kilgallon (34),

Kárpáty (19),

Nhatandal (Elf)

Key Reserves: Wenceslaw (CB/22), Söder (CB/31), Vanderpool (RB/RM/29), Weiss (DM/26), Haines (CM/31), Curwyk (LW/17), Mokanga (ST/34)
Kit Details: Diamond-textured orange home kit pictured right. Away, they wear black, with a subtle watermark of the city's industrial district skyline in the background.

Preview: The general consensus is that midtable beckons again for the four-time champions, but if everything instantly clicks for Kennedy Kopenhaver's new regime, a Globe Cup place isn't out of the question. Mallox have rung in the changes over the offseason. They finally cut loose longtime manager Alvin Burnsides, replaced him with fiery National Team assistant and club legend Kopenhaver and overhauled an attack that mustered only 35 goals in 34 league matches last season. Competition for the bulk of the striker minutes will come down to new arrivals Alexander Kárpáty and Rui Mokanga: an unproven product of the Pasargan teenage hype machine and a declining former superstar. Both have the potential to shine in orange, but neither are quite the proven commodities that fans desperately wanted after the gamble on Sekundar Ligan sensation Soren Winterkorn didn't pan out last season. The lukewarm spell with Klyde shouldn't be held against Kárpáty's quality, however. At 19, his best years are most definitely still ahead of him. Similarly, young Mehmet Curwyk, who has been the cause of excited whispers within Mallox's youth teams, is expected to start competing with 34-year-old Cassandra Kilgallon and much older Randwe Nhatandal for time out wide this year. Kilgallon though is still the torchbearer Mallox's attack, voted the supporters' Player of the Season three years running. She's not the fastest or most skilled, but she's one of those players who simply always finds a way to make positive things happen. That's the type of player Mallox need more of. The retooled attack is held up by a solid if unspectacular midfield consisting of smooth technician Till Ümann and hardworking shuttlers Jesper Lindroos (younger brother of Jukka) and Stephon Deville (who has a taste for the spectacular every now and again). The presence of hardnosed young defenders Trajan Bruyne, Tas Danko and Wenceslaw provide Kopenhaver a solid backbone that could grow together over the coming seasons. There's also a sprinkling of experience with captain Georges Mauvonts and the last-minute return home of Gustaf Söder, so it's not a case of all young guns back there with no one to guide them. It remains to be seen how Kopenhaver will ask the Tigers to play, but one can assume it will be fairly pragmatic. All told, Mallox are amongst a glut of sides that won't have to worry about relegation but simply don't have the quality to reach for top three. This isn't Anders Engström's Mallox anymore. All this industrial, blue-collar city can do at present is hope the new signings thrive and push the team high enough to sneak into 5th or 6th.
Last Season: 11th (11-11-12). Prediction: 10th.

PELETHAS UNITED
Pelethas, Morponte Fief

Nickname: Miners, Silver & Gold
Founded: 835
Ground: Drango Way (24,000)
Manager:

Euan Jersey (46)

Transfers In: Jillian Nier (PLI Islanders $9m), Gudrun Crowley (Sabrefell Moths $8m), Jens Kåsa (Sporting Solsholm $4m), Sadie Brinegar (Treftadaeth Alliance $1.7m), Mohsin Changez (Mardi Lopunnies free), Craig Mallman (Schottic Regional Development Side B free)
Transfers Out: Viablaine (Ramusok United $5m), Kare Saxmark (Helfin Fief $3.4m), Kubra Babaturk (Crawford City FC $2.5m), Ryan Carmichael (New Llama Stars $2m)

First XI (4-2-2-2):

Nier (24) -

Brinegar (30),

Wolff (20),

Harm (27),

Rossini (33) -

Kåsa (24),

Crowley (22) -

Tarrant (30),

Varghese (25) -

Changez (24),

Hairenbyrne (19)

Key Substitutes: Kingsley (GK/33), Tang (CB/30), Mallman (RB/22), Kvist (DM/21), Splitt (AM/20), Sanchez (ST/34)
Kit Details: In solidarity with their city's mining roots, Pelethas wear a classic Silver & Gold (pictured right) at home. Note the mountaintops on the chest. On the road, they wear this regal crimson/gold kit.

Preview: Choo choo, the Pelethas train is making noise! Once a humble miners' club that spent most of its existence in the Sekundar and Tredje Liganes, United has since been backed by a deep-pocketed tourism mogul who is doing everything she can to make the picturesque southern coast destination a UICA city. Last season was successful in that they easily stayed up following their promotion and gave validity to the ambitious talking points. Playmakers Auburn Tarrant and Rowan Varghese were sparkling from the first whistle to the end, the latter notching double-digital goals from midfield, rocketing into the national team picture. Pelethas could've finished even higher if they had any sort of consistent play from their inexperienced strikers. By midseason, supporters were playing drinking games for each time a golden opportunity put on a platter by Tarrant/Varghese was squandered. Euan Jersey is sticking with inventive homegrown striker Linn-Katrin Hairenbyrne again this season, but went out and got her a slightly more seasoned partner in the form of Mohsin Changez, a former Cosumar U21 international who had since established himself in the Sunrise league. Despite the plaudits given to Tarrant and Varghese, the real reason Pelethas took so easily to the top flight was their ruthless yet highly skilled group of defensive players. No team in the bottom half allowed fewer goals. Unfortunately, with success comes bigger teams looking to poach players, which saw them lose Viablaine and Babaturk to Ramusok United and Crawford City FC respectively. Legendary figure Ryan Carmichael also returned to Super-Llamaland after the better part of a decade in Pelethas. But when the transfer window gives you lemons, make lemonade! To the surprise of just about everybody, high-profile foreign players are already buying into this vision of a new Pelethas United. The gorgeous renderings of the club playing at the 70,000-capcity Xanadu Dome in a few years once demand is sufficiently escalated probably helped. Also, beaches and mountains. Top Chromatika goalkeeper Jillian Nier was a massive signing for the club, signaling their intent to the rest of Cosumar and the world. Young Nepharim and Pasargan internationals Gudrun Crowley (no relation to Farris) and Jens Kåsa followed one after the other defensive midfield, forming a tidy and tough-as-nails defensive axis with violent center-backs Solomon Harm and Kurt Wolff that will deal out more than its share of sore shins. Seriously, are ye not intimidated? Physical in their own half and creative in the final third, the Miners’ sophomore season should see them climb further up the table. From Nier to Crowley to Varghese, this level of quality in Pelethas is unprecedented. The project to fast-track Pelethas to the UICA zone is ahead of schedule. A star striker seems the missing piece now.
Last Season: 12th (11-8-15). Prediction: 9th.

OLASK ISLANDERS
Olask, Olask Fief

Nickname: Islanders, Laskies
Founded: 846
Ground: Kamu Road (24,000)
Manager:

Johannes Lundblade (41)

Transfers In: Ilana Way (Cove Port Cruisers $2m), Aldo Cosuman (Na'Malsille Mariners $1.2m), Bella Boomsma (The Forge Section D free), Martin AQY (Dev Club Station Sixteen free), Kamaal Ibn Methüzema (Hohenwald School)
Transfers Out: Tajo Carr-Ponce (Ramusok United $2m), Pierce Griffiths (retired)

First XI (4-4-1-1):

Sutton (27) -

Rennold (27),

Van Duren (32 C),

DeKlan (21),

Na'Tokeho (27) -

Silvio (32),

Couturiaux (23),

Abboud (32),

Way (25) -

Poxay (24) -

Cosuman (31)

Key Reserves: Boomsma (CB/21), Shatraug (CM/33), Methüzema (LM/17), G. Northbourne (AM/24), Shinigata (ST/37), K. Northbourne (ST/24)
Kit Details: The iconic pewter blues (right) at Kamu Road. Elsewhere, they don a red x-design.

Preview: Olask secured safety with a few games to spare last season despite being universally pegged for last, and they’ll have to similarly buck expectations again this season. Hailing from a rocky northern isle known more for its bitter winds, gridiron and sheep population, the Islanders are not a side usually – or ever - associated with anything pretty or glamorous. No surprise, then, that a marquee signing was not forthcoming over the transfer window. Olask’s tenacious defense led by Joseph Van Duren, legitimately the son of a famous pirate, will have to scrap and claw the club to safety once again… a task made harder by the sale of standout young defender Carr-Ponce to Ramusok United. They have some pieces to give them a fighting chance, though: Johannes Lundblade is a savvy young manager and diminutive goalie Haruka Sutton perhaps the best in the land at stopping penalties. Young Will Couturiaux emerged last season as a smooth midfielder who can cause real danger on his day, new arrival Ilana Way offers some promise on the wing and the cozy Kamu Road will always make it uncomfortable for visitors. Local girl Hera Poxay is their best player, but consistency continues to elude the firebrand #10 and youth is no longer an excuse – though she has never had much help up top, to be fair, and Aldo Cosuman was hardly an inspiring signing last month. Common intuition says there’s not much hope for Olask’s weak-looking squad to finish above the top three, but then again, we all said the same thing a year ago. It all depends on how many clean sheets they can get and how many draws they can scrape from their home fixtures.
Last Season: 13th (11-7-16). Prediction: 18th, Relegation.

STONESHORE UNITED
Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief

Nickname: Greys, Stonewall
Founded: 771
Ground: SweetHaven Stadium (70,000)
Manager:

Douglas Tibet (47)

Transfers In: Kira Jonassen (Ramusok United $4.2m), Esa Mäenpää (Goldstaff City $0.4m), Yuanchiki Larrimbe (Royal Association free), Ali Carra (Audioslavia free), Cairo Ericsson (Academy United free), Willem Maersk (Stoneshore II promoted)
Transfers Out: Refik Penterzen (Iron City free), Auguste Doblet (Iturributa United free), Pato Yamaguchi (East Laithland Harriers free), Justinian Singleton (retired), Kasey McKirkley (retired)

First XI (5-4-1):

Stefansen (34) -

Drake (31),

Maersk (19),

Na’Kele (30),

Solberg (26),

DeVolder (26) -

Jonassen (29),

Yacine (20),

Na'Tarejen (26),

Andela (30 C) -

Caipirinha (22)

Key Reserves: Tournay (GK/27), Pystynen (CB/31), Mäenpää (L-RB/30), Ericsson (DM/21), Crowther (ST/35), Larrimbe (ST/18)
Kit Details: Famous all-grey at home. Shirt pictured. The shorts have some maroon and white side-patterning like on the shoulders. On the road, they wear blue and white hoops with solid blue shorts and blue/white hooped socks.

Preview: Hailing from the perpetually rainy/foggy tip of the southern peninsula, Stoneshore United play a style that fits its city's dreary surroundings. They should be as defensively firm and resolute as ever. Clogging up the middle, forcing play out wide and then choking out crosses with their line of tall, aerially-dominant defenders. Also fondly known in the supporters' songs as The Stoneshore Stonewall. For a place so bleak, they sure have a colorful manager (both figuratively and literally, in the case of his clothes). Douglas Tibet is as an eccentric and unpredictable a manager as there has ever been in Cosumar, his post-match interviews ranging from philosophical musings to sudden recitations of heartfelt poetry...which he always finds a way to relate to the events on the pitch. He has held onto his job for several seasons by doing just enough to keep the Greys in the league. It's seldom as inspiring or entertaining as his interviews, reliant on gutsy defending and efficient counters, but it has carved them a niche in the league since coming back up three years ago. 14th both of the last two seasons. More of the same is expected this season, though they may get a bump from their new arrivals. Kira Jonassen has swapped Ramusok United blue for the grey of 'the other United' in one of the biggest transfers in recent club history. She'll sit in front of the back five and receive the ball as soon as it is won to start counters with her exceptional passing range and accuracy. Tibet has never had someone quite like her initiating their breaks. They've also gotten younger with longtime veterans like Penterzen and Yamaguchi making way for younger talent like Yuanchiki Larrimbe, a teen strike prospect out of Astograth who has made some real noise in preseason training and could push explosive but inconsistent Caipirinha for minutes up top.
Last Season: 14th (8-15-11). Prediction: 15th.

AC HOLMENKOLLEN
Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Cedars
Founded: 971
Ground: Cedar Road (21,000)
Manager:

Minnie Lotuda (46)

Transfers In: Txordinutzko Etxehartzaren (AC Izotz Zubia $2m), Berzelius Hedepolly (Fevelo United $0.7m), Valence Ilya (Project +90 Dainer free), Shad Vylon (U21s promotion), Gabrielo Romo (U18s promotion)
Transfers Out: Lilly Kearney (Ramusok United $3m), Clayton Bordeau-Desjardins (released)

First XI (4-4-2):

Vylon (21) -

Grandstaber (18),

Na'Nockeby (28),

Rathskeller (23),

McCallum (24) -

Etxehartzaren (34),

Brickwalk (33),

Nwapa (29),

Valerikssen (32 C) -

Riprov (21),

Nyle (20)

Key Reserves: Luna (LB/32), Hedepolly (CB/26), Mattox (DM/31), Romo (CM/17), Acock (L-RM/26), Weaver (CAM/33), Akerman (CF/35)
Kit Details: Whenever possible, they wear their beloved pale blue shirt with a red zag (pictured), with solid white shorts and red socks. In the event of color clash, they wear a white shirt blue shorts and red socks.

Preview: Despite finishing the 1008 campaign as Cosumar’s fifth-best team, only the plug being pulled on senile Alf Durand saved AC Holmenkollen from relegation last season. It took one of the greatest escapes in Cosumarite history by Minnie Lotuda, as Holmenkollen were ten points adrift in last when she took over. But she did it. She marshaled them up to 15th. The small club from a cute Ramusok suburb of only 54,000 will have the opportunity to keep its extended fairy tale in Cosumar’s top flight going for yet another season. Though Lotuda appears to have assembled a squad capable of achieving safety again in 1010, it’s difficult to foresee a return to UICA contention. Holmenkollen have a problem shared by many, which is that their top talents keep getting noticed by bigger clubs – Taddeo Loredan’s absence was felt immeasurably last season and Lilly Kearney is the latest casualty. The beloved goalkeeper’s transfer to crosstown giant Ramusok United stings. Exciting striker Lili Riprov was keen to leave at the transfer window as well but they persuaded her to stay another year and try to eclipse her team-leading 12 goals from last season now that she’s the undisputed alpha of the attack (Bordeau-Desjardins leaving on a voyage). Aside from buying Txordinutzko Etxehartzaren (they have a good track record with ancient left wingers…he’s a near like-for-like replacement for ‘ole Mezei Órban, who they also dearly missed last season), who can still put on a technical masterclass, they mostly filled the gaps with youth and cheap low-risk signings. Unknown Shad Vylon is pulled up from the youth reserves to start right away in goal. He doesn’t have a single appearance to his name, but he must be decent if the coaches are placing so much trust in him. Fevelian signing Berzelius Hedepolly could work his way into a starting position as well, with scouting reports favorably comparing his reliability to Loredan himself. 18-year-old Thelonious Grandstaber, who looks every bit of 27, will retain the first-choice left back spot after winning it upon Lotuda’s arrival last season. 17-year-old Gabrielo Romo, meanwhile, is considered the brightest prospect in Holmenkollen’s youth system and has been tipped by Lotuda to make his first-team breakthrough this season. He’ll learn behind capped Osarian Funanya Nwapa, a rangy midfield distributor who does her best work from deeper positions. The Cedars often go as the talented but streaky Nwapa goes. When her passes are on-time and on-point, they can get a result anywhere. But if she’s not in her sweet spot… Holmenkollen become utterly toothless. As was often the case last season as she struggled to gel with new midield teammates like Gunnar Brickwalk. They’re not ready to give up on it, but that partnership MUST be better if the Cedars are to improve. Lotuda and grizzled Semar captain Adnan Valerikssen should be able to lead them to safety again with a stout defense and just enough juice going forward, but it won’t be easy.
Last Season: 15th (10-8-16). Prediction: 16th, Relegation Playoff.

VERSIAVILLE
Versiaville, Versia Fief

Nickname: Villagers
Founded: 907
Ground: Versiaville Pavilion (31,200)
Manager:

Jeremy Hayes (46)

Transfers In: Emmanuel Lomboto (Turin FC $4m), Leonard Starblaydish (Audioslavia free), Malaina Ledue (U18s promoted)
Transfers Out: Zack Catonaldi (retired)

First XI (3-4-2-1):

Commerford (22) -

Larsen (24),

Tuppurainen (30),

Meyer (29) -

Engram (19),

Breton (37 C),

Kirby (21),

Na'Koziol (27) -

Larned (29),

Lomboto (22) -

Va'Drevu (23)

Key Reserves: MacAmlaigh (GK/39), Nodtveit (CB/37), Nightrider (DM/21), Vela (LM/25), Marlborough (AM/29), Koropia (CAM/32), Ribos (CF/30)
Kit Details: Most of the time, the Villagers wear their tried-and-true navy shirt and black shorts. In the event of a color clash, they wear a shirt with thin navy-and-white hoops, matching socks, with tan shorts.

Preview: Exciting times up in quirky Versiaville. There were rough patches, but they won the second division at a canter in the end, young goalkeeping standout Vance Commerford taking surprise Silver Ball honors. Now, Jeremy Hayes has come in from the New Llama Stars and reshaped the club around his attacking ideals, reconnecting it with its roots from before the "just-grind-it-out" tenures of Guston Cox and Brian Emerson (who retired after winning Sekundar Ligan last season). While the Villagers have always been professional and hard-working across the pitch, Hayes hopes to coax a new level out of attacking talents like converted winger Ike Na'Koziol, attacking midfielder Asher Larned and tall, muscular striker Sirena Va'Drevu with his direct and incisive style of play. The players speak glowingly of Hayes and seem ready to leave it all on the field for him and his vision of a "new Versiaville". In turn, he reinforced their newfound attacking emphasis with Emmanuel Lomboto, a top young talent from the Guayabalense league who flew under the transfer radar after its disbandment. The new #10 is an imposing physical specimen, able to outmuscle defenders and still connect nice passes. Also important for Hayes was Lomboto's skill as a set-piece taker, as poor delivery to the heads of big defenders like Teemu Tuppurainen and Jokum Larsen (not to mention half-man half-bear Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit, though he only has the fitness for the occasional match these days) was a source of many missed opportunities last season. Tuppurainen, the anchor as Versiaville switch to three in the back, must ensure they don't lose their defensive strength and discipline (only 18 goals conceded last season) as they switch leagues and systems. Defense-minded midfielder Augustine Breton, still such an influential player for the Villagers, will also selflessly embrace much of that burden week-in, week-out despite being... 37 years old. But with sprightly young homegrown players McCall Kirby and Kendrex Engram on either side of him and a tangible atmosphere of excitement and belief around the club again, it shouldn't be too hard for the captain to keep turning in faultless, workmanlike shifts for Hayes just as he did for his predecessors.
Last Season: Sekundar Ligan Champions (20-3-11). Prediction: 13th.

KEENAN ATHLETIC
Keenan, Cresscalus Fief

Nickname: Checkers, Bobs (short for Bobcats)
Founded: 958
Ground: DragonBull Field (21,000)
Manager:

Collette Sade (47)

Transfers In: Lethe Cirvante (Mille SailorLunas $1m), Zooey Leanquiss (Centus Serpents, $0.75m), Adebayo Gillett (Stade-National free), Sebastian de Wit (West Gundar FC free), Jacques Bourbon (Stilwater City free), Regin Jónsson (Gymnasia Scold free)

Transfers Out: None

First XI (4-1-2-3):

Na'Kefir (20) -

Aspendelft (21),

Kindgren (31 C),

Leanquiss (25),

Fortidoré (22) -

Lewitzki (25) -

Cirvante (20),

Fen (27) -

Texström (21),

Frederick (29),

Gullmarstam (30)

Key Reserves: Gillett (GK/37), Dixon (CB/27), Fiefwalker (CM/25), de Wit (LW/33), E. Sade (RW/18), Bourbon (ST/33), Jónsson (ST/21)
Kit Details: Keenan Athletic are known for their black and red checkers at home, contrasted by their more subtle grey checkers with red shorts on the road.

Preview: Ah, oft-forgotten Keenan, the city on the eastern edge of the Pristine Forest… viewed by many as little more than a midway stop on the Hyperloop between Cassandra and popular Pristinia cities like Hagenheim or Aldenskoett. Härlighet Ligan supporters will now descend upon Keenan for the first time after Athletic ended the 1009 campaign as Sekundar runners-up. Former Real Azuris assistant Collette Sade has overseen Keenan Athletic’s rise from the Sekundar Ligan lower-table over the last three years since leaving Azuris, but she will find life somewhat different back amongst the big boys. Sade managed to maintain her players’ freshness last year thanks to a liberal rotation policy and a diligent young squad that put the needs of the group before individuals, while at the same time fashioning a side that was prolific going forward and solid defensively. However, the Klydian will not have that luxury against Cosumar’s top sides, and she was the first to admit that she needed at least six new additions – mostly veterans – just to be able to compete. And fancy that, six new additions is exactly what she got! In-demand Centus defender Zooey Leanquiss will join Athletic to make her anticipated Härlighet debut, forming an athletic defensive spine with Rone Kindgren – who has astonishingly captained every match for the club since its Tredje Ligan days – and towering 20-year-old goalkeeper Shjegrzh “Wingspan” Na’Kefir. Young fullbacks Meekku Aspendelft and Ramiro Fortidoré offer plenty of endeavor going forward, but will face a steep challenge to acclimate defensively. Along with Leanquiss, the other definite new starter is Lethe Cirvante, an underrated young Askari who brings a touch of real passing imagination. In the Bobs’ midfield, Lethe will slot in ahead of defensive workhorse Hal Lewitzki alongside Häkon Fen. Fen was a sudden revelation last season and a crucial part of Athletic’s surprising promotion. Paired in an expansive 4-1-2-3 that operates almost identically to Real’s (brought over by Sade after she left Azuris), Cirvante and Fen should be able to do some real damage and pass circles around at least a few top-flight midfields. At least, until their ambition meets those six-time champions they’re modeled after! Keenan don’t exactly have a Ronan Bowditch in their front three either. Of the expected starters, none have top-flight experience. Electrumite club legend Mischa Frederick, a consummate professional in the heart of the attack, is coming off a career-best season that saw him win the Silver Boot, but if his good form expires Keenan may be in hot water. Out wide, Olvir Texström and Jakob Gullmarstam are an interesting foil – the former bringing the ability to get behind defenses with his pace and the latter bringing some skillful dribbling and crossing, but both lacking the other’s forte. Looking at the rest of the transfers, it’s clear that Sade actively sought to address the dearth of experience. Adebayo Gillett, Jacques Bourbon and Sebastian de Wit are all past their best but boast a collective four decades of top-flight experience. Given Sade’s propensity for rotation, they lend extremely valuable depth to the squad that might just help Athletic – with some luck - stay up. That is, if the controversial renaming of their grounds after new sponsor DragonBull Energy doesn’t prove too big a distraction.
Last Season: 2nd in Sekundar Ligan (17-9-8). Prediction: 17th, Relegation.

IFK ALDENSKOETT
Aldenskoett, Duversia Fief

Nickname: Eagles
Founded: 890
Ground: The Eagles' Nest (19,000)
Manager:

Väinö Va'Lucic (70)

Transfers In: Kristian Friedmann (Upper Skyforce $4m), Nicolò Bassi (AC Serone $3m), Horst Palsson (AC Sainati free), Dez Cloaker (Lake Wayton free), Mason Windrip (Aldenskoett Universitet), Gaëlle Glidewing (Hinsdale High School)
Transfers Out: Sauro Costabile (Armstrong free), Jess Capulet (retired)

First XI (5-1-2-2):

Mullins (34) -

Friedmann (24),

Messieri (32),

Lovenkrands (21),

Bassi (23),

Glatthorn (28) -

Wurman (30) -

Sjunitsson (19),

Lundgren (34) -

Hess-Olesen (32 C),

Rwang (26)

Key Reserves: Palsson (CB/33), Glidewing (RB/19), Windrip (CM/21), Cloaker (ST/27), Nowitzki (ST/35)
Kit Details: Their silver home kit is pictured right. Their away kit sports a lime-green & white look with a more prominent eagle talon. They may also occasionally wear this blue alternate kit.

Preview: After just one season away, the most successful club of Northern Cosumar’s IFK network is back in the Härlighet Ligan. Last term, the team from the heart of Duversia ultimately won promotion after a pulsating instant classic in the playoff against West Gundar. Though they finished below fellow promoted sides Versiaville and Keenan Athletic, in some ways IFK look stronger than both those teams for the upcoming campaign. Their offseason can only be labelled a success. Only one regular starter from the side that just won promotion was lost, and he (defender Costabile) is replaced twofold by younger Juvencus international Nicoló Bassi and steady veteran Horst Palsson. Of course, talisman striker Falchion Hess-Olesen - who scored the legendary goal that won the Eagles promotion - is back, as is his mohawk and other key players like midfield engine Nikita Lundgren, her heir-apparent Karlus Sjunitsson, defensive linchpin Mauro Messieri and Chromatik trickster Teor Rwang. Ageless Vloo coach Vaino Va’Lucic also reeled in a very impressive signing in Kristian Friedmann, another boon for the league from the Sunrisian mass-exodus. A versatile left-sided player who can make the difference in both defense and the attack, the Pasarga international fits perfectly into IFK’s tactical system as the left wingback in what often looks like a six-man back line when midfield shield Chelsea Wurman drops deep alongside the CBs. Friedmann brings a level of pace and touch that the Eagles have never had from their wingbacks - who play such a crucial role for them, defending for long stretches and flying down the pitch at a moment’s notice to provide the primary source of width to IFK’s trademark counters. With boisterous support at The Eagles’ Nest, a true fortress especially in the frigid winter, there is no reason why IFK Aldenskoett cannot gather up enough points to finish outside of the bottom three.
Last Season: 3rd in Sekundar Ligan (17-6-11). Prediction: 14th.

West Gundar
Best Players: AM Florent Marcssen, ST Charlie Alotic

FC Kaldukosic
Best Players: CF Kevin Stabb, LW Kaujarre Nisa

Klyde (favorites)
Best Players: ST Sophia Trevelyan, ST Dan Quesadillas

Goldstaff City
Best Players: MF Blazek, CB Lind Fontaine

Nomad Brotherhood FC
Best Players: LW Christian Beckcamp, ST Koru Özturk

Na’Malsille Mariners
Best Players: CB Sallie Wheeler, CAM Jayson Herrera

Fevelo Colony
Best Players: ST Apollo Demetriou, RM Justin Swarthimore

Morponte Fief
Best Players: CM Aleksander Csihar, LM Lily Penhaligon

Helfin Fief
Best Players: ST Kare Saxmark, CM Neil Bravo

Pristine Forest
Best Players: LB Laureline Fietsam, DM Lea Minter

Centus Serpents
Best Players: ST Magali Quaranta, LB Adam Vadimenko

Gwynt Tywyll
Best Players: RB Aleena Tholanikunnal, GK Cema Creed

Klyde Heritage FC
Best Players: CB Devante Richardson, GK Arratay Aqualung

Ziemelu Skaida
Best Players: AM Metán Cordéan, DM Ehab Amkura

Revanigruud Riversharks
Best Players: CM Ronson Ramirez, RM Salome St. John

AFC Obscura 98
Best Players: AM Jose Parra, CB Eliana Yotirmoy

Fort Archer
Best Players: CM Steed Conagher, ST Baz Ninkey

Brayllor Town
Best Players: LB Arond Thatch, RAM Nico Gonzaga

Yambridge City FC (favorites)

Begtatt Isle Athletic

FC Flen

Pardock Island

Regalia City

Riverside Crew

Otkins Numenvernia

Rexnor District 3
DeFinko Magni Blandinn
Sindo Fief

Larkinham Town

Nuur Origins FC

Portsmouth FC
West Devellin FC

Sepultura

Gnoss Gallants AFC

Everlong FC

Dawchire Town

Sammet Ridge

Aberaeron Celtic
Forest Hill FC

IFK Sundsvall

Conference Cosumarus

Tamiat Town
White Tower FC
Sarmon FC
Hagenheim South End
Cadonica United
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona
Azure Lane FC
Hvalsey 08
Moore Hill Pirates
West Ellum
AC Opjenheim
Sontafe City
Esterhollow Harbor
Sporting Pirankoper
Grayslake
Cassandra Cosmopolitan
Woods of Ypres
Olympique Sur Mer
Kaldukosic Volmacht FC
Real Bellavista
Chesterton Cottagers
Coppell City FC
Atletisk Surpronuk
Black Diamond Osterhaut
Talmusok City
Atletisk Östrad
Cassandra City II
SEP Bjarnum

Conference KC

Caledon Legion
Silk FC
Seryddwyr Aberaeron
Tierra Interstellar Wanderers
Buscari Bridge Force
Salfa City
Tornline
Usk Town
Kalloroda United
Real Azuris II
Meryuma Marshals
Atlético Oterro
Murkwaamp Suns
IFK Nordön
Varvonti Firestorm
FK Pentagram Pjattervid
Svart-Guld Klingaställe
Borzac Sequins
Treacherous Cove AFC
Rhodes Ravens AFC

Hamlack Town
Villa Forsetti
FC Kviststad
Wilmontsbloom Blue Star
Wiedna Town
Noumen Town
Gwerin Athletic
Moggington County
Atletisk Kvelertak
Emerald Cove SC
Sólstafir
Cerulia City FC
Flithby Town
Satyricon Nemeses AFC
Sadenia Paladins
Gibwir Marsnal
Glasbon SC
Erpland County
Ardamirchan Isle United
Baymar Lagune
Oppland 806
Interstellar Erurok
VfL Läutenstadt
Klyde II
Noths Castle
Orias-Kvissle SC
CD Panteras Nueces
Oxbow Lake
Lindsborg Premier
Klyde City

East Devellin FC
Ingleton Town
FC Samotath II
AFC Wernersburg
AFC Centus
Marshall-Blue FC
Chittersbee Rangers
Östrad Rockets FC
Lewisville Athletic
Dusk Athletic
Wealdheim Bards
Scarromere FC
FC Stellendam
Ollston Town
Zirconim City
Paulsendam Town
Nabataea
IFK Sokuldijak
United FC of Stoneshore
Sporting Corrian
Somberlain FC
1. FC Guggenheim
Interstellar Östrad
Cape Dutch Copperheads
Ramusok United II
FC Kaldukosic II
OAS Royal FC II
Eastweald II
Mallox II
IFK Keukenhok

Gladsax Chariot FC
SC Cirith 01
Rhithlungwerddon Town
Highlanders
Scarborough
Ajatarra Alligators
FC Kastanjestad
Lykathea City
FC Fejd
High Noon FC
Attamac Wanderers
Sporting Culmar
Malm Town
Mintwick Marmots
Goldsoul FC
Gorgoroth
Hassaburess Athletic
Austentrapp City FC
Jotungard 99 FC
Carnessa County
Impera Town
Columbia Town
Briquia Southside FC
Keldin Town
FC Invierness 912
Morponte Fief II
Ombra Castle
Harlegan Rovers
Club Toftir
Club Varden

Inter Juta
Yellow Meadow Lynwood
Klovstad Klub
Bayford City
Gamma Zakhoro
Chamomile Town
Stortrommeby Town
Miklagaard Salvation
Crawford City FC II
East Ellum
IFK Karlsborg
FC Va'Lubasa
Rhupenhoven Town
Yuonela Town
FC Arkadius
Tromsdale Town
Dillinger Town
Falco Na'Diveh
FC Na'Travii
SC Swamport
Thergothon
Drummond's FC
Duval Town
Crawford Sharks SC
Theli City
Na'Malsille Mariners II
Vfl Bolmenstadt
Red Star Karbosic
FC1. Richtofen Avalanche
Ayr Athletic

Rexnor District 7
Aläng FF
Ciems Mungonduvia
Drahva United
FC Dynamo Kurbads
Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC
Piander Falls FC
SC Vronus 510
Templar-Lune
NOVIA Alliance
Tonsei Tumult
Orion Wanderers
Marinus City
Menoptera United SC
Kreanoltha Vipers
Romstafar Outpost
Rexnor District 4
Rexnor District 5
Rexnor District 6
Rexnor District 8
Rexnor District 9
Sporting Club Macofor
Dockery Union
Execo Station
Whitestone Athletic
Tranquility Treepolis
New Hagenheim Canopy
Snaigow Hoarfrost
Levithia Shrievenzale
Fayanora Pontonese

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 11:59 am

Champions' Cup - Second Preliminary Round

(VIL)               Turoki Tide    2–3    OAS Royal FC              (COS)   1–1   1–2  (aet)

Globe Cup - First Preliminary Round

(JUE)                 AC Pomena    5–2    Ramusok United            (COS)   5–1   0–1

Series B Champions' Cup - First Preliminary Round

(SBE)            Clube Açoriano    4–5    IFK Aldenskoett           (COS)   0–2   4–3

Series B Champions' Cup - Second Preliminary Round

(VAL)            Quel’Thalas FC    1–4    IFK Aldenskoett           (COS)   0–1   1–3 
(COS)           Keenan Athletic    4–1    Shitrom                   (DAI)   2–0   2–1

Less action than usual in the prelims this season. The highlight is Juquinho's second-leg winner to take OAS Royal past a strong Turoki Tide team into the Champions' Cup playoff round. The lowlight is Ramusok United barely lifting a finger in their first and only Globe Cup tilt of the season and subsequently getting humbled 5-1 in Juvencus. Also nice to see IFK and Keenan flex some Cosumarite muscle in the early stages of the SBCC.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 1
IFK Aldenskoett 2–0 AC Holmenkollen
Keenan Athletic 1–1 Mallox
Ramusok United 0–1 Real Azuris
Cassandra City 1–1 Crawford City FC
Samaj FC 1–2 Olask Islanders
Zakhoro Aces 2–4 Treftadaeth Alliance
Stoneshore United 2–0 OAS Royal FC
Eastweald 2–0 Pelethas United
FC Samotath 5–1 Versiaville

Already? The first goal of Season XXII is scored by Andrew Arrowsword in three minutes! The Cenian outmuscled Tajo Carr-Ponce in the box on the defender's Ramusok United debut and sent Adrian Lindberg's cross up and over the keeper with a flicked header. Though Ramusok United grew back into the match and peppered August Ozuna's goal with shots, most were long range and Real Azuris held on to begin what could be a seventh title campaign with a win. It was also good omens for three sides expected to fight relegation. The Olask Islanders overcame an early Vega Zeale-Riddick strike to eventually win 2-1 in Samaj with Aldo Cosuman's scrappy, fortuitous goal in the 86th minute. IFK Aldenskoett caught Holmenkollen unprepared for meaningful action with a pair of ruthlessly efficient counters in the first half. Finally, Keenan Athletic truly earned their first top flight point, defending with impressive resolve for long stretches against a Mallox side that continuously pushed the tempo, clearly eager to impress intense new manager Kennedy Kopenhaver. Alexander Kárpáty's thumping effort off the crossbar nearly made it 2-1 for the Tigers late on, but Häkon Fen's marauding run and finish in the 51st minute remained the point-splitter for Keenan.

The most exciting viewing of what was an otherwise sleepy opening slate was played on a stiflingly humid day down in Zakhoro. Visiting Treftadaeth Alliance took a 2-0 lead into half time, but the momentum changed after goalscorer Nidia De Leon slid into the heels of fragile Temuge. The ref agreed with the booing Zapt Park crowd and showed De Leon red without hesitation. Over the next 20 minutes, the Aces leveled 2-2 with goals from Nathael and Kurtis Samarqand. With fatigue setting in and some extra space, the game really opened up late on. But it was 10-man Trefta that took advantage, Evander Sinque slaloming through three Aces defenders before finding the side-netting in the 89th minute. What a moodkiller. Teenager Scylla Xkoranate added insult to injury with a spectacular long-range flicked finish in stoppage time. Elsewhere, Cassandra City began their title defense with a lukewarm 1-1 draw in which they looked second-best to Crawford City, FC Samotath marquee signing Jordan Emery had a happy start to life in the Red And Black with a debut brace, and an early Penumbra Amokachi goal allowed Eastweald to cruise to a promising 2-0 home win.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 2
AC Holmenkollen 3–4 Versiaville
Pelethas United 4–1 FC Samotath
OAS Royal FC 0–5 Eastweald
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–1 Stoneshore United
Olask Islanders 1–3 Zakhoro Aces
Crawford City FC 1–1 Samaj FC
Real Azuris 0–0 Cassandra City
Mallox 1–1 Ramusok United
IFK Aldenskoett 1–3 Keenan Athletic

The headliner of the round was supposed to be Real Azuris & Cassandra City, holders of the last seven Härlighet Ligan titles. But nothing much happened aside from a handful of routine saves for Ozuna and Metz, and a late penalty put wide by Sean Fraser to the moans of the blueballed Azuris crowd. The Eagles' Nest, meanwhile, was louder than usual as neighbors Keenan Athletic visited IFK for the first time as Härlighet Ligan equals. You could feel the energy in the air! Collette Sade went all-in with a very attacking lineup, always a gamble against IFK's absorb-and-counter machine, but her players rose to the occasion, inspired by the heightened atmosphere in Aldenskoett. Young Keenan winger Olvir Texström put fullback Renelle Glatthorn under his thumb, bagging a brace and laying out the cutback assist for Lethe Cirvante's smooth far-post finish from 15 yards. Athletic seem to be made of the right stuff to last in this competition. Sharp contrast as we switch to OAS Royal FC, who have misstepped badly to start the season. Last week's 2-0 loss in Stoneshore was disappointing, but this 5-0 capitulation at home to Eastweald is inexcusable and puts their title credentials in doubt. Elsie Drover didn't make any new fans in her Royal Palace debut, nervous on the ball and committing sloppy giveaways that led to two of Eastweald's goals. "This isn't why I came here," the Brenecian said post-match, confidence unshaken. "I'll adapt. I'll get better. This stadium will be screaming my name by season's end." Finally, the first hat trick of the season is scored just a few miles north in Holmenkollen... by Versiaville striker Sirena Va'Drevu, Versian fans getting the first taste of what could be if Jeremy Hayes' idealistic vision fulfills its potential. I'm not Versian, but a 4-3 win in hostile territory with an 82nd minute winner from Emmanuel Lomboto probably tastes damn good. Other impressive performances included Pelethas United's clinical manipulation of FC Samotath's makeshift defense - Nepharim midfielders Gudrun Crowley and Auburn Tarrant proving an immediately fruitful connection - and Kim Coultan's jaw-dropping long-range knuckler (THAT DIP on the ball) in just the 2nd minute of Crawford-Samaj.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
OAS Royal FC 3-1 Twentytwo Cacti_(NFX)

Good result against good Atlantian opposition. Juquinho easily volleys home Demi Duvernay's ball in from the left in the 3rd minute. Twentytwo Cacti eventually equalize at the hour mark on a nice free kick driven under the wall, but Juquinho restores Royal's lead scarcely two minutes later after Rowan Gawain's long ball from the back finds him one-on-one with the keeper. Galasgoldas Tathtauré adds to their cushion from the spot 15 minutes from time. "What kind of a name for a football team is 'Twentytwo Cacti' anyways?" Corey Simmons III muses to the press afterwards.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Samaj FC 3-0 Sporting CD_(DRP)

With a commanding performance, the Hunters show how badly they want to make the Globe Cup proper. A rejuvenated Ross Rowe rotates in for VZR, scores twice and draws the foul that leads to Rachel Del Arro's free kick goal. However, to Rowe's chagrin, the YouTube clip with the most views the next day is his hilarious trip and dramatic fall - arms flailing - while sprinting to pressure the defense.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
NGSA Ulyanov_(KSK) 0-1 Keenan Athletic
IFK Aldenskoett 3-4 Hornchurch_(EUR)
Versiaville 1-2 Boudicca Noviodunum_(NGD)

Hornchurch's visit to Aldenskoett produces a riveting affair. The Eurans piss on IFK's home support and take a smug 4-0 lead into the break, but IFK fight back in the second half and very nearly complete a comeback for the ages. Consecutive goals come in the 77th, 80th and 82nd minutes getting the crowd back on its feet and living and dying on every pass! But the final piece eludes them despite ample opportunities in the final ten minutes. Still, the way the Eagles bossed the second half is something to build upon going into leg two. But Keenan Athletic seem the only ones particularly likely to advance in the competition thanks to Mischa Frederick's away goal in Kelssek, sliding in at the back post to meet Jakob Gullmarstam's pass through the box.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 3
Keenan Athletic 1–2 AC Holmenkollen
Ramusok United 2–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Cassandra City 2–2 Mallox
Samaj FC 0–1 Real Azuris
Zakhoro Aces 1–1 Crawford City FC
Stoneshore United 0–1 Olask Islanders
Eastweald 4–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
FC Samotath 0–0 OAS Royal FC
Versiaville 0–2 Pelethas United

Eastweald are still perfect to start the season. Three wins, three clean sheets, eleven goals. This week the Elves outclassed Alliance at Old Weldenskirgen, Amokachi dancing her way (literally) to a hat trick. Two of which assisted by the impressive Peter Morrison, with Mina Mordini also registering a goal and assist. OAS Royal are still scoreless to start the season, but are at least able to buckle down defensively in Samotath to grind out their first point thanks to a few diving fingertip saves from Aswad Munif Shalhoub. The Southwestern Derby between Zakhoro and Crawford is a cagey affair, both teams still uncertain of themselves and searching for identity. The most excitement the first half provided the fans in Zakhoro was a testy standoff with some light shoving after Peter Marshall supposedly elbowed Temuge in the face when both went up for a ball. But the match flared to life in the final fifteen minutes as both coaches urged their teams on to search for a winner to make a statement in the rivalry. CCFC thought they had it in the 81st minute when Hannah Alcouin's shot ricocheted off the hand of an Aces defender for a penalty and the striker stepped up and buried it with aplomb. But the home side would walk off with the final say as 34-year-old substitute Lillian Hathoway came on and produced an absolute thunderbastard out of thin air in the 84th minute, slicing in from the left and belting the equalizer in off the far post from over 20 yards. Both sides will eagerly await their rematch on Matchday 20. It was a day for late point-winners all around, with Atticus Hattingh pouncing on a corner scrum for Ramusok United and young striker Kamaal Nyle coming through for Holmenkollen in the 85th minutes to deliver each Ramusoki club its first win of the season.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Twentytwo Catcti 2-0 _{(3a-3 agg.)} OAS Royal FC

OAS have been shit in the league, so it's no surprise that they soil themselves in the UICA too. The midfield is sloppy again, from the center to the wings, and the strikers are stranded up top. Twentytwo Cacti, to their credit, are a big part of it. Oh well, they'll just have to watch Azuris and Cassandra City pursue Champions' Cup glory.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Sporting CD 2-3 _{(2-6 agg.)} Samaj FC

Samaj leave some key names behind to rest as they travel abroad. It's a little shakier in the second leg, but they still win on the day and easily lock up their place in the final round of Globe Cup qualifying. Young Skal Phillips really stepped up and marshaled the midfield without Valfar in this one.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Keenan Athletic 3-1 _{(4-1 agg.)} NGSA Ulyanov
Hornchurch 2-1 _{(6-4 agg.)} IFK Aldenskoett
Boudicca Noviodunum 1-1 _{(3-2 agg.)} Versiaville

More of the same from the first leg. IFK Aldenskoett play some exciting stuff and are good enough to hang with Hornchurch... just not good enough to actually win. Boudicca Noviodunum bunker to protect their lead and Versiaville just aren't incisive enough yet in their new attacking regime to break through. And, once again, Keenan Athletic is the sole source of light, Mischa Frederick proving too smart and too strong for Ulyanov's defenders in the middle. It has been a good start to the year for the Checkers. Can they keep the good form going in both the league and the SBCC group stage?

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 4
AC Holmenkollen 4–1 Pelethas United
OAS Royal FC 2–0 Versiaville
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–1 FC Samotath
Olask Islanders 1–4 Eastweald
Crawford City FC 0–0 Stoneshore United
Real Azuris 1–1 Zakhoro Aces
Mallox 0–1 Samaj FC
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Cassandra City
Keenan Athletic 2–0 Ramusok United

Eastweald concede their first goal, but it's okay because they had already scored another four of their own - Jo de Marisco's clever brace bookending strikes from Amokachi and Eva Velasquez. But the league-leading Elves weren't the only side to make a big impression on the day. Treftadaeth Alliance unexpectedly bossed the Parougan Fief derby against FC Samotath. New signings Timo Sorben and Kirum Ingolfsson finally clicking into gear, Golfi opening his account with an easy brace. He celebrated the second by disappearing fully into The Wormhole's ultras section. He eventually reemerged soaked in beer with his hair ruffled and parts of his shirt ripped off. The Zakhoro Aces took a valuable point from their trip to Azuris thanks to Kurtis Samarqand's equalizer - the Iskandervalian in fine form in front of goal this year - and Ramusok United succumbed to an obvious trap game in Keenan. Gunnar Brickwalk was everywhere as Holmenkollen buried Pelethas 4-1 on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Cedar Road. The former North Laithland man made Tarrant and Varghese non-factors and karma rewarded him with a pair of headed set-piece goals on the other end. Lili Riprov's twisting semi-bicycle was icing on the cake for the Cedars, sending everyone home in jovial spirits, but arguably the most impressive moment of the weekend was actually Ursula Rowan's long 50-yard through-ball gloriously threaded past almost IFK's entire team for Ki Niro to scoop over the line, tallying her first for Cassandra City as well as the Reds' first win. Corey Simmons III also scored his first goal for OAS since his expensive switch from Kaldukosic, guiding Royal to a much-needed win versus a disappointing Versiaville.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 5
Ramusok United 0–2 AC Holmenkollen
Cassandra City 3–3 Keenan Athletic
Samaj FC 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Zakhoro Aces 1–4 Mallox
Stoneshore United 1–0 Real Azuris
Eastweald 3–0 Crawford City FC
FC Samotath 0–3 Olask Islanders
Versiaville 1–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Pelethas United 2–0 OAS Royal FC

VZR strikes again! Wat-ho! Are we witnessing the birth of a Samaj legend? Teenage striker Vega Zeale-Riddick has lifted the Culmarland side to victory with another 1-0 winner at the death! She did the exact same thing in the 84th minute last week! Samaj's gangly heroine ghosted towards the back post and headed Rachel Del Arro's cross back across the face of goal into the opposite side-netting. While falling backwards! Benefits of being 6"3. The poor IFK defenders collapsed face-down as she wheeled away in celebration, their 90 minutes of fierce resistance melted away. Samaj look a little too reliant on VZR's heroics so far (in fact, she's scored all of their goals) but their terrific defense, steadied by Niels Roijacker, has afforded them that luxury. If it's goals you like, the Cassandra-Keenan match may be more of interest. In the 8th minute was a huge moment for mulleted young winger Olvir Texström as he opened the scoring for Keenan in front of The Amphitheatre's 60,000, nutmegging Misty with his shot that just squirted under Calogero Metz. Ursula Rowan equalized for the home Reds with a perfectly smooth free kick from 26 yards soon thereafter, and it remained knotted at 1-1 for the next hour. Cassandra City controlling the possession, but Athletic also getting some quality chances on counters. It might have remained deadlocked if the referee hadn't thought otherwise. A controversial penalty decision in the 64th minute allowed Mischa Frederick to restore Keenan's lead despite a cacophony of boos from the crowd. A run of goals followed like dominos, as City equalized, then literally gave the lead back to the plucky underdogs, then equalized again through Ki Niro in the 86th minute. Only a point at home against a promoted side is far from ideal for Arturo Mancini, but Keenan Athletic are one of a number of unassuming clubs off to surprisingly bold starts. Stoneshore impressively stonewalled visiting Real Azuris and took sole possession of 2nd on Caipirinha's goal, Johannes Lundblade's Islanders somehow scored three goals in one match for already their third win, and AC Holmenkollen equaled them by stealing three points from much bigger neighbors United. They got a standout performance from young striker Kamaal Nyle - the former Eastweald academy reject one of the surprise success stories of the early season.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
OAS Royal FC 2-2 MTK Kingsville_(DAR)
Port Sebastian_(SCT) 3-3 Samaj FC

OAS take a 2-0 lead at home through first half strikes from Juquinho and Tathtauré, but they'll be unhappy with the way they capitulated in the second half and conceded two scrappy goals due to poor marking in the box. Samaj get roped into a thrilling tie at Dyerton, but will be content to leave with Vega Zeale-Riddick, Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir and VZR again providing a nice cushion of away goals for the home leg. Both group stage places are still completely up for grabs.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 6
AC Holmenkollen 0–1 OAS Royal FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–2 Pelethas United
Olask Islanders 1–3 Versiaville
Crawford City FC 3–0 FC Samotath
Real Azuris 5–2 Eastweald
Mallox 0–0 Stoneshore United
IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 Zakhoro Aces
Keenan Athletic 1–3 Samaj FC
Ramusok United 4–1 Cassandra City

Eastweald's flawless start to the season comes to a screeching halt on their road trip to, of course, Azuris. Real awaken with a roar, scoring more goals than their first five matches combined and reminding everybody that they're still the top dogs in the Fiefdom. Andrew Arrowsword was the man of the hour, sealing his hat trick and the 5-2 scoreline with a running volley in the 64th minute, but it was also encouraging to see Ronan Bowditch show up with a vintage goal+assist performance. To Eastweald's credit, they probably didn't deserve to lose as badly as they did. Both sides created loads of freewheeling chances, but six saves by Azuris keeper August Ozuna was the difference. He even stopped Jo de Marisco's panenka penalty in the 56th minute! (Though the Eastweald captain would get her goal five minutes later). One of the weekend's other big performances was of the bounce-back variety, Ramusok United defeating hated rivals Cassandra City after last week's derby loss to Holmenkollen. The Blues' attack flared to life after Gareth Bournemouth decided to "bring back The Hawk" and insert Antonio Mulcair into the starting eleven. The Eshani legend oozed quality with every touch, patiently involving all his teammates in the build-up before the opportunity finally came back around for him to apply the finishing touch. Twice. But because of teenage Charles Dyer Vry's beautifully curled goal for the Reds, the atmosphere remained tense at Fire River at 2-1 until Curtis Théberge and Robin Geirsson both added late knockout punches. Perhaps a small measure of payback for that fateful 4-0 beating the Cassandrans dealt them last season. Amidst rumors that Jehan Bair's head might already be on the chopping block in Crawford, Kim Coultan came through for her manager and sparked CCFC's much-needed first win of the season with a stunning solo run and goal against countrywoman Molly Killanen. Elsewhere, Pelethas nicked a stoppage time victory in Ashen Point with young Saltorius Splitt the benefactor of some poor Alliance defending, Versiaville won a battle of the northwest on Asher Larned's powerful brace, and Keenan Athletic's ugly home performance against Samaj is exacerbated by vitriolic fan demonstrations - protesting the recent renaming of the original grounds after sponsor DragonBull.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
MTK Kingsville 1-4 _{(3-6 agg.)} OAS Royal FC
Samaj FC 1-3 _{(4-6 agg.)} Port Sebastian

Royal finally come to life and sweep aside Kingsville, Galasgoldas Tathtauré firing up his team throughout the match. The Vanorian led the way with a brace that required both finesse and power, and unselfishly assisted the third. It was a big international striker who made the difference with a brace in the other match too... but not in favor of the Cosumarite coefficient this time. Leonardo Conavacio's second-half double ended Samaj's dreams of Globe Cup glory.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 7
Cassandra City 4–3 AC Holmenkollen
Samaj FC 0–0 Ramusok United
Zakhoro Aces 1–2 Keenan Athletic
Stoneshore United 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Eastweald 1–0 Mallox
FC Samotath 0–1 Real Azuris
Versiaville 4–1 Crawford City FC
Pelethas United 2–0 Olask Islanders
OAS Royal FC 2–1 Treftadaeth Alliance

The Gellano Fief Derby is one of the more special ones in the Cosumarite pantheon. Gellano Fief is effectively split into two halves: the cultured, gorgeous eastern half with its thickly wooded rolling hills... and the dry, flat, industrial western half. As Eastweald and Mallox have long been the dominant clubs representing either side, their bi-annual league meetings have transcended football. They've come to embody centuries of regional hostility and clashing cultures. The mostly blue-collar Tigers supporters making the short jaunt east across enemy lines would have taken great delight in pulling one over on their high-and-mighty neighbors who had grown even more arrogant than usual in light of Eastweald's scorching start. Their boys tried their damnedest. Mallox actually (literally) knocked Eastweald off their tiki-taka rhythm with a gritty performance, even Till Ümann putting his glass body on the line with a number of crunching tackles. Trajan Bruyne and Tas Danko stepped up with heroic 9/10 efforts in the back to hold Penumbra Amokachi mostly in check. Unfortunately for them, great strikers only need one fleeting moment to undo it all. Which is exactly what happened in the 55th minute when Aeris Cossadel slipped a quick ball into the box and Amokachi anticipated it before Danko, sliding to meet it with her long legs and caressing it past Sindelaar. 1-0 and another Gellano Fief Derby to Eastweald. "That half-second reaction time is often all that separates winners from losers in this sport," Amokachi mused to the press afterwards, seeming to play the humble part. "...Luckily for us, my reflexes are quicker than anyone else's in this league's." Good, Penumbra, gooood. Give those Malloxites more quote fodder to stew over until the rematch. Other highlights from the week included Cassandra City's 4-3 win over Holmenkollen, red-hot Ki Niro averting disaster in the 86th minute after they allowed Holmenkollen to come back from 3-0 down, and Jeremy Hayes getting a big affirming win as Versiaville mauled Crawford City in the west coast clash. His attacking ideals fully came to life for the second consecutive week and have injected new life into explosive striker Sirena Va'Drevu, who came away with a late brace. Teenage midfielder Kendrex Engram and veteran defender Jade Meyer also scored their first Härlighet Ligan goals in the feelgood win.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 8
AC Holmenkollen 0–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Olask Islanders 2–3 OAS Royal FC
Crawford City FC 0–2 Pelethas United
Real Azuris 1–1 Versiaville
Mallox 3–3 FC Samotath
IFK Aldenskoett 2–0 Eastweald
Keenan Athletic 1–2 Stoneshore United
Ramusok United 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
Cassandra City 0–2 Samaj FC

...Well, not so feelgood for CCFC. Leadership in Crawford must now be asking themselves some tough questions. Yet another season of high expectations seems to be slipping into numb, disappointing apathy. It continued this week as Jehan Bair's team was a no-show at home with Pelethas visiting. Linn-Katrin Hairenbyrne finally opened her account for the season with an acute-angle smash to the top corner five minutes into the second half and Rowan Varghese did the same five minutes from the end, beating a lackadaisical Crawford offside trap and strolling in alone on Perseus Theoklitos. "We gave up," Bair bluntly stated afterwards. "That can't happen. Not like that. There will be changes - big ones. No player is safe." To CCFC's small consolation, Pelethas have been excellent lately. In fact, Pelethas have quietly rattled off four straight wins and now find themselves level with leaders Eastweald after the Elves failed to score for the first time this season on a hard, dry pitch at The Eagles' Nest... Nikita Lundgren the woman of the match for IFK with a robust two-way performance.

For those not wearing Eastweald or Crawford City shirts, however, it was one of the most exciting weeks of action yet. Let's start with the late drama. There was Tathtauré's last-gasp brace that took OAS Royal from zero points to three in three minutes, a textbook stoppage-time counter by Stoneshore against naive Keenan that Adrienne Crowther polished off from 8 yards to devastate the home fans, and even a moment of unexpected magic for Versiaville amidst an intimidating Azurian nighttime atmosphere as young striker Leonard Starblaydish came on and conjured up a scrappy 88th minute equalizer in just his second appearance. It was also a week for some real screamers. Elsie Drover - who has started to settle into a rhythm for Royal - kicked things off with a spontaneous 4th minute blast from midfield that rattled in under the crossbar with such velocity that Sutton had no chance. Drawkish winger Ilana Way matched it later for Olask with a grass-cutter from 22 yards out on the left (one of her two on the day) that could not have been more inch-perfect whistling inside the near post. Over in Mallox, the pick of the six goals between the Tigers and Black Hawks came in the 29th minute when Alexander Kárpáty skillfully hit an off-balance curler with the outside of his right boot that somehow arced into the top corner, giving the home fans a glimpse of what the Pasargan national is capable of if properly used. Not to be outdone, enigmatic winger Keohane drew praise from Gareth Bournemouth for propelling Ramusok United to a potentially pivotal win in Zakhoro with her deft half-volley, hit from midair after three acrobatic juggles to keep the ball away from defenders.

With the first two months in the books, Eastweald lead the table thanks to their high-flying start to the campaign. Pelethas United have backed up the preseason chatter and big spending by looking like a legitimate threat with an efficient no-nonsense game, a productive striker in Mohsin Changez (5 goals already) and world-class goalkeeping from Jillian Nier - the true unsung hero so far. Some usual suspects like Real Azuris, Samaj and OAS Royal have enjoyed some good form in recent weeks and lurk within striking distance, while underdogs like Stoneshore, Keenan Athletic and Versiaville hope they can sustain their promising top-half starts. The bottom four is inhabited currently by established Härlighet Ligan clubs hoping for much more. It's still VERY early, but a few executives' fingers may be starting to hover over the panic buttons.

1010 Härlighet Ligan  Pld       W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Eastweald               8    6   0   2    21    8  +13    18
 2  Pelethas United         8    6   0   2    15    8   +7    18
 3  Real Azuris             8    4   3   1    10    5   +5    15
 4  Samaj FC                8    4   2   2     9    5   +4    14
 5  Stoneshore United       8    4   2   2     6    3   +3    14
 6  OAS Royal FC            8    4   1   3     8   12   −4    13
 7  Keenan Athletic         8    3   2   3    14   13   +1    11
 8  Ramusok United          8    3   2   3     9    8   +1    11
 9  Versiaville             8    3   2   3    14   16   −2    11
10  Treftadaeth Alliance    8    3   1   4    13   13    0    10
11  IFK Aldenskoett         8    3   1   4     8    8    0    10
12  Cassandra City          8    2   4   2    12   15   −3    10
13  AC Holmenkollen         8    3   0   5    14   16   −2     9
14  Olask Islanders         8    3   0   5    11   16   −5     9
15  Mallox                  8    1   5   2    11   10   +1     8
16  Crawford City FC        8    1   4   3     7   12   −5     7
17  Zakhoro Aces            8    1   3   4    10   16   −6     6
18  FC Samotath             8    1   2   5    10   18   −8     5


Golden Boot Leader:   Penumbra Amokachi (9)

Shamed Härlighet Ligan bluebloods Klyde and FC Kaldukosic are the overwhelming favorites to go back up, and after eight games it seems they are well on their way, though they may face resistance from a staunch Morponte Fief defense and a sizzling West Gundar attack if either can sort things out at the opposite ends of the pitch. Gwynt Tywyll, a club representing a Welsh neighborhood in east Kaldukosic, may also look to push their much bigger neighbors, having looked more formidable than expected in the early goings.

1010 Sekundar Ligan         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Morponte Fief              8    5   1   2    11    7   +4    16
 2  FC Kaldukosic              8    4   3   1    20   14   +6    15
 3  Klyde                      8    4   2   2    22   14   +8    14
 4  Gwynt Tywyll               8    4   2   2    14   10   +4    14
 5  Centus Serpents            8    4   2   2    11   10   +1    14
 6  AFC Obscura 98             8    4   2   2     7   11   −4    14
 7  Helfin Fief                8    4   1   3     9    5   +4    13
 8  West Gundar FC             8    4   1   3    20   20    0    13
 9  Na'Malsille Mariners       8    3   3   2    13    9   +4    12
10  Fort Archer FC             8    2   5   1    13   11   +2    11
11  Nomad Brotherhood FC       8    3   1   4    16   13   +3    10
12  Pristine Forest            8    2   4   2     9    8   +1    10
13  Revanigruud Riversharks    8    2   3   3    14   15   −1     9
14  Goldstaff City             8    2   2   4    10   12   −2     8
15  Klyde Heritage             8    1   4   3     3    5   −2     7
16  Ziemelu Skaida             8    1   4   3     6   11   −5     7
17  Brayllor Town              8    1   1   6     8   24  −16     4
18  Fevelo Colony              8    0   3   5     6   13   −7     3

1010 Tredje Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  FC Flen                  11    9   0   2    28   12  +16    27
 2  Sepultura                11    6   2   3    22   16   +6    20
 3    DeFinko Magni Blandinn   11    6   1   4    17   16   +1    19
 4  Yambridge City FC        11    5   3   3    29   16  +13    18
 5    Sindo Fief               11    5   3   3    21   13   +8    18
 6  Regalia City             11    5   3   3    21   17   +4    18
 7  Everlong FC              11    5   3   3    19   18   +1    18
 8  Aberaeron Celtic         11    5   2   4    29   26   +3    17
 9  Sammet Ridge             11    4   5   2    10    8   +2    17
10  Riverside Crew           11    4   4   3    12   10   +2    16
11  Bergtatt Isle Athletic   11    5   1   5    20   22   −2    16
12  Portsmouth FC            11    4   4   3    21   25   −4    16
13  Rexnor District 3        11    3   6   2     8    6   +2    15
14  Larkinham Town           11    3   5   3    14   11   +3    14
15    West Devellin            11    4   2   5    13   17   −4    14
16    Forest Hill FC           11    3   4   4    17   18   −1    13
17  Otkins Numenvernia       11    4   1   6    21   28   −7    13
18  Pardock Island           11    3   3   5    20   20    0    12
19  Dawchire Town            11    3   2   6    16   27  −11    11
20  Nuur Origins FC          11    2   2   7    14   20   −6     8
21  Gnoss Gallants AFC       11    1   4   6     2    9   −7     7
22  IFK Sundsvall            11    1   2   8     7   26  −19     5

Division marked in parenthesis (H ---> S ---> T ---> L1 ---> L2). Major upsets and high-profile fixtures in bold.

First Round

Inter Juta (L2) 0–2 Östrad Rockets FC (L2)
Cassandra Cosmopolitan (L1) 4–3 Ingleton Town (L2)
Bayford City (L2) 2–2 Rhithlungwerddon Town (L2) (2–2 AET) (3–2 pen.)
Keldin Town (L2) 3–2 Nomad Brotherhood (S)
Drahva United (L2) 1–1 Rexnor District 3 (T) (1–3 AET)
Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) 2–0 Red Star Karbosic (L2)
Rexnor District 9 (L2) 1–2 Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1)
Sporting Culmar (L2) 2–3 Dusk Athletic (L2)
Rexnor District 6 (L2) 3–1 Lewisville Athletic (L2)
Gorgoroth (L2) 0–1 Tamiat Town (L1)
Briquia Southside (L2) 2–0 Thergothon (L2)
Tornline (L1) 3–1 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star (L2)
FC1. Richtofen Avalanche (L2) 1–2 Eastweald II (L2)
Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2) 0–2 FC Na'Travii (L2)
Real Bellavista (L1) 2–0 Klyde City (L2)
VfL Bolmenstadt (L2) 2–3 Chamomile Town (L2)
Templar-Lune FC (L2) 0–0 FC Stellendam (L2) (0–0 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L1) 2–4 Villa Forsetti (L2)
Helfin Fief (S) 4–1 Aberaeron Celtic (T)
Sepultura (T) 2–0 IFK Karlsborg (L2)
OAS Royal FC (H) 6–2 Esterhollow Harbor (L1)
FC Flen (T) 4–1 Cadonica United (L1)
Hvalsey 08 (L1) 2–2 Somberlain FC (L2) (2–3 AET)
Emerald Cove (L2) 1–2 Varvonti Firestorm (L1)
Woods of Ypres (L1) 4–2 Drummond's FC (L2)
Club Toftir (L2) 3–5 Sporting Pirankoper (L1)
Borzac Sequins (L1) 2–4 Hamlack Town (L2)
FC Invierness 912 (L2) 1–0 Orion Wanderers (L2)
Stoneshore United (H) 2–0 High Noon FC (L2)
Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) 0–0 Noths Castle (L2) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Hassaburess Athletic (L2) 2–3 Wiedna Town (L2)
FC Va'Lubasa (L2) 2–2 Marshall-Blue FC (L2) (3–2 AET)
IFK Sundsvall (T) 2–2 Oppland 806 (L2) (4–2 AET)
Volmachtia Kaldukosic (L1) 4–2 Duval Town (L2)
Ramusok United II (L2) 2–3 Rhodes Ravens AFC (L1)
Cassandra City (H) 6–1 AFC Centus (L2)
Svart-Guld Klingaställe (L1) 1–0 Sontafe City (L1)
Forest Hill FC (T) 1–2 Goldstaff City (S)
Club Varden (L2) 2–0 Coppell City FC (L1)
Noumen Town (L2) 0–1 Otkins Numenvernia (T)
Moggington County (L2) 4–2 VfL Läutenstadt (L2)
Gladsax Chariot FC (L2) 3–0 Na'Malsille Mariners II (L2)
Sindo Fief (T) 0–1 DeFinko Magni Blandinn (T)
Impera Town (L2) 1–2 Atletisk Kvelertak (L2)
Sporting Corrian (L2) 0–3 Larkinham Town (T)
Samaj FC (H) 4–0 Buscari Bridge Force (L1)
Yuonela Town (L2) 0–1 Chesterton Cottagers (L1)
Malm Town (L2) 0–1 Riverside Crew (T)
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1) 3–1 Ziemelu Skaida (S)
SC Swamport (L2) 4–1 Paulsendam Town (L2)
FC Samotath (H) 6–4 Everlong FC (T)
Theli City (L2) 0–2 Gwerin Athletic (L2)
Harlegan Rovers (L2) 2–5 Morponte Fief II (L2)
Novia Alliance (L2) 5–4 Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L2)
Stortrommeby Town (L2) 0–1 Cerulia City FC (L2)
FC Dynamo Kurbads (L2) 0–1 Ayr Athletic (L2)
Moore Hill Pirates (L1) 1–1 Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Treftadaeth Alliance (H) 4–3 Fort Archer FC (S)
FC Samotath II (L2) 0–0 Chittersbee Rangers (L2) (1–2 AET)
Erpland County (L2) 4–2 AFC Obscura 98 (S)
Meryuma Marshals (L1) 1–1 Na'Malsille Mariners (S) (1–2 AET)
Marinus City (L2) 0–1 AC Opjenheim (L1)
Eastweald (H) 4–0 Austentrapp City FC (L2)
West Gundar (S) 1–1 FC Kviststad (L2) (2–4 AET)
Fevelo Colony (S) 3–2 Columbia Town (L2)
Falco Na'Diveh (L2) 1–0 Rexnor District 7 (L2)
FC Arkadius (L2) 3–3 IFK Aldenskoett (H) (3–6 AET)
Glasbon SC (L2) 1–4 Nuur Origins FC (T)
Portsmouth (T) 3–2 Treacherous Cove AFC (L1)
Mallox (H) 3–3 SC Cirith 01 (L2) (3–3 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Wealdheim Bards (L2) 2–4 Lykathea City (L2)
Crawford Sharks SC (L2) 2–1 IFK Keukenhok (L2)
White Tower FC (L1) 3–2 Pristine Forest (S)
Rexnor District 8 (L2) 2–0 Orias-Kvissle SC (L2)
Gnoss Gallants AFC (T) 2–3 Attemac Wanderers (L2)
Interstellar Östrad (L2) 0–0 FC Fejd (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Piander Falls FC (L2) 1–1 Ollston Town (L2) (2–1 AET)
Ajatarra Alligators (L2) 1–3 Bergtatt Island Athletic (T)
Fayanora Pontonese (L2) 2–3 Aläng FF (L2)
Dockery Union (L2) 2–3 Olympique Sur Mer (L1)
IFK Sokuldijak (L2) 1–0 Hagenheim South End (L1)
Brayllor Town (S) 0–2 Interstellar Erurok (L2)
OAS Royal FC II (L2) 2–0 Lindsborg Premier (L2)
Romstafar Outpost (L2) 0–1 Revanigruud Riversharks (S)
Sadenia Paladins (L2) 0–1 West Devellin (T)
Highlanders (L2) 0–0 Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2) (1–0 AET)
Pardock Island (T) 1–2 Centus Serpents (S)
FC Kaldukosic (S) 4–2 Menoptera United (L2)
Flithby Town (L2) 3–2 Rexnor District 4 (L2)
Dillinger Town (L2) 1–3 Kreanoltha Vipers (L2)
Ciems Mungonduvia (L2) 1–0 East Ellum (L2)
Rexnor District 5 (L2) 1–1 Carnessa County (L2) (2–2 AET) (3–0 pen.)
FC Kastanjestad (L2) 1–3 Regalia City (T)
Gwynt Tywyll (S) 6–1 Sporting Club Macofor (L2)
SC Vronus 510 (L2) 3–6 Usk Town (L1)
Mallox II (L2) 2–4 Dawchire Town (T)
Atlético Oterro (L1) 5–4 Nabataea (L2)
FC Kaldukosic II (L2) 0–1 Real Azuris (H)
Tonsei Tumult (L2) 0–1 IFK Nordön (L1)
West Ellum (L1) 3–0 SEP Bjarnum (L1)
Rhupenhoven Town (L2) 1–2 Talmusok City (L1)
Ardamirchan Isle United (L2) 0–2 Klovstad Klub (L2)
Crawford City FC (H) 3–1 Sólstafir (L2)
Real Azuris II (L1) 2–3 Ombra Castle (L2)
Silk FC (L1) 2–1 Black Diamond Osterhaut (L1)
East Devellin (L2) 0–0 Baymar Lagune (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Azure Lane FC (L1) 2–2 Klyde (S) (2–2 AET) (6–5 pen.)
Whitestone Athletic (L2) 1–1 Goldsoul FC (L2) (2–1 AET)
Zirconim City (L2) 2–0 Caledon Legion (L1)
Klyde II (L2) 3–2 1. FC Guggenheim (L2)
United FC of Stoneshore (L2) 2–2 Kalloroda United (L1) (2–3 AET)
Atletisk Surpronuk (L1) 2–0 Jotungard 99 FC (L2)
Scarromere FC (L2) 1–6 AC Holmenkollen (H)
Versiaville (H) 2–0 FK Pentagram Pjattervid (L1)
Mintwick Marmots (L2) 4–2 Keenan Athletic (H)
Atletisk Östrad (L1) 1–1 Oxbow Lake (L2) (2–1 AET)
Gamma Zakhoro (L2) 2–2 Sammet Ridge (T) (2–4 AET)
AFC Wernersburg (L2) 1–1 Ramusok United (H) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Klyde Heritage FC (S) 1–0 Olask Islanders (H)
Miklagaard Salvation (L2) 1–0 Grayslake (L1)
Tromsdale Town (L2) 0–0 Crawford City FC II (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Tranquility Treepolis (L2) 3–3 Cassandra City II (L1) (3–5 AET)
Pelethas United (H) 5–1 Scarborough (L2)
CD Panteras Nueces (L2) 3–0 New Hagenheim Canopy (L2)
Salfa City (L1) 2–5 Zakhoro Aces (H)
Execo Station (L2) 0–1 Morponte Fief (S)
Sarmon FC (L1) 1–2 Yambridge City FC (T)
Gibwir Marsnal (L2) 0–1 Levithia Shrievenzale (L2)

Second Round

Östrad Rockets FC (L2) 2–1 Cassandra Cosmopolitan (L1)
Bayford City (L2) 2–3 Keldin Town (L2)
Rexnor District 3 (T) 3–1 Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2)
Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) 1–1 Dusk Athletic (L2) (1–1 AET) (6–7 pen.)
Rexnor District 6 (L2) 0–1 Tamiat Town (L1)
Briquia Southside (L2) 3–4 Tornline (L1)
Eastweald II (L2) 4–3 FC Na'Travii (L2)
Real Bellavista (L1) 1–0 Chamomile Town (L2)
FC Stellendam (L2) 1–1 Villa Forsetti (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Helfin Fief (S) 3–0 Sepultura (T)
OAS Royal FC (H) 1–2 FC Flen (T)
Somberlain FC (L2) 1–0 Varvonti Firestorm (L1)
Woods of Ypres (L1) 1–0 Sporting Pirankoper (L1)
Hamlack Town (L2) 1–3 FC Invierness 912 (L2)
Stoneshore United (H) 3–0 Noths Castle (L2)
Wiedna Town (L2) 0–2 FC Va'Lubasa (L2)
IFK Sundsvall (T) 1–0 Volmachtia Kaldukosic (L1)
Rhodes Ravens AFC (L1) 3–6 Cassandra City (H)
Svart-Guld Klingaställe (L1) 0–5 Goldstaff City (S)
Club Varden (L2) 0–2 Otkins Numenvernia (T)
Moggington County (L2) 1–2 Gladsax Chariot FC (L2)
DeFinko Magni Blandinn (T) 1–0 Atletisk Kvelertak (L2)
Larkinham Town (T) 1–0 Samaj FC (H)
Chesterton Cottagers (L1) 0–2 Riverside Crew (T)
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1) 1–1 SC Swamport (L2) (1–1 AET) (5–6 pen.)
FC Samotath (H) 1–1 Gwerin Athletic (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Morponte Fief II (L2) 0–1 Novia Alliance (L2)
Cerulia City FC (L2) 2–3 Ayr Athletic (L2)
Moore Hill Pirates (L1) 1–1 Treftadaeth Alliance (H) (2–4 AET)
Chittersbee Rangers (L2) 3–1 Erpland County (L2)
Na'Malsille Mariners (S) 3–1 AC Opjenheim (L1)
Eastweald (H) 4–3 FC Kviststad (L2)
Fevelo Colony (S) 6–3 Falco Na'Diveh (L2)
IFK Aldenskoett (H) 0–0 Nuur Origins FC (T) (0–0 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Portsmouth (T) 3–1 SC Cirith 01 (L2)
Lykathea City (L2) 2–2 Crawford Sharks SC (L2) (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.)
White Tower FC (L1) 1–0 Rexnor District 8 (L2)
Attemac Wanderers (L2) 0–0 Interstellar Östrad (L2) (2–1 AET)
Piander Falls FC (L2) 2–3 Bergtatt Island Athletic (T)
Aläng FF (L2) 3–3 Olympique Sur Mer (L1) (3–5 AET)
IFK Sokuldijak (L2) 4–3 Interstellar Erurok (L2)
OAS Royal FC II (L2) 2–1 Revanigruud Riversharks (S)
West Devellin (T) 1–1 Highlanders (L2) (2–1 AET)
Centus Serpents (S) 5–2 FC Kaldukosic (S)
Flithby Town (L2) 3–3 Kreanoltha Vipers (L2) (3–4 AET)
Ciems Mungonduvia (L2) 1–0 Rexnor District 5 (L2)
Regalia City (T) 1–0 Gwynt Tywyll (S)
Usk Town (L1) 1–5 Dawchire Town (T)
Atlético Oterro (L1) 2–2 Real Azuris (H) (2–2 AET) (2–3 pen.)
IFK Nordön (L1) 0–1 West Ellum (L1)
Talmusok City (L1) 1–0 Klovstad Klub (L2)
Crawford City FC (H) 5–2 Ombra Castle (L2)
Silk FC (L1) 0–2 East Devellin (L2)
Azure Lane FC (L1) 4–3 Whitestone Athletic (L2)
Zirconim City (L2) 1–0 Klyde II (L2)
Kalloroda United (L1) 2–1 Atletisk Surpronuk (L1)
AC Holmenkollen (H) 0–3 Versiaville (H)
Mintwick Marmots (L2) 0–0 Atletisk Östrad (L1) (0–1 AET)
Sammet Ridge (T) 4–1 AFC Wernersburg (L2)
Klyde Heritage FC (S) 1–0 Miklagaard Salvation (L2)
Tromsdale Town (L2) 0–2 Cassandra City II (L1)
Pelethas United (H) 6–1 CD Panteras Nueces (L2)
Zakhoro Aces (H) 3–3 Morponte Fief (S) (3–3 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Yambridge City FC (T) 2–0 Levithia Shrievenzale (L2)

Härlighet Ligan managers that prioritized the competition were rewarded in the first two rounds (Crawford City, Cassandra City, Pelethas and Eastweald all winning big), but most of those that played with fire got burned. An unusual run (even by King's Cup standards) of shocking early upsets could point to the increasing professionalism of Cosumar's lower divisions. Mallox, Ramusok United, OAS Royal, Samaj and IFK Aldenskoett played B-teams and were punished by Tredje Ligan or lower sides. And then there's Keenan Athletic, who played their best group and still lost 4-2 to the obscure Mintwick Marmots. The exception, of course, was Real Azuris. The defending cupholders played their youth and escaped fourth-tier Atlético Oterro on penalties in a local South Klyde derby. Even Sekundar Ligan favorites like Klyde, West Gundar and Nomads found themselves toppled out of the competition by lower opposition in the first two rounds.

The random draw produced the first clash of Härlighet Ligan titans in the second round, though "titanic" is the last word one would use to describe the routine 3-0 win that Versiaville B+ put on Holmenkollen B- at Cedar Road. Seething on the bench all season, Thia Ribos finally got the nod to start up top and produced a 60-minute hat trick for Jeremy Hayes.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Jul 16, 2017 6:45 pm

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 9
Samaj FC 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
Zakhoro Aces 3–0 Cassandra City
Stoneshore United 1–2 Ramusok United
Eastweald 0–1 Keenan Athletic
FC Samotath 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Versiaville 1–3 Mallox
Pelethas United 0–1 Real Azuris
OAS Royal FC 3–0 Crawford City FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 Olask Islanders

Like a scene straight out of cheesy sports drama, 18-year-old Elodie Sade scores her very first top flight goal by stunning Old Weldenskirgen with an 88th minute winner for Keenan Athletic, and bolts straight to her teary-eyed mother..... who happens to be Athletic's manager. Elodie & Collete Sade share a lengthy embrace on the sideline, but the heartwarming family moment is not appreciated by the frustrated Eastweald fans, who perceive it as a time-wasting tactic and boo for the remaining minutes. "Scoring my first of hopefully many goals in this league at a grounds like Old Weldenskirgen is something I'll never forget," Elodie Sade said after the match. "But this was just as big of a moment for my mom. That her gameplan took down the league leaders proves she can manage at this level. To have both of our careers move forward in lockstep at such a moment was truly special." Perhaps it was just a week for special moments all around. Miroslav Vorobyov flashed some dancing footwork to squirm free of Kristian Friedmann and fire in an 86th minute winner at the near post for FC Samotath, Ramusok United's Curtis Théberge slipped an injury time winner under Adren Stefansen with an educated left boot in Stoneshore, and seldom-seen fullback Socorro Shakir uncorked a late Treftadaeth Alliance winner from 28 yards to shake off the persistent Islanders defense. But the most important moment might've come in just the 13th minute of Real Azuris' visit to Pelethas, as Sean Fraser finally made his return from serious injuries sustained in the San Jose Guayabal fan revolt and drove a wicked free kick low around the wall for the only score of the game, drawing them level on points with their hosts.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 10
AC Holmenkollen 2–2 Olask Islanders
Crawford City FC 0–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
Real Azuris 4–1 OAS Royal FC
Mallox 0–1 Pelethas United
IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Versiaville
Keenan Athletic 1–0 FC Samotath
Ramusok United 0–0 Eastweald
Cassandra City 1–0 Stoneshore United
Samaj FC 4–2 Zakhoro Aces

Real-Royal was supposed to be the weekend's marquee viewing, but Sean Fraser struck twice in the opening five minutes to put the match virtually out of OAS's reach from the start. Ok, yep, rumors of his demise were greatly exaggerated! The Black Panther is back on the prowl! The events of WC77 have Fraser playing noticeably angrier, and the Guayabalense's newfound aggression has inspired the Azurians into some scary form. MasseMord Stadium's cauldron of blue shirts was partying with a 4-0 lead by half time. Across Cosumar in Crawford, something is just off. A dishearteningly sparse crowd was subjected to another shambolic home performance marked by lazy fouls, lazy passing and a third consecutive goose-egg on the scoreboard. At the hands of Trefta-fucking-Alliance. It's not a good look for Jehan Bair, who probably couldn't get less out of a team this talented if he tried. Hannah Alcouin has been nearly invisible this season, while trusted veterans like Van Kruistum and Na'Kebia suddenly look past it. The collective mood was summed up quite succinctly by usually-unflappable star Kim Coultan, who walked into the dressing room afterwards and karate-kicked a gaping foot-shaped hole in the wall of the hallway. Surely, she's getting tired of this shit? She deserves so much better than this seemingly-cursed club. The weekend's scorelines were full of examples of what the Elephants could and should be: exciting, young and upwardly-mobile clubs like Pelethas, Samaj and - hell - even Keenan Athletic winning with guts and guile against teams with longer Härlighet Ligan legacies. Samaj FC's was the most exciting: a gripping, back-and-forth match with the Aces was stuck at 2-2 for most of the second half. The Hunters swung it in their favor in the end with a pair of well-worked set-piece plays, Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir floating a peach of a long ball into the airspace of standout young defender Tomi Jakoljevic for his first career goal in the 82nd minute.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 11
Zakhoro Aces 3–1 AC Holmenkollen
Stoneshore United 0–1 Samaj FC
Eastweald 0–4 Cassandra City
FC Samotath 0–3 Ramusok United
Versiaville 1–0 Keenan Athletic
Pelethas United 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett
OAS Royal FC 0–1 Mallox
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–3 Real Azuris
Olask Islanders 0–4 Crawford City FC

Crawford City FC took a beating in the press last week, but they respond with urgency by thrashing the Islanders. Well, it IS only the Islanders, but still. It's something. Hannah Alcouin, who bore the harshest criticism, stormed the goal like a woman possessed with her first sight of the ball and emphatically stamped her name on the scoresheet in the very first minute. Also a woman possessed was Ki Niro for Cassandra City - except the speedy Chromatik has been looking like that all season long. With their other attackers misfiring, Niro has singlehandedly kept the Reds in contention by creating or scoring most of their goals. She was at it again this week, pouring more cold water on Eastweald's hot start from her comfortable role on the right wing. After assisting Jol Tortuu's long-awaited first goal of the season from the byline in the 52nd minute, Niro sailed past Pawlukiewicz with a dip of her shoulder in the 65th and found the side-netting from a similarly acute angle. Another Niro assist and an Aakif Guerin thunderbolt later and Arturo Mancini's squad were turning their backs on Eastweald Wood with an impressive 4-0 result. "The last two weeks have completely erased our positive start. Back to square one, it's that simple," Monica Brightwater grumbled post-match. "There's no more margin for coasting and, believe me, the players know that now." Goal of the Week honors must be mentioned this round for Andrew Arrowsword's sublime flying bicycle kick from near the top of the box that put Real Azuris five points clear of Brightwater's Elves atop the table. The word sublime there is not used lightly - such pure contact is rarely seen on a shot of such difficulty.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 12
AC Holmenkollen 3–0 Crawford City FC
Real Azuris 2–0 Olask Islanders
Mallox 3–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 OAS Royal FC
Keenan Athletic 2–1 Pelethas United
Ramusok United 3–1 Versiaville
Cassandra City 3–3 FC Samotath
Samaj FC 0–1 Eastweald
Zakhoro Aces 2–2 Stoneshore United

CCFC revert to mean against slightly less deficient opposition in Holmenkollen. A disastrous start as Coultan was questionably sent off on a straight red in the 12th minute only got worse when Jorit Van Kruistum limped off in the 25th minute. Alcouin was stymied by Sigrun Rathskeller (and young Shad Vylon's four strong saves) without her two most creative service-providers. To Jehan Bair's credit, the rest of his side ran ragged for him for the next hour to preserve an unlikely point, but it all came undone as the Holmenkollen deluge finally flooded in at the very end. Adnan Valerikssen, scorer of two of the late exclamation points, was sent off with two yellow cards for ~excessive taunting~ in stoppage, but the home fans only had cheers for the birdfaced Semar as he strutted off - for he had put some invaluable space between Holmenkollen and the red line. At poor Crawford's expense.

Meanwhile, Mallox seem to be rounding into a nice run of form. Kennedy Kopenhaver's debut season has been marked by heavy rotation and tactical experimentation so far, but he has finally stuck with the same line-up in consecutive weeks now. The results? A hard-fought 1-0 win at The Royal Palace last week followed by a rampant 3-1 home win this week that wasn't as close as the scoreline suggests. The catalysts? Sizzling 17-year-old attacker Mehmet Curwyk has broken into the team, assisting Jesper Lindroos' euphoric winner last week and chalking up his own debut HL goal in the 12th minute this week, slinking between Champali and Gerry Duffy on the left and casually picking out the far post with pinpoint precision. Johan-Jakob Weiss has also brought critical steel to the midfield in his first two starts and Gustaf Söder was a rock in defense in place of some missing usual starters. Look for Kopenhaver to ride this new combination as long as it continues to perform. While Mallox's teenage prodigy Curwyk has impressed, the early frontrunner for the imaginary title of "Breakout Player of the Season" is undoubtedly Keenan Athletic's Olvir Texström. The Härlighet Ligan debutants sit in the Globe Cup places thanks in large part to the blazing-fast winger's team-leading six goals. Many questioned if the lad had the technical ability to stick at this level, but his 76th minute winner against Pelethas this week should answer that question once and for all. In Sunday's nightcap, Eastweald lived up to Brightwater's bold words last week, showing resilience to down an intensely physical Samaj side at Stadion Jägare. The 1-0 winner came lightly off the magic little foot of Jo de Marisco in the 66th minute, given an easy finish by a brilliantly driven Peter Morrison cross and world-class Amokachi dummy run. Niels Roijacker could only fall down helplessly.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 13
Stoneshore United 0–4 AC Holmenkollen
Eastweald 0–5 Zakhoro Aces
FC Samotath 1–3 Samaj FC
Versiaville 0–5 Cassandra City
Pelethas United 0–1 Ramusok United
OAS Royal FC 6–1 Keenan Athletic
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Olask Islanders 0–0 Mallox
Crawford City FC 3–4 Real Azuris

Ouch. This was a painful week for a great many fanbases. Some shocking home performances as Eastweald, Stoneshore and Versiaville (who all pride themselves on having strong fortresses to varying degrees) are humiliated by four or more goals in front of their disgusted supporters. Now, Versiaville having no answer to Ursula Rowan in the midfield? Understandable. Stoneshore's bunker getting pierced by Holmenkollen's increasingly effective Riprov-Nyle strike duo? Understandable. But there's NO excuse for Eastweald to be losing five-nil to the Zakhoro Aces at Old Weldenskirgen. The entire back line was a disorganized mess and the midfield fragile and unable to pass through Zakhoro's press. Isla Safarova came in with an aggressive strategy on the day, telling her players to just let loose and go all-out for it, and she struck gold. Braces from Selena Aliena and Kurtis Samarqand and a bit of a resurgent performance from the hitherto quiet Temuge have renewed conversations about just what this Aces side might be capable of (and similar conversations about Eastweald - with entirely different implications). ...And then there's Crawford City FC, whose supporters are accustomed to disappointment at home already this season. But even their weary eyes hadn't seen anything quite like this: four goals conceded (and one scored, to be fair) in the first fifteen fucking minutes. It was a clinic in the expansive Real Azuris attacking system at its most ruthless and efficient: teenage star-in-waiting Bryger Tidesson staking his claim for more starts with a quick goal in thirty seconds, Viviano Milani rising like a salmon to head home a second less than two minutes later, Hakki Ojala - another of the Azurian youth conveyor belt - striking to make it three in the 11th minute and Bowditch, of course, turning in Arrowsword's layoff in the 15th. With less than one-sixth of the match in the books... 4-1 (a Coultan penalty snuck in somewhere amidst the onslaught). Orangi Stadium couldn't even muster up the cacophonous boo you might expect. Just muted disbelieving grumbles mixed with... was it awe? Envy? Good job Real, you can go home early. But not really. Hell, if Kostas Postecoglou's last-gasp consolation had come a bit earlier, it might've still been an interesting finish.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 14
AC Holmenkollen 1–4 Real Azuris
Mallox 1–1 Crawford City FC
IFK Aldenskoett 2–1 Olask Islanders
Keenan Athletic 1–4 Treftadaeth Alliance
Ramusok United 0–0 OAS Royal FC
Cassandra City 1–0 Pelethas United
Samaj FC 8–2 Versiaville
Zakhoro Aces 2–4 FC Samotath
Stoneshore United 4–2 Eastweald

Having taken only a single point from their last five matches, FC Samotath were looking at their trip to Zakhoro as a major chance to right themselves before the midseason break. The Aces were still hung over from their 5-0 win over Eastweald, and their three-man back line granted Sigmund Levy free reign over the box. The Colossus of Vermillion had the visitors up 3-0 by the 70th minute with a hat trick (all assisted by the glowing left foot of Jordan Emery). Of course, it wouldn't be FC Samotath without a responding run of goals from Zakhoro's Carmine Quaglia and Temuge, but Šimon Holguín got his much-needed three points in the end off Ayk Panossian's stoppage time header. A short Hyperloop ride north in Samaj, the local side produced arguably their most dominant performance yet since their meteoric rise under Luis Varezzi. At least, most dominant half. Down 2-1 at half time to the Villagers, Samaj FC exploded for seven goals in the second half to win 8-2. Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir equalized after barely a minute, bent a ball through for Vega Zeale-Riddick to tap home for the lead in the 52nd and embraced teammate Rachel Del Arro after she made it 4-2 in the 71st minute to seemingly secure the win. But the Hunters did not let their feet off the pedal there. No sir. To the giddy delight of Stadion Jägare, their young but suddenly scarily-mature attacking machine busted out for FOUR more deliriously easy goals in the final ten minutes (83', 87', 89', 90+3'). All turned in by the youngest of the bunch, Zeale-Riddick, to bring her total to five on the day. We knew Samaj FC were a good team, we just didn't know they had this... dominance in them. Admittedly, Versiaville brought some of it on themselves by continuing to play open while 4-2 down, but now four points clear in 2nd, it's time to start taking Varezzi's kids seriously as favorites for Champions' Cup qualification. The only team in better form at the moment is Real Azuris, lifted to a breezy triumph in Holmenkollen by the class of Sandra Sybill (two goals and an assist).

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 15
Eastweald 0–0 AC Holmenkollen
FC Samotath 3–1 Stoneshore United
Versiaville 1–1 Zakhoro Aces
Pelethas United 0–3 Samaj FC
OAS Royal FC 2–1 Cassandra City
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–2 Ramusok United
Olask Islanders 1–1 Keenan Athletic
Crawford City FC 4–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Real Azuris 1–1 Mallox

Last week's top performers keep it going! Sigmund Levy produces a brutish but effective brace to power FC Samo out of the danger zone, and VZR follows up her five-goal parade by scoring five minutes from either whistle to notch Samaj FC another very impressive win - in Pelethas. With sixteen goals in fifteen matches, the 19-year-old forward is now scoring at a rate of over a goal per match this season! An overlooked cog of their recent success, however, is Fleftic defensive midfielder Cedric Pearson. Filling in for the injured Skal Phillips, Pearson's workrate, metronome-like passing and nose for goal on set-pieces (on display for the remaining goal today in Pelethas) have been a revelation. Though their derby match last week was a letdown, the two big Ramusok clubs have also caught their stride lately. The hero for the Royals has been Galasgoldas Tathtauré and the elven striker's timely goals, like his 74th minute toe-poke past the formidable frame of Calogero Metz this weekend, whereas United have benefited from the fine form of wingers Lyyli Silvén and Keohane. Though Silvén had scored their last three goals, she turned provider up at The Wormhole this outing. As if brought alive by the frigid northern winds, she screamed past Gerry Duffy on Treftadaeth's left side all afternoon, eventually finding Keohane's runs from the opposite flank for volleyed goals in the 51st and 83rd minutes. It's a welcome run of consistency for Silvén, whom Gareth Bournemouth has called out as "either brilliant or invisible" so far in her seasons in blue.

Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group F                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   RAz  CNv  TtC  PtC
1 Real Azuris               COS    6    3   1   2    11    7   +4    10*   —   3–0  4–1  2–2
2 Celtic Noviodunum         NGD    6    3   1   2    11    7   +4    10*  3–0   —   4–1  3–1
3 Twentytwo Cacti           NFX    6    2   1   3     7   12   −5     7   1–0  1–0   —   3–3
4 Portus Central            IRN    6    1   3   2     8   11   −3     6   0–2  1–1  1–0   —

An extremely tight group in which the top three teams all traded home wins with each other. As this unfolded, it became clear that the differentiator would be which of the three could beat up cellar-dwelling newcomers Portus Central the best. Twentytwo Cacti only took a point off them, so they were out. Real Azuris and Celtic advance, with the defending champions taking top placement on total away goals after all other tiebreakers, including H2H away goals, were dead-even. The group stage really served as a coming-out party for teenage Anglatian midfielder Hakki Ojala, who scored four of Real's eleven goals - all from outside the box.

  Group G                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   CsC  Myr  DMa  Spg
1 Cassandra City            COS    6    4   2   0    10    2   +8    14    —   1–0  2–0  1–1
2 Myrmidon                  CEN    6    2   2   2    11    9   +2     8   1–1   —   5–2  2–0
3 Dí Maozöxê                FFD    6    2   0   4     9   13   −4     6   0–3  2–0   —   5–1
4 Spartangrad               EUR    6    1   2   3     7   13   −6     5   0–2  3–3  2–0   —

That's what we like to see! Cosumarite clubs topping CC groups! Though perhaps sacrificing their Härlighet Ligan strength in the process, Cassandra City steamrolled a difficult Group G undefeated. Away wins at Dí Maozöxê (3-0) and Spartangrad (2-0) are signature results for Arturo Mancini.

Globe Cup - Group Stage

  Group E                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   HmD  HlR  Ewl  Crt
1 Hastmead Diamante         OSR    6    4   0   2    13    7   +6    12*   —   3–1  2–0  4–0
2 Hellinic Rouge            PAS    6    4   0   2    12    6   +6    12*  2–3   —   1–0  2–0
3 Eastweald                 COS    6    2   1   3     8    9   −1     7   2–0  0–4   —   4–0
4 Cortana Club              KBC    6    1   1   4     4   15  −11     4   2–1  0–2  2–2   —

Eastweald took care of business at Old Weldenskirgen (Hellinic Rouge lashing aside), but their inability to translate their intricate style to the road saw them crash out with a game to spare. All hands back on deck to their sinking league form!

  Group K                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   OAS  Tih  Phx  Aér
1 OAS Royal FC              COS    6    3   2   1     9    8   +1    11    —   2–0  2–1  3–2
2 Tihon                     CMT    6    3   1   2     9    7   +2    10   0–0   —   3–2  1–0
3 Phalanx AF                CEN    6    2   1   3     9    9    0     7   1–1  3–1   —   2–1
4 CF Aéropag                ACF    6    2   0   4     8   11   −3     6   4–1  0–4  1–0   —

OAS will carry the Cosumarite banner forward in the Globe Cup. They were pragmatic, turning The Royal Palace into an impenetrable 3-0-0 fortress and playing just to secure a single valuable point on away dates.

Series B Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group D                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   KnA  CzC  CdR  RDr
1 Keenan Athletic           COS    6    3   3   0    13    6   +7    12    —   3–1  1–1  3–1
2 Cazadores Cathair         AUD    6    3   2   1    14    9   +5    11   2–2   —   3–0  4–1
3 Cednia Rovers             TUR    6    1   2   3     4    8   −4     5   1–1  0–1   —   2–1
4 Rushmori Drawks           AVN    6    1   1   4     7   15   −8     4   0–3  3–3  1–0   —

Of the five Härlighet Ligan clubs in the UICA group stages, Keenan Athletic are the fourth to win their group and second after Cassandra City to do it undefeated. Not a bad showing for a club new to the international scene that spent most of its existence in the Tredje Ligan. A surreal 3-1 home win over Audioslav stalwarts Cazadores Cathair (sublime Texström brace) will go down as one of the most historic moments in Keenan's history.....unless they go on to the SBCC Final!

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 16
AC Holmenkollen 2–2 Mallox
IFK Aldenskoett 0–3 Real Azuris
Keenan Athletic 3–3 Crawford City FC
Ramusok United 1–3 Olask Islanders
Cassandra City 4–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Samaj FC 1–1 OAS Royal FC
Zakhoro Aces 1–2 Pelethas United
Stoneshore United 2–0 Versiaville
Eastweald 3–1 FC Samotath

Odd morning. Goals seemed to only come in twos for forwards around the Fiefdom in Saturday's early batch of games. Kamaal Nyle opened the scoring with his left foot early and eventually equalized for AC Holmenkollen with his right (what a season the Eastweald castoff is having there!) and Andrew Arrowsword's similar brace paced Real Azuris to an easy win in Aldenskoett, while Olvir Texström also struck in almost the exact same minutes (17' and 82') to drag Keenan Athletic to a fortunate home point despite Crawford's urgency and tempo in the attack. Fierce young Olask playmaker Hera Poxay also struck twice in one of her occasional "holy-shit-she's-unstoppable-today" masterclasses (she's good for a few per season) to stun Ram U at Fire River Arena, and so did Jason Goulding as Cassandra City spanked visiting Alliance with 18-year-old Jarobi Konsé making his first start in central midfield. And just when it seemed like that was finally all of the day's braces, in-form Stoneshore winger Tegen Na'Tarejen turned in a second with the final kick against Versiaville, his hurried shot through traffic taking two wicked deflections and fatefully nestling into the side-netting. Was something in the water?

She didn't score twice, but under-pressure superstar Penumbra Amokachi did take her goal well past countrywoman Diandra Ballard in the 82nd minute to resuscitate Eastweald's plummeting form with the midseason break looming...and end her own seven-match scoreless streak. Amokachi has a ways to go to catch back up to Vega Zeale-Riddick in the Golden Boot race, however, as the Samaj starlet struck yet again versus OAS Royal with an expertly flicked header over Christopher Fosse. FC Samotath are in some spotty form of their own and were completely unresponsive as an indignant Holguin urged them forward to take the fight to Eastweald in the second half. Eastweald right back Michael Sorenson was superb in locking down the dangerous Jordan Emery for 90 minutes, and the insertion of Cassel Kortuufa into the line-up livened things up in the attack with new signing Aeris Cossadel still struggling to adapt.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 17
FC Samotath 5–0 AC Holmenkollen
Versiaville 2–2 Eastweald
Pelethas United 0–1 Stoneshore United
OAS Royal FC 3–1 Zakhoro Aces
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–1 Samaj FC
Olask Islanders 1–3 Cassandra City
Crawford City FC 4–1 Ramusok United
Real Azuris 5–1 Keenan Athletic
Mallox 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett (Karpaty 15)

It was a, shall we say... memorable nightcap under the neon lights of Crawford with Ramusok United in town. For context, the table going into the midseason break mean a great deal to Cosumarite fans. A win would catapult United into the top three, while CCFC needed a win to clear the bottom three at the checkpoint. A draw would accomplish nothing for either team. So it required every ounce of referee Rob Caulström's attention to keep the match under control in the second half, with both teams desperate to break a 1-1 deadlock and opposing midfield destroyers Viablaine and Peter Marshall racing to see who could zip around and endanger the most shins. Now, Crawfordian supporters are generally pretty relaxed, but even they were up in arms and throwing insults (and a few beers) onto the field when all the brewing tension escalated with one violent incident in the 69th minute. They could only watch in horror as their young winger Semyon Yucob was bulldozed from behind while challenging for an aerial ball. The fact that he was already a few feet in the air, combined with the diminutive size and high impact velocity of United "bad girl" Viablaine, meant that her upward contact essentially launched Yucob's legs higher into the air and flipped him backwards. He landed on his neck behind her with a sickening crunch. After a few moments of shock in which it became clear that Yucob was not moving and that Caulström was letting Viablaine off sickeningly easy with a yellow, Orangi Stadium erupted. As Yucob was carefully fitted with a head brace and stretchered off, Viablaine was shown on the screen standing nonchalantly by the ball, looking impatient for the restart. The cacophony grew louder. The vitriol was such that it seemed almost like a cathartic outpouring of frustration with all the city's sporting failures in recent years. When Yucob slowly lifted a shaking fist as he disappeared into the tunnel, everyone - even neutrals - knew it was going to be a turning point in the match. There was no way Crawford wasn't going to rally behind this. Sure enough, the first sequence of passing after Jennifer Farrow restarted the match resulted in a goal, Kim Coultan charging down the pitch with fire in her eyes, dribbling around multiple defenders and shooting.....into the torso of Lilly Kearney, but Nikolae Na'Kebia arrived to clean up the rebound! 2-1! I've never seen a stadium flip from outrage to glee so quickly. Justice was further served when Viablaine was finally sent off for persistent infringement (to her complete disbelief) in the 87th minute with raucous cheers. The Elephants marched on into the break with a 4-1 victory after Alcouin and Van Kruistum both shredded the 10-man United defense in an extended injury time. Could you dream up a more satisfying win for the beleaguered Crawford faithful?

FC Samotath, another club that has disappointed in the first half of the season, also put on an entertaining show for its home support. The thrashing featured goals from all four starting forwards scoring (Vorobyov twice) and five fine fingertip saves by Diandra Ballard on the other end. That's what Samotathians like to see. Goals. Five of them should ease the pressure on Šimon Holguín going into the second half of the season. Real Azuris also scored five goals to put an exclamation point on an electric run of form, Andrew Arrowsword and Ronan Bowditch (a brace apiece) too much for Keenan Athletic to handle with three-quarters of the game played in around their box. With only one loss to their name and some real separation established, Real are the clear title favorites as we enter the crucial parts of the season. Only The Vega Zeale-Riddick Show (sometimes known as Samaj FC) is currently within firing range. At this point, the remaining Champions' Cup place looks up for grabs between all the other expected title contenders. OAS Royal FC hold it at the break thanks to two stellar Rowan Gawain free kicks this week. Royal's chief rivals of yesteryear, the once-fearsome Mallox FC, kept themselves in that race (and the top half) by turning away relegation-threatened IFK Aldenskoett in the final match before the break. It required every bit of guts and guile with Teor Rwang a constant pest up top and Nicolò Bassi a towering presence for IFK in the back, but Kennedy Kopenhaver's boys and girls finally broke through 15 minutes from time. Till Ümann found the feet of Alexander Kárpáty at the top of the box with a lovely through ball, and the Pasarga international worked his magic to create a fleeting window of space and fire into the back of the net. Don't sleep on Mallox - they could be a dark horse for UICA qualification come crunch time.

   1010 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Real Azuris            17   12   4   1    37   12  +25    40  CC
 2  Samaj FC               17   11   3   3    31   12  +19    36  CC
 3  OAS Royal FC           17    9   3   5    25   21   +4    30  CC
 4  Cassandra City         17    8   5   4    34   25   +9    29  GC
 5  Ramusok United         17    8   4   5    22   17   +5    28  GC
 6  Eastweald              17    8   3   6    29   25   +4    27  GC
 7  Pelethas United        17    8   1   8    19   18   +1    25
 8  Mallox                 17    5   9   3    23   17   +6    24
 9  Stoneshore United      17    7   3   7    17   18   −1    24
10  Treftadaeth Alliance   17    7   1   9    24   27   −3    22
11  Keenan Athletic        17    6   4   7    25   34   −9    22
12  Crawford City FC       17    4   6   7    26   29   −3    18
13  FC Samotath            17    5   3   9    28   34   −6    18
14  AC Holmenkollen        17    5   3   9    27   33   −6    18
15  Zakhoro Aces           17    4   5   8    30   33   −3    17
16  Versiaville            17    4   5   8    22   40  −18    17  PO
17  IFK Aldenskoett        17    4   3  10    10   21  −11    15  R
18  Olask Islanders        17    4   3  10    19   32  −13    15  R  


Golden Boot Leader: 
  Vega Zeale-Riddick (18)

Now, wouldn't this be interesting? If tiny Clwb Gwynt Tywyll is the only club representing the 16 million of Kaldukosic in the Härlighet Ligan next season with mighty FC Kal still down here? My, my. That would be something. Fortunately for the Victors, they're only two points back with a lot of season yet to unfold. It's hard to imagine Klyde and Kal not going straight back up, especially given the play of Sophia Trevelyan and Kaujarre Nisa, but Gwynt Tywyll shouldn't be shy about their chances too with that terrifying defense. Helfin Fief have also been surprise packages, the arrival of Kare Saxmark from Pelethas United lending life to their attack. Meanwhile, the two extraterrestrial sides have been a disappointment, delaying the top-flight debut of Cosumar's colonies at least another season. Only the comically awful Brayllor Town has performed more poorly.

   1010 Sekundar Ligan           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Gwynt Tywyll              17   10   3   4    22   14   +8    33
 2  Klyde                     17    9   4   4    37   24  +13    31
 3  FC Kaldukosic             17    9   4   4    33   22  +11    31
 4  Helfin Fief               17    9   2   6    20   11   +9    29
 5  Centus Serpents           17    8   4   5    24   21   +3    28
 6  Nomad Brotherhood FC      17    8   3   6    32   25   +7    27
 7  West Gundar FC            17    7   5   5    28   30   −2    26
 8  Na'Malsille Mariners      17    7   4   6    26   16  +10    25
 9  Morponte Fief             17    7   4   6    20   19   +1    25
10  AFC Obscura 98            17    7   4   6    21   23   −2    25
11  Goldstaff City            17    7   3   7    24   18   +6    24
12  Ziemelu Skaida            17    6   5   6    20   16   +4    23
13  Fort Archer FC            17    5   8   4    24   30   −6    23
14  Pristine Forest           17    4   6   7    15   22   −7    18
15  Klyde Heritage            17    4   4   9     8   16   −8    16
16   Fevelo Colony             17    3   5   9    17   25   −8    14
17  Revanigruud Riversharks   17    2   6   9    19   32  −13    12
18  Brayllor Town             17    3   2  12    17   43  −26    11

No one or two teams are really running away with Tredje Ligan at midseason like we've seen in years past. Yambridge City have been the most consistent (wouldn't it be great to have a club challenge Eastweald's supremacy in the city?) but really any of the top eight could still win the title and even more could still go up.

1010 Tredje Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Yambridge City FC        21   12   4   5    47   20  +27    40
 2  Sepultura                21   11   6   4    45   28  +17    39
 3  Bergtatt Isle Athletic   21   12   3   6    38   31   +7    39
 4  Everlong FC              21   10   6   5    33   26   +7    36
 5  FC Flen                  21   11   1   9    37   30   +7    34
 6  Regalia City             21   10   4   7    38   34   +4    34
 7  Sammet Ridge             21    8   9   4    23   20   +3    33
 8  Otkins Numenvernia       21   10   2   9    44   37   +7    32
 9  Pardock Island           21    8   6   7    36   35   +1    30
10  Rexnor District 3        21    7   8   6    15   13   +2    29
11  Riverside Crew           21    7   7   7    24   22   +2    28
12    Forest Hill FC           21    7   7   7    34   37   −3    28
13    DeFinko Magni Blandinn   21    8   4   9    26   30   −4    28
14  Larkinham Town           21    7   6   8    33   30   +3    27
15  Dawchire Town            21    7   6   8    33   36   −3    27
16  Portsmouth FC            21    7   6   8    36   46  −10    27
17    Sindo Fief               21    7   4  10    30   32   −2    25
18  Nuur Origins FC          21    7   4  10    30   35   −5    25
19   Aberaeron Celtic         21    7   3  11    36   48  −12    24
20    West Devellin            21    6   4  11    31   37   −6    22
21  Gnoss Gallants AFC       21    3   6  12    10   25  −15    15
22  IFK Sundsvall            21    3   6  12    12   39  −27    15

Third Round

Some notable shockers in this round, as Eastweald's dreams of a third Cup are shattered at the end of an extended penalty shootout with the Na'Malsille Mariners, who currently compete in Sekundar Ligan. New arrival Jayson Herrera was the hero, burying the decisive penalty past Esteban Hernandez with swagger. Then Eastweald's crosstown little sisters in the Tredje Ligan, Yambridge City, turned around an upended the Zakhoro Aces! The 4-3 thriller was full of inexcusable defensive errors by the Aces (and goalkeeper Sinistar), but take nothing away from the resolve of Yambridge City's players. The biggest shocker of them all, however, was Pelethas United (Euan Jersey admittedly fielding a B side) falling on penalties to Cassandra City II. No, not the defending HL champions. Cassandra City II. Their fourth-tier reserve team. Yikes. In other news, Real Azuris engulf random fourth-tier side West Ellum 9-2 with hat tricks for both Arrowsword and Fraser.

Fourth Round

REVENGE! REVENGE! REVENGE! Sweet revenge! Crawford City FC have never won a trophy in the modern era, but they've come close twice in this competition. Both times (two years ago and four years ago), they were blocked at the cusp by Real Azuris in the King's Cup Final. The two meet in the Fourth Round this year, and the Elephants say "NOT THIS TIME!" Hannah Alcouin picks the perfect occasion to have her best game of the year and scores two great goals to ward off Real's comeback attempt. The entire Fiefdom west of South Klyde rejoices as it means there will finally be some more variety engraved onto the King's Cup and Azuris will not win it for the fourth time in five years. Missing out on the huge opportunity to take the now wide-open cup is Cassandra City. Arturo Mancini places faith in his youth against Tredje Ligan opposition and they show well, but they don't have enough in the tank after conceding an equalizer at the death. It's a magical cup run for Otkins Numenvernia though. After winning a local Numenvernien Fief derby in extra time in the Third Round, this latest late triumph could pave the recently-formed club's way to the Quarterfinals. Mr. Otkins is gonna make some money.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Tue Aug 22, 2017 10:40 pm

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 18
AC Holmenkollen 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Mallox 3–1 Keenan Athletic
Real Azuris 3–1 Ramusok United
Crawford City FC 2–4 Cassandra City
Olask Islanders 1–1 Samaj FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 Zakhoro Aces
OAS Royal FC 2–2 Stoneshore United
Pelethas United 0–2 Eastweald
Versiaville 1–1 FC Samotath

Was it just me, or did that midseason break feel excessively long? It's like we were trapped in a parallel universe where football never existed. Horrible, simply miserable. But the HL action is back at last, and the patient fans were rewarded with an exciting batch of matches! Everyone pretty much picked up right where they left off. Real Azuris mowing down opponents left and right, with Sandra Sybill officially on an absolute tear. She followed up her stellar midweek performance in the Cygnus Cup by scoring twice more against Ramusok United, schooling their athletic defenders with her sheer intuition. A quick diagonal pass of exceptional vision was also instrumental in setting up Sean Fraser's 77th minute goal and earned a collective gasp from MasseMord Stadium as soon as it left her foot. And Cosumar's young idol of the moment Vega Zeale-Riddick still doing what she did better than anybody else in the season's first half: putting balls in the back of the net. Although Noah Silvio equalized for the desperate Islanders in the 70th minute, Zeale-Riddick's 55th minute bullet header kept her astounding goals per match ratio above 1. But Samaj will need to quit dropping points if they hope to stay in the title race with Real Azuris.

It was also a week of firsts, with Peter Morrison finally getting on the receiving end of a great cross and turning in his first Eastweald goal at the back post, and former FC Kaldukosic stalwart Bennett Perkins did the same for Cassandra City. Perkins was given his first nod to start for the Reds by Arturo Mancini. His goal, a speculative effort from the left wing that somehow eluded Theoklitos, capped off a humiliating collapse by Crawford City FC in front of their home fans. Their early 2-1 lead seemed too good to be true, but it was still in place up to the 85th minute. Just when the fans started to believe, CCFC let in one... two... THREE goals in the final few minutes and ended up losing 4-2. Niro. Goulding. Perkins. NOT the ideal way to follow up all Crawford's "we're gonna bounce back and make a run up the table now" rhetoric that filled the break. It's fitting that CCFC are the Elephants because it seems the circus in Crawford will never end. At least young Eastfield Lodge prospect Jennifer Farrow has burst into the XI out of nowhere to become a real bright spot in midfield.

Cygnus Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
RGS Athletic (EFL) 0-0 Real Azuris

Quite a scene at King Iqbal II Stadium as the people of New Lodger City packed in by the thousands to see the pride of Eastfield Lodge take on the reigning Multiverse champions. Unfortunately, the product on the pitch wasn't much of a spectacle. Real Azuris lacked their usual spark of danger in the final third as RGS Athletic furiously closed down spaces with gusto for all 90 minutes. Young Nepharim goalkeeper Jason Petratos was the MotM, coming up with two huge saves late in the second half as Andrew Arrowsword was gaining steam. Thanks to Petratos, RGS have it all to play for back in Cosumar for the second leg, with a draw likely to see them through.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 19
Versiaville 0–5 AC Holmenkollen
FC Samotath 4–1 Pelethas United
Eastweald 4–0 OAS Royal FC
Stoneshore United 1–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Zakhoro Aces 7–3 Olask Islanders
Samaj FC 0–1 Crawford City FC
Cassandra City 0–5 Real Azuris
Ramusok United 1–0 Mallox
Keenan Athletic 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett

Holy lashings Batman! Well, it seemed like a pretty balanced set of fixtures on paper. Strong teams playing strong teams and weaker teams playing other weaker teams. Over half of the matches this week nevertheless got pretty ugly, with bad defending responsible for much of the fireworks. That ten-goal shitstorm in Zakhoro at the top of the list. You had it all - goalkeeping howlers, spectacular own-goals, defenders falling down in open field and even a ref who apparently bet his life savings on the number of penalty calls. Temuge scored a hat trick entirely from the spot. Both coaches had cringes glued to their faces throughout, but the Aces were just slightly less abysmal than Olask and somehow walked out 7-3 winners. Versiaville's complete disinterest in marking Kamaal Nyle is next on the list. The blossoming AC Holmenkollen forward isn't a household name yet, but no player should be given as much time in the box to pick his spot as Nyle was on both his goals. And no fullback should be beaten to the endline by a 34-year-old as many times as Jade Meyer was last night, even if it was Txordinutzko Etxehartzaren. The result? A reverberating 5-0 win for Minnie Lotuda's Holmenkollen, casting further shadows over the bright start Versiaville enjoyed under Jeremy Hayes. At the other end of the table, a duel between the two clubs that have traded the last seven Härlighet Ligan titles was hardly even competitive. Real Azuris looked frighteningly casual as they tallied the same 5-0 scoreline in Cassandra. Sybill struck another brace (plus assisted Bowditch's goal) in less than an hour of action to bolster her Player of the Year credentials, then exited to rest up for the midweek quarterfinal. Her teenage replacement, Hidalgo Antúnes, scored too in the 74th minute with an inventive piece of play - his first professional goal. Cassandra City just looked too old and slow in the back to keep up with Real Azuris' dynamism. Cue more complaints from Mancini about how the club didn't give him the central defender he wanted in the transfer window... Meanwhile, Eastweald and FC Samotath both reinforced their home fortresses and reassured their fans of their ambition for the second half of the season. Four goals apiece from eight different scorers against UICA-quality visitors, including a thumping goal for Samotath's Cosumarite U18 international striker Zak Nyström in his first career start and a vintage Peter Morrison curler to have his name chanted for the first time at Old Weldenskirgen.

Cygnus Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Real Azuris 1-0 _{(1-0 agg.)} RGS Athletic

HOW IS SHE DOING THIS? Sandra Sybill is superwoman for Real Azuris this year. The Chromatik midfielder continued her scoring streak within five minutes at MasseMord, floating over the ground past defenders with inhuman grace and ease before nicking the ball across the keeper and in gently off the far post. It's all Azuris needed. 85 minutes later, the supporters were singing about Semifinals.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 20
AC Holmenkollen 1–1 Keenan Athletic
IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 Ramusok United
Mallox 3–1 Cassandra City
Real Azuris 2–2 Samaj FC
Crawford City FC 1–0 Zakhoro Aces
Olask Islanders 0–2 Stoneshore United
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–3 Eastweald
OAS Royal FC 5–0 FC Samotath
Pelethas United 0–0 Versiaville

That's a massive performance for Mallox! The Tigers have flown under the radar this season, but they took advantage of Cassandra City's faltering form to deliver their new manager a signature 3-1 win. They're playing a stingy, disciplined style under Kennedy Kopenhaver, with just enough flair going the other way to get consistent positive results. Last night, for example. Schneiderlin silenced The Orange Palace within four minutes, but Kopenhaver urged his men to take the blow in stride and patiently keep fighting. In the second half, rewards came for Cassandra Kilgallon, Stephon Deville and finally Alexander Kárpáty - on a corner-kick volley to the top corner. After the Pasargan's clinical blast, an impassioned Kopenhaver sprinted in ecstatic circles on the touchline and then over to the trainers' equipment cart, which he b u l l d o z e d with a lowered shoulder that would've made a gridiron linebacker proud. Gotta love a manager who clearly cares. Even if a bit too much. This might not be the flashiest Mallox team ever, but they're in the UICA zone now and have only suffered four defeats on the season. The only club with fewer is Real Azuris with their one solitary loss...though they narrowly avoided their second with chasers Samaj FC in town. After Zeale-Riddick and Rachel Del Arro found the back of the net in the 13th and 18th minutes to put the Hunters up 2-0, onlookers around the Fiefdom were already celebrating what it meant for renewing interest in the title race. Samaj were going to trim Real's gap to just six points! But the Breakers put the brakes on those silly ideas in the second half and gave their plucky challengers a taste of real title-winning mettle. The game flipped on its head after Hakki Ojala made it 2-1, and Samaj's goal was under constant siege for the final 35 minutes. Stig Söderquist wouldn't let them out of their own half. Samaj were fortunate to still escape MasseMord with just their single point to keep the title race alive - and they have the linesman to thank for that. Arrowsword's 74th minute goal was wrongfully called offside. The Player of the Week, however, is Rowan Gawain. The OAS Royal midfielder bizarrely broke out with a hat trick thanks to two long-range goals in stoppage time with Samotath barely bothering to get back and defend. Last week was a bad look, but maybe OAS aren't out if it yet either.

AOCL Group Stage

P Group A                      		 Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   CaC  FCC  SCP  LkK             
1 Cassandra City	(COS)	           6   5  0  1   10   6  +4   15    —   3–1  1–4  1–0
2 FC Capri		(VAL)              6   4  0  2    7   4  +3   12   0–1   —   1–0  2–0
3 Sonoma Center Panthers(COM)		   6   3  0  3   12   6  +6    9   1–2  0–1   —   2–0
4 Likewell Kirk		(DEM)  	           6   0  0  6    1  14 −13    0   0–2  0–2  1–5   —

Ok, Cassandra City. We see you. Only a B side's 4-1 loss at home to Sonoma Center spoiled a perfect AOCL group campaign, including the full nine points on the road. Ursula Rowan in particular emerged as a leader and pace-setter in these games, tireless in her two-way midfield role and scoring or assisting on half of the Reds' goals.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 21
Pelethas United 3–0 AC Holmenkollen
Versiaville 3–5 OAS Royal FC
FC Samotath 3–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Eastweald 1–5 Olask Islanders
Stoneshore United 3–4 Crawford City FC
Zakhoro Aces 1–4 Real Azuris
Samaj FC 1–1 Mallox
Cassandra City 5–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Ramusok United 1–3 Keenan Athletic

With Alexander Kárpáty pinning Samaj back late, Eastweald had a golden opportunity to draw level with them in 2nd. All they had to do? Defeat an Olask Islanders side that recently shipped seven to Aces. No surprise, then, that a 5-1 scoreline ensued. Wait... the Islanders scored five? Oh dear. Monica Brightwater was spectacularly grumpy with her responses (comebacks?) as the local press grilled her for underestimating Olask with her rotated line-up. And underestimate them she did. With Amokachi fuming to be on the bench for the first time this season and Velasquez, Morrison and Sorenson all joining her, Brightwater's opposite - Johannes Lundblade - designed the perfect plan to take advantage. He was surely aided by Jo de Marisco's second yellow in the 44th, but his Islanders already had a 2-0 cushion by that point. Will Couturiaux was instrumental in the #8 role, carving a gorgeous pass between Jefferson and Palmqvist for Aldo Cosuman's goal, winning a compromising ball off Mordini that led to Ilana Way's and adding the fifth himself in the 84th on a laser from the top of the box. The lad just ensured that he will be a Härlighet Ligan starter next year... whether Olask stay up or not. For Eastweald, it's a frustrating disruption to a side that, since the break, had been starting to regain its wonderful early-season form. At least the Wood Elves weren't alone. Looking to extend their winning streak, Ramusok United instead found themselves victim to in-form Keenan playmaker Lethe Cirvante's most dazzling display yet under the tutelage of Collette Sade. Now up to the northern peninsula for the Parougan Fief Derby!!! In some light snow, Kirum Ingolfsson hauled Treftadaeth Alliance back from 2-0 down with well-taken poacher's goals in the 38th, 68th and 92nd minutes, killing the buzz at Samotath's Alesund Stadion. But Golfi's heroics were usurped at the last possible second! Even Diandra Ballard jogged down to the Alliance box for a 95th minute corner, rallying the crowd for what was surely the final chance. Jorden Emery whipped it in... and backup Samo defender Geddy Shrowder found himself all alone in the air after his marker slipped in the snow. He duly mashed it under Martinsky to cap off a pulsating 3-3 draw.

Cygnus Cup Semifinals, First Leg
Real Azuris 2-0 Ibini FC (VAL)

With the chance at a new trophy now close enough to taste, Real Azuris came out all-business at home. It was a bit of a dry affair, chances hard to come by with both defenses strong, but the difference was that the Breakers took the two good chances they got. Sybill's free kick from optimal position in the 27th minute continued her remarkable Cyngus Cup form, and after a feisty next 45 minutes, Sean Fraser nutmegged Aediron Galadirdren at his near post in the 71st minute - slipped in by Arrowsword after some nice hold-up play for a dagger goal. Fresco had a brilliant chance to snag an away goal in the 82nd minute, but August Ozuna came up with a flying fingertip save to tip his blazing shot over the bar.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 22
AC Holmenkollen 2–0 Ramusok United
Keenan Athletic 1–1 Cassandra City
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Samaj FC
Mallox 1–2 Zakhoro Aces
Real Azuris 1–2 Stoneshore United
Crawford City FC 3–5 Eastweald
Olask Islanders 1–5 FC Samotath
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 Versiaville
OAS Royal FC 0–2 Pelethas United

Ramusok United picked the wrong stage to compound their recent wastefulness in front of goal. The "minor Ramusok derby" with AC Holmenkollen is always a bit of a sensitive affair thanks to the Blues' historical inability to dominate the Cedars the way they would be expected to. Once again, United controlled the match through the tenacity and athleticism of their midfield - VIablaine, Silvén, Keohane superb - only to be undone by lack of finishing. Curtis Théberge and Robin Geirsson are finally starting to show their age and young Nacho Bérdoon just didn't have the firepower to do it on his own up top. So Holmenkollen stole the show (and the three points) despite being weaker at every spot on the pitch today...except for the one that mattered. Striker. Young Kamaal Nyle on target again. Gareth Bournemouth pretty much came right out and said "I miss you, Elena Culbreth, plz come back bby" after the match. Speaking of on-target strikers, Hannah Alcouin has finally made a splash this year with her second brace in as many weeks! Unfortunately, she plays for Crawford. Each game, the criticisms that Jehan Bair just doesn't know how to organize a defense are further validated. Alcouin and Semyon Yucob's goals weren't enough to keep up with a full-force Eastweald seething for vindication after last week. They passed quick little circles around CCFC's hapless defenders, leading to routine Amokachi, Morrison, Cossadel and De Marisco goals. Rumor has it that Bair will be ejected from the pilot's seat if there's more shambolic defending next week. In Samotath. Good luck, Jehan. The most important result of the week might've been Real's stumble, which Samaj pounced on with Fjóla Sigurjonsdottir's winner in Aldenskoett, the Pasargan starlet cunningly using countryman Kristian Friedmann to screen the goalie on her measured solo run. Player of the Week honors go to Pelethas keeper Jillian Nier. Her six saves inspired the Miners to a crucial result at OAS in a potential crossroads of their season.

Cygnus Cup Semifinals, Second Leg
Ibini FC 0-0 _{(0-2 agg.)} Real Azuris

Melegethiel Haeviel is stout in defense and the Breakers are unable to break through, but it's okay. They're able to safely see out the 2-0 advantage with minimal distress and rest veterans like Milani, Fraser and Bowditch after the 65th minute. It's yet another international final for the Real Azuris juggernaut.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 23
OAS Royal FC 2–1 AC Holmenkollen
Pelethas United 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Versiaville 1–2 Olask Islanders
FC Samotath 1–1 Crawford City FC
Eastweald 3–1 Real Azuris
Stoneshore United 1–1 Mallox
Zakhoro Aces 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Samaj FC 3–1 Keenan Athletic
Cassandra City 1–2 Ramusok United

We have a title race! It was looking doubtful for awhil when Azuris opened a double-digit point gap, but thanks to Eastweald (De Marisco's ice-veined 88th minute penalty, specifically, which Amokachi followed up with an exclamation-point overhead volley in stoppage time), that lead has been chipped down to five. Samaj are the primary benefactors, as Varezzi's soldiers had already swatted away visiting Keenan Athletic earlier in the afternoon with a three-goal explosion in the final minutes of the first half (Del Arro, Gutinho, Del Arro again). Rachel Del Arro's diary vlog has exploded in popularity in Cosumar this season with Samaj FC's success. She should have plenty to talk about next episode after that two-footed brace! This was a matchday with storylines everywhere you look, though! In another capital derby, OAS were able to do what United couldn't and dispose of Holmenkollen - another Nyle strike cancelled out by Elsie Drover's curling rainbow from 25 yards and Willy Arntz's 88th minute winner. The veteran fullback could scarcely believe it when a free kick knocked down fell perfectly to his foot. After looking side to side for a few agonizing seconds for the Royal Palace thousands, he finally slotted the ball past Shad Vylon and ran off to slide...on his stomach. Clearly not a man used to celebrating big goals! But the supporters cared not, jubilantly calling his name for the next two minutes before the final whistle blew on the derby. There was drama to be found at the bottom of the table too. IFK Aldenskoett have been abysmal this year, a step off the pace the entire way, barely averaging a goal every two matches. But they ended a nine-game winless stretch this week in Zakhoro to keep themselves from being cut adrift, wingback Friedmann getting the jump on counterpart Amanda Halloran on the break and dribbling it all the way around Sinistar and into the goal. Versiaville-Olask up in the northwest was also a bona-fide relegation six-pointer. The Islanders heaped more pressure on the Villagers' Llamanean manager with a comfortable 2-1 victory, wingers Silvio and Way in good form.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
1830 Cathair FC (AUD) 2-2 Cassandra City
Mliona-Lpaka (TUR) 4-1 Real Azuris

Oomph. Did you hear that? That was the sound of Real Azuris' hopes of a Champions' Cup repeat being utterly crushed by Mliona-Lpaka. The Turori powerhouse was unstoppable, playing beautiful attacking football from end to end. It was a rare sight in the sense that a Mescalin-coached team just looked completely unprepared and caught off-guard. Barring a comeback of epic proportions, it might be up to Cassandra City to defend Cosumar's UICA throne. 1830 won't be an easy out, even at The Amphitheatre, but those away goals from Jason Goulding and young Jarobi Konsé should go a long way.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
Bellavista Jets (VLD) 1-2 Keenan Athletic

The Jets give their home supporters a lively performance, eliciting boisterous celebrations with Helibelton's header in the 9th minute, but second half goals from Olvir Texström and Mischa Frederick mean the tie returns to Cosumar with Athletic in control.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 24
AC Holmenkollen 2–1 Cassandra City
Ramusok United 2–1 Samaj FC
Keenan Athletic 3–2 Zakhoro Aces
IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 Stoneshore United
Mallox 1–2 Eastweald
Real Azuris 3–1 FC Samotath
Crawford City FC 1–1 Versiaville
Olask Islanders 1–3 Pelethas United
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–0 OAS Royal FC

Ramusok United vs. Samaj FC was arguably a battle of the two best center-back pairings in the HL this season. On one side, the composure of Garnet Langerak complimented by the in-your-face athleticism of Tajo Carr-Ponce, and on the other, the experienced toughness of Niels Roijacker balanced by the youthful exuberance of Tomi Jakoljevic. Goals were expected to be hard to come by - and they were. Yet the former duo had the first blow struck against them, Vega Zeale-Riddick climbing Langerak to nod a hopeful Skal Phillips floated ball past flummoxed Lilly Kearney. 1-0 to Samaj, drawing them within three of Real Azuris on Fire River Arena's live table to celebrations from the small away contingent. A fascinating battle of defensive wills still ensued despite the early tally. Roijacker earned more cheers after Nacho Bérdoon's bicycle attempt connected squarely with his head and he continued to defend the play. Roijacker's only reaction? Blood dripping down his face as he forced a goal kick. Later in the first half, Carr-Ponce earned competing applause from the home support as he raced the length of the field after a rare Valfar giveaway to make a perfectly-timed sliding tackle on Darrius Columbine from behind - just as the 95X international was preparing his finish! Buoyed by that home support, it was Carr-Ponce, Langerak and United that won one of the season's most physical battles in the end. Alex "Keohane" Conlan equalized near the hour mark, Roijacker not quick enough to slide over and help after fullback Marmor-Lavie was put on skates, and Atticus Hattingh polished off a Geirsson free kick to make it 2-1 in the 84th minute. Of course, everyone not wearing blue was convinced that he only got to it because he shoved Tomi Jakoljevic in the back... Great, now we get to hear more VAR debate on the talk shows all week.

Other notable events this weekend? Lili Riprov's triumphant winner to down the favored Reds in stoppage time, Peter Morrison's goal+assist performance to deliver Eastweald a savored sweep of archrival Mallox, and Jehan Bair finally getting the axe down in Crawford. That's what happens when you allow an inferior rival to hold you to a draw at home. Young assistant Andreu Bartolnicci will take over on interim basis.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Cassandra City 0-2 _{(2-4 agg.)} 1830 Cathair FC
Real Azuris 2-1 _{(3-5 agg.)} Mliona-Lpaka

Welp. Cassandra City bend to the might of Cathair after all. Real Azuris put up a better fight, but 4-1 was always too much to overcome.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Keenan Athletic 0-1 _{(2a-2 agg.)} Bellavista Jets

Whew, that was much nervier than it needed to be. Abel Delgado equalized the series for the Valladar club just before halftime, and came very close to wresting away the advantage on very many occasions in the final 30 minutes. Shjegrzh Na'Kefir, though, commanded the area like a goalkeeper of far older than 20 as the checkered shirts fell back and just sought to grind out the result. Thanks to the efforts of Na'Kefir, grizzled captain Rone Kindgren and a midfield that never gave up, they did just that. What a job Keenan Athletic are doing in their first Härlighet Ligan campaign! Midtable and a run to the SBCC Quarterfinals? Tip your cap to Collette Sade.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 25
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–1 AC Holmenkollen
OAS Royal FC 0–1 Olask Islanders
Pelethas United 2–1 Crawford City FC
Versiaville 1–1 Real Azuris
FC Samotath 1–1 Mallox
Eastweald 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Stoneshore United 0–3 Keenan Athletic
Zakhoro Aces 2–2 Ramusok United
Samaj FC 2–1 Cassandra City

It's a good week for the relegation fighters! Olask continue to display the rugged resilience that kept them up against the odds last season, their CBs domineering in the air and Haruka Sutton magisterial in goal to deny Tathtauré & Co. even a deserved point. Then Real Azuris took their CC-winning show up to sleepy Versiaville only to run into a brick wall named Vance Commerford, and IFK made out like bandits as Aldenskoett's own Mason Windrip equalized late at Eastweald (heavy deflection notwithstanding). Even the Zakhoro Aces, who have been undone by a frail/porous spine and sluggish starts this season, bounced back from last week's heartbreaking 3-2 road loss with a lively performance at Zapt Park. Temuge scored his 10th goal of the season with a picturesque curler, and even though Euran youngster Dustin Bachelor equalized for Ramusok United in the 87th minute, Isla Safarova was pleased with how her Aces got out on the front foot for a point against a strong opponent. But wait... does the fact that it was a good week for all the relegation fighters mean that it was, in fact, a good week for none of them? Hero of the week: Vega Zeale-Riddick. The Samaj striker continues to be unstoppable in the box, adding two more to her tally with toe-poke and backheel finishes past the imposing figure of Calogero Metz. Dare she cast her gaze upwards at Anders Engström's record of 29 goals? Villain of the week: that old bear Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit, who began (and ended) his stoppage time cameo by "accidentally" stamping Arrowsword's ankle while the Cenian was on the ground. That'll be a three-game suspension. Might be time for this particular Versiaville relic to go the way of the dinosaur.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 26
AC Holmenkollen 1–1 Samaj FC
Cassandra City 4–0 Zakhoro Aces
Ramusok United 2–5 Stoneshore United
Keenan Athletic 1–2 Eastweald
IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 FC Samotath
Mallox 2–0 Versiaville
Real Azuris 2–1 Pelethas United
Crawford City FC 1–1 OAS Royal FC
Olask Islanders 0–0 Treftadaeth Alliance

No one ever really pays attention to Stoneshore United, but the Greys have quietly emerged as dark horse UICA candidates. Well... quietly until now! 5-2 over the more famous United generates some media attention! Leading the headlines is teen striker Yuanchiki Larrimbe. The pacy Astograth product was a revelation in his first ever start, immediately clicking with fellow youngsters Yacine and Ericsson in a new-look formation from Douglas Tibet. Larrimbe's layoff assisted Yacine's 3rd minute zinger to stun Fire River Arena, and he went on to add two more himself in an electric performance. It's hard to see Tibet not sticking with Larrimbe and this experimental line-up for a bit after such a rousing success on the road. "A manager is like a species during a constant extinction event. When you're finished changing, you're finished" a cryptic Tibet mused post-match. "One cannot solve the problems of today with the tools of yesterday and expect to succeed tomorrow." All that's left now is for the people of Stoneshore to decipher which unfortunate players Tibet considers "tools of yesterday". They have a very different breed of manager out west on the banks of Lake Crawford. New man Andreu Bartolnicci, only 34, is an unerringly straightforward type. Still looking for his first win, he put it curtly after the Elephants gave up yet another lead in the final five minutes. "This type of shit is why Bair was sacked. There's no focus in the group - my two year-old son has greater attention-span. That must change." For Galasgoldas Tathtauré, who ghosted behind Poindexter to score the 85th minute goal, however, it was a welcome omen of changing fortunes. The Vanorian has endured an infuriating stretch since the midseason break. Despite, frankly, fantastic play, the final balls just weren't finding the back of the net for some reason. But his late lifeline in Crawford puts OAS Royal back above enemy Ram Utd. on the edge of the UICA zone. With eight matches remaining, it's the right time to turn things around.

AOCL Quarterfinals
KT Moreazerua (AUD) 1-1 Cassandra City
Cassandra City 1-1 KT Moreazerua (1-2 AET)
KT Moreazerua advance 3-2 on aggregate

Heartbreak for the Cassandrans in Atlantian Oceania. Ursula Rowan showed why she has been such a massive player for them this season, exuding class and scoring in both legs - including a remarkable half-volley lashed into the corner after a couple midair juggles. But it wasn't enough. In front of 50,000 home fans, the Reds found themselves in extra time against Audioslavian opposition. Jol Tortuu had a golden chance to ice it from the spot in the 112th minute after Ki Niro was bumped in the back near the right endline, but his lackluster penalty went straight to the KT keeper. Three minutes later, Sarrbian phenom Kelvin Lisco bent an immaculate shot through traffic that nestled into the side-netting. 3-2. Nothing Metz could do. Cosumar will have to wait a bit longer for its first regional title.

It's a three-horse race if Real Azuris hasn't won again it already. Chasers Samaj and Eastweald will need close to maximum points in the final stretch and hope Real Azuris take their eyes off the prize. Those three look certain to wrap up the Champions' Cup places, but there are still eight clubs in the next cluster down envisioning themselves cracking the top six and making the Globe Cup. The two major Ramusok sides, with near dead-even lines, are obviously favorites to do so, but Pelethas, Stoneshore and the defending champions (Cassandra City) all have compelling cases as well. At the bottom, the big storyline is the Zakhoro Aces finding themselves in danger of a first relegation in eight years despite the promising start enjoyed under Isla Safarova.

   1010 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Real Azuris            26   17   6   3    59   24  +35    57  CC
 2  Samaj FC               26   14   7   5    43   22  +21    49  CC
 3  Eastweald              26   15   4   7    52   38  +14    49  CC
 4  Pelethas United        26   13   2  11    32   28   +4    41  GC
 5  OAS Royal FC           26   12   5   9    40   38   +2    41  GC
 6  Ramusok United         26   12   5   9    35   34   +1    41  GC
 7  Cassandra City         26   11   6   9    52   43   +9    39
 8  Stoneshore United      26   10   7   9    34   33   +1    37
 9  Treftadaeth Alliance   26   11   4  11    36   36    0    37
10  Mallox                 26    8  12   6    36   27   +9    36
11  Keenan Athletic        26   10   6  10    40   47   −7    36
12  FC Samotath            26    8   7  11    46   50   −4    31
13  AC Holmenkollen        26    8   6  12    41   44   −3    30
14  Crawford City FC       26    7   9  10    41   46   −5    30
15  Olask Islanders        26    7   5  14    33   52  −19    26
16  Zakhoro Aces           26    6   6  14    44   53   −9    24  PO
17  IFK Aldenskoett        26    5   6  15    15   35  −20    21  R
18  Versiaville            26    4   9  13    29   58  −29    21  R

Golden Boot Leader: 
  Vega Zeale-Riddick (23)

FC Kaldukosic have struggled to get back into a rhythm since the midseason break. The atmosphere around Leviathan Arena is now one of tension, whereas they seemed certain of their impending promotion a couple months ago. It's real now. Once-puny Clwb Gwynt Tywyll are likely going to supplant them as Kaldukosic's highest-tier football club. Unless Lunds, Nisa, Wadimu, Stabb and company can rediscover what they had together when they qualified for the Globe Cup just two years ago. FAST.

   1010 Sekundar Ligan         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Gwynt Tywyll              26   15   5   6    37   25  +12    50
 2  Helfin Fief               26   14   6   6    41   21  +20    48
 3  Klyde                     26   14   5   7    70   48  +22    47
 4  Nomad Brotherhood FC      26   12   7   7    49   38  +11    43
 5  Na'Malsille Mariners      26   12   6   8    43   28  +15    42
 6  FC Kaldukosic             26   12   6   8    55   42  +13    42
 7  West Gundar FC            26   10  10   6    51   47   +4    40
 8  Goldstaff City            26   11   5  10    34   24  +10    38
 9  Centus Serpents           26   10   7   9    35   34   +1    37
10  Fort Archer FC            26    9  10   7    39   52  −13    37
11  AFC Obscura 98            26   10   4  12    32   34   −2    34
12  Morponte Fief             26    9   7  10    25   27   −2    34
13  Ziemelu Skaida            26    8   6  12    32   35   −3    30
14  Pristine Forest           26    7   9  10    28   35   −7    30
15  Klyde Heritage            26    8   5  13    15   24   −9    29
16  Fevelo Colony             26    6   8  12    27   33   −6    26
17  Brayllor Town             26    5   6  15    29   61  −32    21
18  Revanigruud Riversharks   26    3   6  17    25   59  −34    15

   1010 Tredje Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Yambridge City FC        32   19   5   8    68   32  +36    62
 2  Bergtatt Isle Athletic   32   18   7   7    54   44  +10    61
 3  AC Sepultura             32   16   7   9    61   44  +17    55
 4  Regalia City             32   16   7   9    59   42  +17    55
 5  Everlong FC              32   15   8   9    54   40  +14    53
 6  Larkinham Town           32   14   7  11    58   46  +12    49
 7    Sindo Fief               32   14   6  12    51   45   +6    48
 8  Sammet Ridge             32   12  12   8    36   32   +4    48
 9  FC Flen                  32   15   2  15    53   42  +11    47
10  Otkins Numenvernia       32   14   4  14    61   55   +6    46
11    Forest Hill FC           32   12   9  11    57   53   +4    45
12  Dawchire Town            32   12   9  11    51   49   +2    45
13  Pardock Island           32   12   8  12    52   53   −1    44
14    DeFinko Magni Blandinn   32   12   7  13    39   43   −4    43
15  Rexnor District 3        32   11   9  12    24   24    0    42
16  Riverside Crew           32    9  11  12    37   38   −1    38
17    West Devellin            32   11   5  16    45   59  −14    38
18  Portsmouth FC            32    8  11  13    51   75  −24    35
19  Nuur Origins FC          32    8   8  16    38   53  −15    32
20  IFK Sundsvall            32    6  11  15    23   48  −25    29
21  Aberaeron Celtic         32    8   5  19    49   86  −37    29
22  Gnoss Gallants AFC       32    6  10  16    18   36  −18    28

Round of 16
Rexnor District 3 (T) 0–0 Real Bellavista (L1) (0–1 AET)
Helfin Fief (S) 1–0 Stoneshore United (H)
Otkins Numenvernia (T) 5–4 DeFinko Magni Blandinn (T)
FC Samotath (H) 4–3 Na'Malsille Mariners (S)
Portsmouth (T) 2–1 Bergtatt Island Athletic (T)
Centus Serpents (S) 2–1 Regalia City (T)
Crawford City FC (H) 3–1 Zirconim City (L2)
Versiaville (H) 0–0 Yambridge City FC (T) (1–0 AET)

Another HL club down as Stoneshore United fall to Helfin Fief's strongest team in years (looking likely for promotion), setting up a Quarterfinals slate almost entirely devoid of Cosumar's elite. What an odd edition of this tourney. The silverware is wide open for the taking, or perhaps for a first Sekundar Ligan finalist if Helfin Fief continue to impress.

Quarterfinals
Real Bellavista (L1) 3–2 Helfin Fief (S)
Otkins Numenvernia (T) 3–3 FC Samotath (H) (4–6 AET)
Portsmouth (T) 0–2 Centus Serpents (S)
Crawford City FC (H) 4–5 Versiaville (H)

Welp, nevermind about that. A few weeks later, Helfin Fief catch the same bug most of the Härlighet sides came down with, crumbling to the inspired energy of upset-minded Conference side Real Bellavista. But wait! That's not all! It's another West Coast Classic in Crawford (remember, the last one got Jehan Bair fired?) and the Villagers have pulled the rug on the Elephants once again. In complete contrast to their league form, Versiaville are dynamic and work their angles and passes to perfection. Sirena Va'Drevu rattles off four goals to muscle the navy-and-black to a 5-2 lead. CCFC seem to get mad when they hear their fans booing in the 75th minute and very nearly turn into fuel for a comeback, but Kim Coultan and Jorit Van Kruistum's 87th and 90th minute goals were too little too late. Crawford's earlier ousting of Real Azuris is for naught and Versiaville are surprisingly into the semis, where their only other Härlighet Ligan opposition for the King's Cup is a flailing FC Samotath side that needed every one of its six goals to eke past Otkins. But don't overlook the Centus Serpents, who continue to quietly plug along through the rounds and have the extra motivation of having been eliminated in the semifinals last year...

Semifinals Fixtures

Real Bellavista vs. FC Samotath
@ Alesund Stadion (60.000), Samotath, Parougan Fief

Centus Serpents vs. Versiaville
@ Old Weldenskirgen (43.209), Yambridge, Gellano Fief

...

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Aug 27, 2017 2:14 am

Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
San Diego Iguanas _(COM) 0-1 Keenan Athletic

The Checkers have dogpiled Hal Lewitzki in front of the corner flag! The workhorse defensive midfielder, Keenan's unsung hero this season, has finally gotten his taste of glory! Two minutes into stoppage time, he made a rare run all the way into the box and found himself in the right spot to smash Olvir Texström's cutback from the left into the back of the net! Deadlock broken! A crucial victory and away goal! He bolted to the right in jubilee and only got halfway to the corner flag before he was swarmed and tackled by celebrating teammates. Hard not to smile at the sight!

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 27
Olask Islanders 3–0 AC Holmenkollen
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 Crawford City FC
OAS Royal FC 0–1 Real Azuris
Pelethas United 0–5 Mallox
Versiaville 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett
FC Samotath 1–3 Keenan Athletic
Eastweald 1–4 Ramusok United
Stoneshore United 2–2 Cassandra City
Zakhoro Aces 0–7 Samaj FC

It's time for a game of "Who wore it better?" Our first contestant is Mallox striker Alexander Kárpáty, who scored four of Mallox's five-goal outburst against Pelethas. Our second contestant is teenage sensation Vega Zeale-Riddick, who also scored four goals in Samaj's 7-0 drubbing of a disastrous Zakhoro. While both were obviously outstanding, we have to give the edge to Kárpáty's fashionable take on the quadruple. VZR is a pure target goal scorer, already a master of timing her moves in the penalty box and getting on the end of things - and her four goals reflected that. Not to take anything away from her 27 (!!!) on the season, but Vega benefits tremendously from being the focal point of consistently excellent service from the likes of Del Arro, Columbine and Sigurjonsdottir. Playing the, you know, worst defense in the league this weekend probably also helped. Kárpáty, on the other hand, was asked to do much more for Mallox and often has to create chances for himself. His version of the quadruple was warriorlike - no easy headers to be found. For arguably the first time in the Härlighet Ligan, the Pasargan's best self manifested: the Alexander that was foretold when he arrived with trumpets sounding in Klyde. He was fearsome, whether it was dribbling players one-on-one, leaving them in the dust, physically overpowering them, or finishing them off with shots powerful and elegant. He was such a force of nature on the day that even Pelethas United, one of the most ironclad units around with the likes of Harm and Nier, could not escape the four-goal devastation. So Kárpáty wore it better - and if this version of him starts coming 'round more often - Mallox could conquer the league like days of yore. Elsewhere, Real Azuris kept up their dogged title pursuit with a professional 1-0 result at The Royal Palace, a frantic finish in Stoneshore saw Yuanchiki Larrimbe rally the Greys to equalize from two goals down in stoppage time (Larri-mania in full effect!), and faithful Ramusok United super-sub Antonio Mulcair crippled Eastweald's own comeback hopes with a confident goal+assist immediately after coming on in the 66th minute.

Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Keenan Athletic _{(2-0 agg.)} 1-0 San Diego Iguanas

Of course, it's the wily Electrumite, Mischa Frederick, who seals it in the 81st minute after a nice bit of interplay with Jakob Gullmarstam. The veteran striker has a chance to commemorate his tenth anniversary in Keenan with something truly special. The Checkers are the first Cosumarite side into the SBCC Semifinals since Zakhoro's famous run to the final six years ago.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 28
AC Holmenkollen 0–0 Zakhoro Aces
Samaj FC 1–0 Stoneshore United
Cassandra City 2–2 Eastweald
Ramusok United 1–5 FC Samotath
Keenan Athletic 3–1 Versiaville
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Pelethas United
Mallox 0–1 OAS Royal FC
Real Azuris 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Crawford City FC 1–0 Olask Islanders

Ah, the old OAS-Mallox was damn near perfect. The stakes may not be what they were when these two clubs were at the height of their domestic duopoly, but to this day they never disappoint when they share a pitch. It wasn't the goalfest type of exciting match, but the atmosphere was brilliant at The Orange Palace. Royal organized the largest crowd of away support there yet to try and out-sing their orange legions. Both sides - players AND fans - were living and dying on every touch. The match was honors-even in every statistic at HT, and all sensed it could swing either way. Both Sindelaar and Shalhoub were called to make a couple big saves, both Nhatandal and Juquinho had teasing near-misses, and both Ümann and Drover were giving 101% in a blistering midfield tussle. Midfield is where matches are often won, and this adage proved true in the second half. After the hour-mark, Mallox's three-man midfield began to tire and OAS Royal's numbers and boundless energy (ok, Drover's boundless energy) there began to take control. In the 68th minute, Drover played a quick one-two with Rowan Gawain and charged with the ball into a gaping space about 30 yards from goal. Mallox's defense collapsed toward her and she correctly played Corey Simmons III wide right, then continued a sprinting run through the box. Simmons III rolled the ball forward and pretended to survey his options with uncertainty... then suddenly beamed a pinpoint ball in to meet Drover at the near post! She fired a quick blast straight at Sindelaar, but such was the pace and proximity of the shot that all the keeper could do was palm it back towards the middle. The middle - where Gawain was waiting to pounce with a karate kick and crash with the ball into the back of the net! The 34-year-old had followed in support of Drover's run all the way from midfield! A deserved goal! 1-0 to OAS Royal FC! Drover pulled Gawain out of the net with a huge grin and the Brenecian and the Nepharim trotted arms-round-shoulders together over towards the away support. The Orange Palace was stewing as Gawain kissed the black badge and extravagantly blew kisses to a particularly noisy (read: obnoxious) cluster of OAS fans in the corner.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 29
Crawford City FC 4–1 AC Holmenkollen
Olask Islanders 1–3 Real Azuris
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 Mallox
OAS Royal FC 3–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Pelethas United 0–0 Keenan Athletic
Versiaville 0–3 Ramusok United
FC Samotath 0–0 Cassandra City
Eastweald 0–1 Samaj FC
Stoneshore United 1–1 Zakhoro Aces

News flash: Real Azuris is such a great team. And not just because they're 8 points clear at the top or because they just bullied the Islanders. Part of what makes Azuris so great is their attacking balance. They have game-changing players, but they're not too overdependent on any one of them. Their stars share the pressure equally with no one asked to be Superman or Wonder Woman all the time. Andrew Arrowsword (early-season goalscoring form), Sandra Sybill (dominant after midseason), Sean Fraser (had scored in three consecutive matches until now) and Ronan Bowditch (scored all three goals today) all have stretches where they carry the team on their shoulders, but they rotate. It's almost like Lujendra Mescalin has them plan out their ebbs and flows of form so that he always has at least ONE game-changer on fire. When they're all at the tops of their game? Well, you saw the Champions' Cup last year. Oops, I've been waxing on like a fanboy. There were other important matches on this day. #2 and #3 battled - Samaj and Eastweald - and it looked certain to go down as a mutually disadvantageous nil-nil draw. Then Rachel Del Arro struck. In the third minute of stoppage time, the Samaj and Port Christopher star crushed the life out of Eastweald by firing up into the roof of the net from a tough angle on the right. Esteban Hernandez probably should've stopped it, and he knew it as he laid face-down in shame as the Hunters ran off in celebration. Eastweald are eliminated from title contention. Samaj FC clinch Champions' Cup for the first time in club history. Can the Fiefdom's underdog darlings catch up to that great, balanced team I was just talking about? With just five matches remaining, probably not. But we're in Cosumar. Nothing would shock me entirely.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 30
AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Stoneshore United
Zakhoro Aces 3–5 Eastweald
Samaj FC 3–1 FC Samotath
Cassandra City 0–0 Versiaville
Ramusok United 0–0 Pelethas United
Keenan Athletic 5–6 OAS Royal FC
IFK Aldenskoett 4–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Mallox 1–2 Olask Islanders
Real Azuris 0–3 Crawford City FC

The Keenan Athletic fairytale is still going strong! First season in the Härlighet Ligan...first half of the table. Ok, so they lost this weekend, but nevertheless - folks up there should savor this! Even being able to engage in a 6-5 shootout defeat at the hands of OAS Royal would've been unthinkable at DragonBull Field just a couple years ago. Actually, this match was so odd that it would've been unthinkable anywhere. For one, all five of the Bobs' goals were scored by mediocre winger Jakob Gullmarstam. All five. He barely had more than that (six) in the 29 combined matches prior. It was like if Gullmarstam had hacked a glitch or cheat code in FIFA! Three of them came in the final fifteen minutes, before which Athletic were looking at a 6-2 deficit. That's right, they very nearly equalized from 6-2. But in the end, Galasgoldas Tathtauré's merciless brace, Alex Rocket's hat trick and Eithan Sigurdsson's brutal header in the first hour were too much to overcome. It seemed like most of the matches this week were similarly unusual box scores...or were scoreless draws. Perhaps even odder than Jakob Gullmarstam doubling his goal total thirty games in or IFK Aldenskoett suddenly having strikers (apparently Rwang actually finished a chance or two), Real Azuris suffered their widest defeat of the season. 3-0 to Crawford City FC, Andreu Bartolnicci trying his best to win the boss job full-time for next season. Semyon Yucob is becoming an increasingly important player for the Elephants. He passed his trials in Azuris with flying colors. In the fifth minute, he flicked Kim Coultan's pass backwards over his head into space (sheer class), spun off Söderquist, deftly touched to put Chisenhall and Milani out of position and rifled the opener into the far side-netting. CCFC didn't look back, much to the delight of Samaj. Luis Varezzi's young upstarts closed to within five points of Real Azuris with a steely two-way performance that shut down FC Samotath.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 31
Real Azuris 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
Crawford City FC 0–1 Mallox
Olask Islanders 4–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–3 Keenan Athletic
OAS Royal FC 5–1 Ramusok United
Pelethas United 0–3 Cassandra City
Versiaville 2–2 Samaj FC
FC Samotath 7–1 Zakhoro Aces
Eastweald 3–2 Stoneshore United

Cassandra City haven't had the easiest time this season. The likes of Calogero Metz, Ursula Rowan and Belle Serafino have compensated admirably for a young patchwork back line (Grimswald and Campbell out injured most of the season) and inconsistent forward play (Niro the possible exception), but it hasn't always been enough. The defending champs have spent most of the season laboring to just keep their heads above the water in the Globe Cup hunt. But despite the adversity, the Reds came alive here in Pelethas. With Arturo Mancini publicly dispelling "Champions' Curse" storylines and urging his team to make a push up the table, his team showed more intent, confidence and precision in the attack than they have in some time. They really went after the Miners, and were rewarded with goals for Jol Tortuu, Niro and Rowan and two assists for Serafino to draw level with Pelethas in that coveted 6th place. And they escaped Drango Way without Kåsa or Crowley injuring anybody else! That's always a victory! Yet Cassandra City's reawakening of sorts was overshadowed in the press this week. As was Zakhoro sacking Isla Safarova (the stench of that rotting defense too putrid to ignore after conceding seven again), Noah Silvio securing safety for Olask, and in-scary-form OAS Royal eating United alive in the big Ramusok Derby. Yes, even that silky debut goal by teenage winger Zoë Aedelbrandt to seal the 5-1 rout was overshadowed. By what, you ask? More like who. With her 53rd and 85th minute strikes at Versiaville Pavilion, Vega Zeale-Riddick scored her 29th and 30th goals of the HL season, breaking the single-season record (29) set over a decade ago by the great Anders Engström. With three matches still remaining. She just turned 20. Never mind that Samaj needed both goals just to storm back and tie lowly Versiaville, allowing Real Azuris to extend their lead to a probably insurmountable seven points...

Series B Champions' Cup Semifinal, First Leg
Keenan Athletic 2-0 Cazadores Cathair _(AUD)

Never easy to go up against a big, multiversally-known brand like Cazadores Cathair, even if the shine has diminished from their name in recent years. It could've been tempting for Collette Sade to start veteran offseason pickups like Sebastian de Wit or Jacques Bourbon - the only players on her roster with true top-level big game experience, but she stuck to her guns and rolled with the young, hungry players who got her this far. And it paid off! 22-year-old right back Ramiro Fortidoré had the best night of his career, peeling past Cathair defenders on the right before lifting a nice cross in to Mischa Frederick, who duly beat the keeper with a subtle flick of his head. Fortidoré later provided the corner delivery from the right that big Tamarus Dixon thumped home to make it 2-0 in the 64th minute. Defensively, Fortidoré was rock-solid and neutralized Pangallo on his side. The rematch will be an entirely different experience in the lion's den of one of Audioslavia's most passionate football cities, but the Bobs have a 2-0 lead to cling to. Will it be enough to see them through to the SBCC Final?

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 32
AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Eastweald
Stoneshore United 0–2 FC Samotath
Zakhoro Aces 0–0 Versiaville
Samaj FC 2–1 Pelethas United
Cassandra City 1–0 OAS Royal FC
Ramusok United 0–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Keenan Athletic 1–4 Olask Islanders
IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Crawford City FC
Mallox 3–3 Real Azuris

The two leakiest defenses in the league collide! With every possible motivation to win! ...And somehow still end up nil-nil. It was a dishearteningly sparse crowd at Zapt Park, only made sparser when it became clear that the Aces didn't particularly care to put it all on the line for a club that just sacked a manager they vocally supported in Safarova. To their credit, Versiaville desperately needed to at least hold on to a point to stay within three points of safety at the foot of the table - and they did just that. Augustine Breton's legs have fully gone this season, but the ever-dependable defensive crux is still able to hold accountable and inspire those young midfielders around him, even through their struggles this season. Can he marshal them to safety as perhaps his final gift to the Villagers faithful for whom he has bled for so long? There are four clubs still susceptible to the 2.5 relegation places. Aces, IFK and Versiaville are the clear bottom three and will likely duke it out for the playoff spot, but AC Holmenkollen aren't out of the woods yet either only four points in front. The Cedars have plummeted down the table in the last two months, having not won in their last eight matches. Breakout striker Kamaal Nyle's scorching form subsided around that time and they just don't have any other sources of goals forthcoming. Fortunately, grinding out a few more draws should be good enough. That's Minnie Lotuda's specialty. Back at the business end of the table, Real Azuris could've lifted the trophy this week, but found Mallox to be tougher customers than bargained for. The Tigers ran with the likely champions and held their own for 90 minutes. When Till Ümann and Randwë Nhatandal scored in the 74th and 83rd minutes to even it from 3-1 to 3-3, it's hard to say it wasn't deserved. Of course, The Orange Palace relished the chance to play spoiler. Chants of "Not In Our House!" rang in Mallox as the golden Härlighet Ligan trophy was wheeled away to be presented another week.

Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Cazadores Cathair 1-1 _{(1-3 agg.)} Keenan Athletic

Julio Sokolov scored for Cazadores in the 3rd minute, signaling to fans back in Keenan that they were in for a long night on the edge of their sofas. But, surprisingly, the pressure only de-elevated from that early apex. Lethe Cirvante struck home on a free kick in the 30th minute to cash in on the foul Olvir Texström drew in prime position on the left with some fancy footwork. Game, set, match. Keenan Athletic, of all teams, will have a chance to become Cosumar's first SBCC winner.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 33
Mallox 1–2 AC Holmenkollen
Real Azuris 4–3 IFK Aldenskoett
Crawford City FC 4–3 Keenan Athletic
Olask Islanders 0–2 Ramusok United
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–3 Cassandra City
OAS Royal FC 2–0 Samaj FC
Pelethas United 0–2 Zakhoro Aces
Versiaville 1–2 Stoneshore United
FC Samotath 1–3 Eastweald

Five points above Samaj with two matches remaining, the championship seemed a simple thing for Real Azuris ahead of this weekend's slate. Just beat a poor IFK Aldenskoett! Or, alternatively, have in-form OAS Royal take a point off Samaj later that night. Both happened. You have to sympathize with IFK's plight going into this crucial game though. Anything but a win meant their own relegation. IFK's survival was on the other side of a near-insurmountable mountain: triumph at Azuris' Estadio MasseMord, the most formidable cathedral in Cosumarite soccer in the last decade, as it yearned to commence celebrations. Desperate first-half counter-attacking goals from Nikita Lundgren, Falchion Hess-Olesen and Karlus Sjunitsson neverthless set the visitors on their way. After the dust settled on a rapid-fire first half hour, the Eagles were flying 3-2. Still, there was little pressure for Azuris, and they patiently worked their way back. Despite the dismissal of defender Hector Grier, substitutes Phioricus Jernigan and - decisively - Cosmo Coppellian scored in the second half to deliver the eagerly expectant home crowd their fifth title in seven years. Real Azuris are the 1010 Härlighet Ligan champions! No matter how you feel about a particular team, it's always nice when they can win the silverware at home and have the proper in-the-moment pomp and circumstance with their fans.

For IFK Aldenskoett it's a tough pill to swallow, being sent straight back down. There was real hope in Duversia Fief that they could avoid falling prey to the yo-yo cycle after suffering their first relegation two years ago. At least they have company though. Versiaville were in the same boat this weekend - needing a win to delay the likely drop - but the northwesterners were no match for Fakir Yacine's sparkling left boot. The Aces finally woke up and played a complete football match, impressively downing a Pelethas side with UICA goals still intact, but the effort is rendered moot by Mallox having nothing to play for and granting three points to Holmenkollen. Cedars safe. Aces in the playoff.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 34

Normally the last matchday of the season, in which all games start simultaneously for a thrilling "glorious finale", is the subject of much discussion, projection and fanfare. This year? Not so much. The champions are already partying (Real Azuris). The other two Champions' Cup places are already secured (Samaj and Eastweald). We already know which clubs will occupy places 4-6 and compete in the Globe Cup (OAS Royal, Cassandra City, Ramusok United). Versiaville and IFK Aldenskoett are gone. Zakhoro Aces are locked into the relegation playoff. Even the Golden Boot is beyond hope of competition. It's just a matter of whether VZR will add to her record-setting 32-goal count.

Honestly... there is nothing left to decide. Not a speck of drama to be found. The FSF might as well give the exhausted players a break and cancel this entire round... unless you support a particular club and care about the optics of 10th vs. 8th or some such. And there's this kinda important thing called revenue. So I suppose they'll play the final matches anyways and we'll savor our last taste of HL football before the doldrums of the offseason set in...

Well, you've got to hand it to Penumbra Amokachi. Most strikers wouldn't have the ~~ego~~ cojones to think they could even conceivably erase a double-digit deficit in the scoring charts on the final day of the season. But the Philosopher Queen seemed to really be going for it. She didn't quite catch Zeale-Riddick, but she did ascend into second with a hat trick (plus assists to Velasquez and Ebenazher) that could only be described as "furious." The result was the highlight of the round: an 8-1 Eastweald victory, sending poor Jeremy Hayes and dejected Versiaville back down to Sekundar Ligan with their buttocks red from a real spanking. In stark contrast, IFK Aldenskoett go down with dignity. They work hard to compensate their loyal supporters at The Eagles' Nest for a disappointing season, and club talisman Falchion Hess-Olesen scores an 89th minute winner to knock off Mallox and knock the Tigers from 10th to 12th. Not too far away in Keenan, Real Azuris extended their points total to 76 by whipping Athletic 5-0 with next-big-thing Bryger Tidesson shining in a rare chance to start on the right wing. We'll excuse the Checkers in view of Collette Sade resting nearly all of her key players for the upcoming SBCC Final.

Promotion/Relegation Playoff

Zakhoro Aces are here after finishing 16th in the Härlighet Ligan. Though it involved plenty of controversy (notably the sacking of Isla Safarova, whose idealistic vision had the support of the dressing room), it wasn't a terrible season in all respects. Kurtis Samarqand and the mercurial Temuge reprised their fruitful partnership up top with both scoring over 13 goals and Temuge also piling up double-digit assists. Selena Aliena provided good link-up play from midfield. Teen wing prospect Tarmé showed some nice development under Safarova. Unfortunately, the Aces were an absolute train-wreck defensively. Whether it was the formation, the leadership, the personnel, the effort or something else is unclear, but it was horrible. No team in the Härlighet Ligan allowed more goals. Still, the Aces would desperately like to avoid this relegation. They've finally shed their previous "prototypical yo-yo club" identity with seven consecutive seasons of top-flight stability, including some occasional glimpses at UICA possibilities. Losing this match could undo years of slow, hard work.

Goldstaff City are here. Let's just let that sink in for a second. They were well bottom-half of Sekundar Ligan at midseason and only 8th with eight matches remaining. But it was a congested year where no clubs really broke away, so a nice little spell of form at the end combined with rivals collapsing around them was good enough to see the black-and-gold into 3rd. Pretty remarkable! They deserve this shot at the big-time after coming super close in several recent seasons. It's finally their chance. This year, G-City was buoyed by the explosive play of striker Ted Dolanukitainen, who appropriately goes by the nickname "Nuke", after acquiring him from Tredje Ligan side Otkins Numenvernia. With Nuke up top, a cast of proven Sekundar Ligan vets in support and a Premiership-hardened defensive leader in Lind Fontaine, Goldstaff were rarely astounding...but consistently solid. They would not take 'no' for an answer this season. What about now?

...

SERIES B CHAMPIONS' CUP FINAL
@ Eels Park, Eelandii, Turori

It set up beautifully for Cedniavella. What club wouldn't dream of playing for a UICA trophy in front of their own fans in their home country? It made it an even taller task for Collette Sade's side as they prepared to go up against one of the Multiverse's most prominent second division sides - one that has historically included Turori and/or Vilita internationals. Thus, most of the experts and bookies went with Cedniavella - the decidedly safe pick.

Indeed, once the match kicked off in Eelandii, it was Cedniavella who raced out of the blocks. Their left back got down the left side and played in their tall striker, who who slammed home from 13 yards.

Keenan did quickly come back into it, Häkon Fen putting a few shots on goal from distance, but teen prodigy goalkeeper Wiyauw An'maude had the answer to everything. At the other end, Cedniavella's forwards were continuing to cause serious trouble for their Cosumarite visitors, linking up well with the midfield on multiple occasions and putting several dangerous balls into the box. But that man Fen finally did make the pressure count when he slotted in after a nice layoff from Mischa Frederick. Parity resumed. 1-1.

It got even better for Keenan Athletic minutes later. Fen again found himself with the ball at his feet with space the top of the box, but this time he played in to Jakob Gullmarstam on the right with an exquisite chipped pass. After letting it bounce once, Gullmarstam beat An'maude with a first-time finish on the half-volley.

The game sort of settled down at 2-1 for awhile, though Cedniavella did come close to equalizing on the stroke of halftime when their left winger curled in a cross. The ensuing header from their center forward forced a clearance off the line by Keenan defender Meekku Aspendelft. The Turorians finally managed to level the game, however, about twenty minutes into the second half. Their left winger, the standout player on the night, again brought the cutting edge. This time, he cut onto his weaker right foot and blasted a shot into the top left corner. 2-2! Eels Park believed again, raising the volume and intensity for the final 20 minutes.

It was actually the Bobs, though, who looked the more likely source of a winner. Olvir Texström got down the left time and time again, but no one was able to get on the end of his crosses. Lethe Cirvante also had a great chance, but An'maude came up big again with an excellent reflex save. Collette Sade brought Sebastian de Wit and Ivy Fiefwalker on in an effort to win the game in the 90 minutes, and de Wit also came close with a left-footed curler that drifted less than a yard wide of the right-hand post. Despite their late dominance, Keenan Athletic simply lacked Cedniavella's cutting edge. It would come back to haunt them.

Extra-time was always going to be nervy, but Eels Park was lifted into orbit when Cedniavella's substitute midfielder softly nudged home their third goal of the night with Shjegrzh Na'Kefir unluckily wrong-footed. 3-2 to the home favorites. Conceding so against the run of play was a big blow to Keenan's confidence, and they never came particularly close to equalizing after that.

Cedniavella win the Series B Champions' Cup for the second time. Congratulations to them! But congratulations are also in order for a Keenan Athletic side that exceeded all expectations and came to the very brink of the SBCC title in their very first UICA appearance. The Fiefdom will eagerly await what their future might hold.

Keenan Athletic 2-2 (2-3 AET) Cedniavella
Cedniavella Striker 12'
Häkon Fen 16'
Jakob Gullmarstam 19'
Cedniavella Winger 68'
Cedniavella Midfielder 101'

CYGNUS CUP FINAL
@ Tivali Ring Stadium, Alikki-Corra, Vilita

Hello!!! My name is Marc Kirkovic, UICA beat reporter here on TheCourier.cos. Welcome to my live commentary feed of tonight's Cup Winners' Cup Final. I'm typing to you live from Vilita, where I'm soaking it all in at the Tivali Ring Stadium. Cloudy overhead but exceptionally humid here - many players already sweating as they warm up.

Here are the teams Tom Benedict and Lujendra Mescalin have called on for this important match, right to left:

Directus XI (4-2-2-2): Belgrave; Cook, Moore, Elden, Myren; Mitchell, Hunter; Fabinho, Miller; Pedrinho, Sharp

Real Azuris XI (4-1-2-3): Ozuna; Chisenhall, Milani, Grier, Lindberg; Söderquist; Ojala, Sybill; Tidesson, Arrowsword, Fraser (C)
Bench: Gaspin, Adebayo-Akanni, Hardwick, Antúnes, Jernigan, Bowditch, Zigfield

Interesting bit is that 18-year-old Bryger Tidesson has been given the nod to start on the right wing after enjoying a string of impactful appearances to end the domestic season. Don't forget about Ronan Bowditch though. The hero of last year's Champions' Cup triumph is near certain to be a potential x-factor in the second half or, Odin forbid, extra time.

Real Azuris, of course, are only a couple weeks removed from winning their seventh Härlighet Ligan title. Their youth team also just won the UICA Youth Cup last week, and two of those youngsters (Tidesson and midfielder Hidalgo Antúnes) have returned to help the senior squad tonight. It has been another magnificent campaign for Azuris, but tonight it could become truly one to remember.

Standing in their way is a different Directus side than fans might remember if they don't closely follow Euraleague. Maas Fox and Felipe Ebenezer are gone, and a young side with a new mentality has used the Cygnus Cup as a vehicle through which to gel and explore their potential. The experienced core of Real Azuris is favored to win, but Directus should never be underestimated - even in a transition year.

...And the first kick has set things in motion! Here's to a great match!

2' - The ball works its way to Dominic Miller on the right wing and he draws the first foul of the match off Adrian Lindberg with some fancy dribbling and a feint that caused the Llamanean to lash out at his ankles, earning a yellow card.

3' - The ensuing free kick is in prime position. Fabinho steps up to take it. It's a picture-perfect outswinger, and Alan Moore gets a powerful head to it! But it goes just wide! Very close to a stunning opener for Directus.

12' - Directus still asking the questions. Dean Sharp with a right-footed shot from just outside the box, forcing August Ozuna to tip it over in the top-left corner.

18' - Andrew Arrowsword scores on the counter, sliding forward to re-angle a gorgeous Sandra Sybill through ball past Kevin Belgrave! But wait, oh it's a shame, the linesman's flag is up. What a goal that would've been for Real Azuris! Arrowsword was apparently offside by the slimmest of margins. That was their first real look at goal in the match.

26' - Directus are keeping the game entirely in Real's half. They've had three or four corners in a row now. Real's marking has been airtight, but Directus keep recycling the ball back into possession. Pedrinho twisting and turning about 15 yards from goal, trying to find an angle for a shot, but it's blocked again by Viviano Milani.

28' - GOAL REAL AZURIS! 1-0! And the Cosumarites have broken the game open! A shocking turn of events given how Directus have directed the tempo and style of the game! The Breakers finally broke out of their own half when Stig Söderquist cleanly tackled the ball off Charles Hunter, and immediately popped up and sprayed it long down the right to a streaking Bryger Tidesson. With the counter on, the teenager dribbled patiently at Sol Myren and waited for numbers to join him. Finally, Tidesson accelerated past Myren and played a ball into the middle. Arrowsword could've taken the shot but instead applied the most subtle of backheel touches to set up an even easier shot for a trailing Sandra Sybill! The Chromatik's finish was quality: low and hard to the inside of the left post. What a sucker-punch!

31' - Azuris have to be careful now. Sharp with another great chance - a header from close range off Ethan Cook's pinpoint cross from the right. Probably should've been a goal, but the Euran striker put it high and wide. Based on Cook's hand over his mouth, he knows it too.

35' - GOAL REAL AZURIS! 2-0! They've done it again! What a show! This time it's Sybill's midfield partner, Hakki Ojala! The Breakers play a corner short and run a nice little training ground routine designed to tee Ojala up with a clean hit from the top of the box. They execute it to perfection, and Ojala does likewise with the shot. Straight to the extreme top-left corner! What a thunderbolt! Is this the biggest moment of the Anglatian prodigy's career so far?

39' - Directus are frustrated by the way the half is unfolded, and it's showing. Fiery Osarian Gavin Mitchell just got in a bit of a shoving match with Söderquist away from the play. This Cosumarite may be biased, but Mitchell seemed to initiate it with a shoulder in the back. Both parties are cautioned with yellow cards for their roles in the brief skirmish.

42' - Pedrinho forces another save from Ozuna, but once again it's largely comfortable stuff from outside the box. It would take something special to beat the spry Audioslavian from there.

HALF TIME: RAZ 2-0 DCT. It has been an interesting first half. Directus have dominated possession and shots, but most have been long-rage. They don't seem crisp enough in the final third to convert all their possession into closer looks. Real Azuris only have the two shots on goal, but both were inspired finishes. That's all it takes sometimes. What will Benedict and Mescalin do in the second half to adjust?

47' - Directus begin the new half much like they began the last. Full of intent! Sharp splits Milani and Grier with a diagonal run and Mitchell somehow gets the ball in to his feet in the center of the box. Before the Azurian defense can react, Sharp turns and fires... off the right post!

50' - Well, social media is gonna have a field day with this one. The referee has called a delay in the match due to what appears to be a pair of squirrels gallivanting through the Directus penalty area. They're having a hard time capturing the silly creatures!

57' - Comic relief over. We're ready to continue here at Tivali Ring Stadium!

60' - Oh no... it's a bad foul by Adrian Lindberg. The referee is running towards the scene of the crime with a decision to make. Yep. Just as I feared. He pulls out the yellow - Lingberg's second. The veteran left back is marching off with his head down, disappointed to have put his teammates in a brutal position for the remaining 30+ minutes of this Cygnus Cup Final. Will this help Directus finally break down Real Azuris' tight back line?

61' - Mescalin making some subs to adjust. Looks like he'll be switching to five in the back in a 5-3-1 with Fraser and Chisenhall acting as wingbacks and 35-year-old longtime club servant Maurice Gaspin coming in (for Tidesson) to fortify the central defense between Grier and Milani.

66' - Dominic Miller with another Directus shot from distance to test Ozuna. This one, from the left, seemed locked on to the far post, somehow somehow squirting through all the defenders in the box, but Ozuna's diving hands got there first.

72' - Directus still probing. Fabinho tries a through ball, but it was a split-second late and Sharp is caught offside.

77' - Another Directus shot from outside the box is saved by Ozuna. Not a bad effort from Pedrinho, but they seem out of ideas offensively, and Tom Benedict is none too happy about it on the touchline, yelling and waving at his players with increasing urgency. Despite their man advantage, they still need two goals.

85' - After 25 minutes of near-constant defending by Azuris, the light at the tunnel is starting to finally come into insight. Just. Five. More. Minutes. Do. Not. Concede. It's another gasp of relief as Joachim Elden corner header is close but blazes a foot over the bar.

88' - Sean Fraser won a free kick in the attacking half for Real Azuris and now they're milking it for as much time as possible. Hard to blame them. It's finally played in, and it's a nice delivery! Arrowsword sticks a foot out and makes enough contact to deflect the ball on frame, but it's easily saved in the center of goal by Belgrave.

90' - There will be a whopping nine minutes of stoppage time. Damn squirrels. The ten Azurian grimaces on the pitch say it all. They're being made to work for this trophy.

90+1' - GOAL DIRECTUS! 2-1! At long last! Directus get their deserved goal! It's Pedrinho! The Valladar has ensured us a nail-biting final eight minutes in Vilita! A fantastic headed pass across the box from Sharp, which Pedrinho chested down and nutmegged past Ozuna from six yards.

90+2' - Directus win another corner. The crowd is standing in unbelievable suspense for each one, knowing it could be the moment Directus equalize and complete a fairy-tale ending. This time, Elden again heads it wide left.

90+5' - GOAL REAL AZURIS! 3-1! Nope! It's Real Azuris who score and put the match beyond reach! Now THAT'S how you put away a set-piece! Ronan Bowditch, who came on a couple minutes ago, drives a corner in with pace. The ball falls to the ground invitingly. It's the bald Osarian reserve defender Gaspin, who made only 7 appearances this season, who surges forward and whacks it into open net with authority! Unbelievable! Where does this team get its magic?

90+7' - Directus aren't going to lie down and quit. Charles Hunter's skipping shot from the right forces Ozuna to adjust last-second to make the save after an awkward bounce.

90+9' - Hunter desperately lobs a ball back into the fray. Sharp rises and gets a head to it, but his effort is off-target and out for a goal kick. That should be the last touch of the game!

Regular Time: RAZ 3-1 DCT. And there's the final whistle! It's over! Real Azuris have won the Cygnus Cup! They weren't able to repeat in the Champions' Cup, but adding a brand new trophy to their increasingly crowded cabinet is almost just as sweet! Real have now won every major international trophy in which they have competed except the Globe Cup and the AOCL. That makes a haul of three trophies on the season for Lujendra Mescalin as rumors swirl that it was his last in South Klyde.

Real Azuris 3-1 Directus
Sybill 28'
Ojala 35'
Pedrinho 90+1'
Gaspin 90+5'

   1010 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Real Azuris            34   23   7   4    77   34  +43    76   Champions | Champions' Cup
 2  Samaj FC               34   19   8   7    59   30  +29    65   Champions' Cup
 3  Eastweald              34   20   5   9    75   52  +23    65   Champions' Cup
 4  OAS Royal FC           34   17   6  11    60   49  +11    57   Globe Cup
 5  Cassandra City         34   14  11   9    64   48  +16    53   Globe Cup
 6  Ramusok United         34   15   7  12    46   46    0    52   Globe Cup
 7  Stoneshore United      34   13   9  12    46   44   +2    48
 8  Pelethas United        34   14   4  16    34   43   −9    46
 9  Keenan Athletic        34   13   7  14    58   69  −11    46
10  Crawford City FC       34   11  12  11    54   52   +2    45
11  Treftadaeth Alliance   34   13   6  15    45   49   −4    45
12  Mallox                 34   10  14  10    49   38  +11    44
13  FC Samotath            34   12   8  14    64   61   +3    44
14  Olask Islanders        34   11   6  17    48   61  −13    39
15  AC Holmenkollen        34    9   7  18    45   57  −12    34
16  Zakhoro Aces           34    7  10  17    54   76  −22    31   Relegated (PO)
17  IFK Aldenskoett        34    7   8  19    24   51  −27    29   Relegated
18  Versiaville            34    4  13  17    34   76  −42    25   Relegated




Harlighet Ligan Season XXII Champions - REAL AZURIS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
1.   CF Vega Zeale-Riddick (Golden Ball)
2.   CM Sandra Sybill
3.   CM Jo de Marisco
4.   GK August Ozuna
5.   CM Ursula Rowan


NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:
1.   CM Ursula Rowan
2.   GK Jillian Nier
3.   CB Niels Roijacker
4.   RM Peter Morrison  
5.   RM Ilana Way


YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (U21):
1.   CF Vega Zeale-Riddick (19)
2.   CF Alexander Kárpáty (19)
3.   CF Andrew Arrowsword (20)
4.   CM Hakki Ojala (19)
5.   ST Kamaal Nyle (20)


GOAL-SCORING CHART:
32 -   Vega Zeale-Riddick (Golden Boot)
20 -   Penumbra Amokachi
   -   Galasgoldas Tathtauré
17 -   Alexander Kárpáty
16 -   Andrew Arrowsword
15 -   Jo de Marisco
   -   Kamaal Nyle
   -   Sandra Sybill
14 -   Hannah Alcouin
   -   Aldo Cosuman
   -   Ki Niro
   -   Temuge
   -   Jol Tortuu
   -   Miroslav Vorobyov
13 -   Jakob Gullmarstam
   -   Kirum Ingolfsson
   -   Sigmund Levy
   -   Kurtis Samarqand
   -   Olvir Texström
   -   Sirena Va'Drevu
12 -   Nacho Bérdoon
   -   Ronan Bowditch
   -   Jordan Emery

The Cosumarite Courier Team of the Season:

GK -    August Ozuna (Golden Glove)
LB -    Adrian Lindberg
CB -    Niels Roijacker
RB -    Mortimer Chisenhall
LM -    Eva Velasquez
CM -    Sandra Sybill
CM -    Ursula Rowan
RM -    Peter Morrison
ST -    Penumbra Amokachi
ST -    Galasgoldas Tathtauré
ST -    Vega Zeale-Riddick

Manager -    Lujendra Mescalin

Semifinals

Semifinal locations randomly drawn from pool of eligible venues; King's Cup Final always hosted at The Royal Palace.

 Real Bellavista 3-5 FC Samotath 
@ Alesund Stadion (60.000), Samotath, Parougan Fief

By luck of the draw, FC Samotath play their semifinal at home. Their infamous home crowd is treated to exactly the kind of show they love. "Entertainment Football" indeed. Fourth-tier Real Bellavista were clearly outclassed - more than the final scoreline indicates. This match was over in 15 minutes after Miroslav Vorobyov, Jordan Emery and Sigmund Levy quickly made it 3-0. All three key figures then exited at half time, by which time the score was 4-1.

 Centus Serpents 0-1 Versiaville 
@ Old Weldenskirgen (43.209), Yambridge, Gellano Fief

This game, meanwhile, was the antithesis of "entertainment football". These two teams spun their wheels and butted heads for 95 minutes but nothing much of intrigue ever happened. Oh yeah, aside from McCall Kirby scoring for Versiaville precisely 9 seconds in. Humiliating giveaway in the back by Serpents defender Helger Hreidarssen set her clear on goal.

KING'S CUP FINAL

FC SAMOTATH vs. VERSIAVILLE

@ The Royal Palace (54,000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

It's admittedly not the most glamorous King's Cup Final, featuring clubs that finished 13th and last in the just-concluded Härlighet Ligan campaign. Nevertheless, it's always a one-of-a-kind atmosphere when the two cup finalists meet at The Royal Palace for the last official match of the Cosumarite domestic season with the King himself in attendance.

This is FC Samotath's second Final, previously defeating Real Azuris to win the third edition. No players remain from that squad, however, so it's a big chance for their group of the last few years (and manager Šimon Holguín) to win their first trophy for the northeastern club. Of course, Samo love to attack attack attack. Often to a fault.

Under Jeremy Hayes, Versiaville also aspire to an attacking brand of football. Aspire being the key word. The Villagers never quite connected the dots this season and went straight back to Sekundar Ligan, but this game is a chance for Hayes & Co. to take a trophy (and some pride) back down with them. They would be the first club since the Mariners in 1004 to do so. Regardless of which club emerges victorious 90 minutes from now, there are going to be goals involved given both teams' defensive woes. So let's take you to events in Ramusok!

...

1' - King James II has ceremonially wished both sides good luck, and Kimus de Vries has sent the first kick on its way! We're underway on this gorgeous afternoon in the capital.

4' - It's an early all-out blitz from Samotath. The match has just begun but Versiaville already looked overwhelmed by the numbers pouring forward. They've already had to make two huge defensive blocks in their own box.

6' - Sigmund Levy: Wonderful goal! The deluge has begun! Hernan Dé worked the angles to send Jordan Emery into space on the left flank. The former Slateport Bull pranced past Ike Na'Koziol and floated the ball gently into the middle, where big Levy was waiting. His snap-necked header fell just inside his right-hand post beyond the grasping hands of Vance Commerford! (SAM 1-0 VSV)

10' - FC Samotath continuing to create danger. Jordan Emery's cross following a corner kisses Lasse Hummel's forehead in the center of the box, but the Semar underestimated its pace and launched the golden chance high.

14' - Sirena Va'Drevu: Well that was unexpected! In their first spell of extended possession in Samo's half, Versiaville manage to slip a ball in to their only consistent scoring threat. From the right side of the box, the muscular Vloo showed great anticipation and swept a powerful first-time shot straight through Diandra Ballard in the middle of the goal! Versians are outnumbered in the stadium, but they're making their voices heard now! (SAM 1-1 VSV)

17' - Miroslav Vorobyov: Just like that, Versiaville's good vibes are gone. Commerford comes off his line to stop Lasse Hummel on the break, but he takes the wrong angle and misses the ball! Hummel skips past him and resumes his charge on goal! Lone defender back Teemu Tuppurainen scrambles to block him, so Hummel unselfishly slides it back over to Miroslav Vorobyov. The winger shepherds the ball across the line to put the Black Hawks back on top. (SAM 2-1 VSV)

29' - Capsin Sibuc: Aaaand it's another blow to poor Versiaville's hopes. Kendrex Engram bungles the clearance of an FC Samo corner, sending it straight to Samotath defender Sibuc. He pounces, blasting into the roof of the net from close range. Ouch. (SAM 3-1 VSV)

36' - Handball! Emmanuel Lomboto's spinning effort from distance deflects off the wrist of an airborne Sheldon Serra just outside the box, and it's hard to say his hand was in a natural position! This free kick could be just the turn of luck the navy shirts needed.

37' - Nope. Asher Larned sends it into orbit.

45+1' - Sigmund Levy: The Colossus of Vermillion strikes again and this is quickly turning into a rout. A simple shot from the center of the box to the bottom-left corner. Tuppurainen and Jokum Larsen were all over Levy, but they just couldn't stop his granite-like physique. (SAM 4-1 VSV)

45+3' - Half time. Versiaville's players look like they would rather be anywhere else as they march back into the tunnel beneath a silent bloc of their traveling support.

48' - Lasse Hummel: No mercy from FC Samotath to start the second half! This is Hummel's best goal of what was a strong season for the striker: a scorching grass-cutter from 21 yards dinking in off the far post. (SAM 5-1 VSV)

55' - Halftime sub Otto Rush nearly makes it six before the 60th minute, but Augustine Breton acrobatically clears his curled effort off the line with a reflex header. Who knew the Brenecian could still move like that?

69' - Molly Killanen: Ok, now it's getting ugly. Even fullbacks are getting pieces of the carnage! After controlling a pass from husband de Vries, Killanen dribbled past Jade Meyer on the left, cut inside onto her right foot and uncorked a shot from the top of the box! Vance Commerford got hands to it, but couldn't keep it from squeezing inside his near post. (SAM 6-1 VSV)

81' - Sigmund Levy: Sigh. Subdued celebrations in the stadium as even FC Samotath fans feel kinda bad at this point. This one really completes Versiaville's humiliation. A driven Emery shot slams off of Commerford's face and back out into the box. Versiaville's defenders don't react and Levy strolls up to easily tap home the rebound to complete his hat trick. (SAM 7-1 VSV)

90+2' - Mercifully, full time is called. For the first time in over three centuries, the King of Cosumar officially oversaw an execution. FC Samotath are the victors and will soon be presented the gigantic trophy, with their feat permanently engraved on it, from King James II himself.

~Sekundar Ligan, Tredje Ligan and Lägre Liganes tables will be posted separately soon due to character limit~

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Aug 27, 2017 5:48 pm

Klyde take the title, but it went far more down-to-the-wire than expected given their firepower with the likes of Trevelyan, Quesadillas and Allie Vacek all wearing purple. It took until the final match, in fact. Vacek scored a second half hat trick in Centus to carry the Doves past Helfin Fief and Goldstaff City. Those are the other two promoted clubs, Helfin Fief returning to the Härlighet Ligan after a full ten years away. The city of Kaldukosic is collectively numb today - FC Kal on the outside looking in despite a hard-fought 2-1 win over Fevelo to give themselves a chance. The only consolation for the once-proud Victors? Crosstown minnows Clwb Gwynt Tywyll, who looked poised for their first promotion, got squeezed out too.

  1010 Sekundar Ligan         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Klyde                     34   18   6  10    92   64  +28    60  Champions | Promoted|SBCC
 2  Helfin Fief               34   16   9   9    50   31  +19    57  Promoted | SBCC
 3  Goldstaff City            34   17   6  11    50   36  +14    57  Promoted | SBCC
 4  FC Kaldukosic             34   16   8  10    70   55  +15    56
 5  Gwynt Tywyll              34   16   8  10    41   33   +8    56
 6  Na'Malsille Mariners      34   15  10   9    65   44  +21    55
 7  West Gundar FC            34   14  13   7    67   55  +12    55
 8  Nomad Brotherhood FC      34   15   7  12    65   51  +14    52
 9  Morponte Fief             34   13   8  13    34   36   −2    47
10  Centus Serpents           34   12   9  13    47   53   −6    45
11  Ziemelu Skaida            34   12   8  14    45   47   −2    44
12  Fort Archer FC            34   11  11  12    49   68  −19    44
13  AFC Obscura 98            34   12   5  17    36   44   −8    41
14  Fevelo Colony             34   10   9  15    39   44   −5    39
15  Klyde Heritage            34   10   9  15    21   31  −10    39
16  Pristine Forest           34    9  10  15    41   49   −8    37  Relegated
17  Revanigruud Riversharks   34    8   7  19    38   70  −32    31  Relegated
18   Brayllor Town             34    7   7  20    42   81  −39    28  Relegated


Sekundar Ligan XXI Champions:



Silver Boot:
  ST Adiyah Amenel (24 goals)

Silver Ball (Best Player): 
  SS Sophia Trevelyan

   1010 Tredje Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Regalia City             42   24   8  10    80   48  +32    80  Champions | Promoted
 2  Bergtatt Isle Athletic   42   24   7  11    79   69  +10    79  Promoted
 3  Yambridge City FC        42   23   6  13    78   47  +31    75  Playoff
 4  Otkins Numenvernia       42   20   6  16    82   67  +15    66  Playoff
 5  Everlong FC              42   18  11  13    62   50  +12    65 Playoff
 6  FC Flen                  42   20   4  18    64   52  +12    64  Playoff
 7  Rexnor District 3        42   18  10  14    35   30   +5    64
 8  Pardock Island           42   17  11  14    74   65   +9    62
 9  AC Sepultura            42   17   9  16    71   61  +10    60
10  Larkinham Town           42   17   9  16    71   64   +7    60
11  Dawchire Town            42   16  12  14    65   61   +4    60
12    DeFinko Magni Blandinn   42   17   9  16    54   52   +2    60
13    Forest Hill FC           42   15  12  15    75   72   +3    57
14    Sindo Fief               42   16   9  17    60   57   +3    57
15  Sammet Ridge             42   14  15  13    42   43   −1    57
16  Riverside Crew           42   13  12  17    45   47   −2    51
17  Portsmouth FC            42   13  12  17    69   93  −24    51
18    West Devellin            42   14   7  21    57   75  −18    49  Relegated
19  Gnoss Gallants AFC       42   11  11  20    26   49  −23    44  Relegated
20  IFK Sundsvall            42   10  12  20    32   57  −25    42  Relegated
21  Nuur Origins FC          42   10  11  21    50   69  −19    41  Relegated
22   Aberaeron Celtic         42   10   7  25    64  107  −43    37  Relegated


Tredje Ligan XXI Champions:



Bronze Boot:
  LW Ova Va'Vuva (27 goals)

Bronze Ball (Best Player):
  LW Ova Va'Vuva

Promotion Playoffs
₃Yambridge City 1-1 (2-1 AET) FC Flen₆
₄Otkins Numenvernia 1-2 Everlong₅

Yambridge City 0-0 (1-0 AET) Everlong
Promoted to TredjeLigan:

   Conference Cosumarus 1010  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sarmon FC                   27   15   6   6    43   27  +16    51  Champions | Promoted
 2 Cassandra City II           27   14   8   5    38   29   +9    50  Playoff
 3 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona       27   15   3   9    53   35  +18    48  Playoff
 4 Tamiat Town                 27   13   8   6    32   29   +3    47  Playoff
 5 Cassandra Cosmopolitan      27   13   7   7    29   18  +11    46  Playoff
 6 Cadonica United             27   13   6   8    34   27   +7    45
 7 Talmusok City               27   14   3  10    25   19   +6    45
 8 Esterhollow Harbor          27   13   5   9    32   19  +13    44
 9 White Tower FC              27   12   8   7    40   28  +12    44
10 AC Opjenheim                27   13   5   9    20   13   +7    44
11 Azure Lane FC               27   12   7   8    33   25   +8    43
12 Hagenheim South End         27   13   3  11    33   27   +6    42
13 Moore Hill Pirates          27   12   6   9    25   22   +3    42
14 West Ellum                  27   11   4  12    38   35   +3    37
15 Sporting Pirankoper         27   10   7  10    35   32   +3    37
16 Hvalsey 08                  27   10   7  10    20   23   −3    37
17 Black Diamond Osterhaut     27    9   9   9    37   38   −1    36
18 Sontafe City                27   11   3  13    41   50   −9    36
19 Chesterton Cottagers        27    9   8  10    19   24   −5    35
20 Atletisk Surpronuk          27    9   7  11    22   20   +2    34
21 Atletisk Östrad             27    9   5  13    34   36   −2    32
22 Olympique Sur Mer           27    8   8  11    20   24   −4    32
23 Coppell City FC             27    7   8  12    20   23   −3    29  Relegated
24 Volmachtia Kaldukosic       27    7   6  14    16   32  −16    27  Relegated
25 Woods of Ypres              27    5   8  14    19   31  −12    23  Relegated
26 Real Bellavista             27    6   5  16    29   60  −31    23  Relegated
27 Grayslake                   27    4  10  13    11   24  −13    22  Relegated
28 SEP Bjarnum                 27    2   8  17    13   41  −28    14  Relegated

Promotion Playoffs
₂Cassandra City II 1-1 (1-1 AET) (1-3 pen.) Cassandra Cosmopolitan₅
₃SC Torpedo Kejsarkona 0-0 (1-1 AET) (3-0 pen.) Tamiat Town₄

Cassandra Cosmopolitan 1-0 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona
Promoted to TredjeLigan: Cassandra Cosmopolitan

   1010 Conference KC             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Seryddwyr Aberaeron             38   23   7   8    77   41  +36    76  Champions | Promoted
 2 Caledon Legion                  38   21  10   7    84   43  +41    73  Promoted
 3 Varvonti Firestorm              38   21   8   9    77   48  +29    71  Playoff
 4 Silk FC                         38   20   7  11    63   39  +24    67  Playoff
 5 Kalloroda United                38   20   6  12    67   49  +18    66  Playoff
 6 IFK Nordön                      38   20   4  14    47   33  +14    64  Playoff
 7 Tornline                        38   19   6  13    44   35   +9    63
 8 Salfa City                      38   16  10  12    34   24  +10    58
 9 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   38   17   6  15    62   49  +13    57
10 Meryuma Marshals                38   16   8  14    49   48   +1    56
11 Murkwaamp Suns                  38   14  10  14    55   51   +4    52
12 FK Pentagram Pjattervid         38   14   9  15    63   75  −12    51
13 Atlético Oterro                 38   14   8  16    50   70  −20    50
14 Usk Town                        38   12  10  16    64   70   −6    46
15 Buscari Bridge Force            38   10  12  16    40   55  −15    42
16 Rhodes Ravens AFC               38   10  10  18    42   59  −17    40
17 Svart-Guld Klingaställe         38   10   7  21    42   61  −19    37  Relegated
18 Treacherous Cove AFC            38    8   9  21    26   55  −29    33  Relegated
19 Real Azuris II                  38    7   7  24    45   80  −35    28  Relegated
20 Borzac Sequins                  38    5  12  21    36   82  −46    27  Relegated

Promotion Playoffs
₂Varvonti Firestorm 0-2 IFK Nordön₅
₃Silk FC 1-0 Kalloroda United₄

IFK Nordön 2-2 (2-2 AET) (3-4 pen.) Silk FC
Promoted to TredjeLigan:

  Lägre Ligan 2 - Klyde    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 CD Panteras Nueces        29   16   8   5    52   31  +21    56  Champions | Promoted
 2 Hamlack Town              29   16   6   7    47   32  +15    54  Promoted
 3 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star   29   16   6   7    36   23  +13    54
 4 VfL Läutenstadt           29   17   2  10    36   25  +11    53
 5 Klyde City                29   15   6   8    43   34   +9    51
 6 Villa Forsetti            29   12  11   6    39   29  +10    47
 7 FC Kviststad              29   12  10   7    45   38   +7    46
 8 Moggington County         29   14   4  11    53   47   +6    46
 9 Wiedna Town               29   13   7   9    34   29   +5    46
10 Interstellar Erurok       29   12  10   7    34   31   +3    46
11 Erpland County            29   11  12   6    20   15   +5    45
12 Lindsborg Premier         29   12   9   8    40   36   +4    45
13 Sadenia Paladins          29   12   8   9    30   26   +4    44
14 Gwerin Athletic           29   11  10   8    36   31   +5    43
15 Maymar Lagune             29   12   7  10    41   38   +3    43
16 Gibwir Marsnal            29   11   8  10    44   39   +5    41
17 Emerald Cove              29   12   4  13    36   32   +4    40
18 Noumen Town               29   12   4  13    36   32   +4    40
19 Ardamirchan Isle United   29   10  10   9    36   35   +1    40
20 Glasbon SC                29    9  10  10    28   28    0    37
21 Cerulia City FC           29   10   7  12    26   26    0    37
22 Oppland 806               29    9   9  11    41   49   −8    36
23 Satyricon Nemeses AFC     29    8   8  13    30   39   −9    32
24 Sólstafir                 29    8   6  15    19   27   −8    30
25 Noths Castle              29    8   5  16    32   44  −12    29
26 Orias-Kvissle SC          29    5  11  13    34   47  −13    26
27 Oxbow Lake                29    4  11  14    42   52  −10    23
28 Flithby Town              29    5   8  16    28   50  −22    23
29 Atletisk Kvelertak        29    4   7  18    24   54  −30    19
30 Klyde II                  29    3   8  18    29   52  −23    17  Relegated

   Lägre Ligan 2 - East     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AFC Wernersburg           29   17   7   5    30   14  +16    58  Champions | Promoted
 2 Chittersbee Rangers       29   15   8   6    35   20  +15    53 Promoted
 3 Paulsendam Town           29   13  11   5    40   23  +17    50
 4 Marshall-Blue FC          29   15   5   9    30   23   +7    50
 5 Ollston Town              29   13  10   6    30   22   +8    49
 6 Cape Dutch Copperheads    29   13   7   9    35   20  +15    46
 7 Mallox II                 29   13   6  10    39   23  +16    45
 8 Wealdheim Bards           29   13   6  10    30   20  +10    45
 9 Interstellar Östrad       29   12   9   8    29   19  +10    45
10 Eastweald II              29   10  14   5    32   19  +13    44
11 Ramusok United II         29   12   7  10    35   25  +10    43
12 OAS Royal FC II           29   12   7  10    25   19   +6    43
13 Somberlain FC             29   12   7  10    25   20   +5    43
14 Dusk Athletic             29   10  12   7    21   24   −3    42
15 Scarromere FC             29   11   6  12    28   30   −2    39
16 East Devellin             29   10   8  11    26   27   −1    38
17 Östrad Rockets FC         29    9  11   9    19   23   −4    38
18 Nabataea                  29   10   8  11    32   49  −17    38
19 1. FC Guggenheim          29   11   4  14    34   39   −5    37
20 FC Kaldukosic II          29    8  12   9    21   25   −4    36
21 IFK Sokuldijak            29    9   8  12    24   27   −3    35
22 IFK Keukenhok             29    9   8  12    27   34   −7    35
23 FC Stellendam             29    8   9  12    19   29  −10    33
24 Sporting Corrian          29    7  11  11    17   27  −10    32
25 Ingleton Town             29    7  10  12    27   31   −4    31
26 AFC Centus                29    7   9  13    19   29  −10    30
27 FC Samotath II            29    7   7  15    14   26  −12    28
28 United FC of Stoneshore   29    7   7  15    19   39  −20    28
29 Zirconim City             29    5  10  14    19   30  −11    25
30 Lewisville Athletic       29    4   8  17    12   37  −25    20

   Lägre Ligan 2 - Central  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sporting Culmar           29   17   6   6    38   20  +18    57  Champions | Promoted
 2 FC Kastanjestad           29   16   7   6    39   20  +19    55  Promoted
 3 Hassaburess Athletic      29   14   9   6    37   24  +13    51
 4 Carnessa County           29   14   7   8    19   11   +8    49
 5 Scarborough               29   14   7   8    26   21   +5    49
 6 Jotungard 99 FC           29   13   8   8    34   23  +11    47
 7 Attemac Wanderers         28   14   5   9    30   23   +7    47
 8 Gladsax Chariot FC        29   12   9   8    27   21   +6    45
 9 Gorgoroth                 29   13   4  12    40   33   +7    43
10 FC Fejd                   29   12   7  10    29   22   +7    43
11 High Noon FC              29   12   7  10    27   24   +3    43
12 Highlanders               29   13   3  13    29   33   −4    42
13 Lykathea City             29   11   8  10    25   23   +2    41
14 Club Toftir               29   12   5  12    28   31   −3    41
15 FC Invierness 912         29   10  10   9    26   28   −2    40
16 Club Varden               29   10   9  10    27   27    0    39
17 SC Cirith 01              29   10   9  10    22   22    0    39
18 Mintwick Marmots          29   11   6  12    26   27   −1    39
19 Malm Town                 29   11   5  13    26   31   −5    38
20 Morponte Fief II          29   10   8  11    23   29   −6    38
21 Rhithlungwerddon Town     29   10   7  12    31   26   +5    37
22 Ajatarra Alligators       29    9  10  10    25   27   −2    37
23 Ombra Castle              29   10   6  13    23   27   −4    36
24 Impera Town               29   10   6  13    22   26   −4    36
25 Keldin Town               29    8   9  12    20   26   −6    33
26 Harlegan Rovers           29    8   7  14    16   25   −9    31
27 Goldsoul FC               29    7   8  14    14   26  −12    29
28 Briquia Southside FC      29    7   6  16    19   39  −20    27
29 Columbia Town             29    6   8  15    26   41  −15    26
30 Austentrapp City FC       29    4   8  17    14   31  −17    20
31 Attamac Wanderers          1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0

   Lägre Ligan 2 - West      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 IFK Karlsborg              29   15  10   4    37   20  +17    55  Champions | Promoted
 2 Ayr Athletic               29   16   6   7    23   13  +10    54  Promoted
 3 Inter Juta                 29   16   5   8    32   21  +11    53
 4 SC Swamport                29   15   7   7    32   22  +10    52
 5 Yellow Meadow Lynwood      29   14   9   6    34   25   +9    51
 6 Stortrommeby Town          29   12  13   4    36   22  +14    49
 7 Red Star Karbosic          29   14   7   8    34   24  +10    49
 8 Falco Na'Diveh             29   14   7   8    20   11   +9    49
 9 Drummond's FC              29   13   9   7    27   15  +12    48
10 FC Va'Lubasa               29   14   5  10    32   22  +10    47
11 Gamma Zakhoro              29   13   8   8    32   27   +5    47
12 Crawford Sharks SC         29   13   7   9    27   16  +11    46
13 FC Arkadius                29   12   9   8    25   24   +1    45
14 Theli City                 29   12   8   9    30   34   −4    44
15 Yuonela Town               29   11   7  11    25   22   +3    40
16 FC Na'Travii               29   10   8  11    27   28   −1    38
17 Bayford City               29   10   8  11    26   28   −2    38
18 Duval Town                 29    8  13   8    22   19   +3    37
19 Thergothon                 29    9  10  10    11   12   −1    37
20 Crawford City FC II        29    9   7  13    20   22   −2    34
21 FC1. Richtofen Avalanche   29    9   6  14    23   31   −8    33
22 Chamomile Town             29    8   8  13    27   30   −3    32
23 Tromsdale Town             29    9   5  15    22   34  −12    32
24 Klovstad Klub              29    8   6  15    18   28  −10    30
25 Na'Malsille Mariners II    29    8   6  15    25   39  −14    30
26 VfL Bolmenstadt            29    8   5  16    21   39  −18    29
27 Rhupenhoven Town           29    6   8  15    18   27   −9    26
28 East Ellum                 29    6   8  15    21   37  −16    26
29 Miklagaard Salvation       29    5   7  17    19   37  −18    22  Relegated
30 Dillinger Town             29    4   6  19    21   38  −17    18  Relegated

   Lägre Ligan 2 - Colonial  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Rexnor District 5          29   17   9   3    35   10  +25    60  Champions | Promoted
 2 Piander Falls FC           29   17   6   6    36   14  +22    57  Promoted
 3 Levithia Shrievenzale      29   15   7   7    35   20  +15    52
 4 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC   29   15   7   7    19    9  +10    52
 5 Whitestone Athletic        29   14   6   9    32   30   +2    48
 6 Templar-Lune FC            29   13   8   8    20   13   +7    47
 7 Aläng FF                   29   13   8   8    30   25   +5    47
 8 Marinus City               29   14   5  10    41   38   +3    47
 9 New Hagenheim Canopy       29   13   7   9    34   22  +12    46
10 Rexnor District 7          29   13   7   9    28   17  +11    46
11 Drahva United              29   12   9   8    34   25   +9    45
12 Orion Wanderers            29   12   8   9    41   30  +11    44
13 FC Dynamo Kurbads          29   12   7  10    35   28   +7    43
14 Snaigow Hoarfrost          29   12   7  10    27   24   +3    43
15 Kreanoltha Vipers          29   12   7  10    22   21   +1    43
16 Ciems Mungonduvia          29   10   9  10    20   16   +4    39
17 Sporting Club Macofor      29   12   3  14    31   36   −5    39
18 Execo Station              29   11   6  12    20   26   −6    39
19 Rexnor District 8          29   10   7  12    25   23   +2    37
20 Tonsei Tumult              29   10   6  13    24   36  −12    36
21 Menoptera United SC        29    8  10  11    12   21   −9    34
22 Romstafar Outpost          29    8   8  13    13   21   −8    32
23 Dockery Union              29    7  10  12    24   28   −4    31
24 NOVIA Alliance             29    8   7  14    22   29   −7    31
25 SC Vronus 510              29    8   6  15    32   45  −13    30
26 Rexnor District 6          29    7   8  14    12   21   −9    29
27 Rexnor District 9          29    6  10  13    25   40  −15    28
28 Tranquility Treepolis      29    6   9  14    23   35  −12    27
29 Fayanora Pontonese         29    6   7  16    22   49  −27    25
30 Rexnor District 4          29    4   6  19    18   40  −22    18

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Oct 28, 2017 4:16 pm

The Cosumar Football League (CFL) is Cosumar's highest level of gridiron football. The CFL was formed in 994, uniting two rival leagues that divided Cosumar for decades: the Cosumar Association of Football (CAF) and Fiefdom Football Alliance (FFA). The CAF became the "Silver Conference", while the FFA became the "Blue Conference". A fierce enmity still lingers between the two groups of teams, which makes the postseason meeting of the two conference champions ("the Dragon Bowl") even more intense. With 17 teams in each conference, the CFL has 34 total teams. Teams play each of their conference opponents once, for a 16-game season. The top eight in each conference advance to a 16-team single elimination playoff, culminating with the Dragon Bowl. The CFL is the second-most popular sporting league in Cosumar behind only Härlighet Ligan ("Glory League") soccer.

Dragon Bowl Champions:
I: Jadde Bruins
II: Kaldukosic Blazers
III: Kaldukosic Kataklysm
IV: Sarmon Spirit
V: Morponte Marauders
VI: Sarmon Spirit (2)
VII: Kaldukosic Blazers (2)
VIII: Morponte Marauders (2)
IX: Zakhoro Wolfpack
X: Versiaville Vikings
XI: Pelethas Thuner
XII: Emerald Cove Conquistadors
XIII: Versiaville Vikings (2)
XIV: _____ _____???

CFL Season XIV (1011) - Regular Season

In the Silver Conference, the defending champs from Versiaville kept on keeping on with another impressive season despite that great title-winning core (Vu'Faka, Trevorrow, Pressham, Zheng) all having now aged into their 30s. Will that catch up with them in the playoffs after a long season? Maybe. The feared spectre of the Marauders won't be there though. Their holes on defense caught up with them and caused Morponte to miss the playoffs for the first time in the CFL era, so the Vikings' main opposition looks to instead be Kenji Toyashimo, Wayne Troumper and the well-rounded Hagenheim Vagabonds. That Olask defense isn't to be trifled with either.

Most neutrals, however, will be pulling for the Flen Jaguars to make some postseason noise. Flen have been such complete shit for so looong. Even the most optimistic fans in the tropical southwest had long since quit hoping that each new rookie quarterback would save them. Until, this year... one did. 23-year-old Joran Hubble, their second-round pick out of nearby Crawford Tech, came in and took command of the team, willing them to nine wins despite a cast of misfits to work with on offense. It's hard not to root for the heartwarming turnaround of CFL's derided bottom-feeders, especially with universally-respected safety Kirum Sexton (long Flen's only decent player) finally getting a deserved chance to experience meaningful football. They still have far too many vulnerabilities to realistically go to the Dragon Bowl, but who knows, maybe they can surprise the Dolphins in the first round.

  Silver Conference           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Wins
 1 Versiaville Vikings          16   13   3   323  254  +69    13
 2 Hagenheim Vagabonds          16   11   5   364  285  +79    11
 3 Olask Dolphins               16   10   6   279  234  +45    10
 4 Centus Owls                  16   10   6   309  328  −19    10
 5 Dawchire Eagles              16    9   7   333  301  +32     9
 6 Flen Jaguars                 16    9   7   318  339  −21     9
 7 Mallox Tigers                16    8   8   310  279  +31     8
 8 Bayford Blue Dragons         16    8   8   307  276  +31     8
------------------------^^^PLAYOFFS^^^------------------------
 9 Morponte Marauders           16    8   8   357  333  +24     8
10 Surpronuk Marsh Monsters     16    8   8   301  302   −1     8
11 Cassandra Wildcats           16    8   8   306  329  −23     8
12 Kaldukosic Kataklysm         16    7   9   272  248  +24     7
13 Keenan Robins                16    7   9   270  326  −56     7
14 Dusk Bearcats                16    6  10   298  335  −37     6
15 Jadde Brutes                 16    6  10   319  370  −51     6
16 Crawford Comrades            16    4  12   276  337  −61     4
17 Altamirano Devils            16    4  12   271  337  −66     4

In the Blue Conference, it was once again all about Emerald Cove. They're #1 seeds again - this time after matching the all-time record at 15-1. Brandon Reigner is a notch above all other CFL quarterbacks right now and one has to think his name will be near the top of the all-time list if he can bring another Dragon Bowl to South Klyde. The Conquistadors' one loss was delivered by the Opjenheim Bulldogs, one of a pair of non-traditional powers, along with the Predators, who spent much of the season near the top of the conference. The Bulldogs and Predators have a similar make-up: quarterbacks long considered good but just below the top tier (veterans Sylvester Marcoux and Francis Hibbert) lifted to new heights by restocked offensive lines and young, feisty defenses (Opjenheim corner Iain O'Somni giving Reigner two of his only four interceptions on the season).

In contrast, some longtime Playoff staples like the Kaldukosic Blazers and Ramusok Stars found themselves on the outside looking in this year and facing the scary possibility of rebuilding. The Mighty Men remained consistent as ever, though, and could be a dark horse in the Playoffs, remembering their last-second 1-point loss to Emerald Cove on the last week of the season. The Pelethas Thunder, meanwhile, managed to weather the retirement of local legend QB Binro Aeoleai and keep their playoff streak intact (albeit just) with young gunslinger Jocke Westerwyk under center.

   Blue Conference             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Wins
 1 Emerald Cove Conquistadors   16   15   1   431  243 +188    15
 2 Helfin Mighty Men            16   11   5   359  260  +99    11
 3 Opjenheim Bulldogs           16   10   6   323  321   +2    10
 4 Stoneshore Predators         16   10   6   312  311   +1    10
 5 Na'Malsille Venom            16    9   7   356  252 +104     9
 6 Zakhoro Wolfpack             16    9   7   314  291  +23     9
 7 Pelethas Thunder             16    8   8   366  291  +75     8
 8 Samaj Spartans               16    8   8   256  242  +14     8
------------------------^^^PLAYOFFS^^^------------------------
 9 Ramusok Stars                16    8   8   262  323  −61     8
10 Hvalsey Lions                16    7   9   276  301  −25     7
11 Kaldukosic Blazers           16    7   9   313  343  −30     7
12 OAS Kingsmen                 16    7   9   291  354  −63     7
13 Azuris Anthrax               16    6  10   285  296  −11     6
14 Sarmon Spirit                16    6  10   283  297  −14     6
15 Klyde Cyclones               16    6  10   290  395 −105     6
16 Pirankoper Cowboys           16    5  11   278  400 −122     5
17 Samotath Scourge             16    4  12   283  358  −75     4

Playoff Fixtures

Silver Conference

₁Versiaville Vikings (13-3) vs. ₈Bayford Blue Dragons (8-8)

₄Centus Owls (10-6) vs. ₅Dawchire Eagles (9-7)

₂Hagenheim Vagabonds (11-5) vs. ₇Mallox Tigers (8-8)

₃Olask Dolphins (10-6) vs. ₆Flen Jaguars (9-7)

Blue Conference

₁Emerald Cove Conquistadores (15-1) vs. ₈Samaj Spartans

₄Stoneshore Predators (10-6) vs. ₅Na'Malsille Venom (9-7)

₂Helfin Mighty Men (11-5) vs. ₇Pelethas Thunder (8-8)

₃Opjenheim Bulldogs (10-6) vs. ₆Zakhoro Wolfpack (9-7)

Finnegan Trophy XI

The most controversial aspect of the regular CFL season is the lack of inter-conference games. Aside from the Dragon Bowl, there is no way for teams from opposite conferences to meet in meaningful games. Purists who preferred the CAF and FFA separate like it that way, but the more casual fans wanted to see the, say, Kataklysm and Blazers clash more often. The league heartily agreed, seeing the profit potential of more such games. To appease both sides, The Finnegan Trophy was introduced. It is a soccer-style cup tournament that runs concurrently to the CFL season. Named after the former coach of of our National Gridirion Team, Gary Finnegan, it features 32 teams (all but the last-place finishers from the prior season) going at it single-elimination style. Silver and Blue Conference teams are randomly pitted against each other in the first round draw, and from there, the chips fall where they may. It's madness, but it's quality entertainment. What's at stake? In addition to prize money, the winning team automatically receives one of Cosumar's allotted spots in international competition (along with the Dragon Bowl victor and the best regular season record from each conference) and an additional draft pick.

Past Winners
I: Kaldukosic Kataklysm
II: Stoneshore Predators
III: Kaldukosic Kataklysm (2)
IV: Bayford Blue Dragons
V: Kaldukosic Blazers
VI: Morponte Marauders
VII: Kaldukosic Blazers (2)
VIII: Na'Malsille Venom
IX: Na'Malsille Venom (2)
X: Azuris Anthrax
XI: __________ _________ ???

>Crawford Comrades             3  7  7 10  27
 Helfin Mighty Men             3  3 10  6  22

 Dawchire Eagles               0 10  0  0  10
>Pelethas Thunder              0  7  3  6  16

 Mallox Tigers                 3  6 10  3  22
>OAS Kingsmen                  3  7  0 14  24

>Dusk Bearcats                 7  7  3  7  24
 Samotath Scourge              0  7  0  3  10

>Versiaville Vikings           3 10  0  7 3  23
 Na'Malsille Venom             3  0 10  7 0  20

 Flen Jaguars                  3  0  0  0   3
>Kaldukosic Blazers           10  6 10 13  39

>Centus Owls                   7  0  6  7  20
 Azuris Anthrax                0  3  3  0   6

 Bayford Blue Dragons          7  3  3 10 0  23
>Hvalsey Lions                10  0  3 10 7  30

 Hagenheim Vagabonds           0  7  0  0   7
>Emerald Cove Conquistadors    3  3  3  7  16

 Morponte Marauders            3  3  7  0  13
>Zakhoro Wolfpack              7  3 24 14  48

 Kaldukosic Kataklysm          3  0  0  3   6
>Ramusok Stars                 3  0 14  3  20

 Surpronuk Marsh Monsters      7  3  7 10  27
>Sarmon Spirit                14  7 14  0  35

 Jadde Brutes                  3  7  0  0  10
>Opjenheim Bulldogs            0  0  7  6  13

 Cassandra Wildcats           14  0  0  0 0  14
>Pirankoper Cowboys            7  7  0  0 3  17

>Keenan Robins                 3  3  0  7  13
 Stoneshore Predators          6  0  0  0   6

 Olask Dolphins                0  7  3  0 0  10
>Samaj Spartans                3  7  0  0 6  16

The Blue Conference dominates, winning 11/16 first round clashes with Silver Conference opposition. Not terribly unexpected, since analysts have been commenting on the disappointing quality of play in the Silver Conference all season. Highlights of the round included the Kingsmen's two-touchdown comeback in the 4th to bounce the Tigers (hail Taron Thalman), Uhtmar Va'Gl's game-winning field goal for the Vikings, Crawford's upset of the Mighty Men, rookie female quarterback Peri Fothergill having her best professional game yet for the Hvalsey Lions, reigning trophyholders Azuris exiting early and Johannes Van Nifterick throwing SIX TDs to humiliate the Marauders and further tarnish their aura of indomitability.

 Crawford Comrades             3  7 10 14  34
>Pelethas Thunder             13 10 10  7  40

>OAS Kingsmen                  3 10  0 14  27
 Dusk Bearcats                10  0  7  7  24

>Versiaville Vikings          10  7  3  3  23
 Kaldukosic Blazers            3  0  3  3   9

 Centus Owls                   7 10  0 10  27
>Hvalsey Lions                10  6 13  0  29

>Emerald Cove Conquistadors   10  3 10 13  36
 Zakhoro Wolfpack              0  6  3  3  12

>Ramusok Stars                14  0  3  3  20
 Sarmon Spirit                 0  0  3  6   9

>Opjenheim Bulldogs            0  7  7  7  21
 Pirankoper Cowboys            6  0  3  0   9

 Keenan Robins                 7  0  0 10  17
>Samaj Spartans               13  6  7  0  26

Ok, wow, yep, it's all about Blue Conference at the moment. All remaining Silver Conference teams besides the Vikings are kicked out of the tournament before the Quarterfinals. Though the OAS Kingsmen were lucky to edge the Bearcats. If Anthony Scarlioni hadn't come down with that spectacular 80-yard juggling reception on the last drive, their quest for their first Final would've been dead in the water.

>Pelethas Thunder              7  6 14  0  27
 OAS Kingsmen                  0  7  7  0  14

>Versiaville Vikings           7 10 10  0  27
 Hvalsey Lions                 0  0 21  0  21

 Emerald Cove Conquistadors    3  3  3 10  19
>Ramusok Stars                10  7  0 14  31

 Opjenheim Bulldogs            0  7  0  3  10
>Samaj Spartans                6  0  3  7  16

The Vikings keep Silver Conference alive in the competition, Tom Tin penetrating Hvalsey's line time and time again to snuff out Peri Fothergill's Finnegan Trophy magic. Favorites Emerald Cove also crash out, victims of a vengeful performance from the Stars, who let out their frustration with their disappointing CFL season. Meanwhile, the Samaj Spartans defense continues to be sneaky good. They sacked Sylvester Marcoux seven times in this one to secure a semifinal date with Garron Holland & the aforementioned Ramusok Stars.

 Pelethas Thunder        3 10  0  0  13
>Versiaville Vikings     0  7  0  7  14

 Ramusok Stars           7  0  0  9  16
>Samaj Spartans          7 14  3  7  31

The Spartan defense stars again, rookie linebacker Thorin Cherufin making his name known to the Fiefdom on the big stage. He was a top ten pick for a reason, and he lived up to it with his explosive closedown speed shutting off Ramusok's running game in the backfield. On the other side of the ball, Aman Na'Vibe was in fine form, hooking up with favorite target Devin Ferris for three air strikes. They'll play the defending Dragon Bowl champions in the Finnegan Trophy Final, as the Vikings continue to carry the torch for their conference. Pelethas back Sawyer Granlund fumbled in the red zone with two minutes remaining to hand the game to Versiaville.

Versiaville Vikings    10  0  3  3  16
Samaj Spartans          7  3  0 13  23

Silver Conference vs. Blue Conference in the Finnegan Final, just as it should be! The Vikings started on the front foot, Vu'Faka clinical in leading his team down the field on the opening drive and hitting Thomen Hanfstaengl on a slant for the early touchdown. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else to cheer about for Versiaville after that. Once they found their balance again after that early sucker punch, the Samaj Spartans defense went on lockdown mode. Linebacker Thorin Cherufin was superman in middle of the field again and seasoned edge rusher Mathias Grishnackh put in a vintage performance with two sacks - one of which caused Vu'Faka to fumble. They bent in the second half, allowing two field goals, but - crucially - did not break. That allowed the Spartans' relatively average offense to do just enough to secure the win late. Running back Darrelius Diggs was finally able to wear the Vikings down in the fourth quarter and rushed for 62 of his 87 yards and the winning touchdown in that final frame.

The SAMAJ SPARTANS have won the eleventh Finnegan Trophy! It is the Spartans' first trophy in modern history, and the fifth consecutive Finnegan Trophy to go to the Blue Conference, which now takes a 7-4 advantage over Silver Conference in the history of this tournament.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Oct 29, 2017 2:16 am

CFL Season XIV (1011) - Playoffs

It's that time again. Of the 34 teams that began the season with bright aspiration, fewer than half remain with their goal of winning the Dragon Bowl intact. Making the postseason is a great accomplishment, but only one team will end the season completely satisfied. It's time CFL Playoffs time! Single-elimination. No mercy. No second-chances.

First Round

SILVER CONFERENCE

₁Versiaville Vikings           0  3  7  0  10
₈Bayford Blue Dragons         10  0  3  3  16

₄Centus Owls                   6  0  0 10  16
₅Dawchire Eagles               3  3 10 10  26

₂Hagenheim Vagabonds           7  0 10  3  20
₇Mallox Tigers                 6  3  7 10  26

₃Olask Dolphins                7  6  0  7  20
₆Flen Jaguars                  0 14  0  3  17

Man, the CFL Playoffs. So unpredictable to the point of being predictable. Whatever you think should happen, bet on the opposite. The Vagabonds and defending champion Vikings, easily the best two Silver Conference teams this season, are out at the first hurdle. Bayford and Mallox chose this occasion to play their best football of the season. In fact, the 3-seed Olask Dolphins are the only favorites that actually did defeat their underdog opposition, though they needed a punt return TD with 1:32 left to do it.

BLUE CONFERENCE

₁Emerald Cove Conquistadors   10  7  3  3  23
₈Samaj Spartans                7  7 10  0  24

₄Stoneshore Predators          3  3  7  7  20
₅Na'Malsille Venom            17  3 13  7  40

₂Helfin Mighty Men             3  3 10 10  26
₇Pelethas Thunder              7  7  0  0  14

₃Opjenheim Bulldogs           10  0  0  7  17
₆Zakhoro Wolfpack              7  7  0  6  20

This isn't even surprising anymore, man. Same thing over in the Blue Conference. Despite their historic 15-1 season, the Conquistadors didn't learn from last year's shock first round loss and suffered the same fate again. By contrast, new contenders Opjenheim and Stoneshore suffered from their playoff inexperience, the latter pulverized by Offensive Player of the Year Ra'ef Nimmo-Dirksen and his electric Venom offense. The Helfin Mighty Men now look to be the team to beat in the whole tournament. The Blue Conference #2s are now the highest remaining seed and looked dominant in the second half against Pelethas. Aided by airtight blocking, Maldoror Dvaine gashed the Thunder for 5+ yards seemingly every time he touched the ball.

Conference Semifinals

SILVER CONFERENCE

₅Dawchire Eagles         3  7  0  3  13
₈Bayford Blue Dragons    6  7  7  3  23

₃Olask Dolphins          7  0  0  7  14
₇Mallox Tigers           9  0 10  0  19

Seriously, what the fuck. The higher seeds are cursed. The lowest two seeds (both 8-8) make the conference final. Could we really see another 8-8 champion already? Despite causing madness in gambler-land, these Silver Conference games were rather short on excitement. The highlight was probably Blue Dragons tight end Lucas Castillo's one-handed TD grab in the back of the endzone in the 3rd quarter, Jarvan Voger's throw perfectly dropping over his shoulder.

BLUE CONFERENCE

₅Na'Malsille Venom       7 14  6  3  30
₈Samaj Spartans          3  0  0  0   3

₂Helfin Mighty Men       3  7  3  3  16
₆Zakhoro Wolfpack        6  3  7  7  23

Na'Malsille are on an absolute tear. 70 points in their two playoff games so far. Led by dual-threat QB dynamo Nimmo-Dirksen, their offense has been spectacular all year. The difference is that their defense is chipping in points now too (three defensive TDs in these two games). That unit is really putting it all together at the right time. As soon as Kol Chessmore punched the ball out of Aman Na'Vibe's hand mid-throw and Cygnus Cason recovered it in the endzone for the game's opening touchdown, all of the Spartans' momentum from upsetting Emerald Cove evaporated. In the other game, Zakhoro's aging stars showed the hostile Helfin crowd that old dogs can still bite. Johannes van Nifterick undeniably has the clutch gene and was heroic for the Wolfpack in the second half.

Conference Championship Games

SILVER CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

₇Mallox Tigers           0  7  3  10 9  29
₈Bayford Blue Dragons    7  0  3 10 15  37

Definitely not a game the promoters wanted on paper, but it delivered plenty of excitement. After a 20-20 regulation, those who did tune in witnessed one of the most remarkable overtimes in CFL history. Bayford scored a field goal on the opening drive. Mallox matched it to continue overtime. Bayford marched down the field for another field goal. Mallox matched it again. And so it went three times. Six consecutive field goal drives - both teams good enough to keep fighting back but neither quite good enough to actually win. Until, finally, Bayford found the endzone for the win on the seventh drive of overtime! Rookie running back Krigel Tunicks caught a simple screen pass on the left and brushed off three would-be tacklers from the exhausted Tigers defense before scampering 33 yards down the sideline and past the pylon. BBB are back in the Dragon Bowl for the first time in a decade.

BLUE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

₅Na'Malsille Venom       0  0 10  3  13
₆Zakhoro Wolfpack        0  6  0  0   6

...And then there's this game. Van Nifterick leaves the game in the first quarter after a bruising piledriver of a hit from Cason and the Wolfpack were simply never able to generate any rhythm without their talisman. The Venom weren't entirely convincing on offense either against a defiant Wolfpack defense that wouldn't give up, but they do enough to cruise.

DRAGON BOWL XIV

We thought last year was an anomaly, but apparently not! This match-up ties that record of fewest combined wins of any Dragon Bowl pairing to date as the 8-seed Bayford Blue Dragons (8-8) out of Silver Conference prepare to take on the 5-seed Na'Malsille Venom (9-7) in Ramusok. Both are quality veteran teams that underachieved by their standards in the regular season, but have caught fire here in the postseason. That's all it takes if you have the talent. Get healthy and get hot at the right time. Bayford are looking to become the second 8-8 team to win the Dragon Bowl after the Vikings were the first last year. Both teams have played in the big game before, but not in awhile (the Venom in Dragon Bowl V, the Blue Dragons not since Dragon Bowl VI)... and neither have won. Both fanbases are eager for their first taste of the ultimate gridiron glory. This Venom team, though, does have silverware from their back-to-back Finnegan Trophies a couple years ago. That experience could give them the edge.

Will the Blue Dragons breathe fire like the old pre-CFL days or will the Venom poison their dreams?

...

...

...

Bayford Blue Dragons    3  7  0  3  13
Na'Malsille Venom       0  3  7  0  10

After a nervy first quarter with some palpable stage fright from both teams, the Blue Dragons finally cracked the first big blow with 9:10 left in the 2nd. Jarvan Voger hit Lou Fruithandler streaking across the middle of the field on a slant route on 3rd & 1 from the 33, and the elusive slot receiver broke free into the Venom secondary hurdled safety Wes Benton into the endzone! 10-0! The Venom would tack on a long field goal just before half time to make it a one-possession game as the football stars made way for the pop stars at halftime.

It was the Venom's turn to deliver a strike when play finally resumed. After a long, methodical drive from their own 8, it was a bit of trickery that finally put Na'Malsille in the endzone - an end-around reverse to physical receiver Shutoku Na'Poku fooling the Bayford defense. Na'Poku was able to turn the corner and barrel into the corner of the endzone from 15 yards out. 10-10! At this point, it was anyone's game, anyone's title. All 100k+ in Crowley Memorial Stadium could feel it. And it is at points such as this when it is, in fact, defenses that win championships. Both stepped up to lock down the game, aggressively flying to the ball and making it very difficult for either offense to make much headway. But in the end, only one would be able to make a decisive play to win the game.

With 5:10 remaining in the 4th quarter and both benches restless as the Venom pushed into the outskirts of field goal range, Bayford Blue Dragons nose tackle Frampton Scott shedded the center's block with an explosive spin move and suddenly found himself on top of Nimmo-Dirksen before the fleet-footed Venom quarterback had a chance to scramble. His walloping tackle jarred the ball loose from the unexpecting Nimmo-Dirksen and it squirted out just before he hit the ground. For a few tantalizing seconds, the ball sat there next to the two players, unnoticed and unclaimed! Millions screamed at their TVs, trying to tell their team to fall on the ball before it was too late. Bayford's Lothar Grunstein was the first to react, charging in like a bull and trying to scoop the ball. However, the lumbering defensive lineman only managed to knock the ball further into the backfield and extend the frantic sequence. With all 22 players now making a beeline for the ball, it was original sacker Scott who got there first, actually managing to successfully pick it up and head the other way. The veteran big man was never going to make it 70 yards to the opposite endzone, but he did manage to rumble all the way inside the 15 before three Venom players finally dragged him down! Huuuuuge.

The Blue Dragons were unable to fully capitalize and settled for a field goal to give themselves a 13-10 lead with four minutes left. It ended up being enough. On the Venom's final drive, it was Frampton Scott who again came up with a sack on 4th & 15, his second of the night, to end the game.

The BAYFORD BLUE DRAGONS are the Dragon Bowl XIV Champions! They are now 1-1 in Dragon Bowls, while the Na'Malsille Venom disappointingly fall to 0-2. After their conference rival Vikings last season, the Blue Dragons are now the second team without a regular season winning record (8-8) to win the Dragon Bowl. Are structural changes needed to better reward regular season performance? Perhaps a return to the old 12-team playoff with first-round byes? A more radical change? The CFL Rules Committee will be busy this summer. Regardless, congratulations to the City of Bayford - in particular 34-year-old franchise QB Jarvan Voger who has turned down numerous offers from "better teams" out of loyalty - and commiserations to Na'Malsille Fief on coming painstakingly close to that Dragon Bowl trophy again. The Blue Dragons' victory erases the rest of Blue Conference's lead over Silver Conference in the history of the championship meeting, with the two collections of franchises now even at 7-7.

Post-Season Awards

Season MVP: Brandon Reigner (QB, Emerald Cove Conquistadors)
Dragon Bowl MVP: Frampton Scott (DT, Bayford Blue Dragons)
Offensive Player of the Year: Ra'ef Nimmo-Dirksen (QB, Na'Malsille Venom)
Defensive Player of the Year: Alex Na'Tomis (CB, Olask Dolphins)
Foreign Player of the Year: Tom Tin (DT, Versiaville Vikings, Schottia)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Joran Hubble (QB, Flen Jaguars)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Thorin Cherufin (MLB, Samaj Spartans)

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 12:34 am

Basketball is one of Cosumar's "Big 3" team sports, after Association and Gridiron Football. Our top professional league, the Cosumar Basketball Association (CBA), can be considered one of the top leagues in the Multiverse. It supplies talent to the Cosumar national team, which has won the International Basketball Championships. Individual CBA teams have also had international success. In the old days, cornerstone franchise Kaldukosic Krushers would represent Cosumar in the IBC themselves. More recently, the Dusk Wolfpack won the last edition of the IUBC Multiverse Trophy.

Following the NBA model, the CBA consists of 32 teams. 16 in the Eastern Conference and 16 in the Western Conference, though the West also includes teams from Cosumar's extraterrestrial colonies because it's less populous than the East. After a season of 62 games, the top eight teams in each conference advance to a playoff for the CBA Title. Best of 5 series in the playoffs until the Conference Finals, when it transitions to Best of 7. Here's how the recent 1010 season turned out:

Season VII (1010)

The Eastern Conference was top-heavy this year, with truly elite Krushers and Flames teams getting into an arms race for wins and the SeaDevils and Ocelots solid squads a notch down.....but not much else in the rest of the conference. Feel free to prove us wrong in the Playoffs, Tozin Summata and Mallox Mavericks. You too, defending champs Gundar Basket.

  Eastern Conference     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Kaldukosic Krushers     62   50  12  5063 4391 +672   150
 2 Cassandra Flames        62   49  13  5148 4365 +783   147
 3 Stoneshore SeaDevils    62   45  17  4925 4508 +417   135
 4 OAS Ocelots             62   43  19  4923 4360 +563   129
 5 Dawchire Rage           62   39  23  4817 4572 +245   117
 6 Overkill BC             62   37  25  4899 4603 +296   111
 7 Mallox Mavericks        62   36  26  4723 4567 +156   108
 8 Gundar Basket           62   35  27  4759 4523 +236   105
-----------------------------^PLAYOFFS^-------------------------
 9 Havok du Kaldukosic     62   31  31  4676 4616  +60    93
10 North Klyde Imps        62   28  34  4668 4843 −175    84
11 Ramusok Empire          62   28  34  4570 4876 −306    84
12 Samotath Slayers        62   18  44  4390 4904 −514    54
13 Östrad Spacefolk        62   16  46  4550 5078 −528    48
14 Altamirano Artillery    62   16  46  4404 4970 −566    48
15 Parougan Plague         62   15  47  4420 4976 −556    45
16 South Klyde Sparks      62   13  49  4399 5120 −721    39

Led by MVP point guard Warren Cross, the Goldstaff Lightning virtually wrapped up the Western Conference halfway through the season and cruised to a ten-game cushion over Amanda Inyuta & the second-seed Heathens. Sitting in 4th, the finally-healthy Dusk Wolfpack will be the popular dark horse pick in the playoffs as they aim to get back to the CBA Finals and avenge their shortcoming last time 'round. Finally, our hearts go out to the Olask Tentacles, who lost out on the playoffs on the final game of the season despite a strong season, six games above .500. If only Olask Island was on the other side of Cosumarus... maybe then they wouldn't have those funny accents either.

  Western Conference     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Goldstaff Lightning     62   50  12  4950 4398 +552   150
 2 Helfin Fief Heathens    62   40  22  4808 4476 +332   120
 3 Dusk Wolfpack           62   40  22  4796 4468 +328   120
 4 Crawford Cormorants     62   38  24  5070 4616 +454   114
 5 Na'Malsille Maelstrom   62   38  24  4791 4493 +298   114
 6 Jotungard Giants        62   35  27  4738 4505 +233   105
 7 Mortim Morbid Angels    62   34  28  4658 4541 +117   102
 8 Pirankoper Kings        62   34  28  4592 4589   +3   102
-----------------------------^PLAYOFFS^-------------------------
 9 Olask Tentacles         62   34  28  4592 4600   −8   102
10 Culmarland Warmasters   62   28  34  4581 4795 −214    84
11 Rexnor Skyforgers       62   26  36  4570 4708 −138    78
12 Versiaville Voyagers    62   23  39  4507 4784 −277    69
13 Fort Archer Guerillas   62   22  40  4453 4906 −453    66
14 Zakhoro Porcupines      62   20  42  4513 4815 −302    60
15 Pelethas Mastodons      62   16  46  4416 4899 −483    48
16 Flen Sorcerers          62   15  47  4427 4931 −504    45

CBA Playoffs First Round

East 1v8
Kaldukosic Krushers 84–71 Gundar Basket
Kaldukosic Krushers 80–77 Gundar Basket
Kaldukosic Krushers 92–94 Gundar Basket
Kaldukosic Krushers 72–72 (79–84 OT) Gundar Basket
Kaldukosic Krushers 89–69 Gundar Basket

#1 Kaldukosic Krushers advance 3-2 after a heck of a test from the wounded champs


East 4v5
OAS Ocelots 74–78 Dawchire Rage
OAS Ocelots 61–68 Dawchire Rage
OAS Ocelots 94–66 Dawchire Rage
OAS Ocelots 101–80 Dawchire Rage
OAS Ocelots 81–66 Dawchire Rage

#4 OAS Ocelots advance 3-2, roaring to life after a torrid start 


East 2v7
Cassandra Flames 71–72 Mallox Mavericks
Cassandra Flames 83–69 Mallox Mavericks
Cassandra Flames 66–73 Mallox Mavericks
Cassandra Flames 98–43 Mallox Mavericks
Cassandra Flames 84–57 Mallox Mavericks

#2 Cassandra Flames advance 3-2, overcoming some lucky breaks for Mallox in Games 1 & 3

East 3v6
Stoneshore SeaDevils 77–72 Overkill BC
Stoneshore SeaDevils 70–72 Overkill BC
Stoneshore SeaDevils 113–68 Overkill BC
Stoneshore SeaDevils 84–60 Overkill BC

#3 Stoneshore SeaDevils advance 3-1


----------------------------------------------


West 1v8
Goldstaff Lightning 81–68 Pirankoper Kings
Goldstaff Lightning 86–64 Pirankoper Kings
Goldstaff Lightning 79–66 Pirankoper Kings

#1 Goldstaff Lightning advance 3-0, making quick work of poor Pirankoper


West 4v5
Crawford Cormorants 77–71 Na'Malsille Maelstrom
Crawford Cormorants 75–89 Na'Malsille Maelstrom
Crawford Cormorants 83–68 Na'Malsille Maelstrom
Crawford Cormorants 62–60 Na'Malsille Maelstrom

#4 Crawford Cormorants advance 3-1 from a juicy rivalry, Alvin Kuhn's buzzer-beater sealing it in four


West 2v7
Helfin Fief Heathens 71–75 Mortim Morbid Angels
Helfin Fief Heathens 91–90 Mortim Morbid Angels
Helfin Fief Heathens 68–71 Mortim Morbid Angels
Helfin Fief Heathens 69–62 Mortim Morbid Angels
Helfin Fief Heathens 67–72 Mortim Morbid Angels

#7 Mortim MorbidAngels advance 3-2, the first upset of the playoffs. Oddly, the away team won each game.


West 3v6
Dusk Wolfpack 99–70 Jotungard Giants
Dusk Wolfpack 95–82 Jotungard Giants
Dusk Wolfpack 92–82 Jotungard Giants

#3 Dusk Wolfpack advance 3-0, determined to get back to the CBA Finals.

Second Round

East 1v4
Kaldukosic Krushers 77–83 OAS Ocelots
Kaldukosic Krushers 82–81 OAS Ocelots
Kaldukosic Krushers 77–77 (84–87 OT) OAS Ocelots 
Kaldukosic Krushers 89–68 OAS Ocelots
Kaldukosic Krushers 68–73 OAS Ocelots

#4 OAS Ocelots advance 3-2, toppling the Eastern Conference favorites. Game 3=instant classic.

East 2v3
Cassandra Flames 72–61 Stoneshore SeaDevils
Cassandra Flames 63–91 Stoneshore SeaDevils
Cassandra Flames 76–72 Stoneshore SeaDevils
Cassandra Flames 67–77 Stoneshore SeaDevils
Cassandra Flames 94–75 Stoneshore SeaDevils

#2 Cassandra Flames advance 3-2, taking care of home court advantage to see it through.

----------------------------------------------

West 1v4
Goldstaff Lightning 65–88 Crawford Cormorants
Goldstaff Lightning 64–71 Crawford Cormorants
Goldstaff Lightning 82–91 Crawford Cormorants

#4 Crawford Cormorants advance 3-0. Stunningly, it wasn't even particularly close. No more #1s.

West 3v7
Dusk Wolfpack 71–58 Mortim Morbid Angels
Dusk Wolfpack 77–76 Mortim Morbid Angels
Dusk Wolfpack 67–79 Mortim Morbid Angels
Dusk Wolfpack 100–75 Mortim Morbid Angels

#3 Dusk Wolfpack advance 3-1, a savvy team unfazed by Mortim's plucky tactics.

Conference Finals

East Finals (2v4)
Cassandra Flames 70–99 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 84–68 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 89–71 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 78–72 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 76–80 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 95–76 OAS Ocelots

#2 Cassandra Flames advance 4-2 to the CBA Finals for the first time in team history. Deserved.


West Finals (3v4)
Dusk Wolfpack 67–61 Crawford Cormorants
Dusk Wolfpack 79–77 Crawford Cormorants
Dusk Wolfpack 85–76 Crawford Cormorants
Dusk Wolfpack 75–70 Crawford Cormorants

#3 Dusk Wolfpack advance 4-0, securing precious extra days of rest ahead of the Finals.

CBA FINALS!

East Champion v West Champion

Cassandra Flames 65–68 Dusk Wolfpack
Cassandra Flames 77–73 Dusk Wolfpack

Cassandra Flames 82–89 Dusk Wolfpack
Cassandra Flames 72–43 Dusk Wolfpack
Cassandra Flames 65–92 Dusk Wolfpack

Cassandra Flames 84–71 Dusk Wolfpack
Cassandra Flames 78–83 Dusk Wolfpack

What an incredible, back-and-forth series! It was a roller-coaster of emotions for both fanbases, from the tight first two games in Cassandra that they split, to the extreme changes of momentum in games 3-5 in Dusk, to the epic final two games back in Cassandra in which the Wolfpack managed to get the one win they needed in two chances. You have to think that the Wolfpack's recent knockout IUBC success gave them the a mental edge and confidence going into this series despite Cassandra's dominant season. 31-year-old star guard Rugian Na'Rel proved he's still at the peak of his game with several legendary performances, including 39 points in Game 5. He's won an IBC, he's won an IUBC trophy and now, finally, he has won the CBA Finals. Congrats to DUSK WOLFPACK - who are hereby crowned 1010 CBA Champions! At long last, it is the first time a Western Conference team has won the CBA Finals, ending a decade of eastern hoops dominance.

Finals MVP: Rugian Na'Rel (PG, Dusk Wolfpack)
Regular Season MVP: Warren Cross (PG, Goldstaff Lightning) 
Scoring Champion: Chadrak Kvotirkoy (SF, Cassandra Flames)
Defensive Player of the Year: Case Scanlon (PF, Goldstaff Lightning)
Sixth Man of the Year: Benjamin Seymour (SF, Stoneshore SeaDevils)
Most Improved Player: Ovu Va'Devu (C, Na'Malsille Maelstrom)
Coach of the Year: Jakk Ninky (Kaldukosic Krushers)

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 2:08 am

LEAGUE CYCLE XXIII PREVIEW (Year 1011)

It's unbelievable that we're entering the 23rd full season since the FSF reorganized and re-energized Cosumarite domestic soccer with the CosumarLigan system. Here's how it works: 256 clubs compete across five professional tiers and in the annual King's Cup. The top three tiers, the Härlighet Ligan, Sekundar Ligan and Tredje Ligan (collectively "CosumarLigan") are the smallest and most prestigious. Below them, two parallel Conferences that comprise the fourth tier. It's a precipitous drop from there to the several large regional competitions that fall under the umbrella of the fifth tier. That's where a lot of semi-pro teams start to bleed in. But at least four fully professional tiers is more than past Cosumarite generations could have ever dreamed for.

Thanks to the implementation of this contemporary “CosumarLigan” pyramid structure and FSF incentives to develop youth, the quality has visibly improved at each level of the pyramid - not just in the Härlighet Ligan. The Sekundar Ligan on its own could arguably be a UICA Top 35 league now, as evidenced by three different clubs going to the SBCC Final in recent years. But now, without further ado, let’s get to what you’re here for. A preview of where each Härlighet Ligan team stands ahead of the 23rd season. Enjoy!

Map of Current Clubs:

Overview of Past Winners:
I: OAS Royal FC
II: OAS Royal FC (2)
III: Mallox
IV: Mallox (2)
V: OAS Royal FC (3)
VI: Mallox (3)
VII: OAS Royal FC (4)
VIII: Ramusok United
IX: Klyde
X: Real Azuris
XI: Real Azuris (2)
XII: Cassandra City
XIII: Mallox (4)
XIV: Ramusok United (2)
XV: Cassandra City (2)
XVI: Real Azuris (3)
XVII: Real Azuris (4)
XVIII: Real Azuris (5)
XIX: Cassandra City (3)
XX: Real Azuris (6)
XXI: Cassandra City (4)
XXII: Real Azuris (7)
XXIII: __________ ???

7 - Real Azuris
4 – OAS Royal FC
4 – Mallox
4 - Cassandra City
2 – Ramusok United
1 – Klyde

REAL AZURIS
Azuris, South Klyde Fief

Nickname: Breakers
Founded: 962
Ground: Massemord Stadium (42,243)
Manager:

Collette Sade (49)

Transfers In: Kurt Wolff (Pelethas United $5.25m), Wizzard Mormentor (Wofford Town $5m), Teor Rwang (IFK Aldenskoett $1m), Mbdiai Akarenaa (Exton FC), Alfred Tidesson (promoted), Chandler Clorfeine (promoted)

Transfers Out: Stig Söderquist (Brinemouth $15m), Astor Zigfield (Helfin Fief $1m), Cosmo Coppelian (Duredain Barricade free), Peder Hardwick (retired), Phioricus Jernigan (retired), Maurice Gaspin (retired)

First XI (4-3-3):

Ozuna (32) -

Lindberg (33),

Wolff (22),

Milani (36),

Chisenhall (27 C) -

Mormentor (27),

Akarenaa (25),

Sybill (30) -

Ojala (21),

Arrowsword (22),

Tidesson (19)

Key Reserves: Grier (DF/30), A. Tidesson (CB/18), Biondi (LB/23), Antúnes (CM/20), Bowditch (RW/30), Fraser (LW/35), Rwang (ST/28)
Kit Details: Home kit is a redesign of the 'ole tidal wave that has long swept over the top of the shirt. They also sport a slick away kit with a wave-themed sash. Azuris also save a bold alternate for special times: rainbow. A high-tech fabric gives off the appearance of misty rainbow light, as you'd see shimmering by a waterfall.

Preview: As another Härlighet Ligan season dawns, the first question that must be asked is whether anybody can stop Real Azuris from winning their sixth title in eight years. The rest of the HL is dying to end this era of Azurian hegemony, and if there was ever going to be a clear window for that to happen, this might be it. After sacrificing 1009 to pursue myriad international glories, the secret to Real's return to domestic dominance last season (and they truly were dominant, with the joint-highest point total in league history) was their year-to-year continuity. On the pitch. In the dressing room. In the roster and tactics. But that continuity is now threatened...if not shattered. Two weeks after lifting the trophy, celebrated manager Lujendra Mescalin shocked Cosumar by announcing his desire to take on a new challenge at Brinemouth. Even worse, he took homegrown midfield centerpiece (and future Cosumar captain?) Stig Söderquist with him. Ouch, double-whammy. Key staff figures like strategic mastermind Spimoc Na'Amoseh, who accepted the head job at Tir Snake Strike, took this as their cue to move on too. Like dominos, much of the veteran depth decided it was time for them to clear out as well. Given the sudden upheaval, it's no surprise that the board turned to "one of their own" in Collette Sade to salvage continuity. A former Mescalin assistant and disciple of his expansive 4-3-3, Sade now returns to Azuris to take his place.

Some of the panic coming from Real Azuris fans might be a bit overblown. She led Keenan Athletic to promotion, and an impressive HL debut last season, with a near-identical system. Now, Söderquist or no Söderquist, Sade is handed a trove of remaining talent that would make most managers green with envy. She has Sandra Sybill, the catalyst of last season's dominance and the deserved Player of the Year in the eyes of many. She has the league's best goalkeeper and right back. She has a slew of young talent led by center forward Andrew Arrowsword, right wing prodigy Bryger Tidesson and smooth-as-silk Anglatian Hakki Ojala. These three figure to reinvent Azuris going forward this season. Arrowsword is the veteran of the group at 22 and, while familiar faces like Sean Fraser and Ronan Bowditch are still around to chip in, it's squarely on the Cenian's (very large) shoulders to lead the front three now. If they're going to repeat, they need him to score goals consistently and bring others into the attack. As a champion of youth, Sade is also likely to give opportunities to some of the key players from Real's Youth Cup-winning team, like potential Söderquist proxy Chandler Clorfeine, crafty playmaker Hidalgo Antúnes and centre-half Alfred Tidesson (the second of five Tidesson siblings in their academy). She also has some new faces to beef up the squad with. Real Azuris were aggressive in the transfer market this offseason, buying defensive reinforcements in Wizzard Mormentor and Pelethas stud Kurt Wolff, and versatile Turori international Mbdiai Akarenaa should add some grease to the midfield. So, yeah, don't recite any eulogies for the Age of Azuris just yet. The man who brought 10 trophies to South Klyde - including the biggest one of them all - might be gone. Okay. It might be a transitional year roster-wise. Sure. But this team still has the ingredients needed to win silverware both domestically and abroad.
Last Season: Champions (23-7-4). Prediction: 3rd.

SAMAJ FC
Samaj, Culmarland Fief

Nickname: Hunters
Founded: 906
Ground: Stadion Jägare (32,000)
Manager:

Luis Varezzi (62)

Transfers In: Elias Møller (Dinamo Visånd $6m), Astrid Palmqvist (Eastweald $3.5m), Maynard Gorham (1860 Azoth $2m)
Transfers Out: Lucien Marmor-Lavie (Ramusok United $4m)

First XI (4-2-3-1):

Maston (25) -

Cartensen (31),

Jakoljevic (23),

Roijacker (36),

Palmqvist (22) -

Phillips (24),

Valfar (32 C) -

Del Arro (26),

Møller (23),

Sigurjónsdóttir (24) -

Zeale-Riddick (21)

Key Reserves: Gorham (LB/34), Kristiansen (CB/32), Erakin (CB/21), Pearson (DM/27), Gutinho (AM/31), Columbine (AM/28), Rowe (CF/34)
Kit Details: Their home kit (pictured right) features their iconic diagonal-split shirt and burnt-orange shorts. Their away kit this year is solid of the shade of dark yellow found on the collar to the right, with burnt-orange lettering.

Preview: It was a dream season for the Culmar side, and they look adamant on more fairytales. Last year, this publication wrote that "Samaj FC are a good side, but not quite a great one". We stand corrected. This is a great team. 65 points would've won the league in some years. Their star players have grown up together out on the western plains, and now they've truly announced themselves to the Multiverse. It was an anxious transfer window for the fans, but the club's firm stance regarding those key players means that the core of last season's turbo-powered charge into the Champions' Cup places remains intact. Some high-profile arrivals will keep the established guard on their toes and provide needed depth for a UICA run, with two particularly dynamic acquisitions in Astrid Palmqvist and record signing Elias Møller set to feature prominently. Samaj FC isn't accustomed to shelling out $6m for one player or able to make it a habit, so they need Møller to be a hit. With his strength, quickness and eye for the killer pass, he certainly has the tools to be another valuable arrow in the Hunters' bow. Manning that bow is Luis Varezzi, whose managerial stock continues to rise as he continues to upset the applecart, taking Samaj higher up the table with every passing season. Following that pattern, Samaj FC have no choice but to win the league this year! While we don't think that will happen, we wouldn't put anything past them at this point. They're no longer cute little underdogs - Samaj are a force to be reckoned with. Yet, for all Varezzi's brilliance and all the creative charm of their attacking midfield, Samaj's 2nd-place campaign was too dependent on the surreal form of one player for my tastes. Everybody surely knows by now that young striker Vega Zeale-Riddick broke Anders Engström's goalscoring record with a whopping 32 in 34. Look, Zeale-Riddick is unquestionably a fantastic forward. She's big and athletic, instinctive in the box and enjoys a near-telepathic connection with wing duo Rachel Del Arro and Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir. But is she really 30-goals-a-season good? Or was last season an aberration that she will never be able to match? Likely the latter. If that's the case and she scores, say, 20 goals this season... will that be enough to sustain title contention again? Varezzi will probably need Del Arro, Sigurjónsdóttir or x-factor Møller to step up and contribute more goals from midfield to make up the difference. Or, who knows, maybe "VZR" will break her own record and Samaj FC will make us all look like fools again. With tough, gritty professionals like Valfar, Niels Roijacker and Tomi Jakoljevic in the back, it's not like the Hunters need more than a goal or two per game to win.
Last Season: 2nd (19-8-7). Prediction: 4th.

EASTWEALD
Yambridge, Gellano Fief

Nickname: Elves
Founded: 704
Ground: Old Weldenskirgen (43,209)
Manager:

Monica Brightwater (52)

Transfers In: Eric Bambic (Llara Llera $10m), Brevin Scott (Barbury Town $2.3m), Jagoda Kovačević (CA Paulinthal free), Dexter Tricklebank (Corrian High School), Amalia Del Angel (promoted)
Transfers Out: Astrid Palmqvist (Samaj FC $3.5m), Dex Delklind (retired), Orion Black (retired), Rook Klinsmann (retired)

First XI (4-4-2):

Hernandez (31) -

Pawlukiewicz (32),

Bambic (25),

Jefferson (31),

Sorenson (30) -

Velasquez (25),

Mordini (27),

de Marisco (33 C),

Morrison (33) -

Cossadel (32),

Amokachi (29)

Key Reserves: Brankussen (GK/27), Soderlund (CB/31), Scott (CB/24), Aguero (LRM/34), Tricklebank (CM/18), Del Angel (AM/22), Kortuufa (ST/29)
Kit Details: Distinctive triangle-textured shirt, which they wear green dominant at home or yellow (pictured right) on the road, always with the same color of shorts and inverse color socks. They occasionally wear a shiny all dark-gold throwback.

Preview: Will Eastweald actually mount a serious title challenge this season? After another 3rd-placed campaign in which the Elves started hot but eventually fell off the pace, that's the burning question on the lips of all who loyally follow the storied club that sits on the edge of Eastweald Wood. Their aging - but still individually magnificent - side certainly has the ability. They were foiled last season, however, by some untimely defensive blunders that moved a few crucial matches from the win or draw column to the loss column late on. Eliminate these lapses, and you might just have had that magic season that the fans so desperately crave. At least, that's what Monica Brightwater was surely thinking when she addressed her squad over the offseason. She's made Eric Bambic the most expensive defender in Cosumar since Eastweald themselves snapped up Jefferson four years ago. The Echani and Valladar internationals now comprise a formidable (and rather large) tandem in central defense, with Bambic's elegant ball-playing skills a perfect fit for a tiki-taka Eastweald system that favors building out of the back. Developing talent Brevin Scott and hard-running young midfielder Dexter Tricklebank also arrive to reinforce a spine that has been injury-plagued at various times in recent years. Brightwater better hope Bambic and the other new faces produce the needed shoring-up effect. Though her tenure at Old Weldenskirgen has been steady, finishing 2nd or 3rd each season, supporters have started to lash out at her for not having the mettle to actually win a championship. With players of the ilk of Penumbra Amokachi and Peter Morrison to call on, who can blame them for being dissatisfied that a title still eludes them? The world-famous duo put up some impressive stats last season, with 20 goals and 12 assists respectively, but one gets the sense that Amokachi in particular still hasn't actually unlocked her highest level in the Härlighet Ligan yet. Brightwater needs to find a way to get the peak Mâ Âlâmëómë Amokachi out of her countrywoman for every match instead of on occasions. She said it herself at the club's media day this week. "If Penumbra wins the Golden Boot, we will win the league." Combined with the immaculate crosses of Morrison, the pace of Eva Velasquez and the creative brilliance of Jo de Marisco and Mina Mordini, an Amokachi with an insatiable appetite for goals like we saw in her season-ending hat trick could make all the difference as Brightwater's charges try to muscle their way back into the title reckoning.
Last Season: 3rd (20-5-9). Prediction: Champions.

OAS ROYAL FC
Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Whites or Royals
Founded: 982
Ground: Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium at The Royal Palace (105,000)
Manager:

Constantine Champali (52)

Transfers In: Claudia Cautcher (Starling $12m), Ellie Hanger (Emerald City Harmony loan return), Skiera Alaniz (promoted)
Transfers Out: Willy Arntz (Helfin Fief $0.8m), Warren Paysinger (retired), Oskar Montag (retired)

First XI (4-4-2):

Shalhoub (26) -

Duvernay (22),

Hanger (23),

Fosse (26),

Kontiola (33 C) -

Rocket (31),

Drover (25),

Bregoo (28),

Simmons III (26) -

Tathtauré (Elf),

Cautcher (30)

Key Reserves: Sigurdsson (CB/32), Strumm (CB/33), Di Sansev (RB/19), Aedelbrandt (LM/19), Gawain (CM/36), Marsteller (ST/20), Juquinho (ST/34)
Kit Details: Sleek all-white (shirt right, with white shorts & socks) whenever possible. They also have a grey/white/turquoise secondary kit that pops up occasionally. This shirt, grey socks and white shorts that have a turquoise strip like the shoulder's.

Preview: Royal put all their cards on the table a year ago in signing internationals Elsie Drover, Aswad Munif Shalhoub and Corey Simmons III at the start of the transfer window. They spent big hoping for big things in return. The parts took too long to mesh, however. By the time they found their footing and Constantine Champali got them looking like a cohesive team, the title was already out of reach. They were also poor on the road, too often looking uncomfortable away from the comforts of The Royal Palace. Indeed, 4th was a step back for Champali's OAS Royal, but people in the capital are confident that they're only one big signing and a couple small tweaks away from taking it all the way. That signing? Had to be another big-time striker. Someone to ease the enormous burden that 20-goal elf Galasgoldas Tathtauré carried last season after age hit Juquinho like a sack of bricks overnight. Someone experienced enough to understand Tathtauré's intricate movement and thrive alongside such a cerebral player. Enter Claudia Cautcher. Age-obsessed fans might bitch and moan about paying $12 million for an over-30 player, but this is a shrewd buy for Royal - and one that has gone strangely overlooked in the build-up to the season. Not many are tipping Cautcher for early Golden Boot or Newcomer of the Year projections. That will probably suit her just fine. If she can maintain her recent clean bill of health, the 30-year-old will be happy to "quietly" bang in a goal every-other game like she did at Starling. She's never relied on physical attributes anyways. With her ability to find the right spaces and gifted finishing, she could be an awfully effective Härlighet Ligan striker for years to come. The only question is whether she'll get the service, and that's where the chrons shelled out for Simmons III and Drover better prove justified. A key factor in that equation that has been a huge national story is the return of Leonídas Bregoo. The former star midfielder is almost like a new marquee signing after missing the last two seasons due to injuries and horrific mental stresses sustained in the infamous San Jose Guayabal fan revolt. Bregoo was one of the only survivors of the carnage. After permanently moving to Ramusok and rehabilitating at King James' own medical facilities, he says he is now ready to return to the game. Nepharim veteran Rowan Gawain had been a solid replacement - especially last season - but it would be a huge boost if Bregoo could slot back in and reprise even half of his 1006 Player of the Year form. Drover-Bregoo has the potential to be one of the liveliest midfields in Cosumar. There's a bit too many "ifs" to project OAS Royal as surefire Champions' Cup locks, but they certainly have the talent to execute Champali's technical, possession-based system. They have the depth too. Center-half Ellie Hanger just got back from winning titles in Super-Llamaland and should help shore up that back line's road woes, while young Thomas Di Sansev, Zoë Aedelbrandt and Sen Marsteller all look close to major breakthroughs. Might just the giant new stadium at The Royal Palace (thanks, World Cup) be an omen of bigger things to come?
Last Season: 4th (17-6-11). Prediction: 5th.

CASSANDRA CITY
Cassandra, Cresscalus Fief

Nickname: Reds
Founded: 882
Ground: The Amphitheatre (60,000)
Manager:

Arturo Mancini (56)

Transfers In: Diedrich Frostmarris (Molsbik Arkjet $8.5m), Frederic Colbert (Llerana SC $0.5m)

Transfers Out: Kwame Cole (Klyde $5m), Dwaro Na'Tule (Helfin Fief free), Yevhen Bardsen (released), John Campbell (retired)

First XI (4-3-3):

Metz (30) -

Va'Afaja (18),

Wing (31),

Frostmarris (27),

Boag (30) -

Serafino (25 C),

Rowan (24),

Schneiderlin (28) -

Dyer Vry (21),

Goulding (29),

Niro (29)

Key Reserves: Iziduko (GK/28), Grimswald (LB/31), Misty (CB/27), Colbert (CB/31), Guerin (LM/21), Konsé (CM/21), Perkins (L-RW/33), Tortuu (CF/33)
Kit Details: At home, Cassandra wear their customary all-red (right). Away, they wear a half-and-half red & white shirt with black shorts and, distinctively, one red and one white sock (inverted from shirt).

Preview: It wasn't on the catastrophic level of previous "Champions' Curse" seasons, but in 1010 Cassandra City once again utterly failed to put up a title defense fight. After a sluggish, indifferent first two months in which winger Ki Niro was seemingly the only player capable of any danger whatsoever, it seemed like the Reds might be bound for another shocking midtable finish. Then, a leader emerged. And no, it wasn't captain Bellerophon Serafino, who almost seemed as if he was saving himself for his increasingly vital Vanquishers performances. It was new acquisition Ursula Rowan. The young Nepharim left Parrhesia United to join champions not jump sideways into another cast of also-rans. So, she simply decided that if her teammates weren't interested in being champions again, she would just do it all herself. After Week 10's 13th-place nadir, Rowan turned in a string of monstrous performances that lasted most of the rest of the season. She finished with double-digit goals AND assists and was also crucial defensively, often sprinting all the way back from the opposite box to save the reeling back line with a ball-winning tackle. Somewhere along the way, her efforts inspired Serafino and the rest of the Reds to match the intensity. City pushed back up the table and finished in the top five. Arturo Mancini needs maximum running and energy from his players in his high-octane pressing game, so City should have a much better year if he can get that from them from the start. Rowan and Serafino covering lots of ground box-to-box will be crucial, of course, but so too will be Phillippe-Michel Schneiderlin's ability to float around more freely, receive the ball once they win it and move the game forward. He did a good job in that outlet role last year and also combined well with Rowan once play advanced to the final third. Up top, longtime forward Jol Tortuu's time as the unquestioned starter has come to a close, with versatile Jason Goulding sliding inside to take up his more natural position in the center. With Niro, likely the paciest winger in the Härlighet Ligan, on his right and ready-to-shine academy gem Charles Dyer Vry on his left, that retooled front three looks deadlier than ever. And they still have Tortuu on the bench to come on and provide the devastating big game winners! I'm still leery of Kaden Wing and that defense, but the outstanding Calogero Metz has shown that he can carry them to a title before and City is hoping Diedrich Frostmarris can be the dominant defender they've wanted in front of him for years. I'm sensing a strong year for the Reds. Ok, they suck ass at following-up championship seasons, but one must give Cassandra City credit for always bouncing back in big ways after mediocre ones.
Last Season: 5th (14-11-9). Prediction: 2nd.

RAMUSOK UNITED
Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Blues
Founded: 751
Ground: Fire River Arena (80,000)
Manager:

Gareth Bournemouth (66)

Transfers In: Adrián del Toro (Phalanx AF $22.5m), William Stone (Unioneers $15m), Lucien Marmor-Lavie (Samaj FC $4m), Eliana Yotirmoy (AFC Obscura 98 $1.75m), Jakk Bekk (Sporting Pirankoper $0.3m), Igor Topić (Mytos-Turin free)

Transfers Out: Tug Cooper (Arrowsmith $6.9m), Nacho Bérdoon (Raynor City United $4.5m), Antonio Mulcair (retired), Robbie Alcocer (retired), Mike Flanningan (retired)

First XI (4-4-2 Dmnd):

Kearney (31 C) -

Hattingh (24),

Langerak (32),

Carr-Ponce (24),

Marmor-Lavie (27) -

Viablaine (23),

Keohane (25),

Silvén (29),

del Toro (25) -

Jago (29),

Stone (27)

Key Reserves: Kang (LB/32), Yotirmoy (CB/23), Bachelor (DM/19), Geirsson (CAM/34), Xodó (ST/31), Théberge (ST/33)
Kit Details: At home, they wear a blue shirt (pictured right) with solid white shorts and blue socks. On the road, they wear this silver shirt, with solid blue shorts and striped silver/blue socks.

Preview: Ever since OAS Royal FC opened up shop thirty years ago and immediately became the capital's purveyors of prestige and foreign appeal, the much older United have repositioned themselves as "the everyman's club" in Ramusok. The club for the "true Ramusoki" and those outside the glamorous royal district. Yet, even though they can claim the city's most recent championship, Ramusok United have once again reverted to a slight secondary status to Royal. They've finished behind OAS each of the last three seasons, settling-in in the lower Globe Cup places under Gareth Bournemouth. They'd taken a disciplined approach to squad-building in recent years, primarily poaching promising talents like Tajo Carr-Ponce and Viablaine from within the league rather than overpaying for flashy foreign transfers OAS-style. But after another campaign with few signs of upward movement in 1010, United lost patience and came out this offseason ready to fight fire with fire. Megatransaction with megatransaction. Adrián del Toro for a whopping $22.5m. William Stone for $15m. Clearly, Royal is not the only club in the capital with resources. And clearly, United owner Niklas Matthiessen is not willing to accept that 5th-7th zone of semi-contention as their permanent reality. But is United's attempt to literally spend its way out of its Globe Cup rut actually bold and ambitious...or just foolhardy?

Sorry Blues fans, but this pundit leans towards the latter. Neither of those two players are worth the extravagant prices the club paid in desperation at the end of the window. I suppose they're hoping Del Toro can be Robin Geirsson 2.0 (game-changing signing who established a trophy-winning culture and became a Ramusoki legend), but those are such big shoes that it seems impossible for Del Toro to fill them -- at least not right away. The attacking dynamo has been immense for Ceni, but his track record at the club level is less clear. Meanwhile, Stone is a mean, physical striker up top who gives United's attack a new bite, but is he really $15m better than Curtis Théberge or Nacho Bérdoon? I'm not sold. Look, I can already feel the bitter accusations of OAS bias flooding my inbox, so let me just say that I like United's new signings (including Lucien Marmor-Lavie, a smart replacement for Eura-bound Tug Cooper). I do. Del Toro and Stone will be productive players and United will, as usual, be a good-looking side capable of taking it to anyone on their day. The fullbacks will get forward, Viablaine will unsettle opposing midfielders with glee, Carr-Ponce will be an aerial beast on set-pieces and Keohane and Lyyli Silvén will be slippery either side the prized Cenian. I just don't think they'll move the needle for the club in the way you would expect after a $40+ million outlay. I think another Globe Cup dogfight is most realistic, but I'm happy to be proven wrong.
Last Season: 6th (15-7-12). Prediction: 7th.

STONESHORE UNITED
Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief

Nickname: Greys
Founded: 771
Ground: SweetHaven Stadium (70,000 but top level 30k usually covered)
Manager:

Douglas Tibet (49)

Transfers In: José Parra (AFC Obscura 98 $0.75m), Guglielmo Lo Duca (Hellenic Rouge free), Tychicus (promoted)
Transfers Out: Czarina Tournay (Extreme Hills free), Adrienne Crowther (retired)

First XI (5-4-1):

Stefansen (36) -

Drake (33),

Maersk (21),

Na’Kele (32),

Solberg (28),

DeVolder (28) -

Jonassen (31),

Yacine (22),

Na'Tarejen (28),

Andela (32 C) -

Larrimbe (20)

Key Reserves: Carra (LWB/24), Pystynen (CB/33), Mäenpää (L-RB/32), Ericsson (DM/23), Tychicus (CM/17), Parra (RAM/25), Caipirinha (ST/24)
Kit Details: Famous all-grey at home. Shirt pictured. The shorts have some maroon and white side-patterning like on the shoulders. On the road, they wear blue and white hoops with solid blue shorts and blue/white hooped socks.

Preview: Hailing from the perpetually foggy tip of the southern peninsula, Stoneshore United play a style that fits its city's dreary surroundings. Clogging up the middle, forcing play out wide and then choking out crosses with their line of tall, aerially-dominant defenders. Also fondly known in the supporters' songs as The Stonewall of Stoneshore. They should be as defensively firm and resolute as ever. For a place so bleak, however, Stoneshore sure have a colorful manager. Douglas Tibet is as eccentric as they come in soccer, his post-match interviews ranging from philosophical musings to sudden recitations of poetry. When the team is struggling, his heartfelt tangents are often serious and existential. After a great result, on the other hand, he might just break out a joyous, songlike soliloquy. Last season, Tibet was doing a lot of the latter! New infusions into the squad Kira Jonassen, Cairo Ericsson, Willem Maersk and Yuanchiki Larrimbe were bright rays of light that managed to penetrate the thick Stoneshore clouds. All four turned out to be A+ acquisitions, fitting in immediately and firing the Greys into the top half for the entire season. Jonassen was instrumental as the artist stringing long passes out of the back and Maersk could one day wear the Cosumarite colors, but let's talk about Larrimbe.

The Astograthian phenom has been the talk of town for months. After winning the bulk of the minutes from Caipirinha late last season, the teenage strike looked unstoppable - scoring in almost every start and leaving opponents and supporters alike in awe of his exceptional pace and dribbling. SweetHaven Stadium, so accustomed to taking pride in defensive efforts and physical power, and having NEVER had true offensive starpower, found itself oddly unsure of how to react to the rare sort of sublime talent that had curiously fallen into their hands. Well, once it sunk in, they mostly just stood and held their breaths in anticipation every time their boy got a touch. To reel the hype train back in a bit, Larrimbe does still need to work on his finishing. He could've easily had even more goals in his string of starts if he had put away everything he could've. Stoneshore United and Astograth fans will surely be keen to see how Larrimbe fares over the course of a full season for the first time and if he can continue developing into the generational talent many feel he could be. Even if and when the youngster does experience trials and tribulations, his pace and explosive running will remain constant and be invaluable in stretching defenses on those infamous Stoneshore counters. Tall, imposing wingbacks Jerrell Drake and Dolor DeVolder are happy to sit in and defend for 90 minutes but can also jet forward into the attack at a moment's notice as soon as the ball is cleared to the feet of Jonassen, who dictates the tempo and sets sequences in motion. Yet as much as Larrimbe is scintillating viewing and as much as I respect the Greys' clear identity under Tibet, I think we just about saw this team's ceiling last season. There's just not enough quality throughout the squad for them to punch any higher, especially after they failed to add any significant pieces in the transfer window whilst other clubs improved around them.
Last Season: 7th (13-9-12). Prediction: 13th.

PELETHAS UNITED
Pelethas, Morponte Fief

Nickname: Miners
Founded: 835
Ground: Drango Way (24,000)
Manager:

Euan Jersey (48)

Transfers In: Charlie Alotic (West Gundar $6m), Miro Said (promoted), Hestia Greenchurch (promoted)
Transfers Out: Kurt Wolff (Real Azuris $5.25m), Linn-Katrin Hairenbyrne (FC Capri $2.25m)

First XI (4-2-2-2):

Nier (26 C) -

Brinegar (32),

Tang (32),

Harm (29),

Mallman (24) -

Kåsa (26),

Crowley (24) -

Tarrant (32),

Varghese (27) -

Changez (26),

Alotic (26)

Key Substitutes: Kingsley (GK/35), Said (CB/20), Rossini (RB/35), Kvist (DM/23), Splitt (AM/22), Sanchez (ST/36)
Kit Details: In solidarity with their city's mining roots, Pelethas wear a classic Silver & Gold (pictured right) at home. Note the mountaintops on the chest. On the road, they wear this regal crimson/gold kit.

Preview: The Miners managed only five points in their last ten games of 1010, relinquishing their hold on the Globe Cup berth by which they had defined their season. 8th was still four places better than the prior season and the club's best ever finish, but the sensation at the finish line was still one of dissatisfaction. That finish included just one goal from the run of play in the final eight matches. So it was clear that Euan Jersey needed to add more goals to his side this season or risk dropping back out of the top half entirely. Jersey seemed to finally decide that those weren't going to come from local lass Hairenbyrne after two years of making her his pet project, moving her on to Valanora and acquiring Charlie Alotic for $6m from West Gundar. It seems a good fit. A confident finisher, the Mercedini international is a notable upgrade in the most essential facets of a striker's game. He has the look of a hungry player in need of a fresh start and is a viable partner for Mohsin Changez, whose nine goals led Pelethas last season but could benefit from more movement and guile around him. Depth at forward still seems lacking, although output from the position may be a secondary need if Auburn Tarrant and Rowan Varghese continue to pour in goals from midfield. They're crucial players for Pelethas - everything in the attack goes through them. The Silver 'n Gold should thank their lucky stars that the rumored OAS Royal FC interest didn't bear fruit.

However, this Pelethas team's push further up the table wasn't going to go entirely unnoticed by those still above them. The departure of bullish young defender Kurt Wolff to Real Azuris came as a big surprise and dealt Jersey a serious setback. He'll trust the system that produced Wolff and rely on a combination of veteran Igor Tang (instrumental in the promotion push three years ago but used sparingly since) and towering academy graduate Miro Said to pair alongside enforcer and spiritual leader Solomon Harm. But if Tarrant and Varghese are the linchpins of the attack, making life easier for the strikers, then in the same way Jens Kåsa and Gudrun Crowley are the linchpins of the defense, easing the burden on those CBs. The hard-nosed Pasargan and Nepharim internationals attract yellow cards like moths to a flame, but comprise one of the most formidable defensive midfield shields anywhere. Their resulting 4-2-2-2 is a simple system, with each player's job hardwired into their brain, pragmatic in their approach knowing steady-as-they-come Jillian Nier (now handed the captain's armband) is behind them in goal. Some supporters have vocally complained about the lack of risk-taking and overall conservative play, recalling how the new club owners pledged to "shake up the Härlighet Ligan status quo with Pelethas' own new brand of exciting soccer", but the Miners aren't actually that dreadful to watch. At least not to the mind-numbing level of some of those Stoneshore teams of yesteryear. Varghese and Rowan offer some entertaining flair, and now they have a dangerous striker in Alotic to hopefully put away a greater percentage of the chances they create. I expect Mr. Jersey will continue to find it difficult to accomplish the board's mission of making Pelethas a UICA regular, but the potential is there. Taking another positive step in that direction will be important with the club hoping to build the fan interest to justify a move into the more-than-double-capacity Xanadu Dome by next season.
Last Season: 8th (11-8-15). Prediction: 9th.

KEENAN ATHLETIC
Keenan, Cresscalus Fief

Nickname: Checkers, Bobs (short for Bobcats)
Founded: 958
Ground: DragonBull Field (21,000)
Manager:

Matilda Heisenberg (56)

Transfers In: Dinko Spisic (FC Rosaria $7.5m), Nneoma Hasanu (Klyde free)
Transfers Out: Shjegrzh Na'Kefir (Handon United $3m)

First XI (4-1-2-3):

Hasanu (27) -

Aspendelft (23),

Kindgren (33 C),

Leanquiss (27),

Fortidoré (24) -

Lewitzki (27) -

Cirvante (22),

Fen (29) -

Texström (23),

Spisic (21),

Gullmarstam (32)

Key Reserves: Gillett (GK/39), Dixon (CB/29), Fiefwalker (CM/27), de Wit (LW/35), E. Sade (RW/20), Frederick (ST/31), Jónsson (ST/23)
Kit Details: Keenan Athletic are known for their black and red checkers at home, contrasted by their more subtle grey checkers with red shorts on the road.

Preview: After last season's impressive top-flight debut, there is a quiet optimism about what Keenan Athletic can achieve this season despite losing the architect of their success in Collete Sade. The fans in Keenan are daring to dream of a long, rosy future in the HL, and their aspirations seem to be in capable hands as the page turns to Crisisbless United legend Matila Heisenberg. Despite being sacked by Brookford Otters, Heisenberg retains a sterling reputation as a player-motivator and expert in the quick, aggressive style of soccer than the Checkers like to play. Under her instruction, they should still have one of the most watchable attacks in the division, one that utilizes the entire field. The seasoned Jakob Gullmarstam, a strutting, muscular winger, proved his Härlighet Ligan mettle last season. Streaky, but capable of moments of magic on the right. Gullmarstam's swagger seemed to inspire young winger Olvir Texström to a breakout season on the left, filling a void of pace in the side. The two of them were ridiculously productive, combining for 25 goals - more than anyone could've predicted from two players without much top-flight experience. #9 Mischa Frederick is powerful and intelligent and the elusive-in-the-box Regin Jónsson offered a different look. Athletic now have further options in the middle with the record signing of exciting FC Rosaria talent Dinko Spisic. Heisenberg says "the sky is the limit" for the Echani this season. Add into the mix an athletic, darting cast of midfielders that can also pick out the killer pass and a pair of technical, forward-thinking fullbacks...and you have a machine that can crank out chances like clockwork if well-oiled. Folks up north will be sad to see prized goalkeeper Shjegrzh Na'Kefir ride off in pursuit of Champions' Cup glories in Schottia, but they did well to ensure that was their only major loss. In fact, more than any one arrival, that might be Keenan Athletic's biggest source of improvement. All of these returning players now have a successful Härlighet Ligan season under their belts. That collective body of knowledge, confidence and familiarity should help this team continue to establish itself in the league in year two. And have lots of fun along the way!
Last Season: 9th (13-7-14). Prediction: 12th.

See the next post (coming soon) for the second half of this Härlighet Ligan preview!

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Tue Nov 14, 2017 4:05 pm

See the previous post for the first half of this Harlighet Ligan team-by-team preview.
This is the second half, plus an overview of the lower tiers.

CRAWFORD CITY FC
Crawford, Numenvernien Fief

Nickname: Elephants

Founded: 924
Ground: Orangi Stadium (61,000)
Manager:

Amethyst Fegelein (50)

Transfers In: Kevin Stabb (FC Kaldukosic $8m), Dimitri Hagicostas (Violence Chariots $4m), Arden Lemons (promoted), Marigold Belladonna (promoted)
Transfers Out: Semyon Yucob (Tjelberg Forening $4.5m), Spike Lorence (retired), Brendan McBride (retired), Phillip Sherman (retired)

First XI (4-4-2 dmnd):

Weschler (21) -

Babaturk (28),

Ward (23),

Hagicostas (30),

Swan (25) -

Marshall (26),

Farrow (20),

van Kruistum (35 C),

Coultan (29) -

Alcouin (27),

Stabb (29)

Key Reserves: Theoklitos (GK/32), Reiniger (RB/33), Poindexter (CB/29), Na'Kebia (DM/32), Postecoglou (LW/32), Belladonna (AM/17), Guilliver (CF/26)
Kit Details: CCFC's gorgeous teal, crimson and gold home kit is the envy of the league. Their white away kit, with gold and teal accents, isn't too shabby either.

Preview: Now with the league's most credentialed manager in Amethyst Fegelein and both of the Sunrisian WC-winning strikers, can CCFC finally maximize its potential and re-establish itself in the upper echelon? The Elephants saw a positive uptick in performances late last season after young assistant Andreu Bartolnicci took over for Jehan Bair, but it wasn't enough to salvage a familiarly disappointing campaign. Crawford aren't wanting on offense with players like beloved maestro Kim Coultan, 1009 Golden Boot winner Hannah Alcouin and now her World Cup Final teammate Kevin Stabb, but Bair was simply never able to find the right tactics or organize the defense in his three years. That will be Fegelein's primary challenge as she looks to replicate in the sunny Cosumarite southwest what she famously created at Starling. She's had the team working on a sort of 4-4-2 diamond over the preseason, with Coultan playing at the tip of the diamond just behind Alcouin and Stabb. This will give the Schottian playmaker even more influence in the game and license to play the dynamic Sunrisians into favorable positions with her lovely through balls. Seasoned Pasargan Jorit Van Kruistum and fresh-faced Eastfieldian Jennifer Farrow, one of the surprise bright spots to emerge last year, are composed water-carriers between Coultan and stout defensive midfielder Peter Marshall at the base of the diamond.

Fegelein might rue the club's decision to allow ten-goal winger Semyon Yucob to leave, but the tidy sum from Tjelberg Forening financed the addition of Dimitri Hagicostas, a gutsy Premiership veteran still in the prime of a defender's career. These are the kind of connections Fegelein can bring! Hagicostas should help align the defense and act as a mentor for young Osarius international CB Sarah Ward, who clearly has immense upside but struggled at times under Bair. Speaking of immense upside, Hansi Weschler has won the competition with Perseus Theoklitos - nearly 12 years his senior - for the starting job at goalkeeper. Weschler, Cosumar's starter in the last three DBCs, has drawn favorable comparisons to Jakk Winterfyll since joining the academy aged 14. Coincidentally, CCFC's first UICA season came when Winterfyll enjoyed his breakout at a similar age. It's impressive that Weschler was able to confirm his highly-rated reputation and impress the fresh eyes of Fegelein, who will surely be interested in seeing the prodigious talent have a Winterfyll-esque season. Fans in Crawford are weary, but the offseason's high-profile arrivals have reignited some hope and excitement. The season has the potential to be a resounding success or yet another numbing failure. Fegelein will get more than the one season to work her magic regardless, but showing the fickle (reasonably so, at this point) city progress - reason to believe again - would go a long way. I believe in the changes they've made and that they'll be rewarded with a UICA return.
Last Season: 10th (11-12-11). Prediction: 6th.

TREFTADAETH ALLIANCE
Ashen Point, Parougan Fief

Nickname: Astronomers
Founded: 979
Ground: The Wormhole (28,000)
Manager:

Truda Jotunnoj (64)
Transfers In: Deneb Xilbohim (Gnoss Gallants AFC $0.2m), Tess Pell (Rozelle free), Carl Lindstrom (Molsbik Arkjet free)
Transfers Out: Tallulah Harig (Myana free), Gavin Chamberlain (Honeybadgers free), Reinhard Ironside (retired), Calib McCaskill (retired), Joni Mountainvista (retired)

First XI (4-2-3-1):

Martinsky (30) -

Duffy (33),

Champali (28),

Lindstrom (31),

De Leon (29) -

Sorben (35 C),

Maloney (23) -

Xkoranate (20),

Sinque (25),

Pell (23) -

Ingolfsson (33)

Key Reserves: Xilbohim (CB/22), Shakir (RB/21), Mäntysaari (AM/28), Davies (RW/35), Feliciano (CF/36), La Rock (ST/28)
Kit Details: Traditional black-and-white striped kit with a light grey watermark of the famous Treftadaeth telescope. Alternate kit is a golden yellow shirt covered with constellations of small navy stars, with navy shorts and gold socks.

Preview: The Astronomers' alliance is preparing for its fourth successive Härlighet Ligan season, having become synonymous Fiefdomwide with crazy ultras, frigid snow-covered pitches and long-ball tactics. There's a certain aura to The Wormhole... other teams have just kinda dreaded going there, whether it's due to the above factors or the big mouth of Bethan Davies or the bruising tenacity of a Reinhard Ironside or Gavin Chamberlain. However, while they're still unlikely to be relegated, I think Alliance will lose some of that intimidating aura this season. The departure of some key players leaves them looking thinner than before, the ongoing Scylla Xkoranate transfer saga will be a distraction, and other relied-upon veterans are simply a year older. Picking up Tess Pell on a free was a good piece of business as she comes from a great club and fits the Astronomers' direct style of play. She should mesh nicely with similar types Xkoranate and Evander Sinque in attacking midfield. Even at 33, Kirum Ingolfsson has the quality to fashion goals out of whatever scraps are then left for him in the box. Alliance look a little ropey behind the front four, however, with Jimmie Maloney a relative unknown and Timo Sorben barely able to run anymore despite his pinpoint long balls. Former Semar international Carl Lindstrom is a solid but uninspiring signing to replace new Club Hall of Fame member Calib McCaskill, though Cosudel Champali is a fine defender who should take up some of the leadership mantle, and Morgedal Martinsky is the epitome of "average HL goalkeeper".
Last Season: 11th (13-6-15). Prediction: 14th.

MALLOX
Mallox Township, Gellano Fief

Nickname: Tigers
Founded: 804
Ground: Orange Palace (46,000)
Manager:

Kennedy Kopenhaver (62)

Transfers In: Stiin Siorrha'Asione (Violence Chariots $8m), Anders Engström (Elleti Valligiani undisclosed), Hernan Dé (FC Samotath $1.2m), Kendrex Engram (Versiaville $1m)

Transfers Out: Wenceslaw (Goldstaff City $1.4m), Cassandra Kilgallon (Ridgeway United free), Georges Mauvonts (retired)

First XI (4-4-1-1):

Sindelaar (32) -

Engram (21),

Bruyne (25),

Danko (21),

Thompson (30) -

Curwyk (19),

Ümann (30),

Dé (22),

Siorrha'Asione (22) -

Engström (36) -

Kárpáty (21)

Key Reserves: Ravnajuv (GK/19), Söder (CB/33), Vanderpool (RB/31), Weiss (DM/28), Lindroos (LM/31), Haines (CM/33), Nhatandal (RW/Elf), Mokanga (ST/36)
Kit Details: Diamond-textured orange home kit pictured right. Away, they wear black, with a subtle watermark of the city's Industrial District skyline in the background.

Preview: Tabloids can't seem to decide what the bigger story is. Is it the feelgood one - revered Cosumar and Mallox legend Anders Engström returning for a farewell season? Or is it the scandalous one - polarizing Farf troublemaker Stiin Siorrha'Asione joining him? I'll give you an answer. Neither! The real story (which tabloids don't care anything about, of course) is the overall direction this team is heading under Kennedy Kopenhaver. Mallox were a better team last season than their record ultimately showed. Kopenhaver's intensity was a breath of fresh air and had the Tigers top half most of the way until Randwë Nhatandal, Till Ümann and Georges Mauvonts all bowed out with injuries in the final month (the latter's a career-ending achilles tear, sadly). Most importantly, Kopenhaver found the striker Mallox have been searching the desert for since Engström himself originally left. In scoring 17 goals last season, Alexander Kárpáty was the type of player you never wanted to take your eyes off of because you never knew when he might produce a breathtaking moment of skill, control, power...or all of the above! The Pasargan is the face of the team now, and he'll have plenty of motivation to expand upon his career-best season with Wanderers manager Mór Császár watching him closely as World Cup 79 approaches. Having a wizard of a deep-lying second-striker of Engström's technical prowess and vision could push Kárpáty to even loftier heights!

With discipline instilled and Kárpáty in place, the next phase for Kopenhaver as he transforms his boyhood club seems to be getting younger across the board. Kárpáty himself is still only 21 and Siorrha'Asione only 22 (assuming the naturally-talented winger can remain eligible and avoid any fights in Mallox's rough-and-tumble taverns), but teenage academy standout Mehmet Curwyk too has proven himself someone who must be on the pitch whenever possible and fellow energetic up-and-comers Kendrex Engram and Hernan Dé arrive as presumed starters at left back and center mid. Dé's endless running should help the overworked Ümann stay healthy this season. So, all dependencies on fossils from the Alvin Burnsides era are just about cleared out now (though some such as Stephon Deville and Jesper Lindroos remain important figures in the dressing room). This is an exciting young team that might be ready to take the next step. But as much as attacking players like Kárpáty and Curwyk have become the face of Kopenhaver's revolution, the real secret sauce is the defensive solidity of his teams. The likes of Trajan Bruyne and Bella Thompson the unsung heroes. As a former defender, he's no wide-eyed idealist, and his first objective will be to finish in the best three in goals-allowed again. If Mallox continue that AND the new offensive signings make the desired impact...watch out.
Last Season: 12th (10-14-10). Prediction: 8th.

FC SAMOTATH
Samotath, Parougan Fief

Nickname: Black Hawks
Founded: 845
Ground: Alesund Stadion (60,000)
Manager:

Šimon Holguín (48)

Transfers In: Will Sorokin (National Academy Strasburg free), Karoliina Lahtinen (Marque free)
Transfers Out: Hernan Dé (Mallox $1.2m), Cosme (Arrowhead Point free), Otto Rush (SSC Honneur free)

First XI (1-3-2-4):

Ballard (38) –

Panossian (21) -

Killanen (26),

Sibuc (24),

Serra (33) -

Sorokin (21),

de Vries (27) -

Emery (24),

Nyström (18),

Levy (35),

Vorobyov (31)

Key Reserves: Etton (GK/34), Molnár (CB/30), Dias Pinto (RB/28), Lahtinen (CM/33), Harmonium (LW/28), Hummel (ST/31), Guss (ST/24)
Kit Details: FC Samotath is all about the Red & Black Attack. Split-color kit with that awesome hawk at home (pictured) and a black away shirt with some neat arrow designs.

Preview: Ah, Samotath, one of the curiosities of club football. Shielded from the rest of the Cosumarite eastern seaboard by the majestic cliffs and alien karst formations of the northern peninsula, the city developed a different culture for the sport. Namely, they view it firstly as performance entertainment. Goals (at any cost) are the primary measure of success for many fans. The matchday atmosphere evolved around this desire to put on an exciting show, with a costumed mascot, pyrotechnics and even a live hawk that flies around and does tricks. And it's all bigger and better than ever before in the state-of-the-art Alesund Stadion. However, with so much more money and multiversal stature in the league now, FC Samotath has started to search for ways to maintain their traditional attacking theatrics without setting themselves up to fail defensively and virtually disqualifying themselves from the UICA places from the get-go. That's the puzzle they brought in 'tactical genius' Šimon Holguín to solve two years ago. The team regressed slightly in all departments last year as the manager stubbornly insisted on his "innovative" 1-3-2-4. So Holguín is on a hot seat (or, as hot as a seat can get up north) as the curtain opens on his third showing.

He'll rely on his cast of wingers, Jordan Emery and Miroslav Vorobyov with Gwinevra Harmonium as cover, to lead the way. The most dynamic players on the team by far, they're all capable of beating fullbacks to the end-line with pace and delivering pinpoint balls in or cutting inside and taking it themselves. Emery, a pure pace machine, does more of the former, whereas Vorobyov does so much of the latter that he has become the Härlighet Ligan's neighborhood "le cut inside man". Everyone in the league knows his tricks, but the feisty Llamanean international continues to dumbfound defenses. To the tune of a team-leading 14 goals last season. When Emery and Vorobyov are at their best, it draws the defenders out wide and opens up space for the two strikers. 6"7 Sigmund Levy as the stationary aerial magnet and Cosumar DBC starter Zak Nyström (who would be described as 'big' himself anywhere but next to Levy) playing off him. It's a good bet for all four of FC Samotath's forward four to finish with double-digit goals again. All well and good. But anybody who has paid any attention to the Black Hawks knows they'll allow plenty at the other end too. Unless Holguín's inscrutable masterplan all comes together this season, we don't see that changing no matter how good Diandra Ballard is at absorbing target practice. Kind of a shame, because players like Capsin Sibuc and Molly Killanen, not to mention Sheldon Serra, could be part of a pretty darn good HL defense somewhere else. Physical ball-winning midfielder Will Sorokin will hope to moderate the deluge coming towards them and keep pinging the ball back into the opposition half for those wingers whenever possible.
Last Season: 13th (12-8-14). Prediction: 10th.

OLASK ISLANDERS
Olask, Olask Fief

Nickname: Islanders, Laskies
Founded: 846
Ground: Kamu Road (24,000)
Manager:

Johannes Lundblade (43)

Transfers In: Chrysanthe Scafidis (Brinemouth $8m), Larissa Canales (AC Sepultura $0.3m), Clement Bourass (promoted)
Transfers Out: Kohei Shinigata (retired), Shatraug (retired)

First XI (4-4-1-1):

Sutton (29) -

Rennold (29),

Van Duren (34 C),

DeKlan (23),

Na'Tokeho (29) -

Silvio (34),

Couturiaux (25),

Abboud (34),

Way (27) -

Poxay (26) -

Scafidis (28)

Key Reserves: Bourass (CB/18), Methüzema (LM/19), Canales (CM/22), G. Northbourne (AM/26), K. Northbourne (ST/26), Cosuman (ST/35)
Kit Details: The iconic pewter blues (right) at Kamu Road. Elsewhere, they don a red x-design.

Preview: ZING! Lo and behold, the Olask Islanders pulled off one of the surprise signings of the entire transfer window. They actually spent money. On a good player! Nay... a great one! Chrysanthe Scafidis, who was a force of nature at Brinemouth, will immediately become the best player to ever suit up at Kamu Road three times over. We don't know what went wrong for her at Brinemouth, but must have been pretty bad if she was willing to move to this rocky rural island just to get out. On Olask Isle, Scafidis will be surrounded by players of significantly less talent than her. And sheep. But mostly bang-average players. Sure, Hera Poxay shares Scafidis' fiery pressing and powerful boot up top, but the mercurial island girl has struggled with consistency and end product. Sure, Noah Silvio was once a fine playmaker, but he is now past it (enter youth international Kamaal Ibn Methüzema?). Sure, determined Drawkish winger Ilana Way turned out to be a surprise success last season, but only relative to her team. She's still a somewhat run-of-the-mill player in the context of the league, lacking the technical quality Scafidis is accustomed to. And yeah, Haruka Sutton might be the best pure shot-stopper in the league, but her tiny stature limits her effectiveness. Will Couturiaux is probably the best incumbent player the Islanders have - a silky midfield technician entering his prime. Olask won't have the ball much, but Couturiaux and Poxay should be able to provide Scafidis just enough service to prevent her from blowing her brains (and legs) out. In return, Olask's record signing and first international star should be able to keep them up if she maximizes her athleticism and first-rate finishing. Without her, they'd be dead in the water this season.
Last Season: 14th (11-6-17). Prediction: 15th.

AC HOLMENKOLLEN
Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief

Nickname: Cedars
Founded: 971
Ground: Cedar Road (21,000)
Manager:

Minnie Lotuda (48)

Transfers In: Felix Keller (Coret Hawks free), Katie McSorley (Portus Independent free)
Transfers Out: Adnan Valerikssen (retired), Lois Weaver (retired), Marten Akerman (retired), Brock Mattox (retired)

First XI (4-4-2):

Vylon (23) -

Grandstaber (20),

Na'Nockeby (30 C),

Rathskeller (25),

Ilya (20) -

Etxehartzaren (37),

Brickwalk (35),

Romo (19),

Acock (28) -

Keller (35),

Nyle (22)

Key Reserves: Luna (LB/34), Hedepolly (CB/28), McCallum (RB/26), McSorley (LM/18), Nwapa (CM/31), Riprov (ST/23)
Kit Details: Whenever possible, they wear their beloved pale-blue and red zag shirt (pictured), with solid white shorts and red socks. In the event of clashing colors, they wear a white shirt blue shorts and red socks.

Preview: It hasn't been a great couple years for the Cedars. They've followed up 1008's surprise Globe Cup finish with consecutive seasons in the relegation mixer. Both times they survived thanks to their customary blend of veteran grit and youthful energy, but how long can they keep this up? Minnie Lotuda is Cosumar's resident survival expert, with a spotless relegation track record, so the answer is possibly "for as long as she's there", but this season might be one of her biggest challenges yet. Not much came in the way of reinforcements over the transfer window, so Lotuda will have to rely on her famously strict discipline again and look for advancement from Holmenkollen's latest up-and-coming youths like Gabrielo Romo and Valence Ilya. Meanwhile, their key players are Sigrun Rathskeller, a quiet Nepharim with a big defensive presence, and Kamaal Nyle, a striker who was cut from Eastweald's academy only to resurface in a big way in Holmenkollen with 15 goals last season. Signing former Sabrefell Athletic great Felix Keller on a free at striker was a coup, and Lotuda will ask him to mentor Nyle, push his out-of-form compatriot Lili Riprov and maybe poach a few goals along the way. With Keller's limited stamina, Riprov will certainly be needed at some point. Can the brash youngster (who wanted to go abroad while her stock was high last transfer window) swallow her ego to accept a rotation or super sub role? Who am I kidding, she has to answer to the wrath of Lotuda! She has no choice. So, Holmenkollen have good options at striker, and a solid back four, but I fear their midfield will be critically overrun. Romo has quality and vision but the slightly-built teenager still lacks the physicality to keep from being forced off the ball, and Gunnar Brickwalk isn't the enforcer he used to be alongside him. Holmenkollen will also be lacking out wide with 'ole Txordinutzko Etxehartzaren poor defensively despite his nice passes and Alana Acock just poor generally. Lotuda will also miss some of her trusted veteran depth who retired over the offseason. The Cedars may or may not avoid the axe in 1011, but the season certainly won't be a pretty one on the pitch.
Last Season: 15th (9-7-18). Prediction: 17th, Relegation.

KLYDE F.C.
Klyde City, North Klyde Fief

Nickname: Doves
Founded: 649
Ground: The Klyde Sportsplex (88,000)
Manager:

Blinne Va'Tuaras (40)

Transfers In: Lind Pressinger (Sabrefell Athletic $7m), Kwame Cole (Cassandra City $5m), Remington Abbasi-Fevison (Stilwater City free), Adriaan Andersen (Grigio Calcio free)
Transfers Out: Nneoma Hasanu (Keenan Athletic $1.3m), Firuq Al-Donari (Rosbank Town free), Adam Stones (retired), Teodor Alemany (retired), Nic Farkanhan (retired), Tham Kerric (retired)

Starting XI (3-4-3):

Pressinger (32) -

O’Mercury (22),

Roniger (24),

Beckers (25) -

Svenskah (25),

Writhlin (29),

Cole (28),

Fierro (21) -

Trevelyan (30),

Vacek (21),

Quesadillas (32)

Key Reserves: Andersen (DF/36), Kvalderkorr (MF/19), Abbasi-Fevison (LW/20), Skye (ST/35)
Kit Details: At home, they wear their classic all-purple kit with turquoise accents (pictured right). Away, the colors are inverted and turquoise becomes the dominant color. You may occasionally see a spring-green alt. third kit.

Preview: Klyde FC, who brand themselves as Cosumar's oldest and proudest football club, had to process the reality that they were no longer part of the top flight after the 1007 season. It took awhile for it to sink in that they were the first former champions to be relegated. But once it did, fans expected an immediate return to the Härlighet Ligan and for everything to return to the way it was. Competing regularly in the UICA. Attracting top-caliber internationals. Duking it out on even footing with South Klyde rivals Real Azuris. Unfortunately, it hasn't been so simple. The Doves won the Sekundar Ligan as expected in 1008, but failed to return to their winning tradition in 1009 and got relegated again. Another year and they're now 2/2 on Sekundar Ligan titles. Klyde are keen to make the promotion stick this time as they return to the league where they belong. They appear to have learned a lesson from 1009's entitled approach to promotion and have gone all-out ambition with their preparations this time around. Since we last saw them, good-natured club legend Blinne Va'Tuaras re-signed tricky leading scorer Sophia Trevelyan to a new contract, complimented her with former Eastweald 20-goal finisher Dan Quesadillas and Anglatian star Allie Vacek, oversaw the breakthrough of Pasargan youth international Abdo Villalpando Fierro as the string-puller behind them and, most recently, upgraded at goalkeeper with World Cup champion Lind Pressinger and in midfield with industrious Cassandra City midfielder Kwame Cole. The Semar found himself the odd man out for the Reds last season despite winning multiple trophies for them, and is surprisingly still only 28. Clearly, with the pedigree of these players, Klyde is not your usual promoted team. Despite being mismanaged for a few years, they still have massive budget and appear to be on the upswing again. They will be exciting to watch with their 3-4-3 diamond that focuses mostly on a free-flowing offense albeit with a sometimes chaotic defense (which will likely be exacerbated by the fact that none of the back three, though young high-potential players, have significant experience at this level). Their games should be fun to watch and difficult to predict.
Last Season: Sekundar Ligan Champions (18-6-10). Prediction: 11th.

HELFIN FIEF
DeFinko, Helfin Fief

Nickname: Protons
Founded: 911
Ground: Scandrick's Stadium (28,000)
Manager:

Josie MacLean (54)

Transfers In: Astor Zigfield (Real Azuris $1m), Tisidhion Lasstaial (Valanora $1m), Willy Arntz (OAS Royal $0.8m), Maxine Edelgrau (Violence Chariots free), Mauricio Larkspur (Rozelle United free), Dwaro Na'Tule (Cassandra City free), Hawutu Nobela (Copper Cuprum Halal Commission free), Aron Riise (promoted)
Transfers Out: John-Arnold Dane (AFC Obscura 98 $0.85m), Kimoka Prince (released), Müller (retired)

Starting XI (4-4-2):

Edelgrau (31) -

Arntz (34),

Lasstaial (Elf),

de Naam (26),

Borchgardt (21) -

Larkspur (29),

Bravo (37 C),

Katholos (23),

Alepo (29) -

Zigfield (30),

Saxmark (24)

Key Reserves: Na'Tule (RB/34), Cree (DM/29), Nobela (CAM/20), Riise (ST/18)
Kit Details: Helfin have had their yellow shirt and black sash for nearly a hundred years, and it remains their go-to. They also have a black secondary kit with some nice plaid patterning, as well as a grey, black and yellow alternate look.

Preview: OAS Royal's disgraced former Manager of the Year, Josie MacLean, has resurfaced in the Härlighet Ligan with Helfin Fief. Now, she will hope to earn redemption for Royal's 1007 Season That Should Not Be Named by guiding the Protons to safety. She fully deserves the second chance in the league after guiding Helfin Fief to promotion with a steady hand. The club is looking for its long-awaited second chance as well. In their sole Härlighet Ligan season over a decade ago, Helfin Fief finished bottom and conceded a league-record 93 goals. To ensure that doesn't happen again, MacLean has prioritized experienced defensive players in her signings. She's recruited Willy Arntz, her trusted left back from Royal, as well as former Aces and Cassandra City utility veteran Dwaro Na'Tule and journeyman Vanorian centre-half Tisidhion Lasstaial. Hardly glistening names, but - in the case of the first two - low risk ones that have proven themselves effective in this league. They'll compliment guys like the fierce Duviel de Naam and star youth international Björn-Axel Borchgardt, who were top performers in Sekundar Ligan last season but have never defended players like, well, any of the top HL forwards. Maxine Edelgrau is a slightly more glistening name, known for her acrobatics in net for Violence Chariots. Those acrobatics should help keep Helfin's head above the water in the relegation fight - provided their punchy, direct style of attacking play can translate to goals at the next level. For that, they'll need Sekundar Ligan types like Alepo, Les Katholos and Kare Saxmark to rise to the challenge, though the acquisitions of Astor Zigfield (Andrew Arrowsword's back-up at Real Azuris for the last few years) and relentlessly technical A-League veteran Mauricio Larkspur should ease the transition. At the center of everything though is the cerebral Neil Bravo. The lone player from Helfin Fief's last Härlighet Ligan season 11 years ago, Bravo is still a classy and unerringly composed distributor in central midfield. Even at 37, the captain and legend still makes all the magic happen for the Protons going forward. An injury to Bravo would be crippling, but he's remained in sterling health through his long career in Cosumar and abroad. Helfin Fief's combination of in-your-face, fast-paced attacking movement and defensive stubbornness should continue to serve them well, but Josie MacLean needs them to hit the ground running.
Last Season: 2nd in Sekundar Ligan (16-9-9). Prediction: 16th, Relegation Playoff.

GOLDSTAFF CITY
Goldstaff, Numenvernien Fief

Nickname: Guardians
Founded: 918
Ground: Bostitch Lane (23,500)
Manager:

Septimius Dellele (67)

Transfers In: Frazan Va'Goshal (Galatica $3m), Wenceslaw (Mallox $1.4m), Fan Xiaopeng (Beian City $1.3m), Colm Farrier (Falkner United $1m), Samantha Goldenrod (Morningstar free), Eli Al-Cazar (promoted)
Transfers Out: None

Starting XI (5-3-2):

Va'Nega (20) -

Xiaopeng (27),

Wenceslaw (24),

Fontaine (38),

Sühnhold (26),

Va'Goshal (34) -

Farrier (30),

Blazek (22),

Tirnen (27) -

Goldenrod (33),

Dolanukitainen (26)

Key Reserves: Al-Cazar (CB/18), Navarette (CM/23), Diop (ST/33)
Kit Details: G-City's home hoops are shown to the right, worn with solid black shorts and black-and-gold hooped socks. This sleek away shirt is worn with solid white shorts and solid gold socks. Here's the full set together with the rust-colored keeper shirt.

Preview: Goldstaff City are wasting no time establishing an "us against the world" mentality, with Septimius Dellele repeatedly calling his side "the biggest underdogs in Härlighet Ligan history" after spending the bulk of his career trying to reach this stage. While his claim is disputable, the enormity of the task of ahead of them definitely isn't. The Guardians snuck into 3rd by the slimmest possible margin (a tiebreaker with FC Kaldukosic) and then needed a controversial penalty call to eke out neighbors Zakhoro in the promotion playoff. What's more, no club used fewer players them last season in Sekundar Ligan. Not exactly hallmarks of a team that will make itself at home at the next level. There are reasons for optimism, however. Firstly, Dellele seems to have everybody on the same wavelength. That's an invaluable thing. In the six years since he got Goldstaff City promoted from Tredje Ligan, he solidified them in the upper Sekundar Ligan and created a potent culture where the players all pull together, the bonds with the community are vibrant and his relationship with the board is so strong that they've promised not to sack him no matter what. As a result, the players will be free to play loose and for the joy of their supporters rather than extra fear of failure.

Secondly, Goldstaff have bought well. Like Helfin Fief, they've prudently allocated their limited means towards defense. They'll shift from a back four to a sturdier back five for their maiden HL voyage, with former Superliga Best XI winger Frazan Va'Goshal reinvented as a right wingback in his return to his hometown, fleet-footed Yuezhou international Fan Xiaopeng handpicked for the opposite side and Mallox CB Wenceslaw joining the incumbent pairing (Fontaine-Sühnhold) in the middle. Colm Farrier will be a slab of Sharrow muscle sitting in front of that back five. If we assume these additions fit in, the Va'Goshal-as-a-defender transformation works and Fontaine can be the anchor for one more season... that's not a bad defensive unit. And the third and final reason for optimism is "Nuke". That is, Ted Dolanukitainen. The flamboyant striker's rapid rise from the lower leagues continued as he took Sekundar Ligan by storm in 1010, his explosive burst and powerful finishing perfect for Goldstaff City's swift counter-attacks, while also having the attributes to hold up the ball. Despite being new to this level (and even still to the level below), Nuke has the confidence and form to be a factor this season. Unfortunately, he will probably be terribly isolated up top this season. Goldstaff are going to spend an awful lot of time pinned back (as is their plan), but I don't think they have the supporting cast to be effective on the counter. The wingbacks have chops going forward, but Dellele doesn't have any players in midfield like Neil Bravo over in Helfin. No players who can reliably be outlets, hold on to the ball, dictate tempo or ultimately set the counter in motion with crossfield passes and/or vision. Blazek is all athleticism, no touch. Margaret Tirnen has skill but doesn't do well when pressured. It's going to be a lot of long, desperate balls over the top to Nuke. Or Samantha Goldenrod, I guess, who was a punt of a free transfer despite already leading all their new signings in shirt sales because of her apt name. So, yes, Goldstaff City have hope. The margins between the bottom four or so teams aren't very big. But their indomitable spirit of late will undergo a stern examination.
Last Season: 3rd in Sekundar Ligan (17-6-11). Prediction: 18th, Relegation.

Zakhoro Aces
Best Players: CM Selena Aliena, ST Kurtis Samarqand

Versiaville
Best Players: GK Vance Commerford, AM Emmanuel Lomboto

IFK Aldenskoett
Best Players: LWB Kristian Friedmann, CM Karlus Sjunitsson

FC Kaldukosic
Best Players: LW Kaujarre Nisa, RWB Ville Pakkanen

Gwynt Tywyll
Best Players: RB Aleena Tholanikunnal, GK Cema Creed

Na’Malsille Mariners
Best Players: CB Sallie Wheeler, ST Adiyah Amenel

West Gundar
Best Players: AM Florent Marcssen, RM Toussaint Robitaille

Nomad Brotherhood FC
Best Players: LW Christian Beckcamp, CB Gwidion

Morponte Fief
Best Players: CM Aleksander Csihar, LM Lily Penhaligon

Centus Serpents
Best Players: ST Magali Quaranta, LB Adam Vadimenko

Ziemelu Skaida
Best Players: AM Metán Cordéan, DM Ehab Amkura

Fort Archer
Best Players: CM Steed Conagher, ST Baz Ninkey

AFC Obscura 98
Best Players: GK John-Arnold Dane, ST Athena Haagensen

Fevelo Colony
Best Players: ST Apollo Demetriou, RM Justin Swarthimore

Klyde Heritage FC
Best Players: CB Devante Richardson, GK Arratay Aqualung

Regalia City
Best Players: LW Balotin Durot, LB Tree Harper

Bergtatt Isle Athletic
Best Players: LW Ova Va'Vuva, CM Ferdinand Absalon

Yambridge City
Best Players: GK Ilon Venator, CB Mulhaus Pladsen

Pristine Forest

Revanigruud Riversharks

Brayllor Town

Otkins Numenvernia

Everlong FC

FC Flen

Rexnor District 3

Pardock Island

AC Sepultura

Larkinham Town

Dawchire Town

DeFinko Magni Blandinn

Forest Hill FC

Sindo Fief

Sammet Ridge

Riverside Crew

Portsmouth FC

Sarmon FC

Seryddwyr Aberaeron

Caledon Legion

Cassandra Cosmopolitan

Silk FC

Conference Cosumarus

IFK Sundsvall
West Devellin
Tamiat Town
White Tower FC
Hagenheim South End
Cadonica United
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona
Azure Lane FC
Hvalsey 08
Moore Hill Pirates
West Ellum
AC Opjenheim
Sontafe City
Esterhollow Harbor
Sporting Pirankoper
Olympique Sur Mer
Chesterton Cottagers
Atletisk Surpronuk
Black Diamond Osterhaut
Talmusok City
Atletisk Östrad
Cassandra City II
AFC Wernersburg
Chittersbee Rangers
Sporting Culmar
FC Kastanjestad
IFK Karlsborg
Ayr Athletic

Conference KC

Gnoss Gallants AFC
Nuur Origins FC
Aberaeron Celtic
Tierra Interstellar Wanderers
Buscari Bridge Force
Salfa City
Tornline
Usk Town
Kalloroda United
Meryuma Marshals
Atlético Oterro
Murkwaamp Suns
IFK Nordön
Varvonti Firestorm
FK Pentagram Pjattervid
Rhodes Ravens AFC
CD Panteras Nueces
Hamlack Town
Rexnor District 5
Piander Falls FC

Svart-Guld Klingaställe
Treacherous Cove AFC
Real Azuris II
Villa Forsetti
FC Kviststad
Wilmontsbloom Blue Star
Wiedna Town
Noumen Town
Gwerin Athletic
Moggington County
Atletisk Kvelertak
Emerald Cove SC
Sólstafir
Cerulia City FC
Flithby Town
Satyricon Nemeses AFC
Sadenia Paladins
Gibwir Marsnal
Glasbon SC
Erpland County
Ardamirchan Isle United
Baymar Lagune
Oppland 806
Interstellar Erurok
VfL Läutenstadt
Noths Castle
Orias-Kvissle SC
Oxbow Lake
Lindsborg Premier
Klyde City

Coppell City FC
Volmachtia Kaldukosic
East Devellin FC
Ingleton Town
FC Samotath II
AFC Centus
Marshall-Blue FC
Östrad Rockets FC
Lewisville Athletic
Dusk Athletic
Wealdheim Bards
Scarromere FC
FC Stellendam
Ollston Town
Zirconim City
Paulsendam Town
Nabataea
IFK Sokuldijak
United FC of Stoneshore
Sporting Corrian
Somberlain FC
1. FC Guggenheim
Interstellar Östrad
Cape Dutch Copperheads
Ramusok United II
FC Kaldukosic II
OAS Royal FC II
Eastweald II
Mallox II
IFK Keukenhok

Gladsax Chariot FC
SC Cirith 01
Rhithlungwerddon Town
Highlanders
Scarborough
Ajatarra Alligators
Lykathea City
FC Fejd
High Noon FC
Attamac Wanderers
Malm Town
Mintwick Marmots
Goldsoul FC
Gorgoroth
Hassaburess Athletic
Austentrapp City FC
Jotungard 99 FC
Carnessa County
Impera Town
Columbia Town
Briquia Southside FC
Keldin Town
FC Invierness 912
Morponte Fief II
Ombra Castle
Harlegan Rovers
Club Toftir
Club Varden
Heofoncandel Uré
Taigaen Plats

Grayslake
SEP Bjarnum
Woods of Ypres
Real Bellavista
Inter Juta
Yellow Meadow Lynwood
Klovstad Klub
Bayford City
Gamma Zakhoro
Chamomile Town
Stortrommeby Town
Crawford City FC II
East Ellum
FC Va'Lubasa
Rhupenhoven Town
Yuonela Town
FC Arkadius
Tromsdale Town
Falco Na'Diveh
FC Na'Travii
SC Swamport
Thergothon
Drummond's FC
Duval Town
Crawford Sharks SC
Theli City
Na'Malsille Mariners II
Vfl Bolmenstadt
Red Star Karbosic
FC1. Richtofen Avalanche

Borzac Sequins
Rexnor District 7
Aläng FF
Ciems Mungonduvia
Drahva United
FC Dynamo Kurbads
Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC
SC Vronus 510
Templar-Lune
NOVIA Alliance
Tonsei Tumult
Orion Wanderers
Marinus City
Menoptera United SC
Kreanoltha Vipers
Romstafar Outpost
Rexnor District 4
Rexnor District 2
Rexnor District 6
Rexnor District 8
Rexnor District 9
Sporting Club Macofor
Dockery Union
Execo Station
Whitestone Athletic
Tranquility Treepolis
New Hagenheim Canopy
Snaigow Hoarfrost
Levithia Shrievenzale
Fayanora Pontonese

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 12:22 pm

Oh dear. Just like last year, HL clubs misstep badly in the UICA prelims... putting a damper on the cycle before it has even truly begun. And just like last year, Ramusok United go out in the opening stage of Globe Cup, this time stunned 3-1 in Olastor. Of all places. Eastweald make no use of Cosumar's first crack at a third CC spot, grinding and fighting but struggling to create many opportunities against Audioslavian champs Cazadores Cathair. Adios. Even in the SBCC, where we are traditionally so strong, fortunes are mixed. Helfin Fief demolish Daineri side Estrela D’Alva both home and away but Goldstaff City completely choke, taking a 2-0 lead to Avon and surrendering it 3-2 aggregate.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 1
Cassandra City 2–2 AC Holmenkollen
Helfin Fief 2–3 Crawford City FC
Keenan Athletic 2–3 OAS Royal FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–4 Mallox
Real Azuris 3–1 FC Samotath
Olask Islanders 2–1 Pelethas United
Ramusok United 2–0 Klyde
Stoneshore United 0–1 Eastweald
Samaj FC 0–1 Goldstaff City

With fiefdomwide interest escalated by the national team's recent AOCAF and Eagle's Cup victories, the Härlighet Ligan has set a new record for opening weekend viewership figures! The many who tuned in might've witnessed a historic moment: the start of a sparkling new era for Crawford City FC! It was a bit surreal to see Amethyst Fegelein walking the touchline at a place like Helfin Fief's Scandrick's Stadium, but her new-look team got off the mark with a statement away victory. Kevin Stabb scored a confident brace and Crawford came back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 despite ten years' worth of pent-up anticipation from the noisy home fans at Scandrick's. It's a good start for the Elephants, but it will only get harder from here.

Kevin Stabb wasn't the only prized striker to do the double in his debut with a new club. Freshly-minted OAS Royal woman Claudia Cautcher immediately struck a fruitful understanding with Elsie Drover and struck gold twice from the exact same spot, from the exact same Drover pass, in the same ten-minute span. Her training ground brace was the difference as Royal won 3-2 in Keenan. And yet Mallox striker Alexander Kárpáty outdid them both, already putting up the season's first hat trick! To be fair, Treftadaeth Alliance's defending was scandalous. It was all too easy for Kárpáty to waltz onto the end of Anders Engström's dinked ball into the box and slice it past Martinsky for the 18th minute opener. The Pasargan is a predator, and once you whet his appetite, he'll usually pounce for more. In this case, two more. 4-2 Mallox.

As impressive as Crawford, Royal and Mallox all looked, however, the defending champions remain the team to beat. The Real Azuris youngsters (Bryger Tidesson and Chandler Clorfeine scoring) stepped up to the moment in front of a huge, frenzied home crowd to show there will be no "transition year" on their watch. FC Samotath didn't stand a chance. Finally, Goldstaff City won their first-ever Härlighet Ligan match! In Samaj, no less - a place very few teams were able to win last year. Young goalkeeper Lone Va'Nega was the key, denying Vega Zeale-Riddick three times in the final five minutes to set up Wenceslaw's winning header in stoppage time to stun the expectant Samaj crowd.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 2
AC Holmenkollen 2–3 Goldstaff City
Eastweald 3–1 Samaj FC
Klyde 3–2 Stoneshore United
Pelethas United 3–1 Ramusok United
FC Samotath 2–3 Olask Islanders
Mallox 3–3 Real Azuris
OAS Royal FC 2–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Crawford City FC 0–2 Keenan Athletic
Cassandra City 0–0 Helfin Fief

I'm not crying, you're crying! *sniffle* Heartwarming scenes at The Orange Palace as their prince, for the first time in nine years, walked out onto the pitch where he won Mallox their last trophies. All of Cosumar stopped to appreciate one of the final milestone moments in the storied career of their Captain Andy. Engström acknowledged the disproportionate media presence with a measured wave and saluted the three large tifos unfurled in his honor with a few claps and a kiss of the Tigers' crest, but otherwise remained laser-focused on the task at hand: Just this little team called Real Azuris. Aside from the "welcome home" narratives, it actually ended up being a pretty fascinating match. Mallox were missing Farf danger man Stiin Siorrha'Asione due to a suspension for violating team rules (yes, already...) but Randwë Nhatandal, his replacement, opened the scoring in 12 minutes with a deftly-flicked header. Meanwile, new Azuris manager Collette Sade showed off her intent to rotate this season by starting 20-year-old Hidalgo Antúnes, and the budding playmaker rewarded her with a dazzling brace. Throw in Kárpáty's incisive strike to beat August Ozuna to his near post and an obligatory Ronan Bowditch piledriver and you had a match 3-2 in Real's favor with 15 minutes left to play. This... this set the stage perfectly. Of course, despite being quiet for most of the game, Anders Engström flashed one of his vintage close-control spin moves to dance past Mbdiai Akarenaa and dribble Kurt Wolff one-on-one at the top of the box in the 79th minute. As The Orange Palace roared, the graceful veteran's quick play made the young defender doubt himself and lunge clumsily. Penalty. Of course, Engström would take it himself. And does that man ever miss spot kicks? The headlines wrote themselves - Captain Andy the hero on his return to Mallox, winning a point off the champions. "I would prefer you stop calling this a Farewell Season," Engström said post-match. "This year isn't ceremonial or nostalgic for me. I'm fully in the present and I'm here to help this team win."

On a weekend where everything else was overshadowed, Chrysanthe Scafidis inspired Olask Islanders to an 89th minute winner not with a goal but with a genius dummy for Noah Silvio to bury instead. Could this one signing really turn around their entire outlook? The newly-promoted teams fared well too: a hat trick for Goldstaff wonder Ted "Nuke" Dolanukitainen (which he celebrated by simulating an ~explosive~ ejaculation aimed at the Holmenkollen supporters), a monstrous match-winning performance in midfield by Klyde midfielder Luella Svenskah (18/18 on successful challenges!) and an impressive clean sheet in Cassandra for Helfin Fief.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Samaj FC 0-0 Twentytwo Cacti_(NFX)

These guys again. The Cacti gave OAS Royal a hell of a time at this stage last year and appear to be trying to do the same to the Hunters. This game was brutal to watch. The midfields antagonized each other and locked horns to such an extent that little else happened. But Luis Varezzi will feel good knowing any score draw will work in the second leg.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Cassandra City 4-1 Koreana de Caracas_(NCS)
Football Miracle Izaki_(DKI) 0-1 Eastweald

As his team rolls, Charles Dyer Vry nets a brace that will give the young Cassandra City striker some confidence after a tough first two domestic games. Penumbra Amokachi nods home an Eva Velasquez cross for her first of the year as well, though Eastweald will rue squandering a few other opportunities to stockpile more away goals in Damukuni.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Wesport United_(AVN) 0-0 Klyde
Lhor_(CMT) 1-4 Helfin Fief

Lind Pressinger does well to preserve a draw for Klyde in Avon (5 saves and organizing his young defense). In Chromatika, Helfin Fief show what their new attack is capable of as Neil Bravo orchestrates to perfection, Kare Saxmark ending up with a well-taken brace.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 3
Helfin Fief 5–4 AC Holmenkollen
Keenan Athletic 4–3 Cassandra City
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–2 Crawford City FC
Real Azuris 1–0 OAS Royal FC
Olask Islanders 0–2 Mallox
Ramusok United 2–1 FC Samotath
Stoneshore United 3–2 Pelethas United
Samaj FC 5–3 Klyde
Goldstaff City 1–4 Eastweald

Well, Helfin Fief got a taste of goals in the SBCC, and... thence cometh this shitshow. They attack and attack with gleeful abandon, Josie MacLean wanting to build upon that goal-scoring rhythm and confident that her team has room for error against lowly Holmenkollen. It works, but I'll be damned if this wasn't the worst defending I've seen in a Härlighet Ligan match in the last five years. It was almost like they were actively trying to let the opponent score at times. If either of these teams were actually good attacking sides, there could've been twenty goals scored. As it is, Helfin Fief win 5-4 to the delirious delight of their yellow-clad legions of supporters, with the Semar Saxmark claiming four of the five. It was the opposite type of affair in Sunday's primetime clash: OAS @ Azuris. A highly tactical match, the two sides probed each other with patient and controlled caution for long stretches. Finally, Bryger Tidesson scored the game's only goal after receiving the switch on the right side of the box, taking a great touch to set himself up and drilling a shot inside the far post. In other news, Stiin Siorrha'Asione, Adrián del Toro and defending Golden Boot winner Vega Zeale-Riddick all opened their 1011 accounts in wins for their teams (though Siorrha'Asione would later get sent off for an elbow on Louelle Rennold). Finally, Eastweald made easy work of Goldstaff City to give the Guardians their first cruel taste of defeat in the top flight. After a pedestrian first season at Old Weldenskirgen, Aeris Cossadel finally found his scoring boots and, out of nowhere, emphatically stamped his name on the scoresheet three times.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Twentytwo Catcti 1-0 _{(1-0 agg.)} Samaj FC

Bummer. A 74th minute concession in 95X after a rare Roijacker mistake means Real Azuris will be the only Cosumarite club in the Champions' Cup.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Koreana de Caracas 1-1 _{(2-5 agg.)} Cassandra City
Eastweald 2-0 _{(3-0 agg.)} Football Miracle Izaki

Cassandra City B does its job and doesn't fuck up colossally. Amokachi & Velasquez reprise their Leg 1 connection and boss Football Miracle Izaki, who brought a curious number of non-Damukuni supporters to Old Weldenskirgen. Must be the name. Silly hipsters.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Klyde 3-0 _{(3-0 agg.)} Westport United
Helfin Fief 2-0 _{(6-1 agg.)} Lhor

Sophia Trevelyan continues her great start to season, scoring twice in a big win for Klyde at home, and Helfin Fief have too much for Lhor at Scandrick's Stadium. Both sides deservedly claim their place in the group stage. Could one of them be Cosumar's first SBCC champion?

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 4
AC Holmenkollen 2–3 Eastweald
Klyde 1–0 Goldstaff City
Pelethas United 4–3 Samaj FC
FC Samotath 0–3 Stoneshore United
Mallox 2–1 Ramusok United
OAS Royal FC 5–2 Olask Islanders
Crawford City FC 2–2 Real Azuris
Cassandra City 5–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
Helfin Fief 2–2 Keenan Athletic

After using the Globe Cup to build up her form, Penumbra Amokachi found her usual dominant self in Härlighet Ligan play this week. The Eastweald star opened her account with a venomous first half hat trick against floundering Holmenkollen. Though she and Cormorants teammate Sigrun Rathskeller traded shirts after the match, Amokachi was ruthless against her fellow Nepharim during the 90 minutes. She nutmegged Rathskeller before slotting home the first and beat the centre-half in the air for the third. Slow-starting OAS Royal and Cassandra City found their next gear too, both getting five goals from five different scorers in comprehensive 5-2 home wins. The victims of those lashings did have feelgood consolation goals to take solace in, however. Islanders teenager Methüzema took a brilliant swerving strike from 23 yards that not even Aswad Munif Shalhoub's long frame could reach, and Treftadaeth's left-footed wonder Scylla Xkoranate swept home Tess Pell's cutback first-time, continuing to justify her demands to go to a bigger club. Xkoranate has scored in all four matches so far this season. Out west, Kevin Stabb is proving to be a major asset for Crawford City FC each and every matchday. Defenses don't know how to deal with the Sunrisian dual-threat of him and Alcouin. The pairing has started to show shades of the "cinematic football" style that won them a World Cup. So far, Stabb has been the beneficiary as opposing managers focus more on Alcouin. Amethyst Fegelein and the CCFC supporters watched on proudly this week as Stabb bagged another brace - this time against the mighty Real Azuris - and seemed genuinely happy to be a part of it all. And unlike in years past, the Elephants looked confident shutting the game down and holding the 2-2 result! Dimitri Hagicostas and Vara Swan set a vocal example, refusing even the possibility of the mental lapses that have recently characterized Crawford's defense.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 5
Keenan Athletic 2–2 AC Holmenkollen
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–2 Helfin Fief
Real Azuris 4–1 Cassandra City
Olask Islanders 2–2 Crawford City FC
Ramusok United 2–2 OAS Royal FC
Stoneshore United 3–2 Mallox
Samaj FC 3–1 FC Samotath
Goldstaff City 0–0 Pelethas United
Eastweald 1–1 Klyde

Christmas comes early some years. It's already time for a Ramusok derby! Blue vs. Black! United vs. Royal! This one's pretty good, both sets of fans getting their money's worth in a showdown that finished 2-2. Both midfields had their best game of the season and chances were produced at both ends in a fairly open match. Thanks to 20-year-old substitute Sen Marsteller's curled 79th minute equalizer for Royal, however, bragging rights in the capital will have to wait until Matchday 22 to sort out. But don't let that distract you from the fact that, across Ramusok, Felix Keller is apparently the only actual footballer that third-wheel Holmenkollen have right now. The old dog has claimed six goals from his first five matches in Cosumar. This week, he single-handedly salvaged another undeserved point for the Cedars, his tamely-taken 88th-minute half-chance somehow trickling under Nneoma Hasanu. Speaking of salvaging points, Dan Quesadillas did just that for his new team, Klyde, in his first return to Eastweald since transferring a season ago. Old Weldenskirgen gave the Mertian a polite reception at first, but they were none too pleased when his blatant dive and subsequent penalty cancelled out the dream debut goal scored by 16-year-old striker Jagoda Kovačević, to whom Monica Brightwater gave the unexpected nod to start up top alongside Amokachi.

Against Cassandra City, Hakki Ojala showed he has acclimated just fine to his new position on the wing for Real Azuris and sent the Reds spinning with a quality hat trick. In Elephants-Islanders, Alcouin and Stabb both score in the same match for the first time, but Scafidis strikes twice. The hardworking star finally got her deserved home goal and earned the adulation of Kamu Road with a diving 80th minute equalizer, pounding the grass emphatically from the sprawled-out position where she landed. Meanwhile, undefeated Mallox have their momentum stopped cold by Stoneshore United. Few things can suck the positive vibes out of a team like a windy, wet night on the southern peninsula. The Tigers weren't dialed-in or prepared for Stoneshore's counters in a barnburner first half hour that left them blinking, down 3-1 at half. "The blame is on me - I didn't have the team prepared for this one," Kennedy Kopenhaver offered post-match. Stiin Siorrha'Asione publicly agreed, apparently blaming the coach for his failure to even run as Fakir Yacine raced past him and scored the second lethal counter? Stoneshore are feeling good though - that's three straight wins for the Greys.

Globe Cup - Qualifying Round, Leg 1
Ulsa_(EUR) 0-2 Samaj FC
Cassandra City 2-2 SIS FC_(SOL)
Anomalies_(CMT) 4-2 Eastweald

Fantastic result for Luis Varezzi and Samaj as they impressively nick two away goals at Ulsa without conceding. 95X international Darrius Columbine was key, rotating in and doing a highly professional job (a goal and assist is definitely professional) despite losing his regular starting position this season. As for Cosumar's other two Globe Cup hopefuls....Cassandra City conceding two away goals is not good, and the Eastweald defense is just plain bad in a hostile Chromatik environment. Just not good enough for two sides on the verge of the group stage.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 6
AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Klyde
Pelethas United 4–6 Eastweald
FC Samotath 4–2 Goldstaff City
Mallox 2–4 Samaj FC
OAS Royal FC 3–6 Stoneshore United
Crawford City FC 3–2 Ramusok United
Cassandra City 1–0 Olask Islanders
Helfin Fief 4–5 Real Azuris
Keenan Athletic 3–2 Treftadaeth Alliance

Goals, goals, goals! There are some good ones like Peter Morrison's instinctive waist-high volley for Eastweald's fifth and a brilliant team sequence in the final third that led to Andrew Arrowsword passing Real's fourth into the side-netting, but the weekend's highlights were mostly a comedy reel of inept set-piece defending. Kennedy Kopenhaver and Constantine Champali will be the most upset. All four of the goals Mallox conceded came on set-piece plays, as did three of the six (yes, SIX) OAS Royal conceded at home to inexplicably in-form Stoneshore. Nope, those dubious scorelines weren't Zeale-Riddick or Yuanchiki Larrimbe going off, they were purely Kopenhaver and Champali's sides being out-disciplined and out-coached by Luis Varezzi and Douglas Tibet's. The pick of the bunch? Probably Tas Danko accidentally bowling over Johannes Sindelaar as his goalkeeper came forward waving and screaming to intercept a Samaj corner, allowing the ball to then sail pitifully into open goal. If there are positives for Mallox and OAS Royal, it's that their respective right wingers, Stiin Siorrha'Asione and Corey Simmons III, both came to life with sizzling strikes after tenuous starts to the season. Two of them in Corey's case.

Speaking of tenuous starts, Goldstaff City's visit came at a welcome time for FC Samotath. Still in search of their first point, the Black Hawks charged out with guns blazing in front of a desperate Alesund Stadion crowd and overwhelmed the inexperienced and naïve Goldstaff fullbacks with their wing firepower. Simon Holguin is still far from where he ultimately needs to be to keep his job, but hey - 17th is better than 18th. By contrast, Matilda Heisenberg is already earning admiration in Keenan. This week, the first-year manager inspired the Checkers to keep attacking with vigor after falling behind 2-1 to Treftadaeth Alliance at home. Olvir Texström's pace on the left was paramount as Athletic came back to win 3-2. Meanwhile, Cassandra City restored some confidence with a hard-earned home win - Diedrich Frostmarris huge in shutting out countrywoman Scafidis. And we mentioned Real Azuris' highlight goal earlier right? Well, there were a lot of sequences like that one on the day as the Breakers took their show on the road to Helfin Fief. Touted prospect Hidalgo Antunés continues to shine as the midfield architect while Sandra Sybill is sidelined with a minor nagging injury, repeatedly unlocking the Helfin defense and piling up a pair of goals and assists - each one needed in the 5-4 win.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Samaj FC 1-0 _{(3-0 agg.)} Ulsa
SIS FC 4-3 _{(6-5 agg.)} Cassandra City
Eastweald 1-1 _{(3-5 agg.)} Anomalies

A high-water mark for Cosumarite sides so far in this UICA season as Samaj beat Romikk Valgard and Ulsa to the group stage. Echani left back Hugo Cartensen sealed it with a deflected shot that wrong-footed Nemanja Petrovic. Fitting that a member of the back line scored the crucial goal. They were heroic all night, putting their bodies on the line to disrupt Ulsa's urgent attacking movements.

...Oh, there were other fixtures? No there weren't. Move along.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 7
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–2 AC Holmenkollen
Real Azuris 3–2 Keenan Athletic
Olask Islanders 2–1 Helfin Fief
Ramusok United 0–1 Cassandra City
Stoneshore United 2–2 Crawford City FC
Samaj FC 0–0 OAS Royal FC
Goldstaff City 1–1 Mallox
Eastweald 0–0 FC Samotath
Klyde 0–1 Pelethas United

Real Azuris vs. Keenan Athletic is an intriguing match-up, as Collette Sade returns with her fancy new job to face the side she helped establish in the top-flight. Her intimate knowledge of Keenan Athletic, combined with the fact that the Checkers play a near-identical style that basically makes them a slightly less amazing version of Real Azuris, meant that this one was always going to be stacked in her favor. Plucky Athletic put up a valiant fight at the Estadio MasseMord, Lethe Cirvante's splendid free kick making it 2-1 before half time after Arrowsword's opening brace. But the Breakers sealed the win with Bryger Tidesson's own stunning free kick in response in the 48th minute. They go level with Eastweald at the top. There weren't too many goals scored this week outside of South Klyde, but the ones that were scored were very important. Ki Niro's lone goal allowed Cassandra City fans to savor a win at rival Ramusok United's big house, Stiin Siorrha'Asione literally shoved Fan Xiaopeng aside to bury an 87th minute equalizer for Mallox in Goldstaff (no foul called despite the "Ref U Suck" chants from the crowd) and Gunnar Brickwalk too bundled home an 87th minute heartbreaker at The Wormhole to give Holmenkollen their long-awaited first win. The weekend also saw debut professional goals for some teenage homegrown Cosumarites: Aron Riise at Helfin Fief and Arden Lemons at Crawford City FC.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 8
AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Pelethas United
FC Samotath 2–2 Klyde
Mallox 3–5 Eastweald
OAS Royal FC 1–3 Goldstaff City
Crawford City FC 4–3 Samaj FC
Cassandra City 3–4 Stoneshore United
Helfin Fief 1–2 Ramusok United
Keenan Athletic 3–6 Olask Islanders
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–6 Real Azuris

I say, what a week of action! Probably the best of the young season! We must start, of course, with the Gellano Fief Derby - always an occasion. Mallox and Eastweald legitimately hate each other for reasons beyond the pitch. And this edition would be particularly heated from the start with both sides in the top five following strong starts to the season. With both sides amped up and The Orange Palace in spine-tingling voice, the first half proceeded at a breakneck pace. Anders Engström opened the scoring to the roar of the crowd in just the 4th minute, beating Esteban Hernandez to Mehmet Curwyk's cross and slipping it under him. But Eastweald responded. Teenage midfielder Dexter Tricklebank wasn't intimidated by the environment and smashed a loose ball in the box past Sindelaar in the 18th minute. About ten minutes later, Penumbra Amokachi put the Wood Elves up 2-1 with a nice half-volley and slid in celebration in front of the Tigers' pissed ultras. Yessss - this is why we watch! But the Tigers would have the last laugh of the first half as Tas Danko climbed the ladder to head Till Ümann's corner down off the ground and over Hernandez in the 43rd. A fair scoreline.

The second half was very different, however. Kopenhaver and Brightwater made some tactical adjustments on the defensive side and a cagey deadlock ensued. After 30 minutes of this, it was Mallox that finally broke through. It was Stiin Siorrha'Asione, making it 3-2 with a mazy run! From the right to the center and back to the right he went, ignoring calls for passes before finally unleashing a clinical no-look strike to the top corner! The Orange Palace thought it was the winner. The uproarious celebrations gradually stalled, however, once people realized that, in the aftermath, Siorrha'Asione had been given a red card. Apparently he had celebrated his goal by shoving Eric Bambic in the back after taking offense to some words from the Eastweald defender. Shit. That was all the opening Eastweald needed. Down to ten men for the final 15 minutes, Mallox were exposed on the flanks. Eastweald's fullbacks Pawlukiewicz and Sorenson capitalized, bombing forward and producing an equalizer (77'), winner (86') and extra goal for style in stoppage time. From 3-2 up to downed 5-3: a numbing turnaround for Mallox and their faithful. For Eastweald, a pivotal result to keep pace with Azuris.

We said this week was crazy, right??? Well, we're not done!

Constantine Champali is in deep trouble in Ramusok after Goldstaff-fucking-City waltzed in and beat his OAS Royal 3-1. The midfield just has no semblance of chemistry, repeatedly giving the ball away in bad positions and relying way too much on individual efforts and dribbling. Goldstaff's Samantha Goldenrod hadn't produced a single shot on goal yet this season but outshined much more famous Nepharim striker Claudia Cautcher on the night. After Goldenrod's second goal, the new Crowley Memorial Stadium had never felt more silent and cavernous during a match. It wasn't a good week for home sides in general, as Crawford City FC were the only ones to win. Against a talented Samaj FC defense, we witnessed the full potential of their attacking unit: Alcouin, Stabb and Kim Coultan combining beautifully for four goals and three assists and outshining Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir's otherwise-sparkling brace on the other side. Even Niels Roijacker was visibly flummoxed by their effortless speed and intricacy - a rare sight. "We're proud to show our fans how hard we've been working since we first came together in preseason," Coultan said. "To get where we want to be, this is the level we need to be at each time we step on the field together." Whereas that match showcased a lethal front three, Cassandra-Stoneshore showcased a lethal...front one? Larrimbe-mania is in full swing now. The young Astograth striker continues to astound, and on increasingly big stages. This week he did the double at The Amphitheatre, beating Calogero Metz twice at tough angles to put the unexpected Greys firmly in 3rd.

In Helfin Fief, Ramusok United's $15 million man William Stone finally got the monkey off his back and scored his first goal goal for the club with a side-footed opener after a Tisidhion Lasstaial gaffe. Then, Keohane's extraordinary shot from distance mere seconds after the restart gave the struggling Blues a much-needed three points. Finally, Treftadaeth Alliance decide to open up against leaders Real Azuris and go for it. Yeah...don't do that. Andrew Arrowsword feasts on the open space for the easiest four goals he'll ever get. Four. Young attacking midfielder Hidalgo Antúnes continues to impress too. He scored another goal off the bench - this time a sweet first-time chip off a nice feed from fellow Youth Cup champion Bryger Tidesson.

After one quarter of the season, it's forecasting as a two-horse race between Real Azuris and Eastweald - a familiar storyline - though Stoneshore United look increasingly dangerous with Yuanchiki Larrimbe stretching defenses and executing improbable finishes. Ambitious CCFC and Pelethas will look to sustain their promising starts and remain in the UICA places. Meanwhile, Olask Islanders are simply enjoying the view - unaccustomed to this sort of position. The next cluster of clubs like Mallox and Cassandra City could leap back into the reckoning if they return to form. The Ramusok clubs have all been pretty bad and Samaj's defense is suddenly leaking goals left and right, but it's too early to disqualify last year's runners-up from, say, the Globe Cup.

1011 Härlighet Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Real Azuris             8    6   2   0    27   16  +11    20
 2  Eastweald               8    6   2   0    23   12  +11    20
 3  Stoneshore United       8    5   1   2    23   16   +7    16
 4  Crawford City FC        8    3   4   1    18   17   +1    13
 5  Pelethas United         8    4   1   3    17   16   +1    13
 6  Olask Islanders         8    4   1   3    17   17    0    13
 7  Mallox                  8    3   2   3    19   19    0    11
 8  Cassandra City          8    3   2   3    16   16    0    11
 9  Keenan Athletic         8    3   2   3    20   21   −1    11
10  Klyde                   8    3   2   3    11   13   −2    11
11  Goldstaff City          8    3   2   3    11   13   −2    11
12  Samaj FC                8    3   1   4    19   18   +1    10
13  Ramusok United          8    3   1   4    12   13   −1    10
14  OAS Royal FC            8    2   2   4    16   19   −3     8
15  Treftadaeth Alliance    8    2   1   5    18   26   −8     7
16  Helfin Fief             8    1   2   5    17   21   −4     5
17  AC Holmenkollen         8    1   2   5    15   19   −4     5
18  FC Samotath             8    1   2   5    11   18   −7     5


Golden Boot Leader:   Yuanchiki Larrimbe (8)

1010 Sekundar Ligan         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Ziemelu Skaida            8    5   2   1    17    6  +11    17
 2  IFK Aldenskoett           8    5   1   2    17   12   +5    16
 3  Versiaville               8    5   1   2    10    5   +5    16
 4  AFC Obscura 98            8    5   0   3    12   11   +1    15
 5  Zakhoro Aces              8    4   2   2    17   12   +5    14
 6  FC Kaldukosic             8    3   4   1    19   15   +4    13
 7  Na'Malsille Mariners      8    4   0   4    15   13   +2    12
 8  Morponte Fief             8    3   3   2    15   16   −1    12
 9  Centus Serpents           8    3   2   3     9   11   −2    11
10  West Gundar FC            8    3   2   3    14   18   −4    11
11  Regalia City              8    2   3   3    16   17   −1     9
12  Fevelo Colony             8    2   3   3    15   17   −2     9
13  Gwynt Tywyll              8    2   3   3    11   13   −2     9
14  Nomad Brotherhood FC      8    2   2   4    13   17   −4     8
15  Klyde Heritage            8    1   4   3     7    9   −2     7
16  Fort Archer FC            8    2   1   5    13   17   −4     7
17  Bergtatt Isle Athletic    8    2   1   5    10   16   −6     7
18  Yambridge City            8    1   2   5     9   14   −5     5

1011 Tredje Ligan            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Larkinham Town            10    6   3   1    25   14  +11    21
 2  Seryddwyr Aberaeron       10    6   2   2    17   10   +7    20
 3  Portsmouth FC             10    5   3   2    29   23   +6    18
 4  Pardock Island            10    5   3   2    24   18   +6    18
 5  Cassandra Cosmopolitan    10    5   2   3    18   15   +3    17
 6  Sammet Ridge              10    4   5   1    13   10   +3    17
 7  Sindo Fief                10    5   2   3    16   14   +2    17
 8  Pristine Forest           10    4   4   2    26   23   +3    16
 9  Silk FC                   10    5   1   4    17   20   −3    16
10  FC Flen                   10    4   3   3    20   18   +2    15
11  Rexnor District 3         10    3   5   2    19   16   +3    14
12  Riverside Crew            10    4   2   4    18   17   +1    14
13  Sarmon FC                 10    4   1   5    17   24   −7    13
14  Revanigruud Riversharks   10    3   3   4    13   12   +1    12
15  Otkins Numenvernia        10    3   3   4    23   25   −2    12
16  Dawchire Town             10    3   2   5    20   20    0    11
17  Brayllor Town             10    2   5   3    19   21   −2    11
18  DeFinko Magni Blandinn    10    3   2   5    20   23   −3    11
19  Everlong FC               10    2   3   5    20   23   −3     9
20  Sepultura                 10    2   1   7    13   21   −8     7
21   Caledon Legion            10    2   1   7    10   19   −9     7
22   Forest Hill FC            10    1   2   7    12   23  −11     5

Division marked in parenthesis (H ---> S ---> T ---> L1 ---> L2). Major upsets and high-profile fixtures in bold.

First Round

Pelethas United (H) 2–1 IFK Karlsborg (L1)
Atletisk Östrad (L1) 0–2 IFK Nordön (L1)
Cassandra City (H) 5–0 AFC Centus (L2)
1. FC Guggenheim (L2) 3–1 SEP Bjarnum (L2)
FC Samotath II (L2) 1–1 Paulsendam Town (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)
VfL Bolmenstadt (L2) 0–2 Olask Islanders (H)
Attemac Wanderers (L2) 0–0 Meryuma Marshals (L1) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Ramusok United (H) 5–0 Gwerin Athletic (L2)
Atlético Oterro (L1) 8–3 Novia Alliance (L2)
Aberaeron Celtic (L1) 0–2 Romstafar Outpost (L2)
Nomad Brotherhood (S) 4–2 Na'Malsille Mariners (S)
FC Stellendam (L2) 1–0 Cadonica United (L1)
West Ellum (L1) 0–0 Zakhoro Aces (S) (0–0 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Borzac Sequins (L2) 1–1 Noths Castle (L2) (2–1 AET)
CD Panteras Nueces (L1) 0–1 Ardamirchan Isle United (L2)
Azure Lane FC (L1) 0–0 Somberlain FC (L2) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Real Azuris II (L2) 0–0 Taigaenplats (L2) (0–0 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L1) 1–0 IFK Sokuldijak (L2)
Scarromere FC (L2) 0–1 Baymar Lagune (L2)
Yambridge City FC (S) 2–1 Sólstafir (L2)
IFK Keukenhok (L2) 0–2 Emerald Cove (L2)
Stortrommeby Town (L2) 0–1 Dusk Athletic (L2)
Nabataea (L2) 2–1 Crawford Sharks SC (L2)
IFK Sundsvall (L1) 1–0 Portsmouth (T)
Stoneshore United (H) 1–0 Sammet Ridge (T)
Falco Na'Diveh (L2) 2–0 Heofoncandel Uré (L2)
Zirconim City (L2) 1–3 Scarborough (L2)
AC Opjenheim (L1) 1–0 Tornline (L1)
Hassaburess Athletic (L2) 0–1 Coppell City FC (L2)
Villa Forsetti (L2) 0–4 Gwynt Tywyll (S)
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1) 3–1 Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2)
Everlong FC (T) 1–1 Talmusok City (L1) (2–1 AET)
Atletisk Surpronuk (L1) 1–0 FC Fejd (L2)
Salfa City (L1) 0–0 Moore Hill Pirates (L1) (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Carnessa County (L2) 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett (S)
Mallox II (L2) 2–0 Chamomile Town (L2)
Rexnor District 8 (L2) 0–3 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2)
FC Samotath (H) 8–3 Keldin Town (L2)
Usk Town (L1) 2–4 Cassandra Cosmopolitan (T)
Östrad Rockets FC (L2) 0–2 Sporting Pirankoper (L1)
Wilmontsbloom Blue Star (L2) 1–0 Grayslake (L2)
Rhodes Ravens AFC (L1) 2–2 Sontafe City (L1) (3–3 AET) (7–8 pen.)
Duval Town (L2) 1–1 Theli City (L2) (1–2 AET)
Execo Station (L2) 1–0 Klovstad Klub (L2)
Forest Hill FC (T) 1–2 Ingleton Town (L2)
Regalia City (S) 4–0 Goldsoul FC (L2)
Riverside Crew (T) 1–2 Highlanders (L2)
Tamiat Town (L1) 5–1 Ollston Town (L2)
Caledon Legion (T) 2–0 Jotungard 99 FC (L2)
East Devellin (L2) 1–0 Rexnor District 4 (L2)
Levithia Shrievenzale (L2) 0–6 Eastweald (H)
Kalloroda United (L1) 5–1 Klyde City (L2)
Rexnor District 3 (T) 1–0 East Ellum (L2)
Wealdheim Bards (L2) 0–2 Pristine Forest (T)
New Hagenheim Canopy (L2) 0–1 Silk FC (T)
FC Kaldukosic (S) 2–0 FC Arkadius (L2)
Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2) 3–2 Pardock Island (T)
Varvonti Firestorm (L1) 1–0 SC Vronus 510 (L2)
Atletisk Kvelertak (L2) 1–4 White Tower FC (L1)
Rexnor District 2 (L2) 0–4 Red Star Karbosic (L2)
Treacherous Cove AFC (L2) 3–1 West Gundar (S)
Sadenia Paladins (L2) 0–0 Columbia Town (L2) (0–0 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Rexnor District 6 (L2) 0–1 Sporting Corrian (L2)
FC Dynamo Kurbads (L2) 1–3 Orias-Kvissle SC (L2)
Morponte Fief II (L2) 0–3 Klyde Heritage FC (S)
Versiaville (S) 3–1 Oxbow Lake (L2)
Sindo Fief (T) 3–0 Rexnor District 9 (L2)
FC Flen (T) 0–0 Piander Falls FC (L1) (0–0 AET) (3–1 pen.)
Malm Town (L2) 1–0 Revanigruud Riversharks (T)
Moggington County (L2) 1–0 Marinus City (L2)
Chesterton Cottagers (L1) 0–0 Rhithlungwerddon Town (L2) (1–1 AET) (5–6 pen.)
FC Na'Travii (L2) 2–1 Gnoss Gallants AFC (L1)
SC Cirith 01 (L2) 1–4 Fevelo Colony (S)
Black Diamond Osterhaut (L1) 3–0 Club Toftir (L2)
Inter Juta (L2) 0–1 Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L2)
Drummond's FC (L2) 0–2 West Devellin (L1)
Keenan Athletic (H) 6–0 FC Invierness 912 (L2)
Rexnor District 7 (L2) 0–1 Mallox (H)
Hamlack Town (L1) 2–0 Lindsborg Premier (L2)
Crawford City FC (H) 1–1 AFC Obscura 98 (S) (3–1 AET)
Real Bellavista (L2) 0–1 Helfin Fief (H)
Harlegan Rovers (L2) 3–1 Erpland County (L2)
FC Va'Lubasa (L2) 0–1 Ajatarra Alligators (L2)
Templar-Lune FC (L2) 0–0 Volmachtia Kaldukosic (L2) (0–1 AET)
Buscari Bridge Force (L1) 3–1 Thergothon Town (L2)
Flithby Town (L2) 1–0 Goldstaff City (H)
Cerulia City FC (L2) 0–4 Samaj FC (H)
Tromsdale Town (L2) 1–2 Olympique Sur Mer (L1)
United FC of Stoneshore (L2) 1–2 Interstellar Östrad (L2)
Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) 1–0 Ciems Mungonduvia (L2)
Klyde (H) 2–1 Esterhollow Harbor (L1)
Real Azuris (H) 6–0 FC Kviststad (L2)
Otkins Numenvernia (T) 1–1 Hvalsey 08 (L1) (2–1 AET)
Drahva United (L2) 0–1 VfL Läutenstadt (L2)
Noumen Town (L2) 0–0 Hagenheim South End (L1) (0–1 AET)
Marshall-Blue FC (L2) 3–2 Lykathea City (L2)
Aläng FF (L2) 3–0 Gladsax Chariot FC (L2)
Sporting Culmar (L1) 2–4 Austentrapp City FC (L2)
Lewisville Athletic (L2) 0–1 Fort Archer FC (S)
OAS Royal FC II (L2) 1–0 Impera Town (L2)
Club Varden (L2) 0–2 Morponte Fief (S)
Yuonela Town (L2) 2–0 Dockery Union (L2)
Fayanora Pontonese (L2) 1–0 Wiedna Town (L2)
Rhupenhoven Town (L2) 1–1 Na'Malsille Mariners II (L2) (2–2 AET) (3–2 pen.)
Centus Serpents (S) 1–0 Bayford City (L2)
Interstellar Erurok (L2) 3–2 Chittersbee Rangers (L1)
Sepultura (T) 0–0 Dawchire Town (T) (0–2 AET)
Tonsei Tumult (L2) 0–0 Rexnor District 5 (L1) (0–0 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Crawford City FC II (L2) 4–1 Glasbon SC (L2)
Briquia Southside (L2) 1–0 FC1. Richtofen Avalanche (L2)
High Noon FC (L2) 1–0 Sporting Club Macofor (L2)
Whitestone Athletic (L2) 1–0 Oppland 806 (L2)
Gamma Zakhoro (L2) 0–1 FK Pentagram Pjattervid (L1)
Kreanoltha Vipers (L2) 2–2 Ombra Castle (L2) (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.)
OAS Royal FC (H) 0–3 Eastweald II (L2)
Nuur Origins FC (L1) 0–0 Svart-Guld Klingaställe (L2) (0–0 AET) (0–3 pen.)
Larkinham Town (T) 2–2 Bergtatt Island Athletic (S) (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.)
FC Kaldukosic II (L2) 2–1 Orion Wanderers (L2)
Woods of Ypres (L2) 2–2 Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) (2–2 AET) (3–4 pen.)
SC Swamport (L2) 0–4 AC Holmenkollen (H)
Menoptera United (L2) 0–2 Gibwir Marsnal (L2)
Cassandra City II (L1) 1–2 Sarmon FC (T)
FC Kastanjestad (L1) 1–1 Mintwick Marmots (L2) (1–1 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Ayr Athletic (L1) 1–1 AFC Wernersburg (L1) (2–2 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Ramusok United II (L2) 0–1 DeFinko Magni Blandinn (T)
Ziemelu Skaida (S) 1–1 Gorgoroth (L2) (1–1 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Treftadaeth Alliance (H) 0–0 Brayllor Town (T) (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Seryddwyr Aberaeron (T) 1–1 Tranquility Treepolis (L2) (2–2 AET) (5–4 pen.)

All 256 clubs thrown into one giant pot, random draw. As a result, the opening rounds have usually been good for some crazy upsets. Results were more in line with the expected this year, however, with most Härlighet Ligan clubs not just winning but destroying their lower-league opposition by 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and even 8 goals. Some lower-table sides like Goldstaff City and Treftadaeth Alliance crashed out, but does that really surprise anyone? The only true surprise was OAS Royal FC's humbling 3-0 loss to Eastweald II. Not Eastweald. Eastweald II. As in, Eastweald's fourth-tier reserve side. Yikes.

Second Round

And we'd be remiss not to mention the Klyde Derby in the Second Round. The luck of the draw pitted the prides of North Klyde and South Klyde (Klyde FC and Real Azuris) against each other at this early junction. The Doves were chomping at the bit to knock the three-time cupwinners down a peg and looked well on their way when Dan Quesadillas thumped a 1-1 equalizer into the back of the net from 10 yards in the 76th minute. The celebrations from the purple side were pure joy! This rivalry has truly been out of the spotlight for too long! Real Azuris restored the recent order of things in the 111th minute of extra time, however. Substitute Sean Fraser stormed into the box from the left and found Bryger Tidesson streaking to the back post for the winning tap-in. Thanks to their wealth of experience in knockout matches, the champs stay alive.

TheCourier.cos -- Cosumar Domestic Sports Newswire

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