World Lacrosse Championships 28- Everything Thread

[Banija]

Group A
New Doltania 13–11 Juvencus
Banija 9–4 Lisander

Group A                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Banija                        2   2  0   37  11 +26
2 New Doltania                  2   1  1   20  39 −19
3 Juvencus                      2   1  1   23  22  +1
4 Lisander                      2   0  2   13  21  −8

Group B
Wermanland 9–12 Azurirbajan
Cosumar 9–12 Vangaziland

Group B                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Vangaziland                   2   2  0   33  14 +19
2 Cosumar                       2   1  1   19  21  −2
3 Azurirbajan                   2   1  1   17  30 −13
4 Wermanland                    2   0  2   18  22  −4

Group C
Asiana 14–16 Amazonesta
Qasden 20–13 Huri de Wintre

Group C                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Amazonesta                    2   2  0   35  22 +13
2 Asiana                        2   1  1   26  21  +5
3 Qasden                        2   1  1   25  25   0
4 Huri de Wintre                2   0  2   21  39 −18

Group D
United Celtic Peoples 9–12 Maryloupe
New West Guiana 10–20 St. Saratoga

Group D                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 St. Saratoga                  2   2  0   37  15 +22
2 Maryloupe                     2   1  1   17  26  −9
3 United Celtic Peoples         2   1  1   26  21  +5
4 New West Guiana               2   0  2   19  37 −18

Group E
Wrexwic 12–8 South Toronto
United States of Devonta 0–6 West Phoenicia

Group E                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 West Phoenicia                2   1  1   15  10  +5
2 Wrexwic                       2   1  1   22  19  +3
3 South Toronto                 2   1  1   18  21  −3
4 United States of Devonta      2   1  1   11  16  −5

Group F
Northwest Kalactin 11–9 Bortonania
Abanhfleft 13–6 Natanians and Nosts

Group F                       Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Abanhfleft                    2   2  0   30  13 +17
2 Northwest Kalactin            2   1  1   18  26  −8
3 Natanians and Nosts           2   1  1   15  21  −6
4 Bortonania                    2   0  2   17  20  −3

[West Phoenicia]

West Phoenician Daredevils wow crowd in game 2 with a 6-0 victory against United States of Devonta.

After the horrible loss to South Toronto in game 1 that shocked fans that the Daredevils had lost against an unranked new team and feared it would have a snowball effect for the rest of the season the Daredevils were elated with their victory against Devonta that has launched them into the first place slot.
The player of the day was Colin King who scored four of the 6 goals.

The Daredevils will next take on Wrexwic who they plan to bulldoze to progress to the top 16.

[Huri de Wintre]

Huri de Wintre's performance "disappointing"

In the Electric Eels' game today, they lost 20-13 to Qasden. We spoke to Wintreans in Sfai-Panetôia, some of whom said that the play was "disappointing" and "unexpected." Another citizen said that he did "not want to believe that last time was a fluke."

Huri de Wintre are fated to play their next game against Asiana, who they wish good luck to.

[Maryloupe]

Goalies:
#1: Bertrand Costolo
#2: Michael Bridge
#3: Cocoa Liveer
Defenders:
#4: Frank Luber
#5: Theodor Besinku
#6: Noes Dopilu
#7: Rogala Merksinu
#8: Mike Lov
#9: Josh van Andersen
#10: Lumbridge Miller
Midfielders:
#11: Charlie Tohg
#12: Ben Marcus
#13: Car Tinel
#14: Dorace "Dopey' Lampey
#15: Sid Jones
#16: Lamb Noel
#17: Marcus Lumeira
Attackers:
#18: Zen Barbara
#19: Faye Larson
#20: Keep Noels
#21: Kelly Harish
#22: Pulk Nome-David
#23: Lafe Nora
#24: Vin Nathan
RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers:Yes
Godmod scoring events:Yes
RP injuries to my players:Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players:Yes
Suspend my players:Yes
Godmod suspension events:Yes
Godmod other events:No

[Asianic Nations]

The Asianic Courier
Three minutes later, it will be the Asianic Flying Courier!

---

LACROSSE
Asiana's tournament hangs in the balance

The Asiana Lacrosse Team lost a close game against Amazonesta, 16-14, to register their first defeat in the tournament. Upon closer look, it seemed that the Maynilastanis were trying their new moves, no less in a crucial match against the Amazonestans. Cornelio Zamora was seen trying to catch the ball with his lacrosse stick and try to shoot it immediately, a move he got apparently from watching jai-alai games at midnight and calling it a custao shot. Unfortunately, he was not able to score any points during the game, and was benched for the last two quarters.

Kamber Oztoprak scored eight points, however, his efforts were not enough - Rishabha Ayyar conceding more points than she would want to, causing the loss. The Asiana team will next face Huri de Wintre, with a winless record and Asiana coach Karakalpak Ertugrul hopes that the team keeps their focus for the next match and advance to the Round of 16.

We'll get more action here at Banija once we get updates on the build up to the all important match.

[Banija]

The All-Banija Sports Magazine
The only nationwide publication that is all sports, all the time!

Like Father, Like Son- Marko Babic Jr. leads team to opening two victories to kick off the 28th World Lacrosse Championships


Marko Babic Jr. scores a goal against Lisander on Matchday 2

HERZEGOVINA CITY- Marko Babic Jr., like his father was in the 21st and 22nd World Lacrosse Championships, has been tasked with leading this Banijan attack as they try to strive towards their ultimate goal- winning the World Lacrosse Championships. With Babic, of course, being widely considered the best Banijan player in the history of lacrosse, and also the manager of this team, the pressure on the younger Babic, of course, is extremely high.

Of course, he comes from the pedigree with his father. Babic Jr. was only 3 years old when Banija made its international lacrosse debut, when Marko Babic led this team all the way to the final of the 21st World Lacrosse Championships. That was the final of their first ever tournament, and even participating in the 5 following tournaments, they have never found their way back to that point. Not that they haven't had teams that were capable of getting back there, of course- it was the simple fact that since then, they've followed that run up with a semifinal loss, a Round of 16 loss, a quarterfinal loss, another semifinal loss, and another Round of 16 loss.

But that meant the pressure on Babic Jr. would be massive. The pressure is always high when the coach of the team is your father. But when the coach is Marko Babic, Banija's best ever lacrosse player? With that kind of pressure, Babic Jr. almost had to perform. If he did not step up as soon as the first gun from this tournament went off, he would face unrelenting criticism from the press. And so would his father. Fortunately for this team, however, Babic Jr. has been up to the challenge.

In the opening game of the tournament, which was a celebration of all things Banijan lacrosse, this offense put a licking on their opponents. winning by a score of 28-7. They just stepped on the gas, and never once took their foot off of the gas pedal. Babic Jr. scored the game's first 3 goals in the first five minutes, and the route was on. Not only did he score, though, but he was able to spread the wealth. 12 different players for Banija scored in this game, led by Babic Jr. scoring four goals, alongside Lamark Riafsette & Cyrus Bell both scoring 3.

It was a powerful attack, and the crowd gave a crazy environment at Banija's newest stadium. Goal after Goal for Banija against newcomers New Doltania showed that even if Banija missed the last edition of this tournament, they are indeed back, and they will be a force to be reckoned with, here on home soil. Marko Babic Jr. playing in his father's footsteps, of course, bringing back good memories from the 21st and 22nd WLCs- a team that is truly a force to be reckoned with.

They won their second game as well, defeating Lisander by a score of 9-4. Marko Babic Jr. had a hat trick in this one as well, with the team pulling away from their toughest opponent in Group A late in the 4th quarter. Banija has scored 37 goals throughout this tournament so far, tied for the tournament lead alongside St.Saratoga, with Amazonesta only two goals behind at 35. Babic Jr. has 7 goals, of course, but he has been far from the only key player. Head Coach Marko Babic Sr. has mentioned both Cyrus Bell and defender Sabelo Mabuza as key cogs in this machine. "If we want to make a deep run in this tournament, we need everybody to step up. Cyrus Bell, this team's leading veteran, has played excellently, and Sbaelo Mabuza, who is younger, has performed admirably under pressure. These past two wins mean nothing if we cannot build on them, however, so we need to be focused against Juvencus so that we can win the group."

Their third game is at the historic Northern Moravica Lacrosse Arena. Holding less than 5,000 spectators, it is on the stadium list in the first place because of the history of the stadium, rather than anything else. The Stadium, of course, is only hosting two matches. This match against Juvencus, and then one Round of 16 match, which won't be decided until the draw for the Round of 16 is held. Can they win the game to win the group? It all rides on the final group stage matchday, as teams will then have to prepare for the win or go home nature of the knockout stages. Banija will look to continue its record of reaching the knockout stages of every single tournament it has played in, but this time, of course, it will look to do so in front of the small crowd at a stadium steeped in history.

[Vangaziland]

Royals Beat Top Two Team

The Cosumar dragons were a tough opponent for the Vangazi, the most challenging event of their schedule. They entered the season ranked 2nd in the WLC. The Royals are a good team, ranked lucky #13, but have evaded the level of success familiar to the top 5 teams.

"Cosumar will be a heckuva challenge", said Coach Hootsen before the match day. "It'll be a great test for our guys. We've seen a high level so far from the Vangazi. The real tests will come against teams like the Dragons."

Vangaziland scored two early goals as Tute scored on a pop up from X and from a rotating play up top. The offense moved around, almost more so than they did during the last game. There is less emphasis on screen plays, as the offense seems to be trying to confuse the defense. When defenses try to ignore and play zone, Vangaziland makes them pay from X.

Vangaziland lost the battle of possession, not holding the ball as long as the Dragons. The ground ball tally was pretty close, but the Vangazi managed a slight advantage. "Scooping up the loose ones were the key to our victory today", said Tony Tute to a post match interviewer. "This was a really close match that could have went either way."

"Kudos to the Dragons", said big Lars Swenson, the center defender. "They brought a lot of pressure in the middle. I tried my best to shut them down but I couldn't. In all of my time in the WLC, I haven't played such a tough game. Offense bailed us out."

Jake Carrs was the man of the match with the team's sole hat trick. He also picked up 3 assists, once again acting as the engine behind the Royals' offense.

The Royals look to finish the season undefeated. Wermanland will look to stand in their way.

[Wrexwic]

Did Tourists Spot The Wrexwic Bigman?


They go by many names. Bigfoot. Sasquatch. Vannish Yetis. The Wrexwic Bigman is Wrexwic's local cryptid. Dozens claim to have seen it over the past forty years in the woods north of Southline, Wrexwic. This weekend, two college students on a camping trip provided what they claim is the best evidence yet.

"We were setting up our tent when I felt these eyes", says 20 year old Vanesssa (sic) Hutton. "My neck literally felt hot. So I turn and look up in them bushes... I was in shock."

She immediately asked her boyfriend to do something. To scare it away.

"I froze", said engineering student Hector Carbonaro. "She kept yelling, 'go git 'um. Go git 'um.' Part of me wanted to run up to it just so she I wouldn't hear her yells", Hector told us in private. Instead, Vanesssa said her boyfriend took off his glasses and pretended to clean them.

"There was dirt on them", he replied. "I couldn't tell what I saw."

Vanesssa quickly grabbed her phone and took a photo. Her phone was made in Wrexwic, where common frivolities like buying 200 dollar phones every year sounds ridiculous. Wrexish cell phones are rather Spartan, with cameras that leave much to the imagination.

"It wouldn't focus the shot", she said. "There was like.... Interference or some such thing. It'd go blurry as soon as I pointed at him."

Hutton is a first cousin to lacrosse midfielder Kasen Palmer. Palmer is the leading Wrex scorer in WLC 28. When reached for comment, he stated, "I only give interviews about lacrosse, not about stuff like that."

He seemed embarrassed of the incident and has been silent on it. Palmer will look to give West Phoenicia a run for their money in the last game of the group stage.

[Northwest Kalactin]

Good win against Bortonania



Northwest kalactin players celebrating their win last night

Northwest kalactin had a 11-9 win against Bortonania last night and will be looking for a repeat of that against Natanians and nosts “They have a good team but not that good” comments Tyrone Lawrence on Natanians and nosts we definitely think we can play a good game against them and if we win we would get a automatic advance to the quarterfinals now if we lose and we go in 3rd place we have to have a good point difference or something but what we are focusing on is winning the game so let’s play some lacrosse

[Banija]

Group A
Lisander 9–11 New Doltania
Juvencus 9–21 Banija

Group A                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Banija                        3   3  0   58  20 +38
2 New Doltania                  3   2  1   31  48 −17
3 Juvencus                      3   1  2   32  43 −11
4 Lisander                      3   0  3   21  32 −11

Group B
Vangaziland 9–7 Wermanland
Azurirbajan 6–18 Cosumar

Group B                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Vangaziland                   3   3  0   42  21 +21
2 Cosumar                       3   2  1   37  27 +10
3 Azurirbajan                   3   1  2   23  48 −25
4 Wermanland                    3   0  3   25  31  −6

Group C
Huri de Wintre 8–5 Asiana
Amazonesta 11–13 Qasden

Group C                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Qasden                        3   2  1   38  36  −2
2 Amazonesta                    3   2  1   46  35  +11
3 Huri de Wintre                3   1  2   29  44  −15
4 Asiana                        3   1  2   31  29  +2

Qasden ranked ahead of Amazonesta due to head-to-head victory.
Huri de Wintre ranked ahead of Asiana due to head-to-head victory.

Group D
St. Saratoga 13–4 United Celtic Peoples
Maryloupe 11–5 New West Guiana

Group D                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 St. Saratoga                  3   3  0   50  19 +31
2 Maryloupe                     3   2  1   28  31  −3
3 United Celtic Peoples         3   1  2   30  34  −4
4 New West Guiana               3   0  3   24  48 −24

Group E
West Phoenicia 6–9 Wrexwic
South Toronto 21–12 United States of Devonta

Group E                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Wrexwic                       3   2  1   31  25  +6
2 South Toronto                 3   2  1   39  33  +6
3 West Phoenicia                3   1  2   21  19  +2
4 United States of Devonta      3   1  2   23  37 −14

Wrexwic ranked ahead of South Toronto due to head to head victory.
West Phoenicia ranked ahead of Devonta due to head to head victory.

Group F
Natanians and Nosts 6–10 Northwest Kalactin
Bortonania 7–10 Abanhfleft

Group F                        Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Abanhfleft                    3   3  0   40  20 +20
2 Northwest Kalactin            3   2  1   28  34  −6
3 Natanians and Nosts           3   1  2   21  31  −10
4 Bortonania                    3   0  3   24  30  −6

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Ranking of Qualifying Teams

Team                           Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Banija                        3   3  0   58  20 +38
1 St. Saratoga                  3   3  0   50  19 +31
1 Vangaziland                   3   3  0   42  21 +21
1 Abanhfleft                    3   3  0   40  20 +20
1 Wrexwic                       3   2  1   31  25  +6
1 Qasden                        3   2  1   38  36  −2
2 Amazonesta                    3   2  1   46  35  +11
2 Cosumar                       3   2  1   37  27 +10
2 South Toronto                 3   2  1   39  33  +6
2 Maryloupe                     3   2  1   28  31  −3
2 Northwest Kalactin            3   2  1   28  34  −6
2 New Doltania                  3   2  1   31  48 −17
3 West Phoenicia                3   1  2   21  19  +2
3 United Celtic Peoples         3   1  2   30  34  −4
3 Natanians and Nosts           3   1  2   21  31  −10
3 Juvencus                      3   1  2   32  43 −11

3 Huri de Wintre                3   1  2   29  44  −15 DID NOT QUALIFY FOR KNOCKOUT STAGES
3 Azurirbajan                   3   1  2   23  48 −25 DID NOT QUALIFY FOR KNOCKOUT STAGES

Round of 16 Matchups
(1) Banija vs. (16) Juvencus @ Bwubanza City Park in Bwubanza City, Bunyoro
(8) Cosumar vs. (9) South Toronto @ Mugisha III Memorial Stadium in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Winners play in Quarterfinal 1 @ Mugisha III Memorial Stadium in Busukuma, National Capitol Region

(5) Wrexwic vs. (12) New Doltania @ PG Arena in Hoima, Ankole
(4) Abanhfleft vs. (13) West Phoenicia @ The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Winners play in Quarterfinal 2 @ The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region

(6) Qasden vs. (11) Northwest Kalactin @ Kabonero III Field in Istria, Moravica
(3) Vangaziland vs. (14) United Celtic Peoples @ Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Hangaza
Winners play in Quarterfinal 3 @ Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Hangaza

(7) Amazonesta vs. (10) Maryloupe @ Kizza I Field in Herzegovina City, Moravica
(2) St.Saratoga vs. (15) Natanians and Nosts @ Northern Moravica Lacrosse Arena in Herzegovina City, Moravica
Winners play in Quarterfinal 4 @ Kabonero III Field in Istria, Moravica

[Qasden]

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Official Roster of the WLC28 Qasden Lacrosse Team
Nickname: The Vans; Blue-Reds

Coaches-
Coach- Matthew Turiz
Assistant Coach- Drew Bræser

Goalkeepers-
1- Brändon Mèyerre
2- Valetta Motchski
3- Arrow Flakes

Defenders-
4- Julian Perre
5- Wyatt Delano
6- Traylor Droi
7- Nash Baiker
8- Perry Sale
9- Ivy Qosi

Midfielders-
10- Kurt Hernin
11- Blake Alder
12- Dale Rui
13- Roswell Chesser
14- Volly Mako
15- Cree Tbelo

Attackers-
16- Brutis Adièrre
17- Kacy Wallback
18- Nigel Brüdder
19- Joakim Tylo
20- Peter Rehlo
21- Baddi Léboll


Green = Starting X

Kits (Made with Pride Kits of Qasden)-

(You jealous of our cat shorts? )

RP Permissions-
Anything but killing my athletes is dandy

[Northwest Kalactin]

WLC round of 16


look at that celebration

HAHA we beat them talk about getting away with the win our whole team was nervous but we definitely executed that game perfectly and talk about beating number 9 in the world honestly I’m really proud of our team like just wow. I think a a game against qasden will really test our teams experience.

[Wrexwic]

Wrexwic Bulldozes West Phoenicia

The Wrexwic Islanders faced their latest challenge in the quick group stage of World Lacrosse Championship 28. Group E could easily be called this season's Group Of Death. Up first, the United States of Devonta's ranked #5. West Phoenicia's ranked #8. South Toronto is South Toronto... unranked, but aggressive. Successful.

Then you have Wrexwic. It's a land a stone's toss away from the third world. A place where corruption and poverty run rampant, despite the best efforts of the Vannish Empire.

"People need sports to get through their day", said keeper Keyon Sowley. "The least we can do is try to brighten up some Wrex's life." Sowley has been a major bright spot for the Islanders this season. He only allowed 6 goals against West Phoenicia in a season where 20+ goals are commonplace.

Sowley was also a key to the close game against the 5th ranked team of Devonta. In it, Wrexwic lost by 1 goal in overtime.

"The defense and I really had a good talk after that overtime loss", said the keeper. "We really learned something. For such a fresh team on this international team, the match was a real eye opener."

Wrexwic beat unranked rival South Toronto 12 to 8. It was a close match where Wrexwic did not pull away until the end.

The game against West Phoenicia was different. The Islanders came out motivated in a must win situation. They went on a run early and their opponent just couldn't keep up.

"A lot of people expected a different result", said coach Daly. "Lacrosse is the kind of sport where upsets happen all the time. It's the sort of game where you can't take your foot off the gas."

[West Phoenicia]

Daredevils slide into Top 16

The West Phoenician Daredevils have slid into the World Lacrosse Championships top 16 after a costly assumption that could have seen them out in the first round.

The 3rd world nation of Wrexwic was the last nation they played off against before the top 16. Over confidence that they were no match for the Daredevils was quickly realised to be a blunder as Wrexwic came out hungry for another win.

Goal Keeper Prince Jericho Bush was overwhelmed by the non stop play in his area as he let goal after goal slip by as the Daredevils lost 6-9. Not an overall large margin but enough to make team sponsors raise their eyes in wonder if the hard earned dollars flowing into the Daredevils coffers was really worth it if they could not win against a team West Phoenicia saw as inferior.

The Daredevils next face their biggest challenge in the top 16 when they go up against Abanhfleft who had won all three of their matches and who ranks higher than them. West Phoenicia is bracing for a tough game, where even the smallest mistake could see them ousts from the championship.

[Banija]

The All-Banija Sports Magazine
The only nationwide publication that is all sports, all the time!

Rematch! Banija follows up group stage match against Juvencus with knockout stage match against Juvencus


Team celebrates group stage victory over Juvencus

BWUBANZA CITY- Banija had the third and final game of their group stage against Juvencus, with a chance to secure the tournament's #1 overall seed heading into the knockout stages on the line. Banija's offense dominated once again, scoring 21 goals to Juvencus' 9 to earn a spot in the Round of 16. They will be headed to Bwubanza City, of course, and they will be facing none other than Juvencus, a team that they just defeated 21-9. While many will point to Banija as the favorites, considering their previous 21-9 victory, this will be an extremely tough matchup. It is tough to beat the same team twice in one tournament, and it is even tougher to do it two times in a row.

Juvencus knows exactly what Banija is capable of. They know what kind of strategies Banija are likely to use, since they have literally just seen them use it. Going over game film for Banija will also be scouting film for their next opponent- Banija. And, of course, their motivation will be high, since Banija just handled them at the Northern Moravica Lacrosse Arena, while the expectations will be through the floor, since Banija just handled them at the Northern Moravica Lacrosse Arena. That is the perfect combination for any upset, and Banija needs to be on their guard.

Regardless, even not thinking about that, Banija can start to think about the bigger picture now. Of course, if the favorites win, Banija will have two interesting opponents ahead of them who Banija has history with. Cosumar defeated them in the Final of the 21st World Lacrosse Championships, and Cosumar eliminated them from the 24th World Lacrosse Championships in the quarterfinals of that tournament. And then, of course, there is Abanhfleft. A nation who has never lost a lacrosse game on Banijan soil, they defeated Banija twice in Istria in the 22nd WLCs, and a third time in New West Guiana in the semifinal. And then they also eliminated Banija in the semifinals of the 25th WLCs. Another Banija v. Abanhfleft semifinal would be a matchup that would get massive ratings here at home.

Could we win that matchup? First, before we get to that, we need to play the game that we have in front of us. Part II of Banija v. Juvencus. We think that Banija, at the magazine anyways, is very capable of winning that matchup. It is very clear that there is a talent gap between Banija and Juvencus that cannot be easily overcome. Marko Babic Jr. is a wonderful Attacker, and this coach, so far, has realized how to get the most out of his attackers. He'll have to try something different, of course, because Juvencus will be ready with what they saw with their own eyes, and certainly throw a few curveballs at Marko Babic.

Of course, this is the only round where all 8 stadiums are used on the same Matchday. You can tell how the Banijan Lacrosse Association tried to limit the travel of teams in this tournament. Between matchdays 1 and 2, there was no travel, as teams played in the same stadium. While teams inevitably had to travel to Matchday 3 and for their quarterfinals, the association is attempting to limit necessary travel. 3 different teams will be guaranteed to play a quarterfinal in a stadium where they played a Round of 16 match. And the four teams playing in Herzegovina City have their quarterfinal matchup in Istria, which is only 75 miles South of Herzegovina City.

Ultimately, there is no perfect travel schedule. But the Banijan Lacrosse Association tried as hard as they could to limit travel within Banija, and they have done a reasonably decent job. Ultimately, though, it's not about where you play- it's about how you play once you are there. And various cities are reporting positive experiences of hosting foreign fans. We'll obviously have to wait for the end of the tournament to measure full economic impact, and it is lacrosse, but this seems to be a positive experience for the country, and may encourage host bids for Banija for other major tournaments as well.

[St Saratoga]

Rogerbei Times - International
"The most reliable news source in Saratoga."
Saratogan "Saints" earn #2 seed after 3-0 undefeated group-stage performance

Cost: K$ 1.50

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WLC 28 -- The Saratogan "Saints" improve to a 3-0 record & earn the #2 seed in the knock-stages at the World Lacrosse Championship 28 with the help of Attackers Joseph Wilkens & Dominic Fitzgerald's 3 game multi-goal streaks as well as Goalie Alexander Aktins impressive debut to the tournament. The Saints now move on to the Knockout stages as they have earned the #2 seed in the tournament, the Saints will play (15) Natanians and Nosts @ Northern Moravica Lacrosse Arena in Herzegovina City, Moravica.

The Saints were lead by their aggressive attackers, mainly Joseph Wilkens & Dominic Fitzgerald who were named team captains going into the knockout stages. Both attackers current have a 3 game, multi-goal streak as the continue to show their worth on the national team. "We came here to redeem ourselves after WLC 21 and feel that we have done that." said Joseph Wilkens after the 3rd matchday. "We couldn't have done this though without our teammates, our midfielders & defenders are playing out of their minds right now. All credit is due to them."

Goalie Alexander Atkins is another stand out on the Saints, only allowing 19 goals in on the tournament so far is proving that he deserves a permeant role on the National team. He was quickly shuffled in a few days before the tournament after the injury of veteran goalie Zachary Williamson receive an non-game related injury. "So far, Alex is playing beyond expectations, we will continue to start him as long as he is keeps this up. This was the debut he needed to show he is not your typical goalie." Stated Coach Quinn Williamson.

The (2) Saints are to take on (15) Natanians and Nosts in the first round of the knockout stages. Natanians and Nosts finished the group stages 1-2 record, coached by Frans Gheorghe Silva with a current goal differential of -10. "We are not going to overlook Coach Frans Gheorghe Silva & his team. They are keep their scores close with their opposite so this is one of those matches were one mistake can mean eliminate for either team. We look forward to this exciting matchup." Stated Coach Williamson in the match preview press conference.

After the disappointing group stage elimination in World Lacrosse Championship 21, the newly re-branded Saints looked to return to the WLC 28 to make their mark on the tournament as a championship contending team. Coach Quinn Williamson stated in the pregame press conference, "This tournament is personal for this team, they were embarrassed on their last appearance and are coming to make a statement.

Jim Halpert
Senior Sports Reporter
Athlead

[Vangaziland]

On Matchday 3 of the WLC, Vangaziland defeated Wermanland by a score of 9 to 7. It was a close match and one that could have went either way. The Royals clamped down to sneak away with the narrow margin. However, a particular booth was set up to draw attention.

International race team Vannish Motors Racing paid to sponsor a small section for fans to walk up to the team's car and meet the crew. The Dragon chassis was on display, different from the more generic car which won both the Drivers' and Constrictors' Championships in the WGP2's first season. Drivers Jang Xiaopeng and Jessica Franssen were on hand to sign autographs, talk about the cars and spread goodwill.

"I haven't been re-signed yet", said Jang. "I'm set to test for the team, but anything's possible. There's even the chance VMR will hire an international driver", the young social media drift king and street racer turned pro chuckled as he made a hypothesis. "Maybe they sent me here to recruit Banijan drivers."

Franssen had another hypothesis. "Jang is paranoid", she said. "But VMR is looking to go international. Vannish Motors is a factory team."

Prospective teams can have their own version of this state-of-the-art racer. The company's had success from the Cross Rally Championships, to the league in Hodori and even in the WGP2.

The car driven by Stansen, Lark and Schorebrook on Hodori was also on display. A second car identical to it finished 2nd in drivers' standings and 3rd in team standings. People were allowed to walk right up to the GT2 car, unlike the WGPC open-wheeled Dragon chassis. It was fenced off behind velvet ropes and under a tent.

Prospective teams are encouraged to contact Vannish Motors ASAP to reserve their chassis before the imminent WGPC season.

[Abanhfleft]

Gaelic Gamers
Presents...

The Lacrosse Lamentations
with Aisling Keane

Are We at the Twilight of the Golden Generation of Abanhfleft National Lacrosse?
The signs are there, but is the Federation paying any attention at all?


Abanhfleft's Heidi Vanderzee goes for goal against the United States of Devonta in the bronze medal match of the 27th World Lacrosse Championships in Natanians and Nosts last year. (Image courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Hannah Radlee)

WRITING FROM BWUBANZA CITY, BANIJA - There used to be a time when the nations of the multiverse quaked in their boots in fear of the mere sight of the mighty womenfolk of the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft, especially when those women were wearing blue shirts and skirts with orange and green trim and carrying lacrosse sticks. I am of course talking about Abanhfleft's national lacrosse team, which ever since they first debuted in the 19th World Lacrosse Championships in The Sarian and Vintomter (whatever happened to those countries anyway?) has been represented entirely by women. Only the staff have male members, and for the early days of Fleftic lacrosse they were actually coached by a female lacrosse legend in Luzviminda Lozima. And all those other teams had every reason to fear the Fleftics, who dubbed themselves the Amazons and had rightfully gained that reputation throughout the years.

In the nine years that Abanhfleft have consistently qualified for the World Lacrosse Championships, they have lifted the grand trophy, the gold medal, three times, and those three titles were won over the span of four editions, creating a new sporting record. We actually won bronze on our debut tournament, WLC 19. Names like Menan Alrisheb, Fatima Alsambis, and Cecilia Cuvimi were known throughout the multiverse as they formed one of the most formidable attacking forces ever seen in the sport of lacrosse. It seemed as if almost every attempt they made at goal was subsequently converted into actual points. Abanhfleft was very much the talk of the town back in the day.

But now it seems as if no one is afraid of Abanhfleft when it comes to lacrosse anymore. I guess the first signs of trouble could be seen back in that disastrous 24th edition of the WLC held in the strangely-named nation of The Sword Bloke (which was ruled by the equally eccentrically named Shop Owner, and whose flag was apparently some of kind cartoon character named Stewart or Stu or Stewie or something along those lines). Despite coming into that tournament as clear favorites following back-to-back gold medals, we won our opening game against Kaboomlandia and then lost the next four games. The Amazons lost four games straight. Would you believe it? I certainly couldn't when I was watching the games live and in person in The Sword Bloke. Back then my mind just couldn't fathom it: how in the world does the best lacrosse team in the world lose four straight games? And this wasn't just my biased mind talking; Abanhfleft was genuinely considered as one of the best lacrosse nations in the multiverse at that point. I just couldn't understand it. But hindsight has afforded me a chance to look back at those stormy days and note the beginning of a disturbing pattern. Looking back at those games which we lost, it was clear that something was going on between the "Fearsome Threesome". They weren't linking up like they used to; their passes to each other weren't connecting like before; and there were times in which one of them would make a pass too early or too late, and the other team would be able to intercept the ball and start off attacks of their own. It was these kinds of little things which disrupted the normally fluid flow of Abanhfleft's attacks, and that was, in my opinion, what cost us the chance at a lacrosse three-peat.

The national lacrosse team has been on a steady decline starting from WLC 24 but I'm beginning to think that we haven't really paid any attention to it until now, mostly because the team bounced back in spectacular fashion in the 25th edition of the World Lacrosse Championships and showed that even without our "Fearsome Threesome", we could still win a championship. Then again, a look back at the pages of history reveals that the team that won us WLC 25 was still part of what could be called "the core" of the first teams that set foot on Sarian soil to represent Abanhfleft in lacrosse for the first time ever.

In my humble opinion though, I believe that Abanhfleft truly began to decline when Chandra Koothrappali announced her retirement from international lacrosse after helping us lift the WLC 25 title. Aside from the "Fearsome Threesome", Chandra was one of the most vocal personalities on that team. When she spoke, you listened, or so her teammates had said during numerous interviews. When she left, there was no longer someone who could get the other girls to listen. Alesia Westinggate? Come on. Patricia Gilfoy? Not a chance. And Mubashira de Alto Aragon, the team's current captain? Don't make me laugh! They're only in those captain and vice-captain positions because they're Tim Blyther's yes-men (or should that be yes-women?). Don't get me wrong; they're all good lacrosse players, but they're simply not the type to assume command of the situation when it's abundantly clear that Tactics Tim had gotten his tactics wrong. Who could take over in that case? Well, there's Heidi Vanderzee (pictured above in action against U.S. Devonta in the 3PPO of WLC 27), but she's basically still Mubashira's protegee at this point and therefore not too liable to take over the team (unless she finally decides to do so in which case I shall gladly eat my words).

Right now, Abanhfleft stands at the shores of history. They are at the cusp of something very big. They have a chance to prove both to themselves and to the rest of the multiverse that they still got it. West Phoenicia stands in their way right now. If they win, then Abanhfleft could still make it deeper into this tournament. But if they lose, well, the sun may well have truly set on our golden generation.

Author's note: Sorry if that last part seemed so abrupt. I fell asleep on my keyboard and had to rush to get this up on the site before the round of 16 matches. Thankfully I had my ending ready but the path to that ending may look like it just got cut right to the end.

[Banija]

Round of 16
Banija 6–9 Juvencus @ Bwubanza City Park in Bwubanza City, Bunyoro
Cosumar 12–5 South Toronto @ Mugisha III Memorial Stadium in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Wrexwic 15–10 New Doltania @ PG Arena in Hoima, Ankole
Abanhfleft 11–17 West Phoenicia @ The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Qasden 11–5 Northwest Kalactin @ Kabonero III Field in Istria, Moravica
Vangaziland 17–5 United Celtic Peoples @ Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Hangaza
Amazonesta 16–13 Maryloupe @ Kizza I Field in Herzegovina City, Moravica
St. Saratoga 8–6 Natanians and Nosts @ Northern Moravica Lacrosse Arena in Herzegovina City, Moravica

Quarterfinals
(8) Cosumar vs. (16) Juvencus @ Mugisha III Memorial Stadium in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
(5) Wrexwic vs. (13) West Phoenicia @ The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Winners will play in Semifinal at The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region

(3) Vangaziland vs. (6) Qasden @ Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Hangaza
(2) St.Saratoga vs. (7) Amazonesta @ Kabonero III Field in Istria, Moravica
Winners will play in Semifinal at PG Arena in Hoima, Ankole

[St Saratoga]

Rogerbei Times - International
"The most reliable news source in Saratoga."
Saratogan "Saints" advance to quarterfinals

Cost: K$ 1.50

---

WLC 28 -- The Saratogan "Saints" advance to the quarterfinals after defeating the solid (15) Natanians and Nosts defense late in the round of 16 matchup with a score of 8 to 6, will travel to Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Hangaza to take on (7) Amazonesta.

The Saints offensive was tested today against the a lockdown (15) Natanians and Nosts defense which held attacker Joseph Wilkens & Dominic Fitzgerald to only 1 point each, breaking their multi-goal scoring steak. Natanians and Nosts defenders Mihai Carolus Priscus & Márcus Probus Lênin physical defending closed shooting lanes for Saint's Wilkens & Fitzgerald, forcing them to get creative with their offensive strategies in order to score, while the Nost Attackers & Captain Bruno Caeso North pelted Saints Goalie Alex Atkins, who allowed 6 goals in the matchup.

The standouts for this matchup for the Saints is the midfielder corp of the team as they served as the speedy passing and patience needed to allow the Saints offense to prevail in this matchup. Midfielder Luke Lee, Josh Barber, Brandon Todd, & Zak Boyle all managed to score, causing the Nost defense to lose focus on the aggressive duo of Wilkens & Fitzgerald to sneak in the last few goals to enable the Saints to advance to the next round of the playoffs. Goalie Alex Atkins play like a brickwall once again allowing the least amount of goals so far in the tournament for the Saints.

As the Saints advance to the quarterfinals, they will face (7) Amazonesta who are also coming off of an 16 to 13 nail-biter against (10) Maryloupe. Much like the Saints, the Amazonesta national team plays a very aggressive style of offense after coming out of the group stages with a goal differential of +11 & only dropping their final match of 3 to Qasden. Coach Williamson expects this upcoming matchup to be "virtually a shootout", stating that "Goalies and defenses are going to be the key for this matchup, from what I've seen our defense do so far this year I feel that we will be able to manage." The Saints will travel to Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Hangaza for the quarterfinal match.

Other teams around the league were not as lucky as the Saints, mainly (1) Banija who felt the bitter taste of an upset & revenge of the (16) Juvencus national team who handed the top seed team a 6–9 disappointing elimination. This coming after Banija put up 21 goals on Juvencus's 9 in Game 3 of the group stage just days earlier. Juvencus will now travel to Mugisha III Memorial Stadium in Busukuma to take on the (8) Cosumar. Another match ended in heartbreak for (4) Abanhfleft which came in the form of a 11–17 upset to (13) West Phoenicia who look to do the same to (5) Wrexwic at The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region.

Jim Halpert
Senior Sports Reporter
Athlead

[Vangaziland]

Ship Sunk, ICBMs and Bombers Retaliate

A Tainese-flagged shipping vessel was hit by a torpedo early Thursday night. The merchant vessel sank quickly, leaving no room for survivors. A torpedo was fired from a Yanjin submarine.

Yanjin media released audio of the strike and video of the crew celebrating afterwards.

"War is not a game", said the Tainese Prime Minister in a broadcast statement. "The nation of Yanjin is serious about wanting to ruin our land and our way of life. They see war as a game. It's a cute thing for them to fill their media with. They want to be tough."

24 people crewed the car carrier ship, destined for Mirevia. 4,400 cars were lost in the strike.

"The Tainese Isles, along with the Vannish military will show this paper tiger the consequences of such a policy", said Hank Goodson in a different statement. "Our navies are totally free to operate in the waters of East Asia. This is no drill. This is not a police action."

"If there continues to be a lack of stability in East Asia, then the Land of Ice and the Red Sun will have to increase presence in the region."

Vangaziland enjoys a fairly good relationship with China because the Vannish State also has partial ownership in countries. The Vannish Empire is not aligned with the West, but has established its own culture and doctrine as 'The North.' It's an isolationist nation with a record of standing up to entire alliances and making them blink.

The retaliation for the strike would be swift, painful and bring echoes of total war. Vannish submarines fired multiple warheads at a Yanjin Naval Base.

"The coordinates were pre-planned from satellite intel. We had a high rate of hit success. This is just the start."

The Tainese also retaliated, firing cruise missiles at radar and anti-aircraft sites near the coast.

"Unfortunately, there was civilian collateral damage. But we minimized it where we could."

Early in the dark of morning, a Vannish bomber launched a full bomb bay of 1000-pound guided munitions on the complex dug into the cliffs to Yanjin's East. In a briefing, a Vannish spokesman told us at least two bunker busting bombs with deep set fuzes were used.

"The Sea is becoming a war zone. Fleets are sailing towards each other. Expect more of this", said Tainese admiral Choong.

Despite the bombing, much of the network remains dug into the side of the rock wall.

"It will take many bombing runs before we can really make headway", said a Vannish Army spokesman. "This is a situation that will take years to evolve and we're experiencing a slow start."

The Vannish Navy is steaming towards the Tainese Isles. At least two surface groups will arrive in waters between the East Asian island of Yanjin and the Tainese Isles much further South.

The Tainese Navy is spreading a net and moving assets towards Yanjin while also securing their coastal areas.

Compared to the 22 casualties of the sunken ship, casualty estimates revolve around 200 dead or seriously wounded in the retaliation strikes. The ship was a financial blow to the Tainese.

Yanjin also took a financial hit, especially in the bombing at Yueping. Important facilities were damaged, including the lifting arms which helps load ships. Crews are already started on the repairs.

[West Phoenicia]

West Phoenician Daredevils celebrate hard as they claim victory in the round of 16.
The Daredevils had a fantastic game when they came up against Abanhfleft the current number 1 team ranked in the Lacrosse Championships.
The Daredevils went in with the notion to just play a good game, win or lose. They entered as an underdog against one of the top teams in the league.
The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma was filled to capacity flags of both nations waving in the light breeze.
The game started as predicted with Abanhfleft taking the first goal. But the Daredevils refused to lay down and let themselves be walked over. The fight had just started.
Prince Jericho Bush was on top form as the goalie while Audie Cult and Colin King played an aggressive game pushing the team into the lead in the second quarter and keeping them ahead for the rest of the game.
When the buzzer sounded loud cheers erupted in the stands after West Phoenicia pulled a 17-11 win. Dashing Abanhfleft chances of another championship win.

The Daredevils next face off with Wrexwic a member of their grouping who had the upper hand during their previous match. West Phoenicia hopes for a better result in the Quarter-finals. After beating the number 1 ranked team anything was now possible and Wrexwic was not going to stand in there way.

[Wrexwic]

Wrexwic Drops 15

Unintimidated by their first playoff matchup, the wranglin' Wrex stepped away from the game with a hard fought victory. They faced fellow newcomer New Doltania. Three teams made it out of group 3, which originally included teams ranked 5th and 8th. #5 United States of Devonta had an off year, and may take a big points hit after WLC 28.

Unranked Wrexwic made it out of the group with the lead, topping what the press across the Sea in Vangaziland termed 'The Group Of Death'. Vannish coach Larry Hootsen spoke on his nation's neighbor and independent territory. "Wrexwic is that sort of team that you really have to knuckle down against. You can't just take them for granted", he said.

When asked on Wrexwic's chances, he said, "No. They probably won't advance. But this is what new teams need. The experience. The points. This should be the boost of a season they need to make another run next season."

Wrexish coach Jake Daly responded to his Imperial rival. "Hootsen makes it sound like we're out. They're good. But don't think we don't have any heart left. Whatever happens, we will play hard. If they beat us, they'll have to play their best game of this season."

The team came out motivated last time they faced West Phoenicia, because of an article they read in the paper. Now the odds are stacked against the Wrexish, as the others have had more time to gameplan, know the Wrexish players & strategy and will show up to play this time.

"This will be our toughest game of the year", said goalkeeper Keyon Sowley. "Scoring 15 goals in the Round of 16 doesn't stand for much. We have to keep pushing. But if we lose, hey.... It was a good first run."

Glover Webb led Wrexwic in scoring with 5 goals, tying the record of Tony Tute of Vangaziland. Webb secured his goals mostly from the wings. 2 goals were the result of ground balls. Jaye Lindblom fed him an assist. His final goal was the result of a fast break.

"I didn't think I'd be here", Webb said after the match. "Scoring a fiver in the playoffs... When we get on the field, we get electric. There's a feeling. A buzz. We have to take that, hone it and make it Wrexish lacrosse."

Many Vannish analysts think the Wrexish team has hit its peak and is set to regress to the mean. The Wrex accuse the Vangazi of wishful thinking, claiming Vangaziland hopes to face West Phoenicia instead of Wrexwic if the Royals can progress.

Either way, it's set to be a hot match. The fans have been treated to a good deal of high-scoring, exciting lacrosse in this edition of the World LAX Championships.

[Banija]

The All-Banija Sports Magazine
The only nationwide publication that is all sports, all the time!

Stunner! Banija fall in Round of 16 to Juvencus to face early exit from the World Lacrosse Championships


Banijan fans react in stunned silence to final whistle at the Bwubanza City Park

BWUBANZA CITY- Banija was making their return to the World Lacrosse Championships after a 1 tournament hiatus. The tournament has been a celebration of everything lacrosse in Banija. Banija is a team that is now in its 7th tournament, and has qualified for the knockout stages in every single tournament that they have been a part of. Of course, they were here to do the job that the 6 previous lacrosse teams could not do- win the tournament. They finished undefeated in the group stages for the first time ever, earning the tournament's #1 overall seed heading into the Round of 16.

The excitement behind this team was extremely high. Banija had three wins alongside a +38 goal difference. Juvencus, who finished 1-2 in the group stages with a -11 goal difference, was the stunning team to finish in the last qualification spot for the knockout stages. But they've showed that it does not matter how you get to the knockout stages. What matters is that once you're there, what do you do with the opportunity? They took full advantage of their rematch with the WLC hosts, and beat them 9-6 on Banijan soil, to have Banija face yet another knockout stage exit without winning the tournament.

This makes it 7/7 tournaments that Banija has gotten out of group play. It is a stunning record for Banijan sports, and the only Banijan national sports team that can actually say that. However, this is also 7/7 tournaments that Banija has played in the knockout stages, and not managed to put together the four wins in a row necessary to actually win the tournament. In order, they've lost in the final, the semifinal, the Round of 16, the quarterfinal, the semifinal, the Round of 16, and the Round of 16. Two third place finishes and a second place finish are not enough for a team that is no longer everyone's favorite cinderella- it is a team that expects to win championships.

The talent is there for Banija. They blasted through the IDLO Champions Cup Tournament a few years back, when the final was between two Banijan squads,filled with Banijan players. They won the invitational tournament put on by New West Guiana a few years back as well, after WLC 25, a tournament of 4 major lacrosse nations. Why can't they seem to put all the pieces together at the World Lacrosse Championships? We don't know why, but there are definitely changes coming.

BLA President Dejan Polek, who coached the team at their first three tournaments, resigned. Marko Babic, the Banijan superstar from the WLC 21-22, also resigned his position as the Head Coach, compiling a decent 3-1 record, but of course, getting eliminated in the Round of 16 on home soil. How will this side move forward? How will the association move forward? It will be the cause of a lot of soul searching, and discovering that they need to find some sort of new approach, any new approach, that can get them out of the gutter and have them actually lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament.

[Banija]

Quarterfinals
Cosumar 20–3 Juvencus
Wrexwic 9–9 West Phoenicia (11–10 OT)
Vangaziland 14–9 Qasden
St. Saratoga 11–10 Amazonesta

Semifinals
(8) Cosumar vs. (5) Wrexwic @ The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
(3) Vangaziland vs. (2) St.Saratoga @ PG Arena in Hoima, Ankole