TheCourier.cos -- Cosumar Domestic Sports Newswire

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Nov 18, 2017 6:43 pm

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 9
Real Azuris 4–4 AC Holmenkollen
Olask Islanders 2–5 Treftadaeth Alliance
Ramusok United 2–2 Keenan Athletic
Stoneshore United 2–1 Helfin Fief
Samaj FC 2–4 Cassandra City
Goldstaff City 0–0 Crawford City FC
Eastweald 3–2 OAS Royal FC
Klyde 3–2 Mallox
Pelethas United 3–4 FC Samotath

Oh dear. Oh, Ellie Hanger... that's one for the blooper reel. The young OAS Royal center-half overhit her backpass to Shalhoub so badly that all the keeper could do was stand with his hands on his hips and watch as Aeris Cossadel latched onto it instead and literally walked it into the unprotected net. Galasgoldas Tathtauré was livid - cursing the air as the gaffe undid the 2-2 equalizer he had just struck two minutes prior. In this league, sometimes it's the slimmest of margins - like one atrocious decision - that separate the quality of a team at the top of the table (now Eastweald) from those struggling in the bottom half (like OAS Royal now). Or, more rarely, sometimes the margin between two teams is precisely zero. That's what played out in motion in Goldstaff-Crawford this week despite the added intensity from the cities' proximity in southwest Numenvernien Fief. Suddenly-boisterous Crawford City FC supporters came out of the woodwork and flooded into Goldstaff's Bostitch Lane for the two neighbors' first ever Härlighet Ligan meeting, but left it frustrated as Goldstaff City's back five, anchored by Lind Fontaine, kept a great shape and limited Alcouin and Stabb's chances. 0-0.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 10
AC Holmenkollen 1–2 FC Samotath
Mallox 1–2 Pelethas United
OAS Royal FC 3–3 Klyde
Crawford City FC 3–3 Eastweald
Cassandra City 3–4 Goldstaff City
Helfin Fief 0–1 Samaj FC
Keenan Athletic 1–3 Stoneshore United
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–2 Ramusok United
Real Azuris 0–1 Olask Islanders

One of the surprise feelgood stories of the first couple months: Olask Islanders actually looking like a pretty decent team. But a trip to Estadio MasseMord to face Real Azuris would surely cut Johannes Lundblade's upstarts back down to size, right? Nope! Olask pack in and bog down Azuris with numbers behind the ball, and their defiance grew stronger the longer the match went on without conceding. Real's young attacking corps just didn't have the experience or savvy needed to break down such a parked bus. Despite over 70% Azurian possession, the 0-0 scoreline remained intact until the third minute of stoppage time. Then, Chrysanthe Scafidis pounced on the rebound of Ozuna's parried save (his only one of the game) and almost broke the net with her powerful putback! Stunningly, the Islanders made out like bandits with all three points! A lot of pissed faces in Azuris. The upset allowed Stoneshore United to leapfrog the defending champs into second with yet another win, Aidan Andela repeatedly exploiting Keenan Athletic's high back line.

The other Uniteds, the ones from Ramusok, haven't had quite as jolly of a time this season - but not for lack of effort from Adrián Del Toro. Invigorated by freezing temperatures up in the northern peninsula, the Cenian had his most tenacious performance yet, making plays left right and center against Trefta. Unfortunately, his teammates were not quite up to his level. Del Toro grew visibly frustrated after William Stone blasted a sitter over the bar in the second half and threw a snowball at his striker, earning a comical yellow card. The wasteful Blues ultimately had to settle for a point against nominally inferior opposition. Tajo Carr-Ponce headed a perfect Del Toro free kick in under the crossbar in the 90th minute, but it was whistled back by a foul away from the ball. You KNOW Del Toro wanted to throw a snowball at the referee this time. In the opposite corner of the country, however, a different defender's near-identical late heroics did stand. It was Jefferson, for Eastweald! The Valladar enforcer used his formidable physique to outfight no fewer than three Crawford players to Peter Morrison's short delivery and scrap a stoppage time equalizer on the road. "Every point is crucial in a title fight," Jefferson crowed post-match. "You just have to want it more than your competitor."

Finally, the weekend concluded with the top-flight debut of the "Fight for the Flatlands", the nickname given to the under-appreciated Samaj FC vs. Helfin Fief rivalry. They're the biggest clubs from Culmarland and Helfin Fiefs, respectively, which together comprise a region of Cosumar known as the Western Plains (AKA Flatlands). Formerly one of the premier Sekundar Ligan derbies, this is the first time the two clubs have met in Härlighet Ligan play. It was a fun atmosphere to behold at Scandrick's Stadium under the night lights as Helfin Fief's local support showed up in force and unveiled a tifo commemorating past triumphs over Samaj. Unfortunately, this would not be counted among them. Maxine Edelgrau sent the place into a frenzy by getting low to block Vega Zeale-Riddick's penalty kick on the stroke of half time, but VZR would get another chance in the 66th minute and would not miss from the spot twice.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 11
Olask Islanders 5–2 AC Holmenkollen
Ramusok United 1–1 Real Azuris
Stoneshore United 4–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Samaj FC 4–4 Keenan Athletic
Goldstaff City 2–2 Helfin Fief
Eastweald 1–2 Cassandra City
Klyde 1–2 Crawford City FC
Pelethas United 0–4 OAS Royal FC
FC Samotath 1–3 Mallox

It's a week for atypical scorers producing braces, including Olask zen man Kanan Abboud, Holmenkollen ~~black hole of technical ability~~ midfielder Alana Acock... and two fullbacks. Fan Xiaopeng, quickly becoming a fan favorite, scores twice on overlapping runs down the left for Goldstaff City. Teenage Vloo Q'orianka Va'Afaja does the same for Cassandra City down the right. The second of which comes in the 89th minute, dealing a significant blow to Eastweald. After the emerging fullback's dagger brace, the Wood Elves are helpless to prevent Stoneshore from usurping pole position in the table. The Greys just keep rolling. The goals are coming easy for them. Four this week to punish a visiting Astronomers defense that might as well employ actual astronomers. And, for once, not one of the goals came from Yuanchiki Larrimbe. Aidan Andela and Tegen Na'Tarejen step up and prove that Stoneshore United are more than just the Astograthian prodigy. Elsewhere, old league powers OAS Royal and Mallox both right themselves with terrific attacking performances in tough away environments. The pick of their seven combined goals was probably the last one - turned in emphatically by Anders Engström after a flashy backheel from Alexander Kárpáty off of Stiin Siorrha'Asione's blazing run and cross from the right. It seems like Siorrha'Asione is really starting to settle in nicely in Kennedy Kopenhaver's side. The turbulent mood swings and controversial decisions are starting to become fewer and farther between while his production on the pitch remains first-rate.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 12
AC Holmenkollen 1–3 Mallox
OAS Royal FC 3–3 FC Samotath
Crawford City FC 3–2 Pelethas United
Cassandra City 1–1 Klyde
Helfin Fief 3–5 Eastweald
Keenan Athletic 1–1 Goldstaff City
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 Samaj FC
Real Azuris 4–2 Stoneshore United
Olask Islanders 3–1 Ramusok United

This was a crucial moment for the Collette Sade era at Real Azuris. Already three points behind first-place upstarts Stoneshore United, a loss to the Greys to fall even further behind could be a critical blow to her young team's morale and hopes of a title defense. It quickly became apparent, however, that failure wasn't in the cards as soon as Sandra Sybill and Bryger Tidesson combined for a slashing 3rd minute opener. Sade had the stand-up response she was looking for! Her Breakers picked Stoneshore apart in the first half, mounting a 4-0 lead. Adrian Lindberg played a big role with several sublime deliveries in from the left (even having one skip all the way through for a goal), a wizardlike Mbdiai Akarenaa controlled the midfield and, in the back, Kurt Wolff bullied Yuanchiki Larrimbe out of the game. It was a terrific performance for an unusually desperate Azuris, but it doesn't change much for Stoneshore United. They shouldn't lose heart - they're still in rarified air. In fact, when you look at the top of the table after Week 12, the first thing you notice is the two *distinctly* unsexy clubs right there alongside Eastweald and Real Azuris. The other being the Olask Islanders, of course. They strung together their third consecutive impressive win, a thorough defeat of Ramusok United on the strength of Hera Poxay's workmanlike brace. Think Gareth Bournemouth is uncomfortable yet? If there's any consolation for the troubled Ram Utd manager, it's that his team isn't the worst in the capital. AC Holmenkollen are absolutely dire. They're at risk of being completely cut adrift at the bottom after being humiliated by Stiin Siorrha'Asione this week. In more ways than one. After the Farf winger casually jinked into the box past Thelonious Grandstaber and slid the ball over to a wide-open Anders Engström to put Mallox up 3-0, he decided he was done with this game. Done with this opponent. They weren't worthy of Siorrha'Asione. So he simply walked off the pitch and back to the dressing room without being subbed off. In the 58th minute.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 13
Ramusok United 0–1 AC Holmenkollen
Stoneshore United 1–1 Olask Islanders
Samaj FC 2–1 Real Azuris
Goldstaff City 2–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
Eastweald 5–2 Keenan Athletic
Klyde 1–3 Helfin Fief
Pelethas United 3–2 Cassandra City
FC Samotath 3–2 Crawford City FC
Mallox 1–1 OAS Royal FC

"If there's any consolation for the troubled Ram Utd manager, it's that his team isn't the worst in the capital." Well, that's awkward. Nevermind. Holmenkollen actually win at Fire River Arena in a Minor Ramusok Derby. Stiin's insult seemed to light a fire under Holmenkollen and they somehow keep United at bay despite many chances created by Adrián del Toro and Lyyli Silvén. Then it was, guess who, Felix Keller who slotted a diagonal shot beyond Lilly Kearney for the win in the 72nd minute. Chants of "Bournemouth Out!" break out throughout Fire River for the first time in the winding minutes. The Nepharim says his team were the better side and deserved to win afterwards, but the fans aren't hearing that.

In Stoneshore, the aforementioned ugly ducklings of this year's title race face off and compromise with mutually-satisfactory draw. 6"5 Stoneshore defender Willem Maersk headed in yet another goal (he's actually their joint-third leading scorer) but Ilana Way matched it for Olask Islanders with a clever finish after being played in behind Maersk by Will Couturiaux's perfect between-the-lines pass. As for the teams actually expected to last in the title race, Real Azuris are showing vulnerability with only one win from their last five while Eastweald are simply...showing off. They've scored five goals twice in a row. Now, putting up numbers against Helfin Fief and Keenan Athletic isn't necessarily impressive, but what IS impressive is the way they're doing it. By playing unselfishly and flexing some serious depth. NINE different scorers have contributed to the ten goals. Starters and subs, strikers and defenders, veterans and teenagers. Monica Brightwater has Eastweald looking like a real team.

Elsewhere, young Anglatian phenom Allie Vacek has come alive for Klyde and scored in the last three matches, but this week's sour result against Helfin Fief highlights the Doves' instability in the back. It was way too easy for Mauricio Larkspur to blaze through the heart of the Klyde defense, round Lind Pressinger and tap home. In Pelethas, the Miners stopped their recent bleeding with a pulsating 3-2 win over Cassandra City, highlighted by a delightful one-two between Charlie Alotic and Rowan Varghese that resulted in the Mercedinian blasting a winner through the arms of Calogero Metz.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 14
AC Holmenkollen 1–5 OAS Royal FC
Crawford City FC 5–4 Mallox
Cassandra City 0–2 FC Samotath
Helfin Fief 1–1 Pelethas United
Keenan Athletic 2–6 Klyde
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–2 Eastweald
Real Azuris 1–1 Goldstaff City
Olask Islanders 3–2 Samaj FC
Ramusok United 0–1 Stoneshore United

Kim Coultan, Player of the Week, take a bow. The Schottian is already a legend in Crawford for her dedication over the years, with comments like "We don't deserve her" and "Hail our goddess!" topping almost every Coultan article or highlight. But this might've been her best performance EVER in the teal, burgundy and gold shirt. With her side down 3-1 to Mallox at the half and the home support restless, Coultan simply took the fuck over. She was all over the place, making a difference from all areas on the pitch. In under 30 second half minutes, Coultan scored a hat trick (48', 56', 75') and also drew a penalty that Kevin Stabb put away for another. Amethyst Fegelein was nearly speechless after the match. "All I know is that we were down 3-1, then Kim Coultan happened, and then we were up 5-3."

While other storylines and dramas have hogged the headlines, FC Samotath have quietly been on the rebound as of late. After beating Coultan's team last week and Cassandra City this week, that misfiring start is now squarely in the rearview mirror. 18-year-old striker Zak Nyström finding his confidence has been the catalyst of the turnaround. The lad has stepped up with some big goals - none bigger than this week's bullet header off a Vorobyov cross to silence The Amphitheatre in the 72nd minute. And amidst it all, Olask Islanders and Stoneshore United somehow just keep winning. Olask came out on top in a fierce striker duel between Chrysanthe Scafidis and Vega Zeale-Riddick. Both women notched elegant braces, but the difference was that Olask had hard-nosed fullback Louelle Rennold, who broke the tie by polishing off a corner scrum in the box. Stoneshore, on the other hand, added to Ramusok United's miseries with Tégen Na'Tarejen's absolute worldy from the top left corner of the box. Because why not. Gareth Bournemouth was sacked precisely 25 minutes after the final whistle. The fans probably want him to take profligate strikers Stone and Jago with him.

Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group A                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   RAz  Jan  Bgt  TuT
1 Real Azuris               COS    6    5   0   1    13    5   +8    15    —   2–0  4–1  2–1
2 FC Jansberg               SEM    6    2   2   2    11   11    0     8   2–1   —   4–2  2–2
3 Bengtsmark IF             BYN    6    1   2   3     9   15   −6     5*  1–3  2–2   —   1–0
4 Turoki Tide               VIL    6    1   2   3     7    9   −2     5*  0–1  2–1  2–2   —

A strong group, dominated. Good, good.

Globe Cup - Group Stage

  Group E                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   Csb  OAS  FlW  Fal
1 Crisisbless               NPH    6    4   1   1    12    4   +8    13    —   3–1  3–1  3–0
2 OAS Royal FC              COS    6    2   3   1    12    7   +5     9   1–1   —   1–1  5–0
3 FC Fairleigh-Warburton    ETM    6    1   4   1     8    9   −1     7   1–0  1–1   —   2–2
4 Falourr                   EUR    6    0   2   4     5   17  −12     2   0–2  1–3  2–2   —

The 3-1 loss at home to Crisisbless wasn't great, but OAS Royal move on by holding FC Fairleigh-Warburton to two draws and romping Falourr 5-0. Where's THAT form in the league?

  Group L                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   Smj  Ocs  KlM  Roz
1 Samaj FC                  COS    6    4   2   0    11    4   +7    14    —   0–0  3–1  3–0
2 SC Oceanside              NFX    6    2   3   1     8    7   +1     9   1–2   —   1–0  4–3
3 Kelsy Merchants           PCR    6    1   2   3    10   13   −3     5   1–2  1–1   —   3–3
4 Rozelle                   BRE    6    0   3   3    11   16   −5     3   1–1  1–1  3–4   —

Luis Varezzi's charges show their mettle both home and away, proving that perhaps they are ready to truly become significant players in the international scene. And did you SEE that VZR bike against the Merchants?

Series B Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group A                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   Kly  SDI  MnU  SCU
1 Klyde                     COS    6    6   0   0     9    1   +8    18    —   1–0  2–0  1–0
2 San Diego Iguanas         COM    6    2   2   2     8    7   +1     8   0–1   —   2–0  2–2
3 Micronopia United         EFL    6    2   0   4     6    9   −3     6   0–1  1–2   —   4–2
4 South Coast United        JSY    6    0   2   4     7   13   −6     2   1–3  2–2  0–1   —

Flawless. The Doves nearly had a clean sheet for the entire group stage until South Coast United nabbed a solitary goal in one of the final fixtures. Lind Pressinger was great, of course, but so was Gylve Roniger in the heart of the defense.

  Group C                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   HlF  LCC  Cdv  40A
1 Helfin Fief               COS    6    3   2   1     7    3   +4    11*   —   0–0  3–1  2–0
2 Lake Cenial Chimeras      CEN    6    3   2   1    11    6   +5    11*  1–2   —   1–1  6–2
3 Cedniavella               TUR    6    3   1   2     9    5   +4    10   1–0  0–1   —   4–0
4 1940 Asure                SLL    6    0   1   5     3   16  −13     1   0–0  1–2  0–2   — 
* Helfin Fief ahead of Lake Cenial Chimeras on head-to-head points

Helfin Fief have a tougher time of it, but ultimately do top their group as well. It was an insane group, but the Protons' bloodily-contested 2-1 result away at Lake Cenial ended up being the difference. Astor Zigfield's 68th minute winner might go down as one of the biggest goals in club history.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 15
Stoneshore United 2–2 AC Holmenkollen
Samaj FC 3–0 Ramusok United
Goldstaff City 0–0 Olask Islanders
Eastweald 0–1 Real Azuris
Klyde 4–4 Treftadaeth Alliance
Pelethas United 2–2 Keenan Athletic
FC Samotath 2–3 Helfin Fief
Mallox 2–2 Cassandra City
OAS Royal FC 3–5 Crawford City FC

Assistant coach Kirum Mortonsson, who spent nine years as a defender for Ramusok United in some of their best years, has taken over as caretaker manager for the club. But the "new manager bump" was nowhere to be found as Rachel Del Arro (two goals) and Samaj FC ran the Blues off the pitch at Stadion Jagäre. Andrew Arrowsword delivered Real Azuris a huge win in their top-of-the-table clash at Old Weldenskirgen, lifting Tidesson's through ball over Esteban Hernandez with a delicate touch in the 93rd minute. It's tight as a tick again in the top five! Goldstaff City aren't in the top five but they actually have the best defense, statistically at least, so far. The reasons for the unit's success were on display this week as they maintained a clean sheet against fellow western club Olask Islanders. Young goalkeeper Lone Va'Nega stole the show with his bold and decisive sweeping style, taking the ball off the feet of a charging Scafidis multiple times. Out wide, older Vloo Frazan Va'Goshal has locked down the right side, looking like a natural in his new defensive role. Olask's wily inverted winger Noah Silvio, who continues to defy age, was a non-factor against him.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 16
AC Holmenkollen 2–2 Crawford City FC
Cassandra City 2–2 OAS Royal FC
Helfin Fief 4–3 Mallox
Keenan Athletic 2–7 FC Samotath
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–2 Pelethas United
Real Azuris 1–2 Klyde
Olask Islanders 2–0 Eastweald
Ramusok United 3–1 Goldstaff City
Stoneshore United 3–4 Samaj FC

Eastweald cross the country (and a bit of ocean) to barren Olask Isle, a journey that would normally end with an easy three points, and... fall. 2-0. WHAT IS THIS SEASON? With only one more match before the midseason break, the Islanders have ensured they will remain in the title talk for the next month. Kanan Abboud is having a career year at 34, finding a new lease on life by evolving from a generic #8 into a visionary distributor and free kick maestro. Abboud actually leads the HL in free kick goals. By nailing his fifth of the season today, he drew the Islanders within a point of leaders Eastweald. Goddamn. To add to the mayhem, Real Azuris were also upended. By sworn enemies Klyde FC in the return of the Klyde Derby, no less. Kwame Cole reminded the Fiefdom how good he was as the leader of Cassandra City's midfield before being replaced by Ursula Rowan and dictated the tempo and style of match, refusing to let Azuris play their style. With some help from Lind Pressinger and a dramatic clearance off the line by Booker Beckers, the North Klydians were able to preserve a meaningful victory for their fans despite Arrowsword's late lifeline. Elsewhere, FC Samotath absolutely annihilate sliding Keenan Athletic with Nyström leading the way on a complete striker's hat trick. Athletic replace Ramusok United in the relegation places after Kirum Mortonsson's first win in charge. And Samaj FC had their best performance of the season, teaching Stoneshore that they still have a thing or two to learn about crashing UICA parties.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 17
Samaj FC 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
Goldstaff City 1–0 Stoneshore United
Eastweald 1–0 Ramusok United
Klyde 3–3 Olask Islanders
Pelethas United 3–1 Real Azuris
FC Samotath 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Mallox 0–0 Keenan Athletic
OAS Royal FC 1–3 Helfin Fief
Crawford City FC 7–5 Cassandra City

Ramusok United have taken most of the heat from the capital's press thanks to their well-documented struggles (unless your name is Del Toro) and managerial casualty, but in truth... OAS Royal is not faring much better. The spotlight of ignominy was all theirs this weekend, trampled at home by Helfin Fief's red-hot strike force of Kare Saxmark and Astor Zigfield. Royal's defense is a shambles right now compared to their airtight, professional units of years past. Jannick Kontiola finally looks past it at right back and heirs Ellie Hanger and Demi Duvernay are having major growing pains. Claudia Cautcher has only been a minor upgrade over Juquinho alongside Galasgoldas Tathtauré up top thus far and Léonidas Bregoo is sadly but a shell of his former self in midfield. Constantine Champali needs to sort this mess out, and soon. Will he follow Gareth Bournemouth out of the capital?

In contrast, Pelethas United are undefeated in their last five and got another big confidence boost heading into the break by winning a duel with Real Azuris. Charlie Alotic's movement up top was fantastic (they owe much of their recent form to their new striker) and he took his chance well in the 17th minute after getting on the end of a brilliant ball from Auburn Tarrant. And, finally, in the last match of the weekend, Crawford City and Cassandra City fittingly sent us into our month off with a frenzied 90 minutes of sheer madness. Too much happened to even recount it all. All you need to know is that when the dust settled... it was 9v9, 7-5 to Crawford and Kevin Stabb had four goals. THAT should tide us over until the season resumes.

One full leg of the season done. Everybody has seen each other at least once now. Eastweald have emerged as slight favorites to take the crown as the only team to have reached double-digit wins. The partnership between Cossadel and Penumbra Amokachi is humming along like it never quite did last year, Jo de Marisco is still going strong and Eric Bambic has helped steady the defense.

1011 Härlighet Ligan       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Eastweald              17   10   4   3    43   29  +14    34  CC
 2  Crawford City FC       17    8   7   2    47   40   +7    31  CC
 3  Olask Islanders        17    9   4   4    37   31   +6    31  GC
 4  Stoneshore United      17    9   3   5    41   31  +10    30  GC
 5  Real Azuris            17    8   5   4    41   32   +9    29  GC
 6  Pelethas United        17    8   3   6    35   35    0    27
 7  Samaj FC               17    8   2   7    38   34   +4    26
 8  FC Samotath            17    7   3   7    36   35   +1    24
 9  Klyde                  17    6   6   5    35   34   +1    24
10  Goldstaff City         17    5   8   4    23   25   −2    23
11  Mallox                 17    5   5   7    38   38    0    20
12  Cassandra City         17    5   5   7    37   40   −3    20
13  Helfin Fief            17    5   4   8    37   39   −2    19
14  OAS Royal FC           17    4   6   7    40   40    0    18
15  Treftadaeth Alliance   17    4   5   8    36   45   −9    17
16  Ramusok United         17    4   4   9    21   28   −7    16  PO
17  Keenan Athletic        17    3   7   7    36   51  −15    16  R
18   AC Holmenkollen        17    2   5  10    29   43  −14    11  R


Golden Boot Leader:   Kevin Stabb (14)

It's too damn close to comment. Ziemelu Skaida have been bright in the first half of the season and a joy to watch, with their #10 Metán Cordéan a Player of the Year frontrunner, but FC Kaldukosic look scary after a string of dominant performances before the break. It's no clearer at the bottom, where four teams are tied on points. Including, shockingly, expected promotion candidates Centus.

1010 Sekundar Ligan          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Ziemelu Skaida           17    9   7   1    40   21  +19    34
 2  FC Kaldukosic            17    9   6   2    37   25  +12    33
 3  IFK Aldenskoett          17   10   3   4    37   26  +11    33
 4  Na'Malsille Mariners     17   10   2   5    31   23   +8    32
 5  Zakhoro Aces             17    7   5   5    44   37   +7    26
 6   Fevelo Colony            17    6   7   4    34   32   +2    25
 7  West Gundar FC           17    6   6   5    30   31   −1    24
 8  Morponte Fief            17    6   5   6    27   26   +1    23
 9  Regalia City             17    6   5   6    31   31    0    23
10  Versiaville              17    5   6   6    20   24   −4    21
11  Fort Archer FC           17    6   2   9    26   32   −6    20
12  AFC Obscura 98           17    6   2   9    20   29   −9    20
13  Nomad Brotherhood FC     17    5   4   8    37   40   −3    19
14  Gwynt Tywyll             17    4   6   7    16   22   −6    18
15  Klyde Heritage           17    3   7   7    15   21   −6    16
16  Bergtatt Isle Athletic   17    3   7   7    26   33   −7    16
17   Yambridge City           17    4   4   9    25   32   −7    16
18  Centus Serpents          17    4   4   9    21   32  −11    16

No one's running away with it in the third-tier either, though Cassandra Cosmpolitan have been the most intriguing story, duking it out at the top in their first ever CosumarLigan season. As many as 14 teams still have reason to believe they have a chance of making the big jump to Sekundar Ligan.

1011 Tredje Ligan             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Larkinham Town            21   10   7   4    53   40  +13    37
 2   Cassandra Cosmopolitan    21   10   7   4    36   29   +7    37
 3  Portsmouth FC             21   11   3   7    50   42   +8    36
 4  Pristine Forest           21    9   8   4    51   42   +9    35
 5  Rexnor District 3         21    9   7   5    34   23  +11    34
 6  Otkins Numenvernia        21   10   4   7    55   48   +7    34
 7  Seryddwyr Aberaeron       21    9   7   5    39   32   +7    34
 8  Riverside Crew            21    9   5   7    37   33   +4    32
 9  Sindo Fief                21    8   8   5    32   30   +2    32
10  Brayllor Town             21    8   7   6    42   41   +1    31
11  Sammet Ridge              21    7   9   5    32   29   +3    30
12  FC Flen                   21    7   8   6    41   39   +2    29
13  Pardock Island            21    7   7   7    46   40   +6    28
14  Silk FC                   21    8   4   9    39   49  −10    28
15  Everlong FC               21    7   6   8    31   35   −4    27
16  Revanigruud Riversharks   21    7   4  10    33   32   +1    25
17  Sepultura                 21    7   3  11    29   37   −8    24
18  Sarmon                    21    6   5  10    32   46  −14    23
19  DeFinko Magni Blandinn    21    5   6  10    42   48   −6    21
20  Dawchire Town             21    5   4  12    41   47   −6    19
21  Forest Hill FC            21    3   9   9    34   46  −12    18
22  Caledon Legion            21    3   4  14    25   46  −21    13

Third Round

As the field narrows, more Härlighet Ligan clubs begin to collide. Mohsin Changez downs Cassandra City to set Pelethas up a Fourth Round date with Ramusok United. With her team inching up the table with a real shot at the Champions' Cup, Amethyst Fegelein understandably prioritizes the league and rests key players like Coultan, Hagicostas and Van Kruistum with back-up keeper Perseus Theoklitos rotating back in to take over cup duties. While fans understood the decision, it didn't make it any easier to watch as Jakob Gullmarstam took obnoxious delight in delivering the knockout punch and a rampant, full-stength Keenan Athletic cruised 3-0.

Fourth Round

Nat Casarine does the double and second-tier Gwynt Tywyll ensure Stoneshore's 1011 dream season won't extend to the King's Cup. Charlie Alotic and Rowan Varghese score for Pelethas to ensure Ramusok United' 1011 disaster season won't have a King's Cup silver lining. And Helfin Fief deposit Samaj FC alongside Stoneshore and Ram Utd, winning on penalties after a 4-4 thriller. Maxine Edelgrau made two stunning reflex saves in the shootout and Copper Cuprum international Hawutu Nobela made her opposite, Kerwin Maston, look a fool with the cheekiest of panenkas on the winning penalty.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Nov 19, 2017 7:56 am

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 18
AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Cassandra City
Crawford City FC 2–0 Helfin Fief
OAS Royal FC 6–1 Keenan Athletic
Mallox 5–5 Treftadaeth Alliance
FC Samotath 1–3 Real Azuris
Pelethas United 1–1 Olask Islanders
Klyde 2–1 Ramusok United
Eastweald 1–2 Stoneshore United
Goldstaff City 0–1 Samaj FC

In a bid to work out their myriad issues on the pitch, the OAS Royal FC players organize their own independent practices during the month off. Ramusok United do not. The difference between the two Ramusoki sides' sharpness when fixtures finally resumed could not have been more stark. OAS Royal play with a purpose to their movements and sharpness to their passes that was lacking during the first half of the season, overwhelming flat-footed Keenan Athletic 6-1 with goals from pretty much all key players. Ramusok United go to The Klyde Sportsplex and play reasonably well amidst the hostile environment for stretches, but eventually succumb to a solo Sophia Trevelyan winner with fitness clearly an issue late. Eastweald, meanwhile, opened the window even wider for Stoneshore United, who were all-too-happy to oblige. Esteban Hernandez had the ball underfoot in the 68th minute with the match knotted 1-1 and noticed a r a p i d Yuanchiki Larrimbe flying straight towards him to apply pressure. In a panic, the veteran goalkeeper gifted a bad pass straight to Stoneshore playmaker Aidan Andela, who immediately played it back in to Larrimbe to apply a sliding finish. Eastweald might look back and rue this as the moment they legitimized Stoneshore United as title contenders. Elsewhere, Tess Pell and Alexander Kárpáty go double in an extremely open, end-to-end affair between Treftadaeth Alliance and Mallox, and Samaj's Hugo Cartensen and Cassandra City's Phillipe-Michel Schneiderlin record dramatic winners for their clubs. The sturdy left back and smooth Quebecois don't score often, but when they do... it's almost always in big-time moments. They both have that gene.

Cygnus Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
Ulsa 2-0 Real Azuris

Ulsa start Romikk Valgard up top instead of Campbell because of his familiarity with Azuris. The Vanquishers star delivers for them with a composed brace. Mixed emotions with this one for non-Azurian Cosumarites, but Real still have a chance to turn it around at home.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 19
Goldstaff City 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
Samaj FC 2–2 Eastweald
Stoneshore United 2–0 Klyde
Ramusok United 2–2 Pelethas United
Olask Islanders 0–5 FC Samotath
Real Azuris 0–2 Mallox
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 OAS Royal FC
Keenan Athletic 3–3 Crawford City FC
Helfin Fief 1–4 Cassandra City

Some fun ones this week, but the most fun are actually the draws! Chants of "V-Z-R!" fill Stadion Jagäre after Vega Zeale-Riddick equalizes for Samaj FC against Eastweald in the 89th, the young starlet calling for the ball and then contorting her body to lash Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir's crossfield switch inside the near post. More dropped points for the hitherto leaders to rue? Another captivating draw unfolded at Keenan's DragonBull Field. With Matilda Heisenberg transmitting urgency, the home side raced out the gates fast and dominated the opening minutes. Lethe Cirvante and Häkon Fen forced a number of turnovers with their energy and capitalized by feeding Jakob Gullmarstam and Dinko Spisic for 10th and 14th minute goals. And Spisic could've easily had another in the 3rd minute! Crawford had been caught off-guard by the Bobcats, but they gradually worked their way back into the match as it settled down. By the middle of the second half, CCFC had assumed full control. The massive swing of the momentum was rewarded with Alcouin and Stabb goals to equalize at 2-2 within a span of five minutes just after the hour mark. Then, when pacey super-sub Kostas Postecoglou came on and raced past the entire Keenan Athletic defense on a counter to make it 3-2, you would've been in the majority if you assumed it was over. Athletic hadn't done much since the first 20 minutes, after all. But Gullmarstam had other ideas. Being his usual antagonistic self, he baited Crawford defender Sarah Ward into a physical response to his prodding. It was little more than a light shoulder to Gullmarstam's chest as she tried to move past him, but the Keenan winger made a meal of the contact and flung himself into a ball on the ground. Which just happened to be in prime free kick position. The referee only caught the end of the sequence, and awarded a red card to Ward and the free kick to Gullmarstam. Which the instigator stepped up and sniped into the top corner himself. In stoppage time. Keenan Athletic supporters celebrating but just about everybody else looking on in disgust from home. The Beautiful Game, amirite?

Cygnus Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Real Azuris 3-2 _{(3-4 agg.)} Ulsa

As soon as the first Ulsa away goal goes in, Real Azuris know it's pretty much over. Needing to win 4-1 at that point, they were able to push it to 3-1 through an inspired Bryger Tidesson, but Ulsa ultimately iced it with an inch-perfect free kick to the upper 90 in the 78th minute. Dreams of a Cygnus Cup repeat ended then and there.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 20
AC Holmenkollen 2–0 Helfin Fief
Cassandra City 1–3 Keenan Athletic
Crawford City FC 2–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
OAS Royal FC 1–3 Real Azuris
Mallox 1–1 Olask Islanders
FC Samotath 3–6 Ramusok United
Pelethas United 0–0 Stoneshore United
Klyde 2–2 Samaj FC
Eastweald 0–0 Goldstaff City

Desperate for a spark to light the fire of Ramusok United's turnaround, Kirum Mortonsson starts little-known winger Jakk Bekk in place of Lyyli Silvén. The 23-year-old Tredje Ligan standout made the most of his opportunity with an aggressive edge to his play. His blasted goal from 20 yards and assists to Keohane and William Stone indeed sparked an absolute 6-3 walloping of FC Samotath. Maybe, just maybe, that assist sparked Stone to life at last. With his late brace, the $15m striker teased the version of himself that terrorized Euraleague defenses at Unioneers. If Ramusok United were having one of their usual, slightly underwhelming Globe Cup-type seasons, they'd probably still be in the title race. No one is running away with it this year. The picture at the top is still amorphous, shifting weekly.

Real Azuris leapt back into it this week, bouncing back from that disappointing showing against Mallox by winning convincingly at Crowley Memorial even though it was Claudia Cautcher who opened the scoring in the very first minute. But for the moment at least, Crawford City FC is top by virtue of their Farrow-fueled 2-1 win over Alliance. Jennifer Farrow continues to endear herself to Crawfordians by playing with heart and intelligence as a true two-way midfielder. Her efforts were rewarded with a goal this week, as well as a lovely long-ball assist that Jorit Van Kruistum barely had to break stride to bring down and sweep under Martinsky. At the bottom of the table, Dinko Spisic dug Keenan out of the danger zone with a pair of clean first-time finishes in the middle of the box. That's an impressive win for the Checkers - at Cassandra City. The Reds need to get ALL of their forwards clicking at the same time (Goulding was hot before the break and Dyer Vry is hot now, but they seem to rotate runs of form) if they hope shed their inconsistent results and mount a UICA push.

AOCL Group Stage

Group A                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   Fnd  Tur  RAz  Tih                 
1 Flanders FC                6   4  0  2    8   5  +3   12    —   1–0  2–1  1–2
2 Turoki Tide                6   2  2  2   10   7  +3    8   0–1   —   2–1  3–3
3 Real Azuris                6   2  1  3   10   9  +1    7   2–1  1–1   —   4–1
4 Tihon                      6   2  1  3    8  15  −7    7   0–2  0–4  2–1   —

Collette Sade tried her best to sacrifice the AOCL for the league, but her heavily rotated teams still managed to pip Tihon and the other 3rd place teams on GD. In a few matches, Real Azuris basically fielded the same U21 side currently competing in the Youth Cup. Now that they're in the knockout stages, the Breakers will undoubtedly make an honest go at the trophy from here on.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 21
Eastweald 0–1 AC Holmenkollen
Goldstaff City 0–2 Klyde
Samaj FC 5–1 Pelethas United
Stoneshore United 3–1 FC Samotath
Ramusok United 0–2 Mallox
Olask Islanders 1–0 OAS Royal FC
Real Azuris 3–5 Crawford City FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–3 Cassandra City
Keenan Athletic 1–1 Helfin Fief

Survival expert Minnie Lotuda has to start somewhere in her mission to marshal Holmenkollen back up to safety. Why not at Old Weldenskirgen? The Cedars prolong Eastweald's tumultuous start to the second half of the season, the defense well-disciplined in the face of the Elves' tiki-taka onslaught and Txordinutzko Etxehartzaren taking his wide-open chance expertly in stoppage time. Stoneshore-Samotath is a perfect clash of styles, Stoneshore's absorb-and-counter game like kryptonite to Samotath's flood-numbers-forward mentality. It finished 3-1, but it could've been a lot worse if Yuanchiki Larrimbe was on his game. He had a brace anyways. As great as Stoneshore United have been at what they do this season, even they should be glancing at what Samaj FC are doing right now with unease. The Hunters' form has been a steady upward curve from the beginning of the season to present. Now, they're undefeated in seven and just wore a staunch Pelethas United defense ragged with their arsenal of attacking options. They're not as totally reliant as Vega Zeale-Riddick as they were last year. Elias Møller, Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir and Rachel Del Arro together provided all five of the goals and assists against Pelethas. Don't count that crew out from anything just yet. They have some competition for Player of the Week from Ursula Rowan, however. The Cassandra City midfielder was terrific this week and had her best game of the season up at The Wormhole with two goals and a 50-yard through-ball assist to Charles Dyer Vry.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 22
AC Holmenkollen 5–1 Keenan Athletic
Helfin Fief 0–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Cassandra City 2–0 Real Azuris
Crawford City FC 1–0 Olask Islanders
OAS Royal FC 1–1 Ramusok United
Mallox 1–1 Stoneshore United
FC Samotath 5–1 Samaj FC
Pelethas United 1–1 Goldstaff City
Klyde 4–1 Eastweald

Headlines around the Fiefdom: "Eastweald in crisis?" Another promising season certainly seems to be slipping away from them. Their performance in Klyde wasn't as bad as the final scoreline suggested (Vanessa Skye and Sophia Trevelyan's goals came in stoppage time as Eastweald were pushing forward for an equalizer), but still... they haven't won since the midseason break. In that time, they've fallen from pacesetters to eight points OFF the pace and Penumbra Amokachi hasn't scored. Yes, Brightwater might say otherwise, but it's a crisis. And it feels all too familiar. At the same time, Crawford City FC are starting to really look like champions. We don't want to speak too soon as it's still relatively early, but they displayed many of the hallmarks this week by finding a way to defeat Olask even on a day when things weren't going their way. Kevin Stabb redirected Vara Swan's cross in with his chest at the far post in his only real chance of the game and Hansi Weschler made a number of fine saves at the other end.

The Major Ramusok Derby has a... different atmosphere with both clubs struggling badly in a way that has never happened before. It feels strange. The match nevertheless proceeds and takes on a strong Brenecian flavor with Elsie Drover and Keohane scoring for each side, but still ends in a lukewarm draw that helps neither. With AC Holmenkollen suddenly roaring to life (Lili Riprov unleashing her fury this week upon finally getting her first start of the season) and Treftadaeth Alliance also winning, both Royal and United are treacherously close to the edge. Both teams could really use an ascendant young striker like Charles Dyer Vry, who is establishing himself as a star for Cassandra City as we speak. The handsome 21-year-old academy product has six goals in his last five matches - and got Jason Goulding in on the action this week too! In all truth, he outshined Andrew Arrowsword and more touted Cosumar prospect Bryger Tidesson on the day as City trumped the defending champions. Arturo Mancini was glowing afterwards, praising Dyer Vry's willingness to be slowly groomed, learn and wait for his time to inherit the keys to the Reds' attack. That time seems to be now.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 23
Klyde 5–0 AC Holmenkollen
Eastweald 1–1 Pelethas United
Goldstaff City 4–1 FC Samotath
Samaj FC 4–4 Mallox
Stoneshore United 2–0 OAS Royal FC
Ramusok United 2–0 Crawford City FC
Olask Islanders 0–1 Cassandra City
Real Azuris 3–2 Helfin Fief
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–0 Keenan Athletic

The fairytales of Stoneshore United and the Olask Islanders, which seemed so analogous and intertwined in the first half of the season, have started to diverge. One is slipping, one is still ascending. Olask fell out of the UICA places this week as Cassandra City visited. Charles Dyer Vry continued his scoring streak and Diedrich Frostmarris locked it down in the back. Whereas Stoneshore United faced a different traditional HL power, but won...again. Admittedly, OAS Royal are a wounded power at the moment, but the Greys still had to go out and execute against a number of high-quality players on that team. Kira Jonassen has been the foundation of Stoneshore's success as their deep-lying playmaker but Tychicus, her understudy from the academy, filled in for her this week and passed with flying colors, spraying a perfectly-weighted ball between Ellie Hanger and Demi Duvernay for Larrimbe to scoop across the line. Taking the Islanders' place in the Globe Cup, if the season ended right now, would be none other than Klyde. The newly-promoted former champions are in scintillating form, having crushed Holmenkollen's short-lived swell of positive energy with braces from Dan Quesadillas and Allie Vacek as well as a breathtaking Abdo Villalpando Fierro strike that dipped and swerved inside the post from damn near 30 yards out. Klyde are unpredictable, but they're as dynamic as anyone on their day. Over at Old Weldenskirgen, frustrations boil over between Eastweald and Pelethas and a skirmish breaks out between the two very intense and passionate collections of players. It seemed to have started with words between Amokachi and countryman Solomon Harm after the latter came in hard on a tackle. A few minutes later, both were dismissed and a number of other players given yellows. Brightwater might've welcomed the chippiness if it helped her team find a win within itself, but the score remained 1-1 even after 30 minutes of 10v10.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
Raynor City United_(VAL) 3-0 Real Azuris

Raynor City United are scary when those guys really hit their stride. What an incredible collection of talent. Sayonara, Champions' Cup. Maybe we'll get together again another time.

Globe Cup Round of 16, First Leg
Bengtsmark IF_(BYN) 5-0 OAS Royal FC

Ah, good to have the Buyanese sides back in the UICA wheelhouse. No sarcasm there. None at all. Gotta love a trip to Buyan to get your ass handed to you for old times' sake. Emil Eklund is a talent any Cosumarite club would kill to get their hands on, by the way.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
Viking Tananger_(BSE) 0-0 Klyde
CAP_(VLD) 0-1 Helfin Fief

Not much happens in the SBCC. Klyde forget to take their finishing boots to Bonesea (or they were stolen after arrival...) but thankfully Viking Tananger aren't good enough to punish them. In Valladares, Astor Zigfield remains Helfin Fief's UICA silver bullet. Her years at Real Azuris must've really rubbed off on her.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 24
AC Holmenkollen 0–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Keenan Athletic 0–3 Real Azuris
Helfin Fief 4–0 Olask Islanders
Cassandra City 0–1 Ramusok United
Crawford City FC 1–1 Stoneshore United
OAS Royal FC 0–2 Samaj FC
Mallox 0–0 Goldstaff City
FC Samotath 0–6 Eastweald
Pelethas United 0–1 Klyde

Crawford City FC vs. Stoneshore United gets primetime treatment as a bout between the bona-fide Top 2, billed as a pivotal moment in the entire 1011 narrative... the moment when the future champion would rise, yadda yadda yadda. Both teams probably saw the commercial a few many times. They came out cautious and more hesitant and uncertain than usual, resulting in an underwhelming match in terms of both quality and entertainment. It's fitting, then, that Kira Jonassen equalized for Stoneshore on a free kick in the 86th minute, ensuring no "champion would rise" on the night. It was a rookie mistake by young keeper Weschler, who set up his wall incorrectly and then got caught out of position by Jonassen's tame kick. Meanwhile, OAS Royal just keep losing, and this one hurts at home. But the King himself - who rarely comments on his club - has come out in support of Constantine Champali, expressing his faith in his appointee and friend to turn things around, quelling rumors that Royal were near hiring Leigh Fletcher as a replacement. Eastweald, on the other hand, finally get their much-needed win, thrashing Samo 6-0 despite missing Amokachi on a 1-game suspension for her actions last week. Speaking of feelgood stories, the best part of watching Real Azuris this year has been the blossoming relationship between Sandra Sybill and Bryger Tidesson. The two have assisted each other on four brilliant goal sequences in the last two matches and clearly have developed a harmonious camaraderie on and off the pitch. There seems to be an innocent mother/son type of relationship between the 30-year-old Chromatik and the 19-year-old Cosumarite. "The power of love", as some memes are calling it, has seen the Breakers back within touching distance of the leaders.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Real Azuris 0-4 _{(0-7 agg.)} Raynor City United

The Real Azuris supporters taunt Nacho Bérdoon with chants of "Ram U Didn't Want U". Um...pretty sure they'd kill to have him back right now. Anyways, Nacho responds with a brace to ratchet Real's margin of defeat up from "humbling" to "truly embarrassing".

Globe Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
OAS Royal FC 3-2 _{(3-7 agg.)} Bengtsmark IF

Cautcher puts in a sterling shift up top, but the away goals at the other end really hurt. There was never any coming back from 5-0 down anyways.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Klyde 0-4 _{(0-4 agg.)} Viking Tananger
Helfin Fief 0-2 _{(1-2 agg.)} CAP

Both clubs turn in shocking, sleepwalked performances at home and, just like that, Cosumar is done in UICA competitions. Well, unless you count Real Azuris looking like they might defend their Youth Cup title.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 25
Pelethas United 0–1 AC Holmenkollen
Klyde 1–3 FC Samotath
Eastweald 4–0 Mallox
Goldstaff City 4–1 OAS Royal FC
Samaj FC 2–3 Crawford City FC
Stoneshore United 0–5 Cassandra City
Ramusok United 4–3 Helfin Fief
Olask Islanders 0–0 Keenan Athletic
Real Azuris 4–1 Treftadaeth Alliance

Eastweald have officially turned it back on. Last week wasn't a fluke. Jo de Marisco and Mina Mordini are passing circles around opposing midfields again, Penumbra Amokachi has broken her scoring drought with an exclamation mark and the Elves are 10-0 winners in the last two. Brightwater clearly has her team believing that the title is on the line right now. And it is! Because leaders Crawford City continue to win, as do likewise-resurgent Real Azuris. Stoneshore United... well, this week was an ugly aberration as they ran into a razorblade in the form of a 10/10 Ki Niro, but they're still in a more favorable position overall. In the relegation heap, AC Holmenkollen continue to close the gap between them and the rest of the pack under the stern watch of Minnie Lotuda - fullback Valence Ilya the hero this week in Pelethas with a striker's finish on a late run from the right. Just three places above them, Constantine Champali is somehow still holding onto his job at OAS despite the new low of a 4-1 defeat in Goldstaff... with two of the blows dealt by an ancient 38-year old defender.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 26
AC Holmenkollen 3–6 Real Azuris
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–3 Olask Islanders
Keenan Athletic 1–1 Ramusok United
Helfin Fief 0–1 Stoneshore United
Cassandra City 1–2 Samaj FC
Crawford City FC 1–0 Goldstaff City
OAS Royal FC 0–1 Eastweald
Mallox 3–0 Klyde
FC Samotath 3–1 Pelethas United

One advantage Real Azuris may have as we delve deeper into the season is fatigue and injury. They'll have less of it. Collette Sade has the luxury of rotating more than any manager in the league and this is about the time when that really starts to reap benefits. True to form, Ronan Bowditch, Hidalgo Antúnes, Hector Grier and Teor Rwang all got starts today and Azuris didn't miss a beat. Bowditch showed what a huge asset he still is by putting the Breakers up 3-2 in the 64th minute with a wonderful piece of skill to put Ektorp Na'Nockeby out of position before coolly drilling to the lower near corner. Then, usual starters Tidesson and Ojala subbed back into the game and really tore it open, using their fresh young legs to team up for three more goals in 20 minutes. Real Azuris are really starting to put pressure on Crawford and Stoneshore with their performances. The two leaders won this week, but by much slimmer margins as Kubra Babaturk and Aidan Andela played hero.

Eastweald and OAS Royal continue trending in opposite directions, Amokachi making it eight winless for the Whites with a left-footed half-volley to the far post in the 84th minute. She followed it up by screaming "For the win!", somersaulting and firing an imaginary arrow into the booing crowd. A crowd, by the way, that staged a walkout protest twenty minutes earlier. Things are getting ugly. It's reminiscent of The Season That Should Not Be Named (when OAS Royal tested fate in the relegation playoff despite finishing 2nd the season prior) a few years back. History is repeating itself, but they're making the same mistake they did before: failing to take decisive action in regards to the leadership. Four teams are tied on 23 points at the bottom and only one will be guaranteed safety in two months. Constantine Champali has shown no sign that he can make sure OAS Royal is that team. As far the managerial rumor mill goes, Pelethas United's Euan Jersey has actually been tipped as the closest to being yanked. The club has UICA ambitions but have slipped out of contention for those places here in the second half of the season despite the class of Jillian Nier in goal.

AOCL Quarterfinals
Real Azuris 1-0 Raynor City United
Raynor City United 1-1 Real Azuris
Real Azuris advance 2-1 on aggregate

Real Azuris get a rematch against the team that knocked them out of the Champions' Cup a couple weeks ago and earn a measure of revenge on behalf of Cosumarite football, which has endured a dreary UICA cycle. Azuris really had to grind these out, getting their money's worth out of Kurt Wolff and Viviano Milani but they're two great results.

With eight matches remaining, it looks as if everything will go down to the wire. The title, the second Champions' Cup place, the last Globe Cup place and especially the relegation spots are still as close as can be. Even the Golden Boot is currently a tie. All we can do is stay tuned and witness how it all unfolds!

1011 Härlighet Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Crawford City FC       26   14   9   3    65   52  +13    51  CC
 2  Stoneshore United      26   14   6   6    53   40  +13    48  CC
 3  Real Azuris            26   14   5   7    66   49  +17    47  GC
 4  Eastweald              26   13   7   6    59   39  +20    46  GC
 5  Samaj FC               26   12   5   9    59   52   +7    41  GC
 6  Klyde                  26   11   7   8    52   46   +6    40
 7  Olask Islanders        26   11   7   8    43   44   −1    40
 8  Cassandra City         26   11   5  10    56   49   +7    38
 9  FC Samotath            26   11   3  12    58   60   −2    36
10  Goldstaff City         26    8  11   7    33   32   +1    35
11  Mallox                 26    8  10   8    56   53   +3    34
12  Pelethas United        26    8   8  10    42   50   −8    32
13  Ramusok United         26    8   7  11    39   42   −3    31
14  Treftadaeth Alliance   26    7   7  12    52   63  −11    28
15  OAS Royal FC           26    5   8  13    50   56   −6    23
16  Helfin Fief            26    6   5  15    48   57   −9    23  PO
17  AC Holmenkollen        26    6   5  15    42   61  −19    23  R
18  Keenan Athletic        26    4  11  11    46   74  −28    23  R


Golden Boot Leader(s): 
  Kevin Stabb (18)
  Yuanchiki Larrimbe (18)

1011 Sekundar Ligan         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  IFK Aldenskoett          26   15   5   6    48   32  +16    50
 2  Zakhoro Aces             26   13   7   6    63   48  +15    46
 3  Na'Malsille Mariners     26   14   3   9    50   41   +9    45
 4  FC Kaldukosic            26   12   8   6    51   39  +12    44
 5  Ziemelu Skaida           26   11   9   6    61   46  +15    42
 6  Versiaville              26   11   8   7    42   40   +2    41
 7  West Gundar FC           26   10   8   8    50   53   −3    38
 8  Fevelo Colony            26   10   7   9    54   53   +1    37
 9  Fort Archer FC           26   11   3  12    53   57   −4    36
10  Morponte Fief            26    8   9   9    36   37   −1    33
11  Regalia City             26    9   6  11    51   55   −4    33
12  Nomad Brotherhood FC     26    9   5  12    62   66   −4    32
13  Gwynt Tywyll             26    8   8  10    26   31   −5    32
14  AFC Obscura 98           26    9   4  13    42   47   −5    31
15  Bergtatt Isle Athletic   26    6  12   8    44   50   −6    30
16  Centus Serpents          26    7   8  11    40   46   −6    29
17  Klyde Heritage           26    4   9  13    24   38  −14    21
18  Yambridge City           26    5   5  16    37   55  −18    20

1011 Tredje Ligan            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Sindo Fief                31   14  11   6    56   47   +9    53  P
 2  Otkins Numenvernia        31   15   7   9    71   59  +12    52  P
 3  Pristine Forest           31   14   9   8    68   53  +15    51  PO
 4  Everlong FC               31   14   8   9    49   44   +5    50  PO
 5  Rexnor District 3         31   13   9   9    49   38  +11    48  PO
 6  Sammet Ridge              31   12  12   7    43   33  +10    48  PO
 7  Portsmouth FC             31   14   6  11    68   61   +7    48
 8  Larkinham Town            31   12  10   9    74   70   +4    46
 9  Pardock Island            31   12   9  10    67   57  +10    45
10  Riverside Crew            31   12   8  11    52   48   +4    44
11  FC Flen                   31   11  11   9    59   56   +3    44
12  Revanigruud Riversharks   31   11   9  11    54   49   +5    42
13  Silk FC                   31   12   6  13    56   64   −8    42
14  Seryddwyr Aberaeron       31   10  11  10    48   48    0    41
15  Brayllor Town             31   10  11  10    60   62   −2    41
16  Cassandra Cosmopolitan    31   11   8  12    47   49   −2    41
17  DeFinko Magni Blandinn    31   10   8  13    64   68   −4    38
18  Sepultura                 31   10   8  13    49   55   −6    38
19  Forest Hill FC            31    7  13  11    53   61   −8    34
20  Sarmon FC                 31    8   8  15    50   71  −21    32
21  Dawchire Town             31    7   7  17    59   72  −13    28
22  Caledon Legion            31    5   5  21    36   67  −31    20

Round of 16
Pelethas United (H) 3–0 Nomad Brotherhood (S)
Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L1) 0–2 Gwynt Tywyll (S)
FC Samotath (H) 6–1 Highlanders (L2)
Eastweald (H) 2–2 Varvonti Firestorm (L1) (3–2 AET)
Klyde Heritage FC (S) 4–1 Keenan Athletic (H)
Helfin Fief (H) 1–2 Real Azuris (H)
Morponte Fief (S) 1–3 Centus Serpents (S)
AC Holmenkollen (H) 2–0 Brayllor Town (T)

Klyde Heritage are the heroes of the round, rising up from the depths of the Sekundar Ligan relegation zone to mash it in the Checkers' faces. FC Samotath field a full-strength team for the fun of it and world-class attackers like Jordan Emery and Miro Vorobyov have a field day against poor fifth-tier Highlanders.

Quarterfinals
Pelethas United (H) 3–0 Gwynt Tywyll (S)
FC Samotath (H) 1–5 Eastweald (H)
Klyde Heritage FC (S) 1–4 Real Azuris (H)
Centus Serpents (S) 1–0 AC Holmenkollen (H)

For the third consecutive year, Centus Serpents carry the torch for the Sekundar Ligan into the semifinals. Will the third time be the charm for them to make the Final? If they do, they'll be the first non-HL club to take part in the big final weekend festivities. Unfortunately, record cup-winners Real Azuris stand in their way...

Semifinals Fixtures

Pelethas United vs. Eastweald
@ Cedar Road (21.000), Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief

Real Azuris vs. Centus Serpents
@ Kamu Road (24.000), Olask, Olask Fief

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Nov 19, 2017 9:04 pm

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 27
FC Samotath 3–0 AC Holmenkollen
Pelethas United 3–3 Mallox
Klyde 1–1 OAS Royal FC
Eastweald 1–2 Crawford City FC
Goldstaff City 1–3 Cassandra City
Samaj FC 1–0 Helfin Fief
Stoneshore United 3–3 Keenan Athletic
Ramusok United 1–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
Olask Islanders 1–4 Real Azuris

Eastweald go up against Crawford City in a true six-pointer - a chance to draw within two points. This is their chance! Penumbra Amokachi is a handful for Dimitri Hagicostas and Sarah Ward and rips through them to smash Mina Mordini's layoff through Weschler in the 16th minute. The Philosopher Queen was the best player on the pitch on the day, but she wasn't enough to overcome the combined talents of Hannah Alcouin and Kevin Stabb on the other side. The Sunrisians combined for a highly 'cinematic' goal in the 39th minute. Thirty minutes later, teenage attacker Marigold Belladonna benefited from their space-creating presence to drive forward unmarked and uncork an unlikely winner after coming on for Coultan. What a way to score your first goal! CCFC roll. Real Azuris keep pace and surpass Eastweald with braces from both Andrew Arrowsword and Sandra Sybill in Olask - the Cenian's with his head and the Chromatik's with her classy free kicks. It's not a win to scoff at either. It's easy to forget that the Islanders were recently battling at the pointy end too. "I'm not going to let Amethyst Fegelein cakewalk to the title," Collette Sade said after the match. "We'll stay on their asses and keep the pressure constant and thick even if Eastweald won't. If Crawford are going to dethrone us, they're going to have to earn it."

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 28
AC Holmenkollen 1–1 Olask Islanders
Real Azuris 5–3 Ramusok United
Treftadaeth Alliance 5–4 Stoneshore United
Keenan Athletic 1–6 Samaj FC
Helfin Fief 2–0 Goldstaff City
Cassandra City 4–2 Eastweald
Crawford City FC 0–1 Klyde
OAS Royal FC 1–0 Pelethas United
Mallox 3–1 FC Samotath

Vega Zeale-Riddick wants Globe Cup. Vega Zeale-Riddick wants Golden Boot. Vega Zeale-Riddick takes what she wants. The Princess of Samaj scores the first FOUR goals of the match as the Hunters beat Keenan Athletic to a checkered pulp in front of their own fans. Brutal. The media eats it up (of course) but, as usual, largely ignore what has been happening up in the isolated tundra of Treftadaeth the last few weeks. Evander Sinque is establishing himself as one of the most dangerous #10s in Cosumar. After scoring both goals in Fire River Arena last week, the 25-year-old sent Alliance's bloodthirsty ultras into an uproar this week with a magisterial performance, devouring Stoneshore's title hopes by chipping Adren Stefansen and laying out the game-winning assist on a platter to complete Kirum Ingolfsson's hat trick. Cosumar's northern tip gt the better of the southern. And just as promised by Collette Sade, Real Azuris have cut CCFC's lead to a single point with Arrowsword's statement hat trick at Fire River Arena (everybody seems to be winning there this season). The Elephants slipped on a banana peel in the form of UICA-motivated Klyde.

AOCL Semifinals, First Leg
FC Capri_(VAL) 1-0 Real Azuris

Real Azuris are getting well-acquainted with Valanora this season. After splitting two different series with Raynor City United earlier this season, the Breakers now travel to Hatire Memorial Stadium in Capri. They face the Typhoon head-on and go after the game, but are unable to find a way past Hothion Feltatheth for an away goal. Celemerun Haanial's 69th minute strike provides FC Capri a thin cushion of comfort as the semifinal returns to Cosumar.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 29
Mallox 0–2 AC Holmenkollen
FC Samotath 1–0 OAS Royal FC
Pelethas United 1–0 Crawford City FC
Klyde 7–0 Cassandra City
Eastweald 1–2 Helfin Fief
Goldstaff City 3–4 Keenan Athletic
Samaj FC 1–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Stoneshore United 1–4 Real Azuris
Ramusok United 2–0 Olask Islanders

Eastweald are in full collapse (Amokachi has come alive, but the rest of the team has disappeared especially the wide players giving them no width) and Crawford City FC seem to following in their footsteps, with Real Azuris rising up to claim their customary place in 1st. There's a feeling of inevitability to it all. Smug Real fans act like they've already won and they knew it was going to happen all along and the rest of the league sighs in dismay. Eastweald's loss to Helfin Fief is also problematic for OAS Royal FC, as it raises the Protons above them into safety. With other relegation fighters Keenan Athletic and AC Holmenkollen winning too, OAS Royal picked a bad matchday to lose. Not that they've been doing much else lately. Royal ward off wave after wave of aggressive FC Samotath attacks, showing some real heart to stay in front of it, only for a speculative long-range effort by Kimus de Vries to deflect helplessly past Shalhoub in the 88th minute and undo it all. Constantine Champali literally falls to his knees with his fists on the ground. Even the most ardent of OAS detractors must feel a little bad for them after this one. Only their goal differential now separates them from the abyss. And oh, was someone going to mention what happened in North Klyde? No? Well, Cassandra City go down to nine men after Frederic Colbert and Belle Serafino both get questionable straight reds in the first half and it turns into an absolute slaughter with Sophia Trevelyan's hat trick as the executioner.

AOCL Semifinals, Second Leg
Real Azuris 2-2 _{(2-3 agg.)} FC Capri

After a flurry of early goals by Hakki Ojala, Sue Hackett and Wizzard Mormentor, Real Azuris find themselves tied 2-2 on aggregate but trailing on away goals. They search and search for a way through FC Capri's firm back four, but before they find an answer, former Pelethas United striker Linn-Katrin Hairenbyrne nutmegs August Ozuna to bury their hopes. Seriously? The same Hairenbyrne who was lamented for her lack of end product by Pelethas fans all of last year? As with Nacho Bérdoon, something about Valanora seems to bring out the best in under-appreciated Cosumarite strikers.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 30
AC Holmenkollen 1–0 Ramusok United
Olask Islanders 1–0 Stoneshore United
Real Azuris 4–0 Samaj FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–2 Goldstaff City
Keenan Athletic 3–0 Eastweald
Helfin Fief 1–1 Klyde
Cassandra City 4–2 Pelethas United
Crawford City FC 1–0 FC Samotath
OAS Royal FC 6–3 Mallox

Eastweald have given up. The body language as soon as Olvir Texström torched Michael Sorenson for the opener spoke for itself. Do they even care to fight for a UICA place? Texström's pace has caused teams problems all year with his end product the only question, but now he's really hitting his stride for Keenan Athletic late in the season. He ended up with another brace in the win against Eastweald. Matilda Heisenberg needs him to keep putting it all together. The teams at the bottom are in for the fight of their lives in the remaining four matches. It's as close as it has ever been - four teams all on 30 points - and they're all showing their will to survive. In addition to Keenan Athletic, AC Holmenkollen won as Kamaal Nyle stretched out to head Gabrielo Romo's lofted ball under the crossbar (what sophomore slump?) and OAS Royal got a lift from their strong home supporter to overpower Mallox behind Elsie Drover's pair of goals and assists. Meanwhile, as fit as can be and feeling fully like the current titleholders, Real Azuris built onto their league-best goal differential, Bryger Tidesson making it look easy in Samaj -- though Crawford City FC kept pace on points. Thanks to Real Azuris beating Samaj and Helfin Fief holding Klyde, Olask Islanders have resuscitated their UICA hopes. Chrysanthe Scafidis has been starved of service since their bright start, but they get just enough out of the attack at home against Stoneshore United. With that, the are Greys eliminated from title contention. It's now officially a two-horse race between Real Azuris and CCFC.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 31
OAS Royal FC 1–1 AC Holmenkollen
Mallox 1–0 Crawford City FC
FC Samotath 3–1 Cassandra City
Pelethas United 2–0 Helfin Fief
Klyde 0–0 Keenan Athletic
Eastweald 3–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Goldstaff City 1–5 Real Azuris
Samaj FC 0–3 Olask Islanders
Stoneshore United 2–0 Ramusok United

We interrupt this important title race programming to bring you breaking news about Stiin Siorrha'Asione's flamingos. Most know about the incident at Violence Chariots, but it was largely a mystery whether his flock had accompanied him to Cosumar, which has notoriously strict customs enforcement on live animals. Well, it was a mystery. Everybody from Versiaville to Stoneshore knows they're here now. Because Stiin used illicit connections to smuggle them into the country and had kept them hidden, he was increasingly noticing adverse effects on his beloved companions - particularly José, José, Jack and Jacob - from lack of sunlight and flying space. He simply couldn't take it anymore and decided to sneak them into a local safari zone near Mallox, where they could blend in as part of the park and meet some other pink friends. What he didn't anticipate was the difference between Farf Flamingos and Cosumarite Flamingos. Instead of befriending the local fauna, Stiin's flamingos attacked the indigenous birds - whom they perceived as rivals or impostors. The viciously-fighting flamingos soon attracted the bemused attention of tourists, who also recognized Stiin and began sharing hilarious video on social media. Well, hilarious... until José & Co. began killing the smaller Cosumarite Flamingos. By the time park security arrived, most of their pink corpses lay strewn across the ground. Cue environmentalist outrage. Turns out that particular strain of Cosumarite Flamingo was endangered. Stiin and his pets were detained, causing him to miss Mallox's big match against Crawford City FC. Siorrha'Asione was released the next day, but the world eagerly awaits news of whether he was able to reunite with his flamingo-children.

Now back to your ~~Real Azuris dominance~~ late-season football. But aren't the two one and the same usually? The Real Azuris young stars are almost superhuman in their speed and finesse this week. A sight to behold as they combine for Arrowsword and Tidesson braces, ignoring Goldstaff's tightly-packed back six like traffic cones. But then again, it was Goldstaff. In Stoneshore, Yuanchiki Larrimbe takes back the Golden Boot lead by polishing off two well-worked counters and creates separation for Douglas Tibet's group in 3rd. A first ever UICA berth looks certain for them now. Meanwhile, OAS Royal's Minor Ramusok Derby draw maintained the status quo at the bottom, Kamaal Nyle denying them a chance to break free from the horde late.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 32
AC Holmenkollen 3–0 Stoneshore United
Ramusok United 1–3 Samaj FC
Olask Islanders 1–2 Goldstaff City
Real Azuris 3–0 Eastweald
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 Klyde
Keenan Athletic 3–3 Pelethas United
Helfin Fief 2–2 FC Samotath
Cassandra City 0–1 Mallox
Crawford City FC 2–0 OAS Royal FC

Seems like Minnie Lotuda has done it again: rallied Holmenkollen from certain relegation back above the line. With players like Acock getting braces! She truly is a magician. It spells trouble for OAS Royal, who inevitably lose to a highly-motived Crawford City and fall fully into the relegation places for the first time. The five-point gap is maintained at the top, meaning Real Azuris can clinch with any points in next week's penultimate matchday despite Hannah Alcouin's big performance for Crawford.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 33
Crawford City FC 0–0 AC Holmenkollen
OAS Royal FC 0–3 Cassandra City
Mallox 1–5 Helfin Fief
FC Samotath 3–0 Keenan Athletic
Pelethas United 3–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Klyde 0–5 Real Azuris
Eastweald 1–0 Olask Islanders
Goldstaff City 0–1 Ramusok United
Samaj FC 1–0 Stoneshore United

What a scene. Real Azuris clinch their eighth title in the lair of their bitter enemies, Klyde. Andrew Arrowsword thrusts himself into the hotly-contest Golden Boot mix with a hat trick and can't wipe the grin off his face even as the purple-clad cavemen in the crowd throw popcorn and trash at him. Sybill also gets in on the act and substitute Teor Rwang provides the cherry on top. 5-0. Real Azuris are the 1011 Härlighet Ligan Champions! Safe to say they don't stick around to parade the trophy at The Klyde Sportsplex - they actually need a security escort to exit the pitch and another to leave the stadium. Crawford City FC gave it a nice go and Amethyst Fegelein squeezed everything she could out of them, but without Azuris' depth, they ran out of gas down the final stretch. They'll be pleased with the Champions' Cup berth though. Kim Coultan deserves that stage.

Penumbra Amokachi, seemingly the only Eastwealder who never stopped fighting, keeps Eastweald hanging on to final Globe Cup spot with a sensual curler even as Samaj lock up one of them. Mallox are violently eliminated from the UICA reckoning (Saxmark has been under-the-radar extraordinary for Helfin Fief with this hat trick taking him to 20 goals) as Samotath and Cassandra City keep themselves alive. As a casualty of Bellerophon Serafino's stellar game for the latter, Royal are sent bottom. Yes. 18th. Could Cosumar's first dynasty and still arguably its most alluring brand really be leaving us? They'll have a chance for a last stand on Survival Sunday against Helfin Fief, direct competitors for safety...

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 34

Holy shit. That OAS-Helfin survival showdown was supposed to be suspenseful, but ended up being anything but. FURY MODE ENGAGED. Royal play like their lives depended on it and everybody contributes to ensure the result is put beyond the furthest reaches of space. Corey Simmons III puts up a brace, Claudia Cautcher puts up a brace, Galasgoldas Tathtauré scores, Alex Rocket scores, Sen Marteller scores. Even Juquinho comes off the bench and scores #8. All that...just to set up another do-or-die 90 minutes in the Relegation Playoff. Fuck. Release won't come for them and their poor fans for another week. Elsewhere, Cassandra City lock up the final Globe Cup spot with Jason Goulding on-point in a fiery display against the runners-up and Keenan Athletic are unable to get the win they needed to save their season against Mallox.

Real Azuris' draw spoils what would've been a perfect 12-0-0 end to the season, but they nevertheless finish on an 11-1-0 undefeated run of form in which they outscored opponents by a blistering 47-13. That's insane. Collette Sade did a masterful job of bringing this re-imagined Azuris team together and making sure they peaked at the right time of the season. If that doesn't deserve the title, nothing does. It's their eighth title, sixth in eight years, and fifth repeat. Bow.

Promotion/Relegation Playoff

OAS Royal FC are here after finishing 16th in the Härlighet Ligan. This is basically their second survival playoff in a row, as they had to win on the final week of the season just to get here. The fact that they ARE here with their talent level is appalling and, frankly, defies any sense or understanding. It's honestly disturbing that Constantine Champali is still in charge. It reeks of nepotism from his friendship with the King. Nevertheless, he has a chance to save the club from his self-wrought damnation here tonight.

Versiaville are here after finishing 3rd in Sekundar Ligan. Jeremy Hayes is hoping to take his Villagers straight back up after receiving a humbling exit last year. They started the season slow, but kept themselves hanging around and eventually got hot in the last couple months to nick a host of other clubs for 3rd. So they're rolling on all cylinders right now and have reason to be confident, but then again... OAS Royal scored 8 goals last week themselves and will be the overwhelming favorites with a squad full of international-level players the likes of which Versiaville have none.

1011 Härlighet Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Real Azuris            34   21   6   7    97   56  +41    69  Champions, CC
 2 Crawford City FC       34   17  10   7    72   61  +11    61  CC
 3 Samaj FC               34   17   6  11    72   62  +10    57  GC
 4 Stoneshore United      34   16   7  11    65   58   +7    55  GC
 5 Cassandra City         34   16   5  13    76   67   +9    53  GC
 6 FC Samotath            34   16   4  14    76   70   +6    52
 7 Klyde                  34   13  12   9    65   56   +9    51
 8 Eastweald              34   14   8  12    68   60   +8    50
 9 Olask Islanders        34   13   9  12    52   56   −4    48
10 Mallox                 34   12  11  11    69   70   −1    47
11 Pelethas United        34   11  11  12    57   62   −5    44
12 Goldstaff City         34   10  11  13    43   51   −8    41
13 Ramusok United         34   11   7  16    51   56   −5    40
14 Treftadaeth Alliance   34    9  10  15    68   83  −15    37
15 AC Holmenkollen        34    9   8  17    50   67  −17    35
16 OAS Royal FC           34    8  10  16    67   69   −2    34  Playoff (Safe)
17 Helfin Fief            34    9   7  18    62   73  −11    34  Relegated
18 Keenan Athletic        34    6  14  14    60   93  −33    32  Relegated




Harlighet Ligan Season XXIII Champions - REAL AZURIS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
1.   RW Bryger Tidesson (Golden Ball)
2.   CM Mbdiai Akarenaa
3.    CM Sandra Sybill
4.   GK Lind Pressinger
5.    AM Kim Coultan


NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:
1.   CM Mbdiai Akarenaa
2.   RW Stiin Siorrha'Asione
3.   GK Lind Pressinger
4.   ST Chrysanthe Scafidis
5.   AM Adrián Del Toro


YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (U21):
1.   RW Bryger Tidesson (19)
2.    ST Yuanchiki Larrimbe (20)
3.    CM Jennifer Farrow (20) 
4.   GK Lone Va'Nega (20)
5.   AM Scylla Xkoranate (20)


TOP SCORERS CHART:
24 -   Vega Zeale-Riddick (Golden Boot)
23 -   Yuanchiki Larrimbe
22 -   Andrew Arrowsword
21 -   Jason Goulding
20 -   Kare Saxmark
   -   Kevin Stabb
19 -   Charles Dyer Vry
   -   Kirum Ingolfsson
   -   Galasgoldas Tathtauré
16 -   Alexander Kárpáty
   -   Dan Quesadillas
   -   Bryger Tidesson
15 -   Penumbra Amokachi
   -   Mohsin Changez
   -   Jordan Emery
   -   Jakob Gullmarstam

The Cosumarite Courier Team of the Season:

GK -   Lind Pressinger (Golden Glove)
DF -   Fan Xiaopeng
DF -   Kurt Wolff
DF -    Dimitri Hagicostas
LM -    Jordan Emery
CM -    Kim Coultan
CM -    Sandra Sybill
RM -   Bryger Tidesson
ST -    Andrew Arrowsword
ST -   Yuanchiki Larrimbe
ST -   Vega Zeale-Riddick

Manager -   Collette Sade

Semifinals

Semifinal locations randomly drawn from pool of eligible venues; King's Cup Final always hosted at Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium at The Royal Palace.

 Pelethas United 4-1 Eastweald 
Kåsa 19', Alotic 28', Cossadel 32', Changez 65', Crowley 89'
@ Cedar Road (21.000), Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief

 Real Azuris 4-1 Centus Serpents
Sybill 1', Micheulus 25', Tidesson 63', Milani 64', Bowditch 67'
@ Kamu Road (24.000), Olask, Olask Fief

KING'S CUP FINAL

PELETHAS UNITED vs. REAL AZURIS

@ Crowley Memorial WC Stadium (105.000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

Welcome to the final match of the domestic calendar! It's always a one-of-a-kind atmosphere when the two cup finalists meet at The Royal Palace to provide the entire Fiefdom a grand finale for the season ,with the King himself in attendance.

It is Pelethas United's first King's Cup Final appearance. It's also a chance to win the club's first trophy in over 20 years - their last being the 989 Tredje Ligan title. The Miners had a middling season, falling short of their goal UICA goals due to a slump after the midseason break, but showed some improvement in the attacking department. With ownership mulling a change of direction in the offseason, manager Euan Jersey's job may depend on this game.

Real Azuris, by contrast, are featuring in their sixth King's Cup Final. They have a 3-2 record in the game up to this point and will be seeking their fourth victory. No other team has more than two. Having already won the Härlighet Ligan, Collette Sade will also have her sights set on accomplishing the rare Domestic Double. So let's take you to events in Ramusok!

...

1' - King James II has ceremonially wished both sides good luck, and Wizzard Mormentor has hit the first kick over to Mbdiai Akarenaa! We're underway on this gorgeous afternoon in the capital. A decidedly pro-Azuris crowd, but the swaths of silver and gold in the massive stadium are making their voices heard as well!

13' - Sandra Sybill's in-swinging free kick find the head of Mortimer Chisenhall, but the captain is unable to direct it on frame to challenge Nier.

39' - Yellow card for Gudrun Crowley after she sends a very physical message to Hakki Ojala after the Anglatian tried to nutmeg her.

45+1' - Brilliant save by Jillian Nier on Andrew Arrowsword to keep Pelethas level heading into the break!

47' - Bryger Tidesson: Goal! It's the Player of the Year with a pinpoint strike to the far post from the top-right side of the box! (PEL 0-1 RAZ)

90+1' - Ozuna sprawls out to tip Charlie Alotic's last-gasp shot over the bar! That might've just saved us extra time!

90+3' - Full time is called. For the fourth time in six years, Real Azuris are the victors. In a few moments, they will be presented the gigantic trophy from King James II himself, with their winning scoreline permanently engraved on it.

IFK Aldenskoett were the best team all year and deservedly go straight back up. Joined, somewhat surprisingly, by a very young Mariners team that has the Na'Ailee club's future looking bright again for the first time in years. Ziemelu Skaida came close, but missed out on a chance for their first ever Härlighet Ligan promotion on the final matchday. At the other end, Klyde Heritage go down after almost 30 years of second division stability. That's almost tragic.

1011 Sekundar Ligan         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 IFK Aldenskoett          34   20   6   8    67   45  +22    66  Champions / SBCC / Promoted
 2 Na'Malsille Mariners     34   19   4  11    67   57  +10    61  SBCC / Promoted
 3 Versiaville              34   16   9   9    70   58  +12    57  SBCC / Playoff (failed)
 4 Ziemelu Skaida           34   15  11   8    84   65  +19    56
 5 Zakhoro Aces             34   15   9  10    83   68  +15    54
 6 FC Kaldukosic            34   14  12   8    67   58   +9    54
 7 West Gundar FC           34   14  11   9    65   63   +2    53
 8 Fort Archer FC           34   15   6  13    69   71   −2    51
 9 Fevelo Colony            34   13  10  11    74   70   +4    49
10 Regalia City             34   12   8  14    66   71   −5    44
11 Centus Serpents          34   10  12  12    56   59   −3    42
12 Morponte Fief            34   10  11  13    43   49   −6    41
13 Gwynt Tywyll             34   10  10  14    44   52   −8    40
14 Nomad Brotherhood FC     34   10   8  16    76   81   −5    38
15 AFC Obscura 98           34   10   7  17    49   59  −10    37
16 Klyde Heritage           34    7  12  15    32   44  −12    33  Relegated
17 Bergtatt Isle Athletic   34    7  12  15    54   70  −16    33  Relegated
18 Yambridge City           34    6   8  20    44   70  −26    26  Relegated


Sekundar Ligan XXIII Champions:



Silver Boot:
  ST Kurtis Samarqand (22 goals)

Silver Ball (Best Player):
  AM Metán Cordéan

1011 Tredje Ligan        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sindo Fief                42   19  14   9    85   71  +14    71  Champions / Promoted
 2 Pristine Forest           42   19  13  10    91   70  +21    70  Promoted
 3 Otkins Numenvernia        42   19  12  11    94   72  +22    69  Playoff
 4 Rexnor District 3         42   18  13  11    65   44  +21    67  Playoff
 5 FC Flen                   42   17  14  11    87   82   +5    65  Playoff
 6 Brayllor Town             42   17  12  13    90   83   +7    63  Playoff
 7 Pardock Island            42   16  13  13    97   86  +11    61
 8 Revanigruud Riversharks   42   16  13  13    76   65  +11    61
 9 Riverside Crew            42   17  10  15    71   61  +10    61
10 Sammet Ridge              42   15  16  11    59   51   +8    61
11 Everlong FC               42   17   9  16    66   69   −3    60
12 Seryddwyr Aberaeron       42   15  13  14    64   65   −1    58
13 Silk FC                   42   16   9  17    77   90  −13    57
14 Larkinham Town            42   14  14  14    93   93    0    56
15 Cassandra Cosmopolitan    42   14  14  14    61   61    0    56
16 Sepultura                 42   15  11  16    78   84   −6    56
17 Portsmouth FC             42   16   7  19    84   90   −6    55
18 DeFinko Magni Blandinn    42   13  12  17    84   91   −7    51  Relegated
19 Forest Hill FC            42    9  16  17    75   95  −20    43  Relegated
20 Dawchire Town             42   10  11  21    92  104  −12    41  Relegated
21 Sarmon FC                 42   10  11  21    65   91  −26    41  Relegated
22 Caledon Legion            42    7   9  26    49   85  −36    30  Relegated


Tredje Ligan XXIII Champions:



Bronze Boot:
  CF Adnan Jurevicius (27 goals)

Bronze Ball (Best Player):
  CM Kendron Pertzborn

Promotion Playoffs
₃Otkins Numenvernia 1-1 (3-1 AET) Brayllor Town₆
₄Rexnor District 3 0-1 FC Flen₅

Otkins Numenvernia 3-1 FC Flen
Promoted to Sekundar Ligan:

1011 Conference Cosumarus  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 West Devellin               27   15   7   5    33   18  +15    52  Champions/Promoted
 2 Sontafe City                27   14   9   4    56   34  +22    51  Promoted
 3 Tamiat Town                 27   14   9   4    39   18  +21    51  Promoted
 4 Hvalsey 08                  27   13   5   9    25   16   +9    44  Playoff
 5 Esterhollow Harbor          27   12   8   7    37   29   +8    44  Playoff
 6 Cassandra City II           27   12   7   8    42   31  +11    43  Playoff
 7 White Tower FC              27   12   7   8    30   23   +7    43  Playoff
 8 Talmusok City               27   12   7   8    21   14   +7    43
 9 IFK Sundsvall               27   12   6   9    33   29   +4    42
10 AC Opjenheim                27   12   5  10    24   16   +8    41
11 Hagenheim South End         27   11   8   8    31   26   +5    41
12 Atletisk Östrad             27   11   7   9    34   30   +4    40
13 Azure Lane FC               27   10   9   8    29   21   +8    39
14 IFK Karlsborg               27   11   5  11    30   27   +3    38
15 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona       27   11   5  11    32   34   −2    38
16 Ayr Athletic                27   10   7  10    27   32   −5    37
17 Cadonica United             27   11   3  13    33   42   −9    36
18 AFC Wernersburg             27    9   8  10    18   18    0    35
19 Moore Hill Pirates          27   10   5  12    20   22   −2    35
20 Atletisk Surpronuk          27    7  10  10    14   23   −9    31
21 Black Diamond Osterhaut     27    7  10  10    34   46  −12    31
22 Sporting Pirankoper         27    8   6  13    37   41   −4    30
23 Chesterton Cottagers        27    8   5  14    24   33   −9    29  Relegated
24 Olympique Sur Mer           27    7   5  15    19   33  −14    26  Relegated
25 FC Kastanjestad             27    5  10  12    23   34  −11    25  Relegated
26 Sporting Culmar             27    5   9  13    16   31  −15    24  Relegated
27 Chittersbee Rangers         27    5   8  14    25   43  −18    23  Relegated
28 West Ellum                  27    4  10  13    18   40  −22    22  Relegated

Promotion Playoffs
₄Hvalsey 08 1-2 White Tower FC₇
₅Esterhollow Harbor 6-1 Cassandra City II₆

White Tower FC 2-1 Esterhollow Harbor
Promoted to TredjeLigan: White Tower FC

1011 Conference Klyde/Colonial  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers    38   21  10   7    68   48  +20    73  Champions/Promoted
 2 Gnoss Gallants AFC               38   20  11   7    58   40  +18    71
 3 IFK Nordön                       38   20   6  12    48   42   +6    66
 4 Salfa City                       38   19   8  11    48   31  +17    65
 5 Rexnor District 5                38   18   8  12    56   46  +10    62
 6 Atlético Oterro                  38   16  12  10    79   61  +18    60
 7 Aberaeron Celtic                 38   15  14   9    53   44   +9    59
 8 Piander Falls FC                 38   15  13  10    53   44   +9    58
 9 Tornline                         38   16  10  12    45   41   +4    58
10 CD Panteras Nueces               38   15   9  14    59   54   +5    54
11 Kalloroda United                 38   14  12  12    50   48   +2    54
12 Varvonti Firestorm               38   14  10  14    71   68   +3    52
13 Usk Town                         38   14   7  17    63   68   −5    49
14 Meryuma Marshals                 38   12  12  14    45   44   +1    48
15 Nuur Origins FC                  38   13   7  18    59   75  −16    46
16 Buscari Bridge Force             38   10  11  17    65   76  −11    41
17 FK Pentagram Pjattervid          38   10   9  19    54   69  −15    39  Relegated
18 Murkwaamp Suns                   38   11   5  22    54   69  −15    38  Relegated
19 Hamlack Town                     38    7  10  21    31   57  −26    31  Relegated
20 Rhodes Ravens AFC                38    6   4  28    43   77  −34    22  Relegated

Lägre Ligan 2 - Klyde    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 VfL Läutenstadt           29   17   8   4    52   26  +26    59  Champions/Promoted
 2 Sólstafir                 29   15  10   4    28   15  +13    55  Promoted
 3 Emerald Cove              29   15   9   5    34   23  +11    54
 4 Erpland County            29   14  10   5    34   20  +14    52
 5 Treacherous Cove AFC      29   15   7   7    38   29   +9    52
 6 Villa Forsetti            29   13   8   8    39   26  +13    47
 7 Ardamirchan Isle United   29   12  11   6    34   25   +9    47
 8 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star   29   13   7   9    39   33   +6    46
 9 Moggington County         29   12   8   9    40   40    0    44
10 Gwerin Athletic           29   11  10   8    36   29   +7    43
11 Lindsborg Premier         29   13   4  12    45   40   +5    43
12 Klyde City                29   12   7  10    40   35   +5    43
13 Real Azuris II            29   11   8  10    34   29   +5    41
14 Interstellar Erurok       29   11   7  11    33   26   +7    40
15 Cerulia City FC           29   10  10   9    20   16   +4    40
16 FC Kviststad              29   10   7  12    30   26   +4    37
17 Sadenia Paladins          29   10   7  12    20   18   +2    37
18 Maymar Lagune             29   10   6  13    23   25   −2    36
19 Noumen Town               29    9   9  11    32   35   −3    36
20 Gibwir Marsnal            29    9   9  11    36   41   −5    36
21 Orias-Kvissle SC          29    9   9  11    25   36  −11    36
22 Oxbow Lake                29   10   6  13    29   44  −15    36
23 Glasbon SC                29    8  11  10    35   36   −1    35
24 Atletisk Kvelertak        29    6  14   9    28   32   −4    32
25 Wiedna Town               29    9   5  15    32   42  −10    32
26 Satyricon Nemeses AFC     29    8   7  14    35   45  −10    31
27 Noths Castle              29    8   5  16    34   48  −14    29
28 Flithby Town              29    6   7  16    24   40  −16    25
29 Oppland 806               29    6   4  19    23   49  −26    22
30 Svart-Guld Klingaställe   29    5   6  18    29   52  −23    21

Lägre Ligan 2 - East     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Somberlain FC             29   20   5   4    33   13  +20    65  Champions/Promoted
 2 Ingleton Town             29   15   8   6    33   18  +15    53  Promoted
 3 Marshall-Blue FC          29   15   6   8    38   25  +13    51
 4 Wealdheim Bards           29   14   9   6    27   14  +13    51
 5 Cape Dutch Copperheads    29   14   9   6    29   17  +12    51
 6 Interstellar Östrad       29   14   9   6    25   19   +6    51
 7 Paulsendam Town           29   11  13   5    28   15  +13    46
 8 1. FC Guggenheim          29   13   7   9    24   15   +9    46
 9 Zirconim City             29   13   7   9    36   28   +8    46
10 East Devellin             29   13   5  11    26   30   −4    44
11 Volmachtia Kaldukosic     29   12   7  10    24   19   +5    43
12 AFC Centus                29   12   7  10    26   23   +3    43
13 OAS Royal FC II           29   13   4  12    21   24   −3    43
14 Scarromere FC             29   12   6  11    27   22   +5    42
15 Ramusok United II         29   12   5  12    24   25   −1    41
16 IFK Sokuldijak            29   10  10   9    32   25   +7    40
17 Eastweald II              29   10   9  10    27   23   +4    39
18 Coppell City FC           29   11   6  12    33   32   +1    39
19 Mallox II                 29    9  12   8    21   23   −2    39
20 Ollston Town              29    9  11   9    27   29   −2    38
21 Dusk Athletic             29   10   6  13    25   26   −1    36
22 Nabataea                  29    8   7  14    34   41   −7    31
23 Östrad Rockets FC         29    8   7  14    16   28  −12    31
24 IFK Keukenhok             29    7   8  14    13   28  −15    29
25 FC Stellendam             29    5  13  11    19   24   −5    28
26 FC Samotath II            29    7   7  15    25   36  −11    28
27 FC Kaldukosic II          29    7   6  16    20   35  −15    27
28 Sporting Corrian          29    6   8  15    15   27  −12    26
29 United FC of Stoneshore   29    5   9  15    15   36  −21    24
30 Lewisville Athletic       29    4   6  19    15   38  −23    18

Lägre Ligan 2 - Central  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Highlanders               29   17   5   7    40   21  +19    56  Champions/Promoted
 2 Scarborough               29   16   8   5    37   18  +19    56  Promoted
 3 Harlegan Rovers           29   16   5   8    33   22  +11    53
 4 Rhithlungwerddon Town     29   15   7   7    40   22  +18    52
 5 Jotungard 99 FC           29   15   7   7    33   17  +16    52
 6 Gladsax Chariot FC        29   14   6   9    31   22   +9    48
 7 Hassaburess Athletic      29   12  12   5    35   27   +8    48
 8 FC Invierness 912         29   15   3  11    33   28   +5    48
 9 Malm Town                 29   13   8   8    31   22   +9    47
10 Club Toftir               29   12  10   7    34   20  +14    46
11 Lykathea City             29   13   7   9    32   24   +8    46
12 SC Cirith 01              29   13   7   9    28   27   +1    46
13 Morponte Fief II          29   12   9   8    28   24   +4    45
14 High Noon FC              29   12   8   9    31   26   +5    44
15 Mintwick Marmots          29   13   4  12    28   30   −2    43
16 Carnessa County           29   10  11   8    21   16   +5    41
17 Ajatarra Alligators       29   11   8  10    24   20   +4    41
18 Attemac Wanderers         29   11   4  14    23   26   −3    37
19 Heofoncandel Uré          29    9   9  11    29   35   −6    36
20 Briquia Southside FC      29    8   9  12    27   42  −15    33
21 Gorgoroth                 29    6  14   9    19   25   −6    32
22 FC Fejd                   29    7  10  12    27   30   −3    31
23 Goldsoul FC               29    8   7  14    23   28   −5    31
24 Club Varden               29    7   9  13    13   23  −10    30
25 Keldin Town               29    8   6  15    12   25  −13    30
26 Austentrapp City FC       29    7   7  15    18   34  −16    28
27 Columbia Town             29    6   8  15    22   35  −13    26
28 Taigaenplats              29    5  10  14    21   35  −14    25
29 Impera Town               29    6   5  18    12   28  −16    23
30 Ombra Castle              29    5   3  21    13   46  −33    18

Lägre Ligan 2 - West      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Crawford Sharks SC         29   16   7   6    24   14  +10    55  Champions/Promoted
 2 SC Swamport                29   15   8   6    41   22  +19    53  Promoted
 3 FC Va'Lubasa               29   16   5   8    36   22  +14    53
 4 Yellow Meadow Lynwood      29   13  11   5    28   18  +10    50
 5 Duval Town                 29   14   7   8    23   14   +9    49
 6 Gamma Zakhoro              29   14   5  10    29   19  +10    47
 7 Klovstad Klub              29   13   8   8    28   24   +4    47
 8 Red Star Karbosic          29   13   7   9    29   21   +8    46
 9 Chamomile Town             29   12   9   8    21   14   +7    45
10 Drummond's FC              29   12   8   9    29   18  +11    44
11 FC Arkadius                29   13   4  12    27   26   +1    43
12 Yuonela Town               29   12   6  11    22   28   −6    42
13 Crawford City FC II        29   11   8  10    22   20   +2    41
14 Falco Na'Diveh             29   11   8  10    23   24   −1    41
15 Grayslake                  29   11   7  11    22   24   −2    40
16 FC1. Richtofen Avalanche   29   11   7  11    21   26   −5    40
17 Stortrommeby Town          29   10   9  10    26   22   +4    39
18 Theli City                 29   10   7  12    30   31   −1    37
19 Inter Juta                 29   10   7  12    28   30   −2    37
20 Woods of Ypres             29    9   9  11    21   30   −9    36
21 Real Bellavista            29    9   8  12    25   23   +2    35
22 FC Na'Travii               29    9   8  12    28   29   −1    35
23 Thergothon                 29    8  11  10    11   14   −3    35
24 Na'Malsille Mariners II    29    8  10  11    28   29   −1    34
25 East Ellum                 29    8  10  11    17   26   −9    34
26 VfL Bolmenstadt            29    7   9  13    23   41  −18    30
27 Tromsdale Town             29    8   5  16    20   30  −10    29
28 Bayford City               29    5  11  13    20   27   −7    26
29 Rhupenhoven Town           29    7   4  18    19   31  −12    25
30 SEP Bjarnum                29    6   5  18    16   40  −24    23

Lägre Ligan 2 - Colonial  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Templar-Lune FC            29   17   9   3    21    5  +16    60  Champions/Promoted
 2 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC   29   16   6   7    25   16   +9    54  Promoted
 3 FC Dynamo Kurbads          29   16   5   8    44   21  +23    53
 4 New Hagenheim Canopy       29   14  10   5    31   20  +11    52
 5 Execo Station              29   14  10   5    29   21   +8    52
 6 Rexnor District 7          29   15   5   9    28   17  +11    50
 7 Levithia Shrievenzale      29   14   7   8    38   21  +17    49
 8 Aläng FF                   29   12  12   5    37   20  +17    48
 9 Rexnor District 9          29   14   6   9    39   27  +12    48
10 Rexnor District 8          29   14   6   9    29   25   +4    48
11 Tranquility Treepolis      29   13   7   9    36   21  +15    46
12 Kreanoltha Vipers          29   11  13   5    18   11   +7    46
13 Orion Wanderers            29   13   6  10    47   32  +15    45
14 Marinus City               29   13   4  12    56   40  +16    43
15 Drahva United              29   11  10   8    23   20   +3    43
16 NOVIA Alliance             29   11  10   8    36   35   +1    43
17 Romstafar Outpost          29   11   7  11    17   18   −1    40
18 Whitestone Athletic        29   10   9  10    29   27   +2    39
19 Menoptera United SC        29   11   6  12    21   23   −2    39
20 Ciems Mungonduvia          29    8  11  10    22   25   −3    35
21 Snaigow Hoarfrost          29    9   7  13    22   27   −5    34
22 Dockery Union              29    7  11  11    15   20   −5    32
23 SC Vronus 510              29    8   7  14    26   51  −25    31
24 Rexnor District 6          29    6  11  12    18   27   −9    29
25 Fayanora Pontonese         29    7   6  16    26   46  −20    27
26 Rexnor District 4          29    7   6  16    25   51  −26    27
27 Sporting Club Macofor      29    6   6  17    35   44   −9    24
28 Borzac Sequins             29    6   5  18    16   36  −20    23
29 Tonsei Tumult              29    6   5  18    16   36  −20    23
30 Rexnor District 2          29    1   5  23     7   49  −42     8

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Thu Jan 11, 2018 7:05 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 Cosumarite 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 exhilirating. For its first 14 editions, the CFL had a total of 34 teams, with 17 in each conference.

However, a seismic shift to the league's structure is being introduced now for the 15th season.

>>>To foster more intense local rivalries, reduce travel costs and slightly expand the league while keeping the traditional Blue/Silver groupings intact, the conferences will be further divided into four nine-team divisions: Blue East, Blue West, Silver East and Silver West. Now with 36 total teams in the league: the dynastic Jotungard Goblings and Sundsvall Penguins will transition in from the now-defunct Arena League. Each team will play the other teams in its Division twice, keeping a 16-game schedule. The top four from each division will advance to the CFL Playoffs<<<.

There will still be Blue Conference and Silver Conference Championships directly preceding the Dragon Bowl. The Finnegan Trophy still exists to allow teams from different conferences and divisions to play with some regularity outside CFL competition. And, as ever, the CFL is the second-most popular sporting league in Cosumar behind only Härlighet Ligan ("Glory League") soccer.

Dragon Bowl Champions:
I: Jädde Brutes
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: Bayford Blue Dragons
XV: _____ _____???

CFL Season XV (1012) - Regular Season

In the inaugural Silver East Division, the headlines were dominated by who didn't make the postseason rather than who did. The Kataklysm, despite their massive following, took another step backward. The preseason-favorites, the newly-rebranded Mallox GridTigers, also disappointed severely after QB Curtis Chimney went down with a broken leg in Week 2. The result? A dominant season for the Jädde Brutes, who went 11-1 after an 0-2 start before resting starters for their final two games. They'll need to rekindle the momentum from that 11-1 run when the playoffs start, their hopes resting on breakout star QB Olavi Kalgara, who threw only three interceptions all season.

   Silver East Division        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Jädde Brutes                 16   11   5   366  290  +76    11  Playoffs
 2 Dawchire Eagles              16   10   6   317  321   −4    10  Playoffs
 3 Dusk Bearcats                16    9   7   291  256  +35     9  Playoffs
 4 Surpronuk Marsh Monsters     16    9   7   310  298  +12     9  Playoffs
 5 Opjenheim Bulldogs           16    8   8   299  311  −12     8
 6 Centus Owls                  16    7   9   316  336  −20     7
 7 Kaldukosic Kataklysm         16    7   9   280  273   +7     7
 8 Mallox GridTigers            16    6  10   345  359  −14     6
 9 Altamirano Devils            16    5  11   265  345  −80     5

In the new Silver West Division, the Hagenheim Vagabonds looked like the best team in the CFL. QB Kenji Toyashimo and RB Macauley Swarthman, both 28, simultaneously had what will surely be the peak statistical years of their respective careers. With a dynamic young defense shepherded by iconic veteran linebacker Wayne Troumper, the stars seem to be aligning on the other side of the ball as well. What's more, high-flying wideout Thos Na'Basi is a good shout for Offensive Rookie of the Year too. Yet they will face a stiff test in the first round from the Dragon Bowl-winning experience of Versiaville, even if the aging Vikings are in decline. Jeston Boulware and the Morponte Marauders are also as dangerous as ever and will be fired up to claim their customary place in the Silver Conference Championship in the first year under the new format. The Vagabonds and Marauders split the regular season series 1-1, both teams actually winning away. Meanwhile, in their first year in the CFL, former Arena franchise Sundsvall put up a respectable 6-10 despite having the worst statistical defense in the Silver Conference.

    Silver West Division       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Hagenheim Vagabonds          16   15   1   494  236 +258    15  Playoffs
 2 Morponte Marauders           16   11   5   372  257 +115    11  Playoffs
 3 Olask Dolphins               16   10   6   370  288  +82    10  Playoffs
 4 Versiaville Vikings          16    8   8   273  248  +25     8  Playoffs
 5 Bayford Blue Dragons         16    8   8   300  322  −22     8
 6 Sundsvall Penguins           16    6  10   287  456 −169     6
 7 Flen Jaguars                 16    6  10   270  341  −71     6
 8 Cassandra Wildcats           16    5  11   260  361 −101     5
 9 Crawford Comrades            16    3  13   265  382 −117     3

In the newly-formed Blue East Division, the Emerald Cove Conquistadors picked up where they left off from their 15-1 season in 1011. They won one fewer game, but they somehow scored even more points and allowed fewer than a year ago. The immaculate arm of Brandon Reigner shows no signs of slowing down and the defense was fortified by the addition of safety Unther Garaleb. You might want to go ahead and punch their tickets to the Blue Conference Championship now. It doesn't look like anyone in the weak Blue East can stop them, though the plucky Hvalsey Lions, energized by diminutive 21-year-old gunslinger Peri Fothergill, will give it a confident go having finished the season 5-2. At the bottom, the lest said about Ramusok's remarkable tumble the better.

   Blue East Division          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Emerald Cove Conquistadors   16   14   2   457  217 +240    14  Playoffs
 2 Kaldukosic Blazers           16   10   6   298  297   +1    10  Playoffs
 3 Sarmon Spirit                16    9   7   354  286  +68     9  Playoffs
 4 Hvalsey Lions                16    8   8   290  300  −10     8  Playoffs
 5 Samotath Scourge             16    8   8   269  312  −43     8
 6 Stoneshore Predators         16    7   9   291  343  −52     7
 7 Azuris Anthrax               16    7   9   269  325  −56     7
 8 Klyde Cyclones               16    5  11   261  344  −83     5
 9 Ramusok Stars                16    4  12   249  314  −65     4

In the first edition of the Blue West Division, the big storyline was Pirankoper Dwarves' embarrassing 0-16 record. The new format definitely do them any favors. Were they fielding an actual team of padded dwarves? Allowing 34 points per game is almost unfathomable in the often low-scoring CFL. At the top of the standings, the Thunder, Mighty Men and Venom all look like credible Dragon Bowl contenders. The Venom have a scary defense and QB Jocke Westerwyk really stepped up in his development for the Thunder. This depth in the division should make for some scintillating playoff games.

   Blue West Division          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Pelethas Thunder             16   13   3   454  270 +184    13  Playoffs
 2 Helfin Mighty Men            16   11   5   415  283 +132    11  Playoffs
 3 Na'Malsille Venom            16   11   5   325  294  +31    11  Playoffs
 4 Keenan Robins                16    9   7   337  305  +32     9  Playoffs
 5 Samaj Spartans               16    8   8   338  351  −13     8
 6 Zakhoro Wolfpack             16    8   8   302  329  −27     8
 7 Jotungard Goblins            16    6  10   286  389 −103     6
 8 OAS Kingsmen                 16    6  10   341  340   +1     6
 9 Pirankoper Dwarves           16    0  16   292  529 −237     0  Ouch

Playoff Match-ups

Silver Conference

₁Jädde Brutes (11-5) vs. ₄Surpronuk Marsh Monsters (9-7)

₂Dawchire Eagles (10-6) vs. ₃Dusk Bearcats (9-7)

₁Hagenheim Vagabonds (15-1) vs. ₄Versiaville Vikings (8-8)

₂Morponte Marauders (11-5) vs. ₃Olask Dolphins (10-6)

Blue Conference

₁Emerald Cove Conquistadors (14-2) vs. ₄Hvalsey Lions (8-8)

₂Kaldukosic Blazers (10-6) vs. ₃Sarmon Spirit (9-7)

₁Pelethas Thunder (13-3) vs. ₄Keenan Robins (9-7)

₂Helfin Mighty Men (11-5) vs. ₃Na'Malsille Venom (11-5)

Finnegan Trophy XII

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 even 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's a tournament that runs concurrently to the CFL season but separate, like a soccer-style Cup. Named after former national team coach Gary Finnegan, it features 32 teams (all but the last-place finisher in each division 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 best regular season record from each conference) as well as an additional high draft pick. That last bit is often the strongest incentive for teams to go for it.

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: Samaj Spartans
XII: _____ _____ ???

Morponte Marauders            0  3  7  0  10
Na'Malsille Venom             7  3  0  3  13<

Mallox GridTigers             6  0  0 14  20
Helfin Mighty Men            14 17  7  3  41<

Dawchire Eagles               0  3  7  0 7  17<
Samaj Spartans                0  0  0 10 0  10

Jädde Brutes                  7  0  7  3  17
Emerald Cove Conquistadors    3 13  0  3  19<

Olask Dolphins                3  3  3  6  15
Keenan Robins                10  7  7  7  31<

Bayford Blue Dragons          0 10  0  7  17
Kaldukosic Blazers            7  3  7  3  20<

Centus Owls                   0  0  7  3  10
Sarmon Spirit                 7 17  3  3  30<

Hagenheim Vagabonds          10 10  7  7  34<
Stoneshore Predators          0  7  7  0  14

Surpronuk Marsh Monsters      0  0  0  3   3
Hvalsey Lions                 0  3  9  3  15<

Opjenheim Bulldogs            0  7  3 10  20<
OAS Kingsmen                  0 14  0  3  17

Dusk Bearcats                 3  3  3 10  19<
Klyde Cyclones                0 10  0  3  13

Versiaville Vikings           3  3  3  3  12<
Zakhoro Wolfpack              7  0  3  0  10

Kaldukosic Kataklysm         14  7  7  3  31<
Azuris Anthrax                0  0  3  7  10

Cassandra Wildcats            0  0  3  0   3
Ramusok Stars                 0 14 14  3  31<

Flen Jaguars                 14  7  0  0  21<
Pirankoper Dwarves            3  7  0  3  13

Crawford Comrades             0  6  0  7  13
Pelethas Thunder             13  7  3  0  23<

Na'Malsille Venom             3  0  0  7  10
Helfin Mighty Men             0  3  6 10  19<

Dawchire Eagles               7  0  7  0  14<
Emerald Cove Conquistadors    0  0 10  3  13

Keenan Robins                 3  6  0  0   9
Kaldukosic Blazers            3  3  0 17  23<

Sarmon Spirit                 0  7  3  3  13
Hagenheim Vagabonds           0  3  7 10  20<

Hvalsey Lions                14  3  3  6  26
Opjenheim Bulldogs            7  6  3 14  30<

Dusk Bearcats                 0  3  7  7  17
Versiaville Vikings          10  7  3  3  23<

Kaldukosic Kataklysm          3  3  0  3   9
Ramusok Stars                 3  3  0 14  20<

Flen Jaguars                  6  3  6  3  18<
Pelethas Thunder              3  0  0 13  16

Helfin Mighty Men       0  0  3  3   6
Dawchire Eagles         7 10  3  3  23<

Kaldukosic Blazers      0 14 10  0  24
Hagenheim Vagabonds     7  6 14  7  34<

Opjenheim Bulldogs      0  0  3  0   3
Versiaville Vikings     3 10  7  7  27<

Ramusok Stars           3  0  7  3  13<
Flen Jaguars            6  3  0  0   9

Dawchire Eagles        10  3  7  3  23<
Hagenheim Vagabonds     7  0  7  3  17

Versiaville Vikings     7  7  0  0  14
Ramusok Stars           7  3  7  3  20<

Dawchire Eagles        17 10  0 14  41
Ramusok Stars          10  6 14  0  30

After a very evenly-contested tournament between the two rival groups of teams, it was Silver Conference vs. Blue Conference in the Finnegan Final, just as it should be! Unfortunately for the Blue Conference, their representative was the deflated Ramusok Stars, who finished 4-12 in CFL play. Dawchire, a very solid (if unspectacular) team, wouldn't squander this opportunity after already surviving encounters with the Spartans, Conquistadors, Vagabonds and Mighty Men. Damn, that's an impressive trail of bodies to leave behind. Anyways, veteran QB Garron Holland did his best to lift the Stars as he's done so many times in the past, connecting with Duke Leonard for two touchdowns early in the second half to take the lead, but the Eagles just had the more complete team in the end. Cornerback Feanor Eldarthal buckled down on Leonard after that big 3rd Quarter and Holland was sacked three times by Toby Tancredi in the final frame to seal the deal while powerful back Nic Perrantes took over on the other side of the ball.

The DAWCHIRE EAGLES have won the twelfth Finnegan Trophy! It is the Eagles' first trophy in modern history, and the first Finnegan Trophy to go to the Silver Conference in six editions, ending five consecutive victories by the Blue Conference and narrowing the gap to 7-5 in the all-time series between the two bitter conferences in the history of this tournament.

Stay tuned for the CFL Playoffs and DRAGON BOWL in the next post!

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 3:14 pm

CFL Season XV (1012) - Playoffs

It's that time again. Of the 36 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

₁Jädde Brutes                  7  3  3 10  23
₄Surpronuk Marsh Monsters      7  0  6  7  20

₂Dawchire Eagles               0  3  0  6   9
₃Dusk Bearcats                 0  0  0  6   6

₁Hagenheim Vagabonds           7 14  7  6  34
₄Versiaville Vikings           0  0  7  7  14

₂Morponte Marauders            0  6  7  0  13
₃Olask Dolphins                3 14  7  3  27

Despite Kalgara's two interceptions to Dexter Singleton, Jädde hang on to edge Surpronuk on Alaminho's 37-yard field goal with 1:22 remaining. In the other Silver East game, well, we can barely even call it a game. No touchdowns were scored as Dawchire-Dusk went 9-6. Out west, the Vagabonds picked up where they left off from their remarkable 15-1 season and destroyed Versiaville's aging defense with the lethal combination of Kenji Toyashimo's arms and legs and an effective run game to keep them honest. The Marauders were the favorites to be able to challenge Hagenheim in the next round because of their vaunted pass rush, but they couldn't get any offense going at home against the Dolphins due to their continuing offensive line woes. Marauders out.

BLUE CONFERENCE

₁Emerald Cove Conquistadors    3 14  7  7  31
₄Hvalsey Lions                 3  0  6  3  12

₂Kaldukosic Blazers            7  3  3  3  16
₃Sarmon Spirit                 7  3  3  7  20

₁Pelethas Thunder             10  6 10  7  33
₄Keenan Robins                 0  6 14  7  27

₂Helfin Mighty Men             0 14  7  3  24
₃Na'Malsille Venom             3  3  0  0   6

The Conquistadors came out the gates in their first round matchup looking hungry to get back to the Dragon Bowl and avenge last year's defeat. The Hvalsey Lions, despite their youthful exuberance with Fothergill & Øygard, did not stand a chance against the Brandon Reigner machine. The legendary QB threw for 4 TDs in this one to get Conquistador Coliseum really rocking. Their next opponent will be the somehow-still-winning Luke Salacheon, now 40 years old at QB, and the Sarmon Spirit. Seems like a straightforward Emerald Cove victory, but you never know after how the Spirit defense stepped up to stop the Blazers in their tracks. Vaber Dandurand is a beast. He forced two fumbles in Kaldukosic this week. The game of the round came from the Blue West Division, where Jocke Westerwyk had an epic shootout with Tobias Engel in Thunder-Robins. It was also a great battle of ex-RCU receivers, with Piet Talaat carving the Robins up on the inside and Seth Greenman burning the Thunder out wide. As for who won? Well, everyone knows that Electric is super-effective against Flying...

Conference Semifinals

SILVER CONFERENCE

Jädde Brutes                 14  6 10 10  40
Dawchire Eagles               7 14  3  0  24

Hagenheim Vagabonds          10  3  6  3  22
Olask Dolphins                6  0  0  0   6

Olavi Kalgara is really solidifying himself as a CFL star. He went 25/36 for 338 yards and 3TD for the Brutes in this one to take his team to the Silver Conference Championship. The Eagles, despite having momentum from their Finnegan Trophy triumph, could only marvel at his pocket instincts and precise on-the-run throws. The juggernaut Vagabonds (now 17-1) took care of business against their Silver West rivals from Olask Isle to set up a high-octane pre-Dragon Bowl showdown with Kalgara's Brutes.

BLUE CONFERENCE

Emerald Cove Conquistadors    6 10 10 10  36
Sarmon Spirit                 3 10  0  3  16

Pelethas Thunder              6 13  0  0  19
Helfin Mighty Men            17 10  3  6  36

Open and close. Reigner and the Conquistadors comprehensively beat the sluggish Spirit and the Helfin defense ran amok in Pelethas, turning three turnovers into 17 points. The Blue Conference Championship (Conks vs. Mighty Men) will be a classic Offense vs. Defense match-up.

Conference Championship Games

SILVER CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Jädde Brutes                  0  3  0  0   3
Hagenheim Vagabonds           6  3 10 10  29

The media was heavily pumping the figure of Olavi Kalgara going into this one, and it utterly backfired as he (and the entire Jädde offense) was a complete no-show up in Duversia Fief. Seriously, was it even the same team that scored 40 a week ago? Or are the Vagabonds of the Pristine Forest really THIS good? Rookie all-star cornerback Landry Coventry is convinced it's the latter based on his hollers towards the cameras post-game. "Yo! I'm saying this so all of Cosumar hears it! I don't even care, it's true! We're the best team in CFL history! The best! Ever!" Hard to argue now, but there's still one rather big obstacle left to prove it.

BLUE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Emerald Cove Conquistadors    3  3  3  3  12
Helfin Mighty Men             0  3 10  3  16

And that obstacle will be... the Mighty Men? Huh, surprising. All year, this season has seemed like a collision course towards a Vagabonds-Conquistadors Dragon Bowl. They were by far the two favorites at 15-1 and 14-2. But the smashmouth franchise from the sweltering Helfin desert had other ideas. They shuttered Brandon Reigner's offense just like they did to the Thunder and the Venom before that. Strong safety Kanata Botiejonas has been the unsung hero of their gritty defense, leading the CFL Playoffs in tackles and sealing this Blue Conference Championship with a sliding pick.

DRAGON BOWL XV

The 15th anniversary of gridiron's biggest game will feature two franchises that have been consistently good for many years... but have never quite been able to take that final step into the Dragon Bowl spotlight. Now they both have! We will crown a brand new CFL champion tonight.

Will the Mighty Men flex their mammoth defensive muscle or will the history-hunting Vagabonds scamper away from their grip like they've done all season?

...

...

...

Hagenheim Vagabonds     0  7  7 14  28
Helfin Mighty Men       0 10  0  6  16

For one half, it looked like the 18-1 Vagabonds had finally met their defensive match. The Mighty Men stuffed eight men in the box and bottled up running back Macauley Swarthman, which made Hagenheim's offense one-dimensional and placed too much strain on Kenji Toyashimo to convert 3rd & Longs under pressure. Filip Stellar sacked him twice in the opening drive. Then, with Blerim Timanov's dart to Mati Jalonen in the back of the endzone at the end of the first half, Helfin took a 10-7 lead into half time. And Landry Coventry was mysteriously quiet.

Dragon Bowl XV was a tale of two halves, however, and the Vagabonds wrestled back control after some halftime adjustments by their coaching staff. With a new offensive playbook of quick passes, screens and misdirections, they put the Mighty Men back on their heels and put together a 90-yard touchdown drive to open the second half. 14-10, Toyashimo scrampering eight yards into the corner to cap it off. Helfin Mighty Men fought hard and kept it a one-possession game through the end of the 3rd, but they just didn't have enough offense to turn the corner, especially after receiver Akim Fjara left the game with a sore hammy midway through the quarter. In the 4th quarter, sensing their near-perfect 19-1 season on the cusp of reality, the Vagabonds dialed in and really put their feet on Helfin's throats. Macauley Swarthman freed up by the play-action and screen game that had been established in the 3rd, the Vagabonds were able to run down the clock through their big, muscular running back. And add two more touchdowns. In their desperation, the Mighty Men put together a couple decent drives, but were held short of the endzone and settled for field goals. It was briefly 21-16 with 7:50 to go, but Hagenheim quickly made it 28-16, the final, and iced it from there. Landry Coventry was right about the 1012 Vagabonds being the best ever, and he let the cameras know as soon as the clock showed zeros.

The HAGENHEIM VAGABONDS are the Dragon Bowl XV Champions! They are now 1-0 in Dragon Bowls, while the Mighty Men disappointingly fall to 0-1. The Vagabonds have completed the best full season in CFL history, finishing 19-1 after a 15-1 regular season. The CFL's other few 15-1 teams in modern history failed to take it all the way in the Playoffs. It's a welcome change after the last two Dragon Bowls were won by 9-7 and 8-8 regular season underachievers. Regardless, congratulations to the unique Commune of Hagenheim and their equally unique team. Enjoy this rare taste of sporting dominance. And special congratulations to 35-year-old future-HOF linebacker Wayne Troumper, who has led the Vagabonds for the better part of 15 years and now gets to ride off into the sunset. Hagenheim's victory gives Silver Conference three straight Dragon Bowls, erasing Blue Conference's gap and now establishing a narrow 8-7 lead.

Post-Season Awards

Season MVP: QB Brandon Reigner (Emerald Cove Conquistadors)
Dragon Bowl MVP: QB Kenji Toyashimo (Hagenheim Vagabonds)
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Kenji Toyashimo (Hagenheim Vagabonds)
Defensive Player of the Year: DE Kamil Yeoman (Dusk Bearcats)
Foreign Player of the Year: WR Mia Little (Sarmon Spirit, Schottia)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: WR Thos Na'Basi (Hagenheim Vagabonds)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: MLB Calamitus Freeman (Keenan Robins)

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 10:44 pm

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 Goldstaff Lightning won the last edition of the IUBC MultiverseBasket (Cosumar's second).

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 1011 season turned out:

Season VIII (1011)

Fueled by last season's Game 7 defeat in the CBA Finals, the Cassandra Flames burned bright this season. Main man Chadrak Kvotirkoy (25.8 PPG) and trusty point guard Mitt Von Gumm (11.4 APG) led Cassandra's way to the CBA's best record. The Kaldukosic Krushers were as competitive as ever, however, and the OAS Ocelots also seem a rising threat with their cast of recent collegiate all-stars. Tarran Skannendev can also take over a game at any time for Gundar Basket and single-handedly carried the Hvalsey Fief squad to the 4-seed. Any of these look like contenders to go far.

   CBA Eastern Conference  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Cassandra Flames         62   52  10  5107 4342 +765
 2 OAS Ocelots              62   50  12  5010 4365 +645
 3 Kaldukosic Krushers      62   48  14  4951 4414 +537
 4 Gundar Basket            62   45  17  5035 4409 +626
 5 Mallox Mavericks         62   43  19  4899 4500 +399
 6 Overkill BC              62   43  19  4989 4388 +601
 7 Stoneshore SeaDevils     62   36  26  4933 4623 +310
 8 Havok du Kaldukosic      62   35  27  4753 4615 +138
--------------------------^PLAYOFFS^---------------------
 9 Ramusok Empire           62   31  31  4609 4626  −17
10 Dawchire Rage            62   29  33  4650 4646   +4
11 Parougan Plague          62   21  41  4647 4939 −292
12 North Klyde Imps         62   19  43  4447 4925 −478
13 Samotath Slayers         62   15  47  4453 5033 −580
14 Östrad Spacefolk         62   12  50  4473 5155 −682
15 Altamirano Artillery     62   11  51  4363 5021 −658
16 South Klyde Sparks       62    9  53  4270 5070 −800

The Maelstrom topping the conference was the big surprise of the season. The Goldstaff Lightning the unanimous picks as last year's #1 seed and coming off a MultiverseBasket championship. Cross, Scanlon and company still had a great season, but they were edged out for the top spot by an unglamorous Maelstrom team that was projected between 4th and 6th by most experts. Despite having only one All-Star in Ovu Va'Devu, Na'Malsille took advantage of a gritty style of half-court basketball - winning on the glass - and underachievement from several other teams to muscle their way to top playoff seeding. Head Coach Kapellan Brisendine will certainly win Coach of the Year for the feat. Can they make some noise in the Playoffs? Or will Rugian Na'Rel's Dusk Wolfpack emerge from the pack, somehow under-the-radar again despite being defending champs?

   CBA Western Conference  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Na'Malsille Maelstrom    62   48  14  4972 4451 +521
 2 Goldstaff Lightning      62   45  17  4933 4332 +601
 3 Dusk Wolfpack            62   44  18  4947 4518 +429
 4 Crawford Cormorants      62   42  20  4866 4477 +389
 5 Mortim Morbid Angels     62   40  22  4736 4506 +230
 6 Jotungard Giants         62   39  23  4736 4583 +153
 7 Helfin Fief Heathens     62   34  28  4793 4672 +121
 8 Olask Tentacles          62   33  29  4715 4777  −62
--------------------------^PLAYOFFS^---------------------
 9 Fort Archer Guerillas    62   31  31  4520 4728 −208
10 Pirankoper Kings         62   26  36  4711 4793  −82
11 Versiaville Voyagers     62   25  37  4489 4828 −339
12 Pelethas Mastodons       62   23  39  4499 4749 −250
13 Culmarland Warmasters    62   17  45  4483 4849 −366
14 Zakhoro Porcupines       62   16  46  4539 4965 −426
15 Rexnor Skyforgers        62   15  47  4356 5068 −712
16 Flen Sorcerers           62   15  47  4492 5009 −517

CBA Playoffs First Round

East 1v8
Cassandra Flames 61–74 Havok du Kaldukosic
Cassandra Flames 74–57 Havok du Kaldukosic
Cassandra Flames 79–69 Havok du Kaldukosic
Cassandra Flames 72–83 Havok du Kaldukosic
Cassandra Flames 83–78 Havok du Kaldukosic

#1 Cassandra Flames advance 3-2 after a heck of a scare from Kaldukosic's "second team"


East 4v5
Gundar Basket 91–74 Mallox Mavericks
Gundar Basket 73–92 Mallox Mavericks
Gundar Basket 75–84 Mallox Mavericks
Gundar Basket 78–63 Mallox Mavericks
Gundar Basket 69–77 Mallox Mavericks

#5 Mallox Mavericks advance 3-2, Tozin Summata's length in the paint too much for undersized Gundar


East 2v7
OAS Ocelots 73–68 Stoneshore SeaDevils
OAS Ocelots 84–72 Stoneshore SeaDevils
OAS Ocelots 60–72 Stoneshore SeaDevils
OAS Ocelots 75–84 Stoneshore SeaDevils
OAS Ocelots 87–60 Stoneshore SeaDevils

#2 OAS Ocelots advance 3-2, Stoneshore's comeback effort sputtering out in the decisive Game 5

East 3v6
Kaldukosic Krushers 82–83 Overkill BC
Kaldukosic Krushers 73–76 Overkill BC
Kaldukosic Krushers 84–76 Overkill BC
Kaldukosic Krushers 73–84 Overkill BC


#6 Overkill BC advance 3-1, shocking Cosumar's most popular team with game-winning 
buzzer-beaters in Games 1 & 2


----------------------------------------------


West 1v8
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 95–74 Olask Tentacles
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 80–81 Olask Tentacles
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 83–68 Olask Tentacles
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 94–79 Olask Tentacles

#1 Na'Malsille Maelstrom advance 3-1, dominating in every game but a Game 2 in which Olask shot 45%


West 4v5
Crawford Cormorants 76–76 (82–84 OT) Mortim Morbid Angels 
Crawford Cormorants 74–88 Mortim Morbid Angels
Crawford Cormorants 78–83 Mortim Morbid Angels

#5 Mortim Morbid Angels advance 3-0, a surprising sweep of what was 
expected to be the round's closest series


West 2v7
Goldstaff Lightning 83–78 Helfin Fief Heathens
Goldstaff Lightning 67–63 Helfin Fief Heathens
Goldstaff Lightning 94–50 Helfin Fief Heathens

#2 Goldstaff Lightning advance 3-0, finally overwhelming the poor Heathens 
after they hung tough in the first two games


West 3v6
Dusk Wolfpack 84–63 Jotungard Giants
Dusk Wolfpack 65–58 Jotungard Giants
Dusk Wolfpack 81–66 Jotungard Giants

#3 Dusk Wolfpack advance 3-0, too much playoff experience amongst the champs 
for the debuting Giants

Second Round

East 1v5
Cassandra Flames 83–82 Mallox Mavericks
Cassandra Flames 87–63 Mallox Mavericks
Cassandra Flames 74–68 Mallox Mavericks

#1 Cassandra Flames advance 3-0, Chadrak Kvotirkoy playoff-mode fully engaged

East 2v6
OAS Ocelots 65–72 Overkill BC
OAS Ocelots 83–66 Overkill BC
OAS Ocelots 53–74 Overkill BC
OAS Ocelots 68–66 Overkill BC
OAS Ocelots 84–79 Overkill BC

#2 OAS Ocelots advance 3-2, killing off Overkill's dreams of a Cinderella Finals run 
after a high-octane Game 5

----------------------------------------------

West 1v5
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 60–81 Mortim Morbid Angels
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 93–86 Mortim Morbid Angels
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 90–72 Mortim Morbid Angels
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 78–71 Mortim Morbid Angels

#1 Na'Malsille Maelstrom advance 3-1, keeping their cool composure after a bad Game 1 stumble at home

West 2v3
Goldstaff Lightning 75–57 Dusk Wolfpack
Goldstaff Lightning 65–79 Dusk Wolfpack
Goldstaff Lightning 95–76 Dusk Wolfpack
Goldstaff Lightning 88–59 Dusk Wolfpack

#2 Goldstaff Lightning advance 3-1, thrashing the defending champions in the most hyped series 
of the Playoffs thus far

Conference Finals

Eastern Conference Finals (1v2)
Cassandra Flames 81–76 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 79–64 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 69–65 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 58–67 OAS Ocelots
Cassandra Flames 94–71 OAS Ocelots

#1 Cassandra Flames advance 4-1 after a real letdown of an East Finals, securing a return to 
the marquee showcase for vengeance


West Finals (1v2)
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 77–83 Goldstaff Lightning
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 79–78 Goldstaff Lightning
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 73–83 Goldstaff Lightning
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 61–84 Goldstaff Lightning
Na'Malsille Maelstrom 71–77 Goldstaff Lightning

#2 Goldstaff Lightning advance 4-1, confirming themselves the West's [i]true top dogs. 
At least Maelstrom put up more fight than OAS.[/i]

CBA FINALS!

East Champion v West Champion

Cassandra Flames 69–72 Goldstaff Lightning
Cassandra Flames 65–86 Goldstaff Lightning

Cassandra Flames 77–62 Goldstaff Lightning
Cassandra Flames 80–84 Goldstaff Lightning

Cassandra Flames 80–63 Goldstaff Lightning

Cassandra Flames 92–73 Goldstaff Lightning

Cassandra Flames 52–90 Goldstaff Lightning

This was the Finals series everybody wanted to see: the consensus best two teams in the CBA right now. An elemental battle of fire and thunder. The duel raged fiercely, but in the end it was the Goldstaff Lightning who prevailed, putting a CBA Finals trophy next to the IUBC MultiverseBasket in their trophy case. They seemed more confident and mentally and tactically-prepared at the start of the series, which led to them winning both of the first two games on the road in Cassandra. Huge! The Flames, too talented and savvy to go down that easy, recovered and stole one of the next two games in Goldstaff to make it 3-1 and give themselves a chance, then used that momentum to grab the next two. All of a sudden, the series was knotted at 3-3 and it seemed like the Lightning were going to let a sure lead slip. But... then THAT happened. That Game 7. The score says it all. The Lightning wanted it more. Or, perhaps more accurately, Case Scanlon wanted it more. The star forward took over on both sides of the ball with his one-of-a-kind physical presence. He was everywhere - flying all over the screen - finishing with 32 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists, 6 blocks and 4 steals in a L E G E N D A R Y performance.

Congrats to the GOLDSTAFF LIGHTNING - who are hereby crowned 1011 CBA Champions! It is the first time that the Western Conference team has won back-to-back CBA Finals after Dusk's history-making triumph last season, definitively reversing the previous decade's utter Eastern dominance.

Finals MVP: Case Scanlon (PF, Goldstaff Lightning)
Regular Season MVP: Warren Cross (PG, Goldstaff Lightning) 
Scoring Champion: Chadrak Kvotirkoy (SF, Cassandra Flames)
Defensive Player of the Year: Ovu Va'Devu (C, Na'Malsille Maelstrom)
Sixth Man of the Year: Benjamin Seymour (SF, Stoneshore SeaDevils)
Most Improved Player: Tarran Skannendev (SG, Gundar Basket)
Coach of the Year: Kapellan Brisendine (Na'Malsille Maelstrom)

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Jan 19, 2018 8:49 pm

This is the 24th full season since the Fiefdom Soccer Federation (FSF) reorganized and revitalized 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 that three-pronged entity, two parallel Conferences comprise a messy 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 of.

Thanks to the implementation of this contemporary “CosumarLigan” pyramid structure and additional FSF incentives to spend on transfers and 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 Season 24. 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: Real Azuris (8)
XXIV: __________ ???

8 - 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: Estadio MasseMord (42,243)
Manager:

Collette Sade (50)

Transfers In: Lyyli Silvén (Ramusok United $3m), Edith Tidesson (promoted), Liesl Vanzanto (Dinamo Sainati loan return)
Transfers Out: Oluwafemi Adebayo-Akanni (Arkrau Klub), Sean Fraser (retired), Viviano Milani (retired)

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

Ozuna (34) -

Lindberg (34),

Wolff (23),

Vanzanto (20),

Chisenhall (28 C) -

Mormentor (28) -

Akarenaa (26),

Sybill (31) -

Ojala (22),

Arrowsword (23),

Tidesson (20)

Key Reserves: Biondi (L-CB/25), A. Tidesson (CB/19), Clorfeine (DM/21), Antúnes (CM/21), Silvén (LW/30), Bowditch (RW/31), Rwang (ST/29)
Kit Details: The primary kit is a redesign of the mighty tidal wave that has long swept over the top of the shirt. White for home, blue for away. 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: Until something changes, it would probably be a folly to pick any other club as your champion this season. Year after year Real Azuris maintain their enviable trophy-winning culture, even when an Eastweald or OAS Royal might seem to have a slight edge on paper in a particular year. It seems to be a confluence of many factors… Top-class management, whether Lujendra Mescalin or now Collette Sade. An expansive and sweeping, yet direct, style of attacking play that has been ingrained into everything. An academy that wins Youth Cups and pumps out elite talent unlike any other Fiefdomwide. Even an all-star scouting department, as evidenced by Real’s uncanny ability to strike gold with every foreign signing (last year Mbdiai Akarenaa). This culture of all-around excellence is unprecedented in CosumarLigan (nope, not even those early OAS Royal sides can compare) and has sent six of the last eight Härlighet Ligan titles to southeastern Klyde Isle. That includes breaking the HL points record two years ago, a title which they defended successfully last year as Bryger Tidesson broke through as a genuine star. Now, in 1012, the Azurian juggernaut has its sights set on another historic three-peat (they did it in 1004-1006 too, remember?). Can they do it? Go back-to-back-to-back? Well, the competition will be fierce with Crawford City looking inspired under Amethyst Fegelein and rich clubs like Eastweald reloading. The absence of longtime staples Sean Fraser and Viviano Milani, both of whom key in winning many of those aforementioned trophies, will loom large at first. Plus, the back line might not be in perfect order right away either, with Adrian Lindberg pure class but getting older and the impressive but inexperienced Liesl Vanzanto stepping in as a starter. But who are we kidding? This is Real Azuris we’re talking about. Of course they can do it. They have one of the most proven goalkeepers in the world in Audioslavia’s August Ozuna, one of the best young defenders in the world in Kurt Wolff – if you believe Boldsport at least – and quite possibly one of the best outright players in the world emerging in Bryger Tidesson. That’s without even mentioning the character and quality poured into the side by the likes of Andrew Arrowsword, Sandra Sybill and all those top homegrown kids that comprise an extra layer of depth. Another three-peat is almost par for the course at this point, even if a couple of other 18s do seem even on paper.
Last Season: Champions (21-6-7). Prediction: Champions.

CRAWFORD CITY FC
Crawford, Numenvernien Fief

Nickname: Elephants

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

Amethyst Fegelein (51)

Transfers In: Rusalka Klein (Violence Chariots $6m)
Transfers Out: Perseus Theoklitos (AFC Serpentine $2m), Jorit Van Kruistum (retired)

First XI (4-4-2 dmnd):

Weschler (22) -

Babaturk (29),

Ward (24),

Hagicostas (31),

Swan (26) -

Marshall (27),

Farrow (21),

Klein (22),

Coultan (30 C) -

Alcouin (28),

Stabb (30)
Key Reserves: Poindexter (CB/29), Na'Kebia (DM/33), Postecoglou (LW/33), Belladonna (AM/18), Lemons (FW/18), Guilliver (CF/27)
Kit Details: CCFC's gorgeous teal, crimson and gold home kit is the envy of Cosumar. Their white away kit with gold and teal accents isn't too shabby either.

Preview: It’s finally happening! Crawford City FC are finally legitimate championship contenders. After over a decade of hollow promises and infuriatingly empty returns since Orangi Bottling Co. mogul Tulsa Na’Jekeh purchased the club and made it his shiny multibillion-dollar plaything, CCFC has FINALLY turned all that elusive potential (and all that money invested) into tangible success. And not just another fringe Globe Cup berth. No, this was different. The Elephants looked damn good. A well-oiled machine. They actually led the fucking league for most of the season. They keeled over before the finish line, unfortunately, but hey – they still earned their first-ever Champions’ Cup berth! Apparently, the secret is just to hire one of the world’s best managers. Simple, right? Why doesn’t every club just do that? Anyways, now that the sizable but pessimistic Crawford fanbase has had its appetite whetted for winning, they’ll be secretly hoping that last year’s formula wasn’t a one-off. A big-name new coach in Amethyst Fegelein, a new philosophy in their game (a diamond with internationals Peter Marshall, Rusalka Klein, Jennifer Farrow and Kim Coultan), chemistry up top (Sunrisian strikers Kevin Stabb and Hannah Alcouin pressing resume) and the urgency to win after so much disappointment was a lethal combination. With a newfound confidence and Fegelein there to keep the team motivated, I think it can be again. From standout young goalkeeper Hansi Weschler to underappreciated glue players like Farrow, Marshall and Vara Swan who fit perfectly into Fegelein’s system, there are no clear weak spots in the side. Recruiting Rusalka Klein, who impressed in midfield for Nephara in World Cup Qualifying, to the Cosumarite west coast to link up with Schottic star Coultan is potentially huge as well if she continues her meteoric rise. The only weakness is the same one that ultimately caused Crawford City to relinquish the title last season. Depth. Fegelein can’t rotate much without a drop of quality. With UICA commitments added into the schedule and no new signings besides Klein, that barrier will probably once again prevent CCFC from overtaking Azuris. With Cosumar jumping from two to four Champions’ Cup places, however, it would be surprising if they didn’t at least retain their place in that competition.
Last Season: 2nd (17-10-7). Prediction: 2nd.

SAMAJ FC
Samaj, Culmarland Fief

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

Luis Varezzi (63)

Transfers In: Rasunda Vanderlei (North Laithland $5m), Astor Zigfield (Helfin Fief $2.1m), Nathael (Zakhoro Aces $1.3m), Mulhaus Pladsen (Yambridge City $0.6m)
Transfers Out: Mikke Kristiansen (Adjurgen $1m), Ross Rowe (Sainati Bohemian), Maynard Gorham (retired), Niels Roijacker (retired)

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

Maston (26) -

Cartensen (32),

Jakoljevic (24),

Erakin (22),

Palmqvist (23) -

Vanderlei (24),

Valfar (33 C) -

Del Arro (27),

Møller (24),

Sigurjónsdóttir (25) -

Zeale-Riddick (22)

Key Reserves: Pladsen (CB/25), Phillips (DM/25), Nathael (MF/28), Gutinho (AM/32), Columbine (AM/29), Zigfield (CF/31)
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: Samaj have been growing and moving up the ranks of the Cosumarite pecking order at such a rate that they don’t really need to sell their players anymore. That’s why Vega Zeale-Riddick is still here on the rustic western plains despite winning her second consecutive Golden Boot. It wasn’t without some summer speculation as Cassandra City reportedly made a huge offer. It was almost Sur Arora all over again, but – for once – Samaj were in a position to decline. Despite the obvious appeal of Cosumar’s glamour mecca for a fashionista and self-promoter like VZR, she didn’t see an immediate need for the move either, noting the encouraging investments Samaj had already made in the transfer window…and how the Hunters have actually finished higher than the Reds two seasons running. With their starlet center-forward on board for at least one more go, there’s no reason why Samaj can’t do it again. VZR also has more help than ever arriving at preseason training this week. Now, Samaj still can’t spend like certain big city clubs - no dropping $10m+ on individual players - but for a club that built its success on scooping up cheap, overlooked young players and molding them into top performers (Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir, Rachel Del Arro, Tomi Jakoljevic all massive success stories), the willingness to buy high-value players in the last two transfer windows has been a bold departure. They set a club record to sign Elias Møller for $6m last window and it worked out pretty well: 7 goals and 8 assists for the Llamanean international. This time, they’ve gone for a similar price tag to bring in North Laithland’s Rasunda Vanderlei to bolster the heart of their midfield – one that looked susceptible last season when 33-year-old enforcer Valfar was out. Nathael and Astor Zigfield are also excellent veteran depth signings for a UICA-level club. But back to Vanderlei. I think this will turn out to be another genius move by Luis Varezzi. She’s exacltly what Samaj need: someone who oozes calmness and confidence, also has a bit of physicality, and is extremely good at those long crossfield balls to hit sizzling wingers Del Arro and Sigurjónsdóttir in stride. From there, the Hunters are just one nice cross and headed Zeale-Riddick finish away from another goal. I think there’s a clear-cut top five this season and Varezzi’s hardworking squad could finish anywhere among them.
Last Season: 3rd (17-6-11). Prediction: 5th.

STONESHORE UNITED
Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief

Nickname: Greys
Founded: 771
Ground: SweetHaven Stadium (70,000 but top level 30k usually covered)
Manager:

Douglas Tibet (50)

Transfers In: Sigrun Rathskeller (AC Holmenkollen $4m), John-Arnold Dane (AFC Obscura $0.25m), Benci Gölöncsér (Stein-los Turkish), Jayden Fox (Handon United loan)
Transfers Out: Jorg Solberg (Blue Coast 1981 free), Adren Stefansen (retired)

First XI (5-4-1 Dmd):

Dane (31) -

Fox (20),

Maersk (22),

Na’Kele (33),

Rathskeller (26),

DeVolder (29) -

Jonassen (32),

Carra (26),

Na'Tarejen (29),

Andela (33 C) -

Larrimbe (21)

Key Reserves: Lo Duca (GK/17), Pystynen (CB/34), Mäenpää (L-RB/33), Ericsson (DM/24), Tychicus (CM/18), Parra (RAM/26), Caipirinha (ST/25)
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 surprise packages of 1011, Stoneshore United glided to their best-ever Härlighet Ligan finish (by far) and first UICA berth. They’ve always had those muscular defenders and that kick-you-in-the-teeth aggressive mentality, but the difference last season was that they finally found that special goalscorer they never thought they’d find. Someone who can be relied upon to somehow fashion a goal out of practically nothing in most games. That someone is Yuanchiki Larrimbe, and he did that 23 times last season. When you don’t allow goals and you have a striker producing them that consistently on the other end, you’ll win some games. The young man from Astograth isn’t the biggest striker, but he makes up for it with his deadly pace, surprising power and instinctive understanding of when and where to make runs. He fits like a glove with Stoneshore’s counter-attacking game, frequently blazing in behind defenses before they even realized what hit them. Best of all, Larrimbe is a confident finisher and usually makes the most of it when he does get a chance to pull the trigger. Playing for Stoneshore, those chances don’t always come often. Emboldended by their newfound UICA status, the Greys then went out and had their most ambitious transfer window in recent memory. True to form, they strengthened in defense. Holmenkollen standout Sigrun Rathskeller arrives hungry for UICA football, eager to put herself back on Michael Brandon’s radar. Outstanding young Euran wingback Jayden Fox arrives on loan in a real coup for Douglas Tibet, having already earned Young Galactico Finalist honors and a Champions’ Cup Final start before age 20. They turn what was already an intimidating back five with Cosumarite youth international Willem Maersk, hulking Vloo Efe Na’Kele and towering wingback Dolor DeVolder into perhaps the mightiest in the league. Overall, I think it puts them squarely in the top half of the league, even if it’s unlikey that Larrimbe is able to score 23 goals again with questionable service.
Last Season: 4th (16-7-11). Prediction: 8th.

CASSANDRA CITY
Cassandra, Cresscalus Fief

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

Arturo Mancini (57)

Transfers In: Stephen Gargo (Cornellians $7m), Thorodel Nagdalene (Zombie FC undisclosed), Janet Kobro (promoted)

Transfers Out: Jol Tortuu (Mallox $2m), JayRoy Cranleigh (New Belfast Warriors free)

First XI (4-3-3):

Metz (31) -

Va'Afaja (19),

Gargo (30),

Frostmarris (28),

Boag (31) -

Serafino (26 C),

Rowan (25),

Schneiderlin (29) -

Dyer Vry (22),

Goulding (30),

Niro (30)

Key Reserves: Iziduko (GK/29), Grimswald (LB/32), Wing (CB/32), Colbert (CB/32), Guerin (LM/22), Konsé (CM/21), Perkins (FW/34), Nagdalene (CF/31)
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: Trivia question: what is the only club not named Real Azuris to have won the Härlighet Ligan in the last NINE years? Ding Ding Ding! You’re right! It’s Cassandra City. The Reds seem to be the only club capable of breaking up the Azurian dominance every now and then. Yet, between those sporradic glorious seasons, Arturo Mancini’s side has been defined by some maddening inconsistency. Despite winning three HL titles in the last nine years, Cassandra City have finished in the top four only once in those other six years. They’ve at least been in the UICA each of the last three seasons, so that’s good, but this club’s ambitions are higher than that. They have to be. They’ve proven they can do better. So what will this season be? Another trophy just in time to release the pressure once again mounting on Mancini? Globe Cup again like last year? Or one of those occasional cursed campaigns where City inexplicably collapse into midtable mediocrity under the bright lights of The Amphitheatre? I don’t foresee the latter (though we never do). Not with the talent and experience City have. Yet nor do I see this as a squad that will return the golden trophy to the cameras and casinos of Cassandra. Its strength is undoubtedly in the midfield with Bellerophon Serafino and Ursula Rowan influential two-way players for club and country, as well as in the Reds’ well-entrenched identity as a high-octane, high-pressing team. City should also concede fewer goals this season with defensive weak link Kaden Wing replaced by steady-as-they-come Stephen Gargo (I think I just heard Calogero Metz breathe a sigh of relief). However, I thought City really needed to make a splashy attacking transfer. It’s nice that Millenium Miracle hero Thorodel Nagdalene is finally back full circle to wind down his career, but that’s not quite what I meant. Homegrown lad Charles Dyer Vry established himself as an important piece moving forward with his ability to produce centrally or out wide, and Jason Goulding and Ki Niro are still top players, but they’ve been there awhile now. Especially after talisman Jol Tortuu’s surprising move, it just seems like Cassandra’s attacking arsenal could use some livening up. Someone to push the aforementioned attackers, allow Mancini to rotate or experiment more and just keep opponents around the league on their toes. Cassandra pinned all their hopes on luring Vega Zeale-Riddick, and their failure to do so (for now, at least) makes them less likely to finish top. They should still be very competitive and snag one of those four CC slots though.
Last Season: 5th (16-5-13). Prediction: 4th.

FC SAMOTATH
Samotath, Parougan Fief

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

Šimon Holguín (49)

Transfers In: Interrobang Bermond (Violence Chariots free), L. Lucassen (Sabrefell Athletic free)
Transfers Out: Lasse Hummel (Chenoworth Rovers free), Phoebe Etton (retired), Sigmund Levy (retired)

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

Ballard (39) –

Panossian (22) -

Killanen (27),

Sibuc (25),

Serra (34 C) - [BJK] Sorokin (22),

de Vries (28) -

Emery (25),

Bermond (23),

Nyström (19),

Vorobyov (32)

Key Reserves: Molnár (CB/31), Dias Pinto (RB/29), Lahtinen (CM/34), Harmonium (LW/29), Guss (ST/25), Linden Lucassen (ST/34)
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: FC Samotath play the most brazenly-attacking style of football in Cosumar, with four forwards who seldom leave the final third and a very high back line that also gets involved in the build-up. Samotathian fans almost care more about goal volume than actually winning, but unorthodox tactical brain Šimon Holguín was brought in to see if he could find a way for them to do both. His plan? Shift to a three-man high defensive line and drop one super-athletic defender (Ayk Panossian) directly behind the rest to wait for any mess that might slip through, like a gridiron safety. To provide more insurance for that vulnerable high line, he also wanted a disruptive midfield pairing. For example, hard-running Kimus de Vries exists primarily just to shield them. Pass-happy defenders like Molly Killanen and Sheldon Serra do more of the actual connective play to Samo’s ever-present front four. But after two lackluster seasons in the northeast, Holguín seemed more erratic madman than visionary genius. With the pressure on and the board almost out of patience, last season marked some real improvement, however. Samotath scored the second-most goals in the HL, yet only conceded the fourth-most! That’s progress, right? The players finally seemed to have a confident mental understanding of how Holguín 1-3-2-4 is to operate, both defensively… and offensively. That’s where the fun begins. “We will give up some goals by design. I only need to ensure it’s not more than we can score ourselves,” Holguín says. Incisive wingers Jordan Emery and Miroslav Vorobyob are the lifeblood of SamoStyle. Emery’s pace to the endline and Vorobyov’s skillful boot resulted in over 50 combined goals and assists last season. Sigmund Levy was very useful as a physical presence in the middle to bring balls down for them, but there are no doubts that highly-rated teenager Zak Nyström is ready to fill that role now, and Interrobang Bermond or Linden Lucassen should have the chops to clean up whatever scraps are left. With the UICA field suddenly extended from the top five to the top seven, the club will be determined to have another campaign like last year’s and grab one of those new Globe Cup places after a seven-year absence. Will Holguín’s risky tactics boom or bust? Can 39-year-old Nephara legend Diandra Ballard withstand another 34 games of target practice in goal?
Last Season: 6th (16-4-14). Prediction: 11th.

KLYDE FC
Klyde City, North Klyde Fief

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

Blinne Va'Tuaras (42)

Transfers In: Griffin Riordan (Northern Stallions $6.5m), Metán Cordéan (Ziemelu Skaida $1.4m), Teemu Tuppurainen (Versiaville $0.4m), Cathal Turner (Rocinante School), Layla Montgomery (promoted)
Transfers Out: Kwame Cole (Jansberg Laguna $4m), Wayne Writhlin (Na’Malsille Mariners $0.5m), Adriaan Andersen (retired)

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

Pressinger (33) -

O’Mercury (23),

Roniger (25),

Beckers (27) -

Abbasi-Fevison (21),

Svenskah (26),

Fierro (22),

Kvalderkorr (20) -

Trevelyan (31 C),

Vacek (22) -

Riordan (22)

Key Reserves: Montgomery (L-CB/20), Tuppurainen (CB/33), Cordéan (CAM/26), Quesadillas (ST/33)
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: With a charismatic coach who has returned to the club where he had such success as a player and a new female Brenecian striker to follow in the footsteps of another beloved figure in Anna Bowman, The Klyde Sportsplex will be garaunteed passionate, entertaining football in 1012. From Griffin Riordan up top to Pasargan playmaker Abdo Villalpando Fierro to talented but positionally-uncertain midfielder Micke Kvalderkorr, there is a lot of raw, young talent in North Klyde. After helping Klyde return to the top flight in style, midfield leader Kwame Cole’s last-minute decision to return to Semarland for this season hurts, but there’s enough of that aforementioned burgeoning talent to weather the storm. The Doves will have some soaring highs and some sore lows and ultimately finish safely midtable thanks to a solid trio of CBs and Lind Pressinger. But look for Klyde to really emerge as potential UICA regulars a year or two down the line after this core develops together a little more, especially if 15-year-old striker Cathal Turner is as phenomenal as the whispers coming out of the Doves’ youth teams indicate. Until then, keep your eyes on Riordan. She’ll get serious goals right away with a savvy second striker like Sophia Trevelyan playing off her.
Last Season: 7th (13-12-9). Prediction: 12th.

EASTWEALD
Yambridge, Gellano Fief

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

Theresa Riether (58)

Transfers In: Ishtar Fanaiyan (AFC Serpentine $15m), Sol Myren (Directus $7m), Ricardo Matalon (Yambridge City $0.6m), Sven Haalogalsson (Rhodes Ravens AFC $0.4m)
Transfers Out: Kelkath Pawlukiewicz (Chromatik $3m), Joakim Brankussen (LSC Dunelan free), Roald Aguero (retired)

First XI (4-3-3):

Hernandez (32) -

Myren (26),

Bambic (26),

Jefferson (32),

Sorenson (31) -

Mordini (28),

de Marisco (34 C),

Morrison (34) -

Velasquez (26),

Amokachi (29),

Fanaiyan (21)

Key Reserves: Soderlund (CB/32), Scott (CB/25), Haalogalsson (DM/21), Tricklebank (CM/19), Del Angel (AM/23), Cossadel (SS/33), Kortuufa (ST/30), Kovačević (ST/17)
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: For a club that was seeking its fifth consecutive top-three finish, not even qualifying for the Globe Cup was a big step back last season. Lapses in focus over the long haul of the Härlighet Ligan campaign once again caused Eastweald to fall behind in the title race – and this time, Monica Brightwater fully lost the dressing room when it happened. Only leading goalscorer Penumbra Amokachi stubbornly insisted on continuing to fight for pride and placement after the title slipped away, but it takes more than one person shoveling water to save a sinking ship. So Brightwater leaves Cosumar with a mixed legacy, having brought Eastweald its first Champions’ Cup appearance – three of them, in fact – but having ultimately failed in her objective of making Eastweald actual champions. The supporters are understandably more vocal about the latter at the moment, and will be hoping that they’ve upgraded Nepharim managers with the arrival of World Cup winner Theresa Riether. Besides setting up some interesting managerial battles with another former Nephara manager in Crawford’s Amethyst Fegelein, Riether’s arrival should have the clout to whip the incumbent Wood Elves back into shipshape. Her name also had the clout to attract a couple names in the transfer window to further reignite this squad. New $15m winger Ishtar Fanaiyan is named after a Sumerian goddess and has all the pace, power and stunning physique of one. With Peter Morrison aging into a less advanced ideal role and wingers important in Riether’s 4-3-3, Fanaiyan is a perfect fit and an early favorite for HL Newcomer of the Year. With a similar bundle of pace in Eva Velasquez wide left, Amokachi should be feasting in the middle – her requests to be used as a lone central striker more often finally granted. A technically-gifted midfield three with Mina Mordini and Peter Morrison flanking diminutive creator Jo de Marisco ("MMM") is overflowing with experience and tactical intelligence. Eric Bambic was a bright spot until Eastweald’s late collapse last year and might be the best passing center back in the Härlighet Ligan, a nice foil to Jefferson’s muscle and aerial dominance. Directus left back Sol Myren has also been pried away for a hefty fee to strengthen that back four. Altogether, this is a squad that will be expected to challenge at the pointy end again and to do so with the aesthetically-pleasing tiki-taka grace always demanded at Old Weldenskirgen. With this much individual talent at her disposal, Theresa Riether has the ability to meet those demands. The ripe age of midfielders De Marisco and Morrison is the only major concern, but they should be able to maintain sharpness with no UICA fixtures this year and an abundance of promising young midfielders on the bench begging to be blooded in.
Last Season: 8th (14-8-12). Prediction: 3rd.

OLASK ISLANDERS
Olask, Olask Fief

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

Johannes Lundblade (44)

Transfers In: Daniel Baker (Bourne River $3m), Trent Fielding (Bergtatt Isle Athletic $1.8m), Tegan Parchot (Harlegan Rovers $0.25m), Francesca Scougall (Iron City free)
Transfers Out: Haruka Sutton (Myana Islanders $2m), Karl Northbourne (Fransborg set Njilkaer $0.8m), Gunner Northbourne (Fransborg set Njilkaer $0.6m), Joseph Van Duren (retired)

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

Fielding (20) -

Rennold (30),

Scougall (29 C),

DeKlan (24),

Na'Tokeho (30) -

Methüzema (20),

Couturiaux (26),

Abboud (35),

Way (28) -

Poxay (27) -

Scafidis (29)

Key Reserves: Parchot (LB/21), Bourass (CB/19), Baker (RB/23), Silvio (LW/35), Canales (CM/23), Cosuman (ST/37)
Kit Details: The iconic pewter blues (right) at Kamu Road. Elsewhere, they don a red x-design.

Preview: Olask Islanders overachieved last year. Like, really overachieved. The stunning arrival of Chrysanthe Scafidis seemed to inspire all the other players on this wet, sheep-infested outcrop of an island to new levels. God, Kanan Abboud, merely a decent Sekundar Ligan center mid for most of his career, suddenly turned into Laborious Hawk for the first half of the season, posting five free kick goals and a number of highlight-reel long passes. At age 34. Other players also had career-best seasons, though none quite as bizarre as Abboud’s. That’s how Olask were in the UICA places at the midseason break, the talk of the Fiefdom! The adrenaline rush surrounding Scafidis’ celebrated arrival wore off a bit after the break, however, and I expect that to continue into 1012. With the former Brinemouth star still the only legitimately elite player in their squad, Olask Islanders will probably find themselves back in their customary bottom half of the table. However, that’s not to say this team hasn’t changed my previously dire opinion on them somewhat or that they haven’t improved. I don’t think they’ll have too much trouble staying up. Drawkish winger Ilana Way, silky passer Will Couturiaux and passionate attacking-mid Hera Poxay have proven themselves good players at the midtable HL level (sigh, Indian Summer Abboud too, I guess), which is exactly what Olask should be aspiring to. Olask defend well together as a unit too, always very organized under Johannes Lundblade, and are effective on set-pieces. That shouldn’t change with Iron City captain Francesca Scougall hand-picked as a worthy inheritor of Joseph Van Duren’s armband. They’ll seldom be the attractive team on the day, but the Islanders have what it takes to grind out the results to hang around for awhile. That is, as long as relative unknown Trent Fielding is half as competent as departed Haruka Sutton between the sticks.
Last Season: 9th (13-9-12). Prediction: 13th.

See the next post (coming soon) for the second half of this Härlighet Ligan preview!

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Jan 21, 2018 11:20 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.

MALLOX
Mallox Township, Gellano Fief

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

Kennedy Kopenhaver (63)

Transfers In: Cloudchaser (Ponyville United $12m), Jol Tortuu (Cassandra City $2m), August Chappelle (promoted)
Transfers Out: Johan-Jakob Weiss (FC Jansberg $1.1m), Stephon Deville (SSC Crespoli free), Anders Engström (retired), Randwë Nhatandal (retired), Rui Mokanga (retired)

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

Sindelaar (33) -

Engram (22),

Bruyne (26),

Danko (22),

Thompson (31) -

Curwyk (20),

Ümann (31),

Dé (23),

Siorrha'Asione (23) -

Cloudchaser (32 C) -

Kárpáty (22)

Key Reserves: Ravnajuv (GK/20), Söder (CB/34), Vanderpool (RB/32), Chappelle (DM/19), Lindroos (LM/32), Haines (CM/34), Tortuu (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: It was a remarkably average season for Mallox last time out, as they implanted themselves in the dead-center of the table from the get-go and refused to budge one way or the other, finising with practically dead-even goal differential. They were very consistent in their tweener status, too much quality for the lower teams but failing to make headway against the true UICA contenders. In such a yawner of a season, other personalities and storylines overshadowed the team. Farf headcase Stiin Siorrha'Asione was perhaps Mallox’s most impactful player when he was actually on the pitch, a winger that truly struck fear in the hearts of fullbacks… but his red cards and suspensions – not to mention that saga with his contraband flamingos – were a regular source of distraction. And then the second half of the season became Anders Engström’s personal farewell tour, as the greatest Cosumarite player of this era received gifts and ovations at each stadium the Tigers visited. Now, with Engström comfortably retired to his celebrity wife & daughter and Siorrha’Asione’s avian children granted proper accommodation, Kennedy Kopenhaver goes into the crucial third season of his tenure confident that the stability will lead to another incremenetal improvement and land his team in that extended UICA top seven. He has a very solid squad. It’s built around two main bulwarks: a top defender in Trajan Bruyne and a striker with star quality in Alexander Kárpáty. Vaunted Equestrian States captain Cloudchaser is a great pick-up to replace Engström’s production in that supporting striker role as well. But to attain Mallox’s long-awaited return to UICA football, they need the young complimentary players around them (guys like Kendrex Engram and Mehmet Curwyk) to take another big step forward in their development as well. The club and its fans want Kopenhaver, a larger-than-life club legend, to succeed. But another season outside the top half might force their hand.
Last Season: 10th (12-11-11). Prediction: 6th.

PELETHAS UNITED
Pelethas, Morponte Fief

Nickname: Miners
Founded: 835
Ground: The Xanadu Dome (31,000 lower bowls only)
Manager:

Euan Jersey (48)

Transfers In: Arthur Bourillion (Moggington County $3m), Didrik Miettinen (Rexnor District 2 $1m), Baz Ninkey (Fort Archer $0.5m), Zheng Linxin (Yuezhou free)

Transfers Out: Rowan Varghese (Tihon Tide $10m), Isaac Kvist (Kangemark Sport $2m), Igor Tang (Blue Boys FF free), Claire Salmon (Jakulta City free), Konnor Rossini (retired), Bruce Sanchez (retired)

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

Nier (27) -

Brinegar (33),

Said (21),

Harm (30),

Mallman (25) -

Kåsa (27),

Crowley (25) -

Tarrant (33 C),

Splitt (23) -

Changez (27),

Alotic (27)

Key Substitutes:Kingsley (GK/36), Bourillion (LB/19), Lingxin (CB/26), Greenchurch (DM/18), Miettinen (AM/19), Ninkey (ST/30)
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: Here’s another club with very clear targets for the season… and even clearer consequences for failing to meet them. Since getting an infusion of tourism money ahead of their promotion four years ago, Pelethas United have not been shy about their ambitions to turn the south-coast destination city into a UICA city. The Miners took to the Härlighet Ligan like ducks to water, but their determined upward climb seems to have stalled out short of the UICA zone. Not acceptable. Not to the board and not to star Chromatika goalkeeper Jillian Nier, who thought she was joining a club that would soon be duking it out at the top. Both parties are now making public declarations of what will happen if Pelethas don’t resume their climb. The board promises to sack Euan Jersey the moment the club drifts aloof of the expanded UICA battle this season, and Nier promises to demand a transfer if Pelethas aren’t at least top half. Those are their ambitions as they move into the bigger, fancier Xanadu Dome as their permanent grounds, part of the plan to elevate Pelethas’ image. They’ll have over half of the behemoth stadium’s capacity sealed off for regular matches, but there are still concerns that they won’t be able to sell it out like they always did at old Drango Way if the team doesn’t live up to the inflated expectations and ticket prices. This whole plan to project Pelethas as a rapidly-progressing football power is on a knife’s edge right now. This could be the year they break the glass ceiling…or collapse under the weight of their ambition. Talk about pressure. Unfortunately, Euan Jersey’s team has been weakened over the offseason. Club figurehead Rowan Varghese couldn’t resist Champions’ Cup opportunities in Tihon, steely midfielder Isaac Kvist got homesick for Semarland and, for the first window in awhile, Pelethas failed to use the subsequent funds to make a big splash. Ok, Arthur Bourillion was probably the highest-ceiling young left back in Cosumar, but he’s not someone who can help thrust Pelethas up the table right away. They still have a good team down south with Nier, a hard-tackling back line, two even harder-tackling defensive midfielders, a touch of class in Auburn Tarrant, a touch of unpredictable electricity in Saltorius Splitt and two very capable strikers in Mohsin Changez and Charlie Alotic. If those two can learn how to play together better this season, Pelethas have what it takes to achieve their goals, but they’ll need everyone to be at their very best from the start of the season. It won’t be easy.
Last Season: 11th (11-11-12). Prediction: 10th.

GOLDSTAFF CITY
Goldstaff, Numenvernien Fief

Nickname: Guardians
Founded: 918
Ground: Bostitch Lane (23,500)
Manager:

Septimius Dellele (68)

Transfers In: Aelfwynn Bannion (North Hall $3.5m), Arunas Saulnesis (FC Fejd $0.75m), Tomp McCloud (Oljestaden IF free), Gazek Na’Akeh (University of the Everlong), Skaldir Tibrewal (Moggington County)
Transfers Out: Wenceslaw (Hoima Warriors $4m), Blaise Bamba Diop (FC Matovallanen $0.3m), Lind Fontaine (retired)

Starting XI (5-3-2):

Va'Nega (21) -

Xiaopeng (28),

McCloud (33),

Sühnhold (27),

Al-Cazar (19),

Va'Goshal (35) -

Farrier (31),

Blazek (23),

Tirnen (28) -

Bannion (26),

Dolanukitainen (27)

Key Reserves: Na’Akeh (CB/22), Navarette (MF/24), Saulnesis (CM/20), Goldenrod (ST/34)
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 were doing things business as usual – a few modest transfers from lower down the pyramid, a few local prospects signed to give the squad a southwestern flair, a few new contracts to keep in-demand GK Lone Va’Nega and outstanding fullbacks Fan Xiaopeng and Frazan Va’Goshal happy. All under the radar and maybe sufficient to survive. …And out of the blue, on the last day of the transfer window, they reel in Aelfwynn Bannion, one of the most ruthlessly effective strikers in the A-League! Now that’s what Guardians fans wanted! Goldstaff are tough to break down, but goals are a precious commodity for them. A Bannion+Nuke strike partnership will likely be, err, combustible – in more ways than one – but on aggregate it should upgrade Goldstaff from “maybe” to “probably” surviving. Heck, why shouldn’t they? Septimius Delelle has returned most of the team that elbowed its way to 12th in the club’s maiden HL season. Inspirational anchor Lind Fontaine has retired, but seasoned Audioslavian league veteran Tomp McCloud is a logical replacement, and Eli Al-Cazar is a lanky teenage defender who shows real promise as well. If Goldstaff experience Second Season Syndrome and return from whence they came, it will likely be because they lacked the midfield presence to keep better teams from imposing their will in the center of the pitch.
Last Season: 12th (10-11-13). Prediction: 17th, Relegation.

RAMUSOK UNITED
Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

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

Jock Sonny (76)

Transfers In: Lara Wedderburn (Cornellians $6m), Sparrow Body (Cloudsdale Flyers $5m)
Transfers Out: Lyyli Silvén (Real Azuris $3m), Seon Jin Kang (Stalliongrad HC free), Raphael Xodó (Hinode Shiranui free)

First XI (4-4-2 Dmnd):

Kearney (32 C) -

Hattingh (25),

Langerak (33),

Carr-Ponce (25),

Marmor-Lavie (28) -

Viablaine (24),

Keohane (26),

Sparrow Body (22),

del Toro (26) -

Wedderburn (21),

Stone (28)

Key Reserves: Yotirmoy (CB/24), Topiç (RB/17), Bachelor (DM/20), Bekk (LM/24), Geirsson (CAM/35), Jago (ST/30), Théberge (ST/34)
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: After too many changes and new faces over the last two offseasons and without a clear idea of how they wanted to play, Ramusok United were a hot mess last year. The individual quality of players like Keohane and Adrián del Toro (his immediate impact one of the few bright spots) ensured the Blues were never seriously threatened by relegation, but their whole was decisively less than the sum of their parts. That falls squarely on the management, and Gareth Bournemouth was relieved of duty by midseason. While there was some slight improvement under caretaker (and now assistant) manager Kirum Mortonsson, the change on the touchline didn’t solve the dilemma of misfiring strikers Ivo Jago and William Stone. The club has invested too much money to assemble this team, so a complete reset and rebuild isn’t feasible. Not that they need to. There’s real promise here. The Blues just need to add the right management (and maybe a new striker) to snap out of their malaise. Fortunately, they hit two birds with one stone by procuring highly-regarded Schottic manager Jock Sonny. He brings with him Lara Wedderburn, a young Schottic striker who caught his eye at Cornellians and Marionville. Sonny has managed several prominent clubs and found success at each stop. His career might be nearing the end, but he has the experience to at least right the ship in the capital and prepare the way for someone who will be here longer-term. Mortonsson will certainly learn from working under someone so knowledgeabe. The raw talent of Wedderburn will benefit from Sonny too. As will that of other Blues youngsters like new Sonny recruit Sparrow Body and incumbent prospects like Igor Topiç. Under Sonny, Ramusok United will look to play a fast and hard-hitting style of attacking football that will hopefully loosen them up and rid them of the uncertainty that plagued them last season. The aggressive tone will be set by ball-hawking defensive midfielder Viablaine at the base of the midfield diamond and flow through to main man Del Toro at the tip. He’ll dance around and open up plenty of chances, but it will still be up to $15m man Stone to improve upon his poor finishing from last season and put them away if young Wedderburn needs time to find her footing in a new leauge. Sonny should improve this team, but I need to see it before I just project United straight back into their old UICA stomping grounds.
Last Season: 13th (11-7-16). Prediction: 9th.

TREFTADAETH ALLIANCE
Ashen Point, Parougan Fief

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

Truda Jotunnoj (65)

Transfers In: Apple Jack (Appleoosa HC $4.5m), Toussaint Robitaille (West Gundar $2m), Isaiah Miller (Lorentine Lions free), Baldomero Teijeiro (Farfadillis free)
Transfers Out: Scylla Xkoranate (Marine Coast United undisclosed), Carl Lindstrom (Molsbik Arkjet $1m), Pepito Feliciano (retired), Timo Sorben (retired)

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

Martinsky (31) -

Duffy (34),

Champali (29 C),

Xilbohim (23),

De Leon (30) -

Apple Jack (33),

Maloney (25) -

Robitaille (22),

Sinque (26),

Pell (24) -

Miller (21)

Key Reserves: Teijeiro (LB/18), Shakir (RB/22), Mäntysaari (AM/29), Davies (RW/36), Ingolfsson (ST/34), La Rock (ST/29)
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: Ah, Treftadaeth Alliance. Such a unique organization in multiversal football. First and foremost a scientific organiation that also has a sporting department. Most Cosumarites are sympathetic towards the Alliance because of their non-profit business model. Proceeds from the footy team fund scientific studies and expeditions. There’s no sympathy when opposing teams visit, however. The Wormhole has proven to be a tough place to get a result for clubs of all statures, whether due to the passionate ultras or frigid temperatures as Cosumar’s northernmost stadium. That strong home advantage has undoubtedly helped the Astronomers stay up relatively comfortably five seasons running, even through some dismal defending last season. The defense looked improved after the midseason the break, but it collapsed again in the last two months and was overall brutal – especially away. Carl Lindstrom, the veteran Semar international, was a central part of the back four but is now leaving. Will that be a positive change for the defense, or just make it even worse? Deneb Xilbohim, the young albino center half from Geminus Colony, will get the first crack at taking his place alongside the cerbebral Cosudel Champali. Alliance were also repeatedly scalped out wide with fullbacks Gerry Duffy and Nidia De Leon too often caught flat-footed, so look for young alternatives Baldomero Teijeiro and Soccoro Shakir to challenge for their places this season. Combined with the battle-hardened physicality of Apple Jack, Equestrian States’ defensive midfield enforcer in ten World Cups, Treftadaeth Alliance have a good chance of an improved defense this season. It has to be. Best attacking player Scylla Xkoranate forced a move to Vilita and the Astronomers might need some time to figure out how to score goals without her. Fortunately, they signed some intriguing tools for Truda Jotunnoj to work with in cunning Pasarga international Toussaint Robitaille (presumably Xkoranate’s direct replacement) and mean, vocal Chromatik center forward Isaiah Miller. Towering over other players at 6”10, Miller seems ideal for Alliance’s style of play: lump it forward through the air. Big, aerial forwards have always found success here. Overall, Alliance have replaced well enough to survive without Lindstrom and Xkoranate, but it won’t be easy.
Last Season: 14th (9-10-15). Prediction: 16th, Relegation Playoff.

AC HOLMENKOLLEN
Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief

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

Minnie Lotuda (49)

Transfers In: Darren Tabaz (Stevenson United $4m), Bethany Skannendev (Yellowmeadow Lynwood $0.4m), Ekaterina Mirzayev (Chenoworth Harriers free), Kund Borbély (Hellenic Rouge free), Ariadne Kolomainen (promoted)
Transfers Out: Sigrun Rathskeller (Stoneshore United $4m), Juniper McCallum (Duke of the North $3m), Funanya Nwapa (Oljestaden IF free), Marco Luna (retired), Gunnar Brickwalk (retired), Txordinutzko Etxehartzaren (retired)

First XI (4-4-2):

Vylon (24) -

Grandstaber (21),

Na'Nockeby (31 C),

Hedepolly (29),

Ilya (21) -

McSorley (19),

Mirzayev (32),

Romo (20),

Tabaz (20) -

Riprov (24),

Nyle (23)

Key Reserves: Sappington (LB/16), Skannendev (CB/21), Kolomainen (CM/18), Acock (L-RM/29), Keller (ST/36)
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’s never smart to bet on a Minnie Lotuda team going down, even if the squad seems a bit ropey on paper. Cosumar’s resident survival specialist has produced miracles in each of the last two seasons, marshaling Holmenkollen back up to safety after abysmal last-place starts both times. This team seems a little better than those two, however, and Lotuda has some decent young players that are starting to mature nicely into regular roles. None more promising than homegrown product Gabrielo Romo, a central midfielder of vision and understanding beyond his years. Fellow 20-year-old Darren Tabaz looks to be the newest one, bolstering an area of weakness for Holmenkollen out wide after impressing for Dunnes in WC79 Qualifiers. Kamaal Nyle and Lili Riprov give the Cedars a young 1-2 scoring punch as well, with the ever-consistent veteran Felix Keller there as insurance in case the mercurial Riprov goes off the rails. There is reason for fans of the suburban Ramusok club to be on edge, however. You wonder about the mentality of this team because of their tendency to blow hot and cold, and drop points late like hot potatoes early in seasons. They’ve been playing with fire with this habit and can’t get too comfortable expecting Lotuda to always save them, especially with the defense taking a hit this season with the sale of unsung hero Sigrun Rathskeller.
Last Season: 15th (9-8-17). Prediction: 15th.

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:

Sur Arora (45)

Transfers In: Zana Ibrox (Barbury Town $4m), Ferne (Ritter Town free), Beatriz Koclanes (promoted)

Transfers Out: Galasgoldas Tathtauré (retired), Rowan Gawain (retired)

First XI (4-4-2):

Shalhoub (27) -

Duvernay (23),

Hanger (24),

Fosse (27),

Di Sansev (20) -

Rocket (32 C),

Drover (26),

Ibrox (34),

Simmons III (27) -

Marsteller (21),

Cautcher (31)

Key Reserves: Alaniz (GK/19), Ferne (LB/30), Sigurdsson (CB/33), Kontiola (RB/34), Aedelbrandt (LM/20), Bregoo (CM/29), Juquinho (ST/35)
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: The Season That Should Not Be Named. That’s essentially how 1011 will be remembered in the royal district of Ramusok, topping even the shocking futility of 1007. Even as they advanced in the knockout rounds of the Globe Cup, Royal’s league form was catastrophic for a team of their depth and quality. And even as they drifted closer to the bottom and morale continued to decay, Constantine Champali remained in charge due to his friendship with the owner (King James himself). Backed into a corner, Royal had to win their final two matches just to stay in the league that they played such a huge role in building. They’re very fortunate that Galasgoldas Tathtauré was able to bail them out in the playoff. Remember, we’re talking about Cosumar’s wealthiest club – one that was expected to be competing for a Champions’ Cup place! Smh. Sure, injuries and bad luck did play a role (Royal’s goal difference was actually better than an Olask team that finished top half) but there’s no real excuse for this extremity of underachieving. Now OAS Royal must try to forge a new path forward with a first-time boss in Sur Arora and top scorer Tathtauré departed for the Celestial Realm. Arora, of course, is a legend for club and country, winning two Härlighet Ligan titles with OAS Royal as a player and scoring over 100 goals for Cosumar. Arora is shrewd and popular with players and fans. His confidence and charisma is just what this team needs to put 1011 behind them. Replacing Tathtauré is a trickier matter, but silky-smooth finisher Claudia Cautcher is more than capable of picking up the slack with a bedding-in season now under her belt while Arora tries to groom academy gem Sen Marsteller for a starting role. That seems to be Arora’s approach to squad-building across the board. He spent less in the transfer window than any in recent club history, and has pledged to give bigger roles to highly-rated OAS youngsters like Thomas Di Sansev and Zoë Aedelbrandt instead of buying expensive veterans. Well, longtime ANL star Zana Ibrox is 34 and costed a few chrons, but the Apoxian’s leadership should help these young players prevent the dumb mistakes that plagued Royal last season. Plus, Ibrox’s creativity and calming presence in midfield is a natural foil for the energetic two-way dynamism of Elsie Drover. With Drover, Ibrox, technical fullbacks, an excellent distributing goalkeeper in Aswad Munif Shalhoub and a pair of slippery wingers in Alex Rocket and Corey Simmons III, Arora’s Royal are poised to resume that composed, patient possession-based style for which they are known. If Cautcher can stay healthy and deliver as the main woman up top, I like OAS Royal to easily bounce back into the top half and compete for a UICA place.
Last Season: 16th (8-10-16). Prediction: 7th.

IFK ALDENSKOETT
Aldenskoett, Duversia Fief

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

Uriah Teach (63)

Transfers In: Santo Silvestri (AC Pomena undisclosed), Brandon Duguid (North Laithland $2m), Oskar Davidson (Marinus City $0.5m), Arnold Mace (IFK Nordön $0.25m), Bram Merchant (Northern Stallions free), Olaf Womack (Parrhesia United free)
Transfers Out: Thomas Lovenkrands (Fransborg set Njilkaer $1.2m), Mauro Messieri (retired)

First XI (5-3-2):

Merchant (33) -

Friedmann (27),

Duguid (33),

Kulverbach (24),

Bassi (26),

Glidewing (22) -

Womack (35),

Sjunitsson (22 C),

Windrip (24) -

Davidson (22),

Silvestri (22)

Key Reserves: Palsson (CB/36), Glatthorn (RB/31), Wurman (DM/33), Mace (CM/21), Cloaker (ST/30), Hess-Olesen (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 sporting network is back in the Härlighet Ligan. The Duversians won Sekundar Ligan without much drama last season and strengthened their squad in numerous key areas over the transfer window, making them easily the better-equipped of the two promoted sides to survive. Santo Silvestri headlines the new arrivals after scoring 16 goals for Juvencus in the last World Cup cycle. The diminutive 22-year-old is a true alpha up top, leading the line with agility and a thunderous boot. The press release from the IFK front office quotes manager Uriah Teach comparing Silvestri to a higher-ceiling version of revered club talisman Falchion Hess-Olesen (whose bull rushes on goal can still terrify as a late sub, mind you). Uriah Teach himself is known for using a keen defensive mind to stabilize teams in new leagues after promotion. Although this is his first time doing it in the top flight (having recently led Fort Archer up to Sekundar Ligan midtable security), he has once again surrounded himself with the types of players he always finds success with. Olaf Womack, Brandon Duguid (welcome back) and Bram Merchant are all intelligent, gritty defensive players who have been there, done that in relegation battles and other unforgiving environments. They lend IFK instant credibility in the lower-half dogfight, and are also good enough to potentially see the team higher. Duguid is versatile enough to play any of the middle three spots in the back five or slide forward into Womack's role as a roving destroyer directly in front of them. Teach's counter-attacking system, which concedes possession to lull opponents into a false sense of security for minutes on end while waiting for the perfect moment to hit back in a flash, also depends heavily on the wingbacks in that back five. They bear crucial responsibility as both defensive bulwarks and attacking outlets - closing down wingers with all their heart and then flying the other way once the ball is won to provide width. Fortunately for Teach, he has perhaps the best attacking left back in the league in Kristian Friedmann and a burgeoning local talent in Gaëlle Glidewing on the opposite flank. Last season, they racked up a combined 20 assists en route to the title. They might find the assists similarly forthcoming at the next level with the talent of Silvestri to combine with now. We saved the Eagle's most important player for last, however. Midfielder Karlus Sjunitsson, at only 22, is the captain and heartbeat of this team. His job is often thankless, running down opponents while they pass the ball around patiently in the Aldenskoett half. But his pace, work rate and determination in that task is the fulcrum that makes IFK's extreme form of counterattacking football work. When IFK finally turn the ball over and unleash their counter, it's usually because of Sjunitsson. It's his job to read the game and understand when the right moment is, and then make the right pass. He has gotten better and better at this since he broke into the Eagles' squad as a teenager. Now firmly Aldenskoett's poster-boy, this could be a very big season for his career if the team does well.
Last Season: Sekundar Ligan Champions (20-6-8). Prediction: 14th.

NA'ILEE MARINERS
Na'Ilee, Na'Malsille Fief

Nickname: Mariners
Founded: 945
Ground: Va’Rela Road (30,000)
Manager:

Ejegefe Na'Safeh (46)

Transfers In: Jeremy McNott (Cornellians $6m), Wayne Writhlin (Klyde $0.5m), Komal Chellek (Yellowmeadow Lynwood $0.2m), Gazzincha (North Laithland free), Louise Crost (Bava Waves free), Phoenix Abernathy (Rosbank Town free), Mei Hamilton (promoted)
Transfers Out: Adiyah Amenel (Krsthaven $5m)

Starting XI (4-5-1):

McNott (33) -

Kvolderbokk (29),

Wheeler (24),

Erkins (35),

Hamilton (23) -

Writhlin (30),

Thursson (25),

Crost (19),

Gazzincha (33),

Na’Sugadaleh (19) -

Va’Lepeh (23)

Key Reserves: Chellek (L-CB/20), Na’Tokeh (CB/27), Archambault (L-RM/35), Magnuson (CAM/23), Abernathy (ST/31)
Kit Details: The Mariners love their bright blue and neon orange, so they flaunt that combination whenever possible, like the lightning-sash on their white home kit (pictured right). They also have an orange away-kit and black and grey alternate kits that they wear a few times a year.

Preview: Na'Ilee, ancestral epicenter of the Vloo people. It's a shame that this vibrant city and culture hasn't been able to make it stick in the Härlighet Ligan since the turn of the Millennium despite being consistently competitive in the early era of the league. After three years' wait, the Mariners have another chance this season. Most people will be rooting for them, and maybe this offseason's minor rebrand will be a good omen. The club has decided to represent Na'Ilee Commune (the city) in their official name now rather than broader Na'Malsille Fief (the whole island). It's a welcome move, as the Mariners have always been about the local connections in urban Na'Ilee - not trying to appeal to the whole fief. Smaller Na'Malsille Fief cities have their own clubs that are well-supported. Unfortunately, Ejegefe Na'Safeh might need all of the good omen mojo he can get. The squad that surprisingly took 2nd in Sekundar Ligan last season had only a few players with top-flight experience. To prepare for the HL, they've basically just patched the team up with some old journeymen veterans and cheap youngsters. And whatever the hell Gazzincha is at this point. All too often, this is a formula for swift relegation for newly-promoted teams. The lone exception is Jeremy McNott, a goalkeeper of legitimate quality fresh off a great career at Cornellians. On whom Na'Ilee seemingly spent their entire transfer budget. With a starting back line in front of him that includes a washed-up Snorri Erkins and two fullbacks who have never played a top-flight minute in their careers, McNott might need to be transcendent beyond that $6m fee for the Mariners to collect enough points to still be relevant by Matchday 34. At the other end of the pitch, Na'Safeh is putting all of his marbles on young local striker Vesina Va'Lepeh. Two-footed and shifty, Va'Lepeh was a revelation in her Sekundar Ligan breakout last season, scoring 21 goals. But like so many of the other key players from that team, she has no top-flight experience, which makes it difficult to project how the Mariners will adapt. They have the potential to surprise, but it's more likely to be really tough sledding.
Last Season: 2nd in Sekundar Ligan (19-4-11). Prediction: 18th, Relegation.

Helfin Fief
Best Players: GK Maxine Edelgrau, RB Björn-Axel Borchgardt

Keenan Athletic
Best Players: ST Dinko Spisic, CM Lethe Cirvante

Versiaville
Best Players: CF Sirena Va’Drevu, CM McCall Kirby

Ziemelu Skaida
Best Players: DM Ehab Amkura, RM Xandria Springgate

Zakhoro Aces
Best Players: ST Kurtis Samarqand, CM Selena Aliena

FC Kaldukosic
Best Players: LW Kaujarre Nisa, AM Georgina Wadimu

West Gundar
Best Players: DM Prisma Zalzaria, ST Sam Herbjornsrud

Fort Archer
Best Players: CM Tarran Seamster, CB Dirk Göffling

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

Regalia City
Best Players: LW Balotin Durot, LB Tree Harper

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

Morponte Fief
Best Players: LM Lily Penhaligon, ST Javier Encarnación

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

Nomad Brotherhood FC
Best Players: GK Thea Henson, CB Gwidion

AFC Obscura 98
Best Players: ST Athena Haagensen, LW Caitlin Cutnine

Sindo Fief
Best Players: LB Kaliya Java Gula, CM Kendron Pertzborn

Pristine Forest
Best Players: CF Adnan Jurevicius, DM Lea Minter

Otkins Numenvernia
Best Players: LB Loreline Fietsam, LW Ova Va’Vuva

Klyde Heritage FC

Bergtatt Isle Athletic

Yambridge City

Revanigruud Riversharks

Brayllor Town

Everlong FC

FC Flen

Rexnor District 3

Pardock Island

AC Sepultura

Larkinham Town

Sammet Ridge

Riverside Crew

Portsmouth FC

Seryddwyr Aberaeron

Cassandra Cosmopolitan

Silk FC

West Devellin

Sontafe City

Tamiat Town

White Tower FC

Tierra Interstellar Wanderers

Conference Cosumarus

DeFinko Magni Blandinn
Forest Hill FC
Dawchire Town
Sarmon
IFK Sundsvall
Hagenheim South End
Cadonica United
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona
Azure Lane FC
Hvalsey 08
Moore Hill Pirates
AC Opjenheim
Esterhollow Harbor
Sporting Pirankoper
Atletisk Surpronuk
Black Diamond Osterhaut
Talmusok City
Atletisk Östrad
Cassandra City II
AFC Wernersburg
IFK Karlsborg
Ayr Athletic
Somberlain FC
Ingleton Town
Highlanders
Scarborough
Crawford Sharks SC
SC Swamport

Conference KC

Caledon Legion
Gnoss Gallants AFC
Nuur Origins FC
Aberaeron Celtic
Buscari Bridge Force
Salfa City
Tornline
Usk Town
Kalloroda United
Meryuma Marshals
Atlético Oterro
IFK Nordön
Varvonti Firestorm
CD Panteras Nueces
Rexnor District 5
Piander Falls FC
VfL Läutenstadt
Sólstafir
Templar-Lune FC
Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC

FK Pentagram Pjattervid
Hamlack Town
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
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
Noths Castle
Orias-Kvissle SC
Oxbow Lake
Lindsborg Premier
Klyde City

Chesterton Cottagers
Chittersbee Rangers
Coppell City FC
Volmachtia Kaldukosic
East Devellin FC
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
1. FC Guggenheim
Interstellar Östrad
Cape Dutch Copperheads
Ramusok United II
FC Kaldukosic II
OAS Royal FC II
Eastweald II
Mallox II
IFK Keukenhok

Sporting Culmar
FC Kastanjestad
Gladsax Chariot FC
SC Cirith 01
Rhithlungwerddon Town
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

Olympique Sur Mer
West Ellum
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
Thergothon
Drummond's FC
Duval Town
Theli City
Na'Malsille Mariners II
Vfl Bolmenstadt
Red Star Karbosic
FC1. Richtofen Avalanche

Murkwaamp Suns
Rhodes Ravens FC
Borzac Sequins
Rexnor District 7
Aläng FF
Ciems Mungonduvia
Drahva United
FC Dynamo Kurbads
SC Vronus 510
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** » Thu Jan 25, 2018 12:18 am

Reversing the preliminary round frustrations of last season, the Cosumarite clubs flexed some serious muscle this time. All advanced to their respective Playoff Rounds by handily disposing of teams from Bonesea, Dunnes, Darmen, Yuezhou, Mercedini and even a Vilitan side featuring Vanquishers goalkeeper Bulbulus Grimwade. Ki Niro was the star that shined brightest in the preseason fixtures, recording a hat trick at home for Cassandra City to cap off a 7-1 aggregate victory over Dodge City. All in all, hopefully a sign that we're in for some fantastic football this season.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 1
Stoneshore United 3–4 Samaj FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–3 Cassandra City
IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Ramusok United
Klyde 2–4 FC Samotath
Eastweald 5–1 AC Holmenkollen
Pelethas United 3–2 Mallox
Na'Ilee Mariners 0–1 Goldstaff City
OAS Royal FC 3–2 Real Azuris
Olask Islanders 2–2 Crawford City FC

See, we were right! Härlighet Ligan football heralded its anticipated return with a BANG, with several thrilling matches around the Fiefdom this weekend. Jumping straight back into the action and drama with both feet! Two high-profile new managers both got off to dream home starts, with Theresa Riether's Eastweald charging forward and overwhelming AC Holmenkollen 5-1, and Sur Arora's OAS Royal fully putting last year behind them by defeating champions Real Azuris. What a statement by both teams. Ishtar Fanaiyan made an immediate impact for Eastweald, scoring on a ridiculous piledriver and assisting one of countrywoman Penumbra Amokachi's two goals. Back in the capital, Real Azuris started their title defense well with first half goals from rising stars Bryger Tidesson and Hidalgo Antúnes, but OAS Royal were able to overturn the 2-1 deficit in the second half. Zana Ibrox's short-range free kick left August Ozuna rooted to the spot and then Claudia Cautcher sent Crowley Memorial into rapture with a winner against the run of play in the 82nd minute, expertly gliding between two defenders to scuff Elsie Drover's delivery from the left inside the far post. But not every new manager got the debut they were looking for. Jock Sonny's Ramusok United played with intensity and controlled the match, but just couldn't find a way to unlock the IFK Aldenskoett defense at The Eagles' Nest. They ultimately lost 1-0, Oskar Davidson converting Aldenskoett's only shot on target on a 52nd minute counter. In Stoneshore, the Greys' refortified Stonewall defense was anything but, allowing Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir to dribble through and slot home a 4-3 winner for Samaj in stoppage time after a delirious back-and-forth match.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 2
Samaj FC 1–3 Crawford City FC
Real Azuris 2–3 Olask Islanders
Goldstaff City 4–2 OAS Royal FC
Mallox 6–1 Na'Ilee Mariners
AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Pelethas United
FC Samotath 3–1 Eastweald
Ramusok United 0–2 Klyde
Cassandra City 3–4 IFK Aldenskoett
Stoneshore United 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance

And thus, the Golden Boot race begins in earnest! Several strikers got off the mark for the season with, well, striking performances. Twice-defending boot winner Vega Zeale-Riddick picked out the side-netting to follow up her opening weekend brace, although it wasn't enough for Samaj to keep pace with Kim Coultan's determined Crawford City FC. The Schottic icon tucked away a composed penalty and helped teammate Hannah Alcouin open her 1012 account too with a pinpoint pass over the top. In Real Azuris' home opener, Andrew Arrowsword opened his account in style early - an acrobatic volley - but the flair of the threepeat hopefuls was undone by uncharacteristic set-piece marking against an Olask team they really should be beating. Chrysanthe Scafidis and Ethanian fullback Daniel Baker were both able to bully through the box and head home corners, allowing Scafidis to drift off the shoulder of young Liesl Vanzanto and bury her second for a shocking winner late on. After finishing last season on twelve matches undefeated, Real Azuris have now started the new season with consecutive defeats. "We're not worried," Collette Sade told the Azurian press with a slightly worried look on her face. "We know we still have the best team in this league."

After this week's performance, Mallox might be in the mood to refute that claim. On a matchday dominated by strikers, Mallox perhaps had the best such performance - throttling the poor Mariners 6-1. It was still 1-1 in the 65th minute, Jeremy McNott keeping the newly-promoted side alive, but the Tigers struck blood again and again in a furious final 25. By the end of the mauling, star striker Alexander Kárpáty had the season's first hat trick. Wingers Stiin Siorrha'Asione and Mehmet Curwyk combined for the other three goals, taking advantage of acres of space out wide as Na'Ilee unsuccessfully focused on Kárpáty in the middle. Elsewhere, Brenecian strikers Griffin Riordan and Aelfwynn Bannion (2) scored their first goals for Klyde and Goldstaff City, respectively, guiding their new teams to big upset wins. And, finally, Eastweald's bright start darkened in Samotath as powerfully-struck goals from Zak Nyström and Interrobang Bermond, you guessed it, also opened the Samo strikers' accounts.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Crawford City FC 2-2 Yuba United (COM)

Ok, here we go. Big match for Crawford City. They want Champions' Cup football pretty badly down there. But Yuba United, blueblood Capitalizt SLANI powerhouse and still one of the Top 25 clubs in the multiverse, present a rather formidable obstacle between the Elephants and their goal. Fegelein won't be too pleased to have given up that second away goal late, but she'll be simultaneously relieved that Alcouin was able to match it two minutes later. Another two minutes after that and the final whistle blew. Honors even going back to Yuba. CCFC have a chance.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Cassandra City 4-1 The Northern Blue Lions (NTN)
(STB) Telecontarë 2-2 Stoneshore United

Bellerophon Serafino, Ki Niro, Jason Goulding and Charles Dyer Vry each get on the scoresheet as Cassandra City are simply superior to their opposition, all but securing passage to the Qualifying Round. Stoneshore United have a more strenuous path ahead, defensive confidence undermined after giving up a 2-0 lead in Starblaydia.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Versiaville 4-1 Reaper Kamandu (HIN)
IFK Aldenskoett 2-3 Deprí Sanar (CMT)
Na'Ilee Mariners 3-2 Rushmori Drawks (AVN)

Mixed results as SBCC regulars Versiaville - the only of the three currently still in Sekundar Ligan - put in the most convincing performance. Deprí Sanar, however, found it far too easy to cut through IFK Aldenskoett even as the Eagles sat in, Metod chalking up a well-taken brace. Aldenskoett will need a much better performance in Chromatika if they hope to advance. In the middle were the Mariners, who came back from a 2-1 deficit to win 3-2 thanks to a vintage second half performance from Gazzincha. After a disinterested first half, the Sunrisian-Nepharim flipped a switch, capping off a WTF solo run with an off-balance finish and then slipping Vesina Va'Lepeh in behind the defense for the winner.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 3
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–5 Samaj FC
IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Stoneshore United
Klyde 0–3 Cassandra City
Eastweald 2–2 Ramusok United
Pelethas United 4–4 FC Samotath
Na'Ilee Mariners 5–4 AC Holmenkollen
OAS Royal FC 4–4 Mallox
Olask Islanders 4–0 Goldstaff City
Crawford City FC 1–0 Real Azuris

All eyes on Crawford City and Real Azuris as last year's title race combatants squared off for an early-season litmus test. In what some have (very very prematurely) described as a symbolic changing of the guard, CCFC were able to hold off the champs by keeping the ball away from them, winning the battle in the middle of the park (Jennifer Farrow, Rusalka Klein and Peter Marshall all 9/10). It's games like this when Real really miss Stig Söderquist. When Real Azuris did get numbers forward, they lacked the necessary urgency to force Sarah Ward and Dimitri Hagicostas out of their comfort zone, though Hansi Weschler was called upon to make some instrumental saves. In the 60th minute, a well-placed finish by Crawford captain Kim Coultan saw out the result. Already starting to feel the heat from Real Azuris' slow start, Collette Sade pointed to the "wrongly" disallowed Tidesson equalizer and uncalled first half penalty incident as events that altered the outcome of the game, but her complaints were drowned out by the cheers at Orangi Stadium as CCFC marked their designs on the title.

The rest of the Härlighet Ligan was a giant goalfest this weekend. Samaj piled five on Treftadaeth Alliance, Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir absolutely resplendent amidst a quasi-blizzard up at The Wormhole, and the Na'Ilee Mariners (of all teams...) matched that total as they welcomed AC Holmenkollen to Va'Rela Road. Fans of good defense, cover your eyes. This one was as sloppy and amateur in that regard as you'll find in the HL these days. Holmenkollen raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first half. Yet, probably because training knocks forced them to start two teenage debutants in the back, they had a meltdown of embarrassing proportions after the Mariners pulled one back. Multiple errant back-passes, whiffed clearances and literal slips later, Holmenkollen found themselves down 4-3. Easiest four unanswered goals Na'Ilee will score all season. With the home crowd now guffawing at the spectacle, a visibly pissed off Lili Riprov flattened Sallie Wheeler to nod home Katie McSorley's cross for an equalizer in the 87th minute. But, of course, that wouldn't be the end of the absurdity. Holmenkollen would hand the Mariners their first three points of the season in the 90th minute, waving Vesina Va'Lepeh through to nutmeg both Garrett Sappington AND Ektorp Na'Nockeby before chipping a paralyzed Shad Vylon for 5-4. I'm genuinely concerned for the safety of the players who have to report back to Minnie Lotuda's dressing room after that.

Big-stadium bouts at Crowley Memorial and the Xanadu Dome also featured plentiful goals. The classic OAS-Mallox rivalry was a thrilling, end-to-end affair. Surprisingly, Pelethas-Samotath was too, as Euan Jersey gambled and decided to open up and go toe-to-toe with the ever-attacking FC Samo. All four sides were electric going forward and left with deserved points after both matches ended 4-4. Remarkably, sixteen different scorers across the two as nearly all relevant offensive players found the back of the net once. Elsewhere, Cassandra City and Olask Islanders picked up emphatic wins with braces from Niro and Scafidis, IFK Aldenskoett maintained the only perfect record in the league thanks to Horst Palsson's ladder-climbing header and Lara Wedderburn and Adrián Del Toro combined to great effect for Ramusok United against Eastweald, giving Jock Sonny a first point that could've been more.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Yuba United 2-2 (2-3 AET) Crawford City FC
Crawford City FC advance 5-4 on aggregate

The second leg also ends 2-2 and Crawford's Champions Cup dreams are put to the test in extra time. Yuba United seemed the more threatening side in the period, urged forward by their home audience and striking the post five minutes in. Nevertheless, it would be Fegelein's charmed Numenvernieners to secure their place in the group stage. In the 113th minute, right back Vara Swan charged forward on a late run into the box, latched onto a loose ball and fired under the goalkeeper with a striker's accuracy. Historic moment for the club.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
The Northern Blue Lions 1-3 Cassandra City
Cassandra City advance 7-1 on aggregate

Stoneshore United 3-3 Telecontarë
Telecontarë advance 5-5 aggregate on away goals

The second legs pick up right where the first legs left off, Cassandra City comfortable against Natanian opposition and Stoneshore United locked in a fierce battle of wills with Telecontarë. The Greys showed well for themselves in their first-ever Globe Cup tie, but were unfortunate to draw such a prominent club this early. Telecontarë's vast experience on big stages proved the difference in the end as they silenced a packed SweetHaven Stadium with an 87th minute equalizer. That pesky away goals rule did the rest.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Reaper Kamandu 0-2 Versiaville
Versiaville advance 6-1 on aggregate

Deprí Sanar 2-1 IFK Aldenskoett
Deprí Sanar advance 5-3 on aggregate

Rushmori Drawks 2-2 Na'Ilee Mariners
Na'Ilee Mariners advance 5-4 on aggregate

Same continuation in the SBCC. Versiaville continue giving Reaper Kamandu a harsh welcome to international football, Whitecastle and the Yellow Jackets continue to find IFK Aldenskoett's soft spots, and Vesina Va'Lepeh continues scoring big goals for Na'Ilee to see them through.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 4
Samaj FC 1–2 Real Azuris
Goldstaff City 2–2 Crawford City FC
Mallox 1–0 Olask Islanders
AC Holmenkollen 1–0 OAS Royal FC
FC Samotath 0–0 Na'Ilee Mariners
Ramusok United 4–3 Pelethas United
Cassandra City 2–3 Eastweald
Stoneshore United 3–3 Klyde
Treftadaeth Alliance 4–4 IFK Aldenskoett

Real Azuris get back on their feet and finally, gasp, win a game! But Samaj have looked pretty good so far this season and Azuris really have to labor to defeat them. Knotted at 1-1 for most of the match, chance after chance went begging in the second half and frustration was beginning to creep into Real's ranks again until Bryger Tidesson played a one-two with Mbdiai Akarenaa at the top of the box in the 88th minute and rifled past Kerwin Maston. Eastweald also got back on their feet with a quality win at Cassandra City after a wanting pair of performances. With Theresa Riether hawk-eyed on the touchline, the midfield regained some of their sharpness and synergy and both Jo de Marisco and Mina Mordini were rewarded with first half goals. Early in the second half, Ishtar Fanaiyan scorched down the right, schooling Cosumarite youth international fullback Q'orianka Va'Afaja, and cut the ball back for Amokachi. After Calogero Metz spectacularly parried Amokachi's first-time effort to the right, Fanaiyan was in just the spot to pounce on the rebound and dink it back inside the near post for what was ultimately the winner.

Speaking of rebounds, AC Holmenkollen rebounded from last week's humiliation in Na'Ilee with a surprising victory as OAS Royal visited Cedar Park for a Ramusok Fief derby. 16-year-old fullback Garrett Sappington, who endured a torrid HL debut last week, earned heartwarming redemption this week, awkwardly shouldering home Gabrielo Romo's free kick delivery for the game's only goal. Sur Arora immediately subbed off Thomas Di Sansev for "not being able to mark a child still in diapers" despite it still being early in the first half. There was another "minor derby" this week as Crawford City FC, still on their midweek high, visited fellow southwestern ensemble Goldstaff City. Despite their proximity, the two clubs don't have much of a history, having always played different circuits. But Goldstaff City took a step towards building some of that enmity by soiling the Elephants' UICA celebrations when Aelfwynn Bannion struck twice in two minutes (24' & 25') to take a 2-1 lead over heavily-favored CCFC. Kevin Stabb ultimately completed a brace of his own to share the spoils 2-2, but that's a result that the Guardians will definitely be happier with.

Meanwhile, the most exciting matches of the weekend took place on the tips of Cosumar's two peninsulas. On the frozen tip of the northern peninsula, Treftadaeth Alliance hosted early table-toppers IFK Aldenskoett in a delightfully old-school affair full of rugged, route-one play. They went back and forth trading blows and ended square at 4-4, with two-way midfielders Apple Jack and Karlus Sjunitsson stealing the show for their respective sides. On the foggy tip of the southern peninsula, Yuanchiki Larrimbe dragged Stoneshore all the way back from a 12th minute 3-1 hole against Klyde. Using his pace to repeatedly get in behind Klyde's defensive line, he was eventually able to cancel out Micke Kvalderkorr's inspired start for the Doves. There was a pretty fun match in the capital too, as William Stone seemed to turn a corner for Ramusok United with a confident hat trick that saw off undefeated Pelethas.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 5
IFK Aldenskoett 2–0 Samaj FC
Klyde 4–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Eastweald 3–0 Stoneshore United
Pelethas United 3–1 Cassandra City
Na'Ilee Mariners 2–3 Ramusok United
OAS Royal FC 4–4 FC Samotath
Olask Islanders 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
Crawford City FC 3–1 Mallox
Real Azuris 1–0 Goldstaff City

Golazo! Golazo! Golaaaazooooooo! Young Eastfielder Remington Abbasi-Fevison has wasted no time making a name for himself in Cosumar. Everyone in the Fiefdom is sure to have seen countless replays of this 67th minute stunner... a 40-yard rainbow hit off the bounce that hung gloriously in the air before floating through the outstretched arms of Morgedal Martinsky. It was but one of four goals for Klyde in the second half as their purple shirts rippled forward with remarkable fluidity, leaving Trefta the only remaining winless team. As for undefeated teams, only two now remain, but both were highly impressive on the day. IFK Aldenskoett impressive defensively to bottle up Vega Zeale-Riddick, Crawford City FC impressive offensively as Alcouin finally broke down a resolute Mallox side with a late brace. The Sunrisian starlet's goalscoring exploits were exceeded this weekend only by Claudia Cautcher, who continued her flying start to life under Sur Arora with a hat trick that near single-handedly kept OAS Royal on pace with a very focused FC Samotath onslaught. Finally, Pelethas put in a very complete performance at home to see off Cassandra City. Jens Kåsa was monstrous in defensive midfield, scaring Serafino and Phillippe-Michel Schneiderlin into submission with pinpoint tackles, and Saltorius Splitt's unconventional creativity sparked the attack. Who's Rowan Varghese?

Globe Cup - Qualifying Round, Leg 1
(JSY) Qidade Savana 2-2 Cassandra City

On the brink of the Globe Cup, Cassandra City cobble together an okay performance in Jasĭyun. They were a bit sluggish and/or nervous in the first half-hour though, going down 2-1. But Ursula Rowan is heroic in the second half and takes over the match, single-handedly creating an equalizing goal for Jason Goulding. The Reds have the slight upper hand as the tie returns to The Amphitheatre.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 6
Samaj FC 0–0 Goldstaff City
Mallox 2–1 Real Azuris
AC Holmenkollen 2–4 Crawford City FC
FC Samotath 3–2 Olask Islanders
Ramusok United 4–4 OAS Royal FC
Cassandra City 3–4 Na'Ilee Mariners
Stoneshore United 0–0 Pelethas United
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–2 Eastweald
IFK Aldenskoett 3–2 Klyde

United and Royal collide with renewed magnitude! Both Ramusok Derby heavyweights enter with new wind in their sails under new management, both eager to restore the capital's prestige in the Cosumarite game after an all-around bleak 1011. The atmosphere felt high-stakes at Fire River Arena with the songs of each half of Ramusok co-mingling in the air. At least, until Cautcher opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a spinning far-post strike and Jannick Kontiola doubled the lead five minutes later. All of a sudden, smug OAS Royal chants filled United's stadium. But Jock Sonny stayed calm, and the Blues drew from his cool confidence to stay in the match and pull one back through Adrián del Toro before half time. Just two minutes into the second half, however, a deflected Simmons III cross fell to Cautcher in the box and she clinically made it 3-1 to Royal. Lara Wedderburn pulled another one back for United at the hour mark, taking Keohane's through ball around Shalhoub with a quick touch before tucking it into open net, but OAS Royal again restored their two-goal lead minutes later when Marsteller cut out Garnet Langerak's ill-advised pass through the middle of his own third. 4-2. Yet Sonny continued to urge his team to fight on, clapping earnestly and calling out support. Fight on they did. OAS was beginning to get worn down by Ramusok United's energy and, finally, in the 88th minute, Lucien Marmor-Lavie ensured an interesting stoppage time by sliding onto the end of opposite fullback Atticus Hattingh's cross at the far post. 4-3! Of course, to cap off a wild afternoon, the referee sent Fire River into uproar by pointing to the spot in the 93rd minute after Wedderburn went sprawling over Alex Rocket's shoelaces. Once OAS finished surrounding the referee with protests, Wedderburn stepped up and sent the penalty down the middle with no hesitation. Last kick of the match. 4-4, Ramusoki bragging rights postponed to Matchday 23, though United's spirited comeback felt like a win to the blue legions on hand.

Questionable refereeing decisions weren't a theme isolated to the capital, unfortunately. Stiin Siorrha'Asione got Wizzard Mormentor sent off in just the 10th minute, painfully squeezing his balls and provoking a retaliatory headbutt. Of course, the referee only saw the latter and Mallox used the 80-minute man advantage to edge Real Azuris to a 2-1 win. The fact that Siorrha'Asione should've been sent off was only further rubbed into Real's faces when the Farf himself notched the winner in the 87th minute. They're not alone in their disappointment, at least. Eastweald were also pinned back on the road, by a Toussaint Robitaille-inspired Treftadaeth Alliance, and even worse Cassandra City (albeit heavily rotated) were stunned at home by the Mariners. The struggles of these supposed 'top sides' now has us wondering if IFK Aldenskoett are in fact the real deal. Uriah Teach's Eagles claimed another scalp, this time Klyde's - more comprehensively than the final score revealed.

Globe Cup - Qualifying Round, Leg 2
Cassandra City 2-0 Qidade Savana
Cassandra City advance 4-2 on aggregate

Simpler than expected. After Ki Niro scored in the 23rd minute, Savana needed two goals to overcome the deficit and never looked like they had it about them. Stephen Gargo and Diedrich Frostmarris really looked like a solid pairing in central defense in this one.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 7
Klyde 4–4 Samaj FC
Eastweald 4–2 IFK Aldenskoett
Pelethas United 3–3 Treftadaeth Alliance
Na'Ilee Mariners 0–2 Stoneshore United
OAS Royal FC 2–0 Cassandra City
Olask Islanders 3–1 Ramusok United
Crawford City FC 2–1 FC Samotath
Real Azuris 2–2 AC Holmenkollen
Goldstaff City 0–2 Mallox

Ok, Eastweald definitely heard all that chatter about IFK Aldenskoett. Eastweald gleefully unraveled IFK's hard work to nullify their passing lanes at the end of the first half when Jo de Marisco bamboozled Olaf Womack with some fancy footwork before scooping a pass towards a streaking Peter Morrison. The gracefully-aging Euran brought the ball down in stride and blasted it into the roof of the net! The floodgates then opened in the second half as IFK were forced to come out of their shell more frequently. Their gambles did result in a pair of confidence-boosting goals for new man Santo Silvestri, but the Elves ruthlessly took advantage too - Mordini, Eva Velasquez and Eric Bambic all on-target.

Across the bay in Klyde City, Samaj FC's visit turned into a true striker's duel as Riordan and Zeale-Riddick engaged in the female equivalent of a dick-measuring contest. Riordan made a big impression first, chalking up a hat trick inside of 20 minutes through sheer force of will. "My turn, bitches!" Zeale-Riddick proclaimed towards the camera after Riordan's third. In the next 20 minutes, VZR then cut Klyde FC's lead to 3-2 with a pair of identical flying headers. At half time, the two were seen trading some animated banter. Later on, the long-legged Cosumarite starlet matched Riordan's hat trick with a spicy back-heel that secured the away point for Samaj...and stared pointedly at Riordan as she raced back to midfield with the ball. It all seemed to be in good fun though, as the two leading women exchanged shirts after the match. In other notable results, Ramusok United fell victim to Olask's uncanny nose for goal on set-pieces (much to the ire of Jock Sonny) despite owning the run of play. Crawford City FC continued their impressive start by downing in-form FC Samotath on the back of Kevin Stabb's brace and a MoTM performance from keeper Hansi Weschler.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 8
Samaj FC 1–1 Mallox
AC Holmenkollen 2–5 Goldstaff City
FC Samotath 2–1 Real Azuris
Ramusok United 4–4 Crawford City FC
Cassandra City 3–3 Olask Islanders
Stoneshore United 0–0 OAS Royal FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 2–2 Na'Ilee Mariners
IFK Aldenskoett 3–3 Pelethas United
Klyde 3–5 Eastweald

Draws abound! Only three clubs actually won this week: Goldstaff City (Ted "Nuke" Dolanukitainen finally roaring to life), Eastweald (razor-sharp manipulation of space again as Amokachi goes double), and FC Samotath (the pace of Jordan Emery exposing questionable Real Azuris defending and spoiling Alfred Tidesson's first senior goal). Azuris just can't catch a break, having dropped points in every conceivable manner in these first two months. They're not getting the expected standard from any of their position groups and unbelievably lurk near the bottom of the table. Could Collette Sade already be on the chopping block after only eight matches? Or will winning the double in her debut season earn her a grace period? Hard to say - Azuris have never really had to deal with such a flat start before. Nevertheless, it's still way too early to write off the Breakers' season - we've all seen the scary runs of form they seem to turn on at will when it matters.

Of the six draws, the most intriguing might've actually been Na'Ilee's trip up to Trefta. Northern Parougan Fief is still bitterly cold at this time of year, and you never know how a club more accustomed to tropics and humidity like the Mariners will deal with it. Admirably, as it turns out. Well, Gazzincha mostly just loafed back and forth with an I'd Rather Be Anywhere Else look on his face, but the conditions seemed to invigorate the younger Mariners. Louise Crost, the young Schottian, had herself a game. She covered tons of ground to compensate for above lazy veteran, scored on a textbook curler and even created most of her team's other chances. She nearly scored the equalizer in the 80th minute too, but, running faster than he did all match prior, Gazzincha arrived in time to claim the goal for himself just before it would've rolled over the line anyways. Oh, the injustice. Amazingly, Crost still ran over beaming to congratulate the self-satisfied Sunrisian. It's still a long road ahead, but Ejegefe Na'Safeh's Mariners are flashing signs that they might just have the spirit to survive.

By the eye test alone, Crawford City FC have been by far the most consistent performers of the early season, so it's no surprise to see them at the top of the table. Fegelein's charges seem better and more focused than even last year. Usual suspects Eastweald have kept pace well, however, and IFK Aldenskoett are right up there too as the biggest overachievers thus far. Uriah Teach's savvy acquisition of players like Santo Silvestri and Oskar Davidson has made them much more multidimensional in the final third than past IFK squads.

But everything is still tight and the table could be reshuffled entirely by the midseason break.

  1012 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Crawford City FC        8    5   3   0    21   13   +8    18
 2  IFK Aldenskoett         8    5   2   1    20   16   +4    17
 3  Eastweald               8    5   1   2    25   16   +9    16
 4  FC Samotath             8    4   3   1    21   16   +5    15
 5  Mallox                  8    4   2   2    19   13   +6    14
 6  Olask Islanders         8    4   2   2    18   12   +6    14
 7  Pelethas United         8    3   4   1    21   18   +3    13
 8  Goldstaff City          8    3   2   3    12   13   −1    11
 9  OAS Royal FC            8    2   4   2    19   19    0    10
10  Samaj FC                8    2   3   3    16   17   −1     9
11  Stoneshore United       8    2   3   3     9   11   −2     9
12  Ramusok United          8    2   3   3    18   21   −3     9
13  Klyde                   8    2   2   4    20   25   −5     8
14  Na'Ilee Mariners        8    2   2   4    14   21   −7     8
15  Cassandra City          8    2   1   5    18   21   −3     7
16  Real Azuris             8    2   1   5    11   14   −3     7
17  Treftadaeth Alliance    8    1   3   4    19   24   −5     6
18  AC Holmenkollen         8    1   1   6    13   24  −11     4


Golden Boot Leader:   Claudia Cautcher (8)

Fort Archer lost manager Uriah Teach to IFK Aldenskoett, but they seem to be doing just fine without him. Dirk Göffling has been breathtaking in central defense for the Archers. It's not easy for a defender to earn that adjective. It's the Zakhoro Aces that top the table so far, however. With HL-quality players like Koru Özturk, Kurtis Samarqand, Tarmé and Selena Aliena all contributing flair to the attack, it's easy to see why - and they've been damn fun to watch too.

1012 Sekundar Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Zakhoro Aces            8    6   2   0    21    9  +12    20
 2  Fort Archer FC          8    6   2   0    13    6   +7    20
 3  Regalia City            8    4   2   2    17   10   +7    14
 4  Keenan Athletic         8    4   2   2    16   14   +2    14
 5  Nomad Brotherhood FC    8    3   4   1    17   12   +5    13
 6  West Gundar FC          8    4   1   3    15   15    0    13
 7  Fevelo Colony           8    3   3   2     8    6   +2    12
 8  FC Kaldukosic           8    3   2   3    23   20   +3    11
 9  Helfin Fief             8    3   2   3    13   12   +1    11
10  Otkins Numenvernia      8    3   2   3    10   10    0    11
11  Ziemelu Skaida          8    3   1   4    11   11    0    10
12  Centus Serpents         8    3   1   4    15   21   −6    10
13  Sindo Fief              8    2   2   4     6   13   −7     8
14  Versiaville             8    2   1   5    14   16   −2     7
15  AFC Obscura 98          8    1   4   3    13   16   −3     7
16  Gwynt Tywyll            8    1   3   4     3    8   −5     6
17  Morponte Fief           8    1   2   5     8   15   −7     5
18  Pristine Forest         8    1   2   5    11   20   −9     5

Cassandra Cosmopolitan and Seryddwyr Aberaeron were in very few pundits' promotion predictions before the season, yet here they are at the top of the table through ten. Are they flashes in the pan, or can they hold off sides experienced in Tredje Ligan promotion battles like Flen, Heritage and Pardock Island for 32 more matches? Could Yambridge City, fresh off a disappointing Sekundar Ligan season, really suffer consecutive relegations out of CosumarLigan entirely? That's where they are right now.

1012 Tredje Ligan                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Cassandra Cosmopolitan          10    7   2   1    17    7  +10    23
 2  Seryddwyr Aberaeron             10    7   1   2    18    7  +11    22
 3  FC Flen                         10    6   3   1    23   16   +7    21
 4  Klyde Heritage                  10    5   3   2    15    9   +6    18
 5  Portsmouth FC                   10    4   3   3    18   13   +5    15
 6  Brayllor Town                   10    4   3   3    14   13   +1    15
 7  Riverside Crew                  10    3   5   2    19   15   +4    14
 8  Pardock Island                  10    3   5   2    15   11   +4    14
 9  Larkinham Town                  10    3   5   2    11   12   −1    14
10  Bergtatt Isle Athletic          10    4   2   4    15   17   −2    14
11  Sepultura                       10    2   7   1    20   17   +3    13
12  Rexnor District 3               10    4   1   5    11   13   −2    13
13  Sontafe City                    10    3   4   3    13   16   −3    13
14  Tamiat Town                     10    3   3   4    11   14   −3    12
15  Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   10    3   3   4    11   18   −7    12
16  Revanigruud Riversharks         10    2   5   3    13   11   +2    11
17  White Tower FC                  10    3   2   5    11   12   −1    11
18  Everlong FC                     10    2   4   4    16   20   −4    10
19  Sammet Ridge                    10    2   3   5     7   13   −6     9
20  Yambridge City                  10    1   5   4     9   14   −5     8
21  Silk FC                         10    1   4   5     6   15   −9     7
22  West Devellin                   10    1   1   8    12   22  −10     4

The King's Cup is Cosumar's premier cup tournament. The Final, always played in Ramusok's royal district, is the last match of each domestic calendar, and the cup is presented to the winner by King James himself. All 256 clubs in Cosumar's top five tiers take part, all entering together in a randomized first round draw.

Division represented in parenthesis.
H = Härlighet Ligan (1st tier)
S = Sekundar Ligan (2nd tier)
T = Tredje Ligan (3rd tier)
L1 = Lägre Ligen 1 (4th tier conferences)
L2 = Lägre Ligen 2 (5th tier regional divisions)
Major upsets, high-profile fixtures and/or derbies are bolded.

First Round

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

The free-for-all chaos of the first round produces some eyebrow-raising results, as always. Mallox fall to gutsy Tredje Ligan leaders Cassandra Cosmopolitan despite fielding a reasonable line-up. A Na'Ilee Mariners youth side can't even put away fifth-tier Hamlack Town. But at least those two Härlighet Ligan clubs went down in the coin flip that is a penalty shootout. AC Holmenkollen suffered worse ignominy, somehow getting routed 4-0 by fourth-tier IFK Nordön. In contrasting fortunes, Real Azuris tallied the round's largest margin of victory, 6-1 over a frantic Cadonica United. Even amidst a slump in the league, you can count on the Breakers to work their Cup magic.

Second Round

...Nevermind about that. Real Azuris will not lift their fifth King's Cup at season's end, because they've just been bumped in the second round. By Ramusok United II. Yes, as in an HL rival's fifth-tier affiliate. It's just really not Real's year, it seems. FOR FUCKING ONCE, the rest of the Fiefdom thinks simultaneously. Goldstaff City and IFK Aldenskoett are two other top-flight clubs that make an early exit in this round. Meanwhile, it's actually offworld Sekundar Ligan side Regalia City that sets the largest margin of victory, smashing fourth-tier DeFinko Magni Blandinn back to Earth by a score of 8-1, former Zakhoro Aces winger Balotin Durot serving up four goals. There's also a Cresscalus Fief derby as Cassandra City draw promotion-minded Sekundar Ligan neighbors Keenan Athletic. The Checkers and their traveling support showed very well for the anticipated fixture, but Matilda Heisenberg's depleted defense simply had no answer for the pace of Ki Niro.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Jan 26, 2018 5:35 pm

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 9
Eastweald 1–0 Samaj FC
Pelethas United 2–1 Klyde
Na'Ilee Mariners 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett
OAS Royal FC 1–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Olask Islanders 1–0 Stoneshore United
Crawford City FC 1–2 Cassandra City
Real Azuris 3–3 Ramusok United
Goldstaff City 1–1 FC Samotath
Mallox 1–1 AC Holmenkollen

Cassandra City's own unlucky start has been overshadowed by Real Azuris' similar struggles, but Arturo Mancini was nevertheless in desperate need of a positive result as his Reds paid a visit to leaders Crawford City. It seemed like the Elephants would be marching on to another win instead when, in the 8th minute, Hannah Alcouin lashed Kevin Stabb's pass into the back of the net, but Jason Goulding and Charles Dyer Vry made themselves known with opportunistic finishes to give Cassandra City a 2-1 lead by half time. The real story of the match, thereafter, was the great team defending by the Reds as they held Crawford at bay in the second half even as Orangi Stadium rallied around them. And, with that, the last undefeated record was spoiled.

It was a relatively uneventful week otherwise, though Ramusok United's comeback from 3-1 down in Azuris was entertaining fare. One might also want to keep an eye on surging Pelethas United. Mohsin Changez has quietly been one of the hottest HL strikers this season. The 27-year-old scored his seventh goal in eight matches and drew the penalty that Auburn Tarrant converted to take all three points from Klyde. As a consolation for the Doves, at least touted 15-year-old strike prospect Cathal Turner made some news by becoming the youngest to ever play in the Härlighet Ligan. And score. He set one record when he subbed on in the 85th minute and promptly set another when he tapped in Sophia Trevelyan's unselfish layoff. 17-year-old Pasargan forward Jagoda Kovačević also scored a dramatic first goal for Eastweald today, flashing home a bullet header in stoppage time.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 10
Samaj FC 2–1 AC Holmenkollen
FC Samotath 0–2 Mallox
Ramusok United 4–1 Goldstaff City
Cassandra City 3–3 Real Azuris
Stoneshore United 7–4 Crawford City FC
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 Olask Islanders
IFK Aldenskoett 1–3 OAS Royal FC
Klyde 1–1 Na'Ilee Mariners
Eastweald 2–2 Pelethas United

The featured match of the round saw the holders of Cosumar's last nine titles go head-to-head. Despite both Real Azuris and Cassandra City stumbling out the gate this season, there was a lot of buzz surrounding this one. Cassandra City, eager to build on the momentum from last week's triumph, began the game with intent, forcing a series of early turnovers from the Azurian midfield, particularly an unusually unsettled Sandra Sybill. Goulding proved too keen and was shown a yellow (which could've been red) after a dangerous encounter with Liesl Vanzanto, but his pressure paid off a minute later when he gave Cassandra City the lead by nodding Catheline Boag's cross inside the far post. Real Azuris hit back straight away, however, with Andrew Arrowsword's tame effort trickling under Calogero Metz. Later in the half, Bellerophon Serafino and Arrowsword traded sparkling goals from outside the box to make it 2-2. Neither looked like bottom half teams in the slightest! Just a minute into the second half, Mbdiai Akarenaa gave Real Azuris their first lead of the match when his free kick took a wild deflection off the hip of Stephen Gargo and ended up in the back of the net. With the Amphitheatre's crowd taken out of the match, Real Azuris started to look like the Real Azuris of last year, flowing forth like an unstoppable tide. They had the better of the chances in the second half, Arrowsword even having a hat trick goal flagged offside in the 66th minute and a header denied by the crossbar minutes later. The dynamic shifted again, however, when Arturo Mancini made a double substitution to bring on wide players Janet Kobro and Justinian Grimswald. Their dynamism down the flanks made all the difference and, in the 85th minute, Kobro bypassed Cosumar right back Mortimer Chisenhall with a carefree flick and teed up Phillippe-Michel Schneiderlin to pick out the bottom corner. Neither points-starved club will be quite satisfied with the 3-3, but both managers now have some positive aspects to build on.

Now that that's out of the way, let's turn to the scoreline that surely caught your eye first. Stoneshore 7-4 CCFC. Yuanchiki Larrimbe took it upon himself to humble Crawford and show them just how far they have to go before taking up the mantle of champions. He scored a season-high FIVE goals in the match, highlighting lack of athleticism in defense as a potential weakness in Fegelein's side. Larrimbe simply had a field day blazing in behind and latching onto long balls from Tegen Na'Tarejen and Alli Carra. Young goalie Hansi Weschler's rapidly-rising confidence also took a hit as he appeared unsure of when and how far to come off his line to intercept, underestimating Larrimbe's pace time after time. No one else quite hit five goals, but other top performers this weekend were Johannes Sindelaar's eight saves and Keohane's goal + two assists in impressive Mallox and Ram Utd wins.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 11
Pelethas United 4–0 Samaj FC
Na'Ilee Mariners 3–0 Eastweald
OAS Royal FC 6–2 Klyde
Olask Islanders 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Crawford City FC 4–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Real Azuris 2–2 Stoneshore United
Goldstaff City 3–3 Cassandra City
Mallox 1–1 Ramusok United
AC Holmenkollen 3–6 FC Samotath

Ok, we've been putting it off for way too many matchdays. It's time to talk about Saltorius Splitt. Thus far in his young career, the eccentric Pelethas playmaker has been considered too zany, too unpredictable, too... Saltorius Splitt for anything but a role as a "last throw of the dice" super-sub. That perception is changing in a hurry. Forced into the starting XI by the departure of national teamer Rowan Varghese, Saltorius has made the job his own and evaporated any remorse about Varghese. This weekend, for example, Saltorius completely took over the match from his spot in attacking midfield, bringing a strong Samaj defense to its knees with his trickery. He sees the game in unique ways and it has made Pelethas a much more dynamic attack, especially benefitting cerebral striker Mohsin Changez, with whom Saltorius has been on the same wavelength since Day 1. After his hat trick against Samaj (the first of his career), Saltorius is already close to matching Varghese's best season in just 11 matches. Some credit for the 4-0 win also goes to Jillian Nier, who bailed out Miro Said and Solomon Harm with a few really clutch saves. Pelethas are rolling.

For the moment, so are OAS Royal. There are still questions about their defense, but Sur Arora has the goals flowing again. Klyde were no match for the Whites' quality in midfield and surrendered strikes to the likes of Elsie Drover, Leonídas Bregoo and Zoë Aedelbrandt, leaving them with urgent questions about their own defense. But at least they're not AC Holmenkollen. Lili Riprov is back on track and Darren Tabaz has shown promise, but precious little else has gone right for the Cedars. For the third consecutive season, they find themselves being cut adrift in last. Survival Sergeant Minnie Lotuda, you're up.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 12
Samaj FC 2–3 FC Samotath
Ramusok United 4–7 AC Holmenkollen
Cassandra City 0–1 Mallox
Stoneshore United 4–2 Goldstaff City
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–1 Real Azuris
IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Crawford City FC
Klyde 3–1 Olask Islanders
Eastweald 4–2 OAS Royal FC
Pelethas United 5–3 Na'Ilee Mariners

Aaaahahaha! Of course, it's Jol Tortuu for Mallox (is it just me or does that still sound weird?). In his first game back at The Amphitheatre since leaving behind eleven years of service, the 34-year-old Cassandra City legend scored against his former side in the 94th minute to break a cagey 0-0 deadlock. Like seemingly half of his career goals, 'ole Jol simply popped up in the right place at the right time to bundle home an inexplicable sitter. It's Tortuu's only goal for Mallox as of yet, but perhaps his talismanic presence is the root of their good form so far. While on the topic of interesting striker storylines, two of the top Nepharim strikers of recent years matched up for the first time this weekend. Penumbra Amokachi & Eastweald welcomed red-hot Claudia Cautcher & OAS Royal for what was sure to be a wide-open match. It didn't disappoint! Both leading women got on the scoresheet, but Eastweald had more total firepower, taking the lead for good when Eric Bambic got his foot around the ball in the middle of a corner scrum to make it 3-2.

In other news, the Business Ethics Council might want to investigate Athletic Club Holmenkollen for possible employee mistreatment. I mean, wow, Minnie Lotuda must've really laid into her players or threatened their families or... something after last week's 6-3 loss. Because Holmenkollen turned around this week and balled out like their lives depended on it against crosstown big brothers Ramusok United. Riprov, Kamaal Nyle and Katie McSorley all got back in good graces with braces and Gabrielo Romo added a cherry on top late. United tried their best to keep up, Lara Wedderburn knocking back a brace of her own in frustration, but Holmenkollen were simply a team possessed. String together a couple more matches like this and they can be back out of the cellar. And in their place might slide... REAL AZURIS??? It's really not looking good for Collette Sade after she experiments with the line-up in search of a spark and it backfires. Azuris lose 3-1 to fellow strugglers Treftadaeth, crippled by the repetitive formula of Farf fullback Baldomero Teijeiro and his lofted crosses to 6"10' Isaiah Miller. Two days later, leaked emails from a board member revealed that Sade would apparently be sacked if the Breakers didn't take all three points at home next match against tough IFK Aldenskoett. The club did not deny the reports.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 13
Na'Ilee Mariners 2–3 Samaj FC
OAS Royal FC 5–4 Pelethas United
Olask Islanders 1–4 Eastweald
Crawford City FC 2–1 Klyde
Real Azuris 2–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Goldstaff City 3–4 Treftadaeth Alliance
Mallox 1–0 Stoneshore United
AC Holmenkollen 2–0 Cassandra City
FC Samotath 2–3 Ramusok United

Collette Sade better send Mr. and Mrs. Tidesson a Vintermåne card (Cosumarite Christmas equivalent) this year. With her job on the line, the embattled Real Azuris manager started three of their children together (Bryger, Alfred, Edith) for the first time. Bryger Tidesson, apparently not a fan of drama, relieved the tense atmosphere at Estadio MasseMord when he scored a pair of cathartic goals in the 5th and 11th minutes, cutting inside from the right and producing two sublime left-footed finishes. Alfred Tidesson was partially culpable on Gaëlle Glidewing's 17th minute goal that brought IFK to 2-1, but fought like hell for the rest of the match alongside Kurt Wolff to ensure that his error was not the beginning of a catastrophic meltdown. Finally, Edith Tidesson, only pressed into action because August Ozuna fractured a finger in pregame warm-ups, made two big saves in the final ten minutes to preserve the lead. And her manager's job. There will be another massive opportunity for Real's board to evaluate the club's direction next week, however, with the Klyde Isle Derby on the docket.

Meanwhile, Pelethas United's eight-match unbeaten streak met a writhing end at Crowley Memorial. Solomon Harm, in this case aptly named, got himself sent off in the 77th minute for sending 34-year-old Jordan Strumm off in a stretcher (sadly rumored to be career-ending). The Miners were nursing a 4-3 lead at that point thanks to Charlie Alotic's hat trick but, without his brawny partner, inexperienced defenseman Miro Said was helpless to slow the inevitable rally as OAS Royal were collectively urged forward by nigh on 100,000 fans, all standing. Marsteller sumptuously controlled Zana Ibrox's angled ball and swept it under Nier in the 79th minute to equalize and Alex Rocket raced onto a Di Sansev cross and emphatically volleyed home for the win in the 88th. Euphoria for all! ...All but the silver and gold shirts on the pitch far below. Like I said, inevitable.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 14
Samaj FC 0–0 Ramusok United
Cassandra City 5–4 FC Samotath
Stoneshore United 4–3 AC Holmenkollen
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–2 Mallox
IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Goldstaff City
Klyde 0–1 Real Azuris
Eastweald 2–2 Crawford City FC
Pelethas United 4–3 Olask Islanders
Na'Ilee Mariners 3–3 OAS Royal FC

Theresa Riether's Eastweald and Amethyst Fegelein's Crawford City tango at the top and it's a cautious & tactical midfield tussle, but last-gasp goals from unlikely heroes Dexter Tricklebank and Peter Marshall cancel each other out, allowing Mallox to slip unnoticed past both into pole position with comeback Kárpáty and Cloudchaser goals late on at The Wormhole. Alexander Kárpáty continues to get better and better and add to his game by the day, learning from accomplished strikers such as Engström and now Cloudchaser. The Pasargan is carrying the Tigers' attack on his shoulders right now - to great success. All members of Mallox's defensive unit, from Trajan Bruyne to Bella Thompson, have taken their game to new levels this season as well. Seems like it's all starting to come together for Kennedy Kopenhaver.

Real Azuris continue their desperate effort to stack some wins together by downing Klyde in a derby victory that will surely count for more than one in the eyes of fans. Curiously, Sandra Sybill scored the match's only goal 12 seconds in, catching Lind Pressinger off his line and letting rip before most of The Klyde Sportsplex's spectators realized what was happening. It goes down as the fastest goal in Härlighet Ligan history. Under-fire Cassandra City also relieved some pressure on Arturo Mancini by winning a risky shootout with FC Samotath while fielding a semi-rotated side. Olask Islanders, in contrast, had a great start to the campaign, but some of it may have been due to a weak initial slate. They seem to be cooling down now, outclassed by upper-echelon attacking teams three matches running. Kanan Abboud is nowhere near what he was last year (surprise, surprise) and they look out of ideas in possession when Ilana Way and Kamaal Ibn Methüzema aren't able to find space wide to whip in crosses to Scafidis.

Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group C                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   CrC  Tan  CCt  NmI
1 Crawford City FC          COS    6    3   1   2     9    4   +5    10    —   0–0  1–0  5–0
2 Tanrısal                  PAS    6    2   3   1     7    5   +2     9   2–1   —   2–0  1–1
3 Cazadores Cathair         AUD    6    2   2   2     8    8    0     8   2–1  2–2   —   4–2
4 Namiri Independent        ZWZ    6    1   2   3     4   11   −7     5   0–1  1–0  0–0   —

Crawford City FC do quite well in their first Champions' Cup adventure, winning a group that had some questioning if they would even make the top two. It's not Fegelein's first go-around though, and she smartly went for the "take care of business at home first" strategy. CCFC picked up seven of their 10 points at Orangi Stadium with full-strength sides and were able to rotate a bit more on the road in deference to their Härlighet Ligan form. Kim Coultan led the team with three goals in the group stage.

  Group F                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   RAz  MÂl  Phx  Crn
1 Real Azuris               COS    6    4   2   0    14    6   +8    14    —   3–2  1–0  4–0
2 Mâ Âlâmëómë               FFD    6    2   2   2     9    9    0     8   2–4   —   2–1  0–0
3 Phalanx AF                CEN    6    2   1   3     8    7   +1     7   1–1  0–2   —   2–1
4 Cornellians               SCT    6    0   3   3     3   12   −9     3   1–1  1–1  0–4   —

Now this was a really fun group for the Cosumarite fans. THE powerhouse of Farfadillis, with Bacary Na'Kale. THE powerhouse of Schottia, with the Kvanderwyks and Isla Sibucic. Plus an entertaining attacking side in Phalanx AF. Despite their labored league form, Real Azuris refused to sacrifice an iota of effort in this group, too much pride as former champions to bow to the Mâ Âlâmëómës of the multiverse. This might actually explain some of their sluggish HL performances, but Real were exuberant in all of their group stage matches, going undefeated and even dominating Cornellians and Mâ Âlâmëómë at points. It will be interesting to see how Sade (or, perhaps soon, a replacement) manages the next stage of this competition if Real Azuris experience more flagging form domestically. Andrew Arrowsword, Bryger Tidesson and Sandra Sybill all completed the group stage even on three goals apiece.

Globe Cup - Group Stage

  Group H                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   RJm  Smj  TCM  SwD
1 Royal Jam FC              EFL    6    4   1   1    12    6   +6    13    —   2–4  2–0  3–1
2 Samaj FC                  COS    6    3   1   2     9    6   +3    10   0–0   —   1–0  4–1
3 Taeshan City Miners       TAE    6    3   0   3    10    6   +4     9   0–2  2–0   —   4–1
4 Sokojiwa Dosi CK          COM    6    1   0   5     5   18  −13     3   1–3  1–0  0–4   —

Like Real Azuris, Luis Varezzi may have also accidentally sacrificed a bit too much of Samaj FC's usual consistency in the HL to achieve this Globe Cup success. The Hunters have been a bit mediocre lately, though some will feel the fantastic four-goal performances against Royal Jam and Sokojiwa were worth it. Samaj FC had a very balanced scoring attack in the group stage, with 95X international Darrius Columbine being the only man with two goals.

  Group J                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   CgC  PSb  CsC  Cpr
1 Cherrygrove City          SOL    6    4   1   1    11    6   +5    13    —   2–1  5–2  1–1
2 Port Sebastian            SCT    6    3   1   2     8    5   +3    10   1–2   —   2–0  2–0
3 Cassandra City            COS    6    2   1   3     6   10   −4     7   1–0  0–0   —   1–0
4 FC Capri                  VAL    6    1   1   4     5    9   −4     4   0–1  1–2  3–2   —

Meanwhile, Cassandra City have been sucking both in the Globe Cup and in the league despite Arturo Mancini's efforts to utilize his considerable depth. Group J was admittedly tougher than most, more like a weaker Champions' Cup group, but there's no excusing away that 5-2 loss in Soltsteed. Jason Goulding scored half of the club's six group stage goals.

Series B Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group D                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   Vsv  Uni  QXv  Yûp
1 Versiaville               COS    6    4   1   1     9    4   +5    13    —   1–1  2–0  2–1
2 Union FC                  WRL    6    3   1   2     7    8   −1    10   2–1   —   0–2  1–0
3 AC Quarant Xa’virt        TAE    6    2   2   2     6    4   +2     8   0–1  3–0   —   0–0
4 Yûpo CCK                  JSY    6    0   2   4     3    9   −6     2   0–2  1–3  1–1   —

  Group E                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   GvS  UlR  NMM  IrU
1 Grenville Sailors         ETM    6    3   3   0     9    4   +5    12    —   0–0  2–0  1–0
2 Ulsa Rovers               EUR    6    2   3   1     6    6    0     9   1–1   —   0–3  1–0
3 Na’Ilee Mariners          COS    6    2   1   3     9   10   −1     7   1–3  1–3   —   1–1
4 Iruko United              DKI    6    0   3   3     5    9   −4     3   2–2  1–1  1–3   —

Na'Ilee repeatedly shit the bed at home, nullifying what would have otherwise been an impressive 3-0 victory in Eura. Funnily enough, the two sides that actually got promoted last year go out before Versiaville, who remained in Sekundar Ligan.
The Villagers professionally took care of business in Group D to become the first Cosumarite club currently playing in a lower division to advance to a UICA knockout round.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 15
OAS Royal FC 4–3 Samaj FC
Olask Islanders 2–2 Na'Ilee Mariners
Crawford City FC 0–1 Pelethas United
Real Azuris 2–1 Eastweald
Goldstaff City 2–3 Klyde
Mallox 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett
AC Holmenkollen 0–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
FC Samotath 2–0 Stoneshore United
Ramusok United 1–2 Cassandra City

The Härlighet Ligan inherited most of its fiercest rivalries from pre-existing cultural and geographic factors. The Ramusok Derby. The Klyde Isle Derby. The Weald Classic. The West Coast Classic. On the other hand, Ramusok United-Cassandra City is special because the bad blood between the two clubs was borne in this era, in this young league, and still flows thick. (For those in need of a history lesson, the Blues and Reds dueled on the final matchday with the title on the line twice in three years, including the Millennium Miracle). They've both taken pleasure in pulling each others' pants down at various times since then. Today, Ramusok United thought they could climb into the UICA zone with a win and worsen Cassandra City's woes in the process - maybe even get Mancini sacked! It started out well when Sparrow Body's bending free kick from the looong right somehow bounced untouched through the box and drifted inside the far post. None too pleased, Goulding pulled the Reds level in the 36th minute, rising like a salmon to apply the telling touch to Adrián del Toro's own free kick, stranding Lilly Kearney. Mancini's high press and Sonny's fast-paced system raged like fire and water in the second half, players on both sides leaving everything on the pitch as rival supporters waged their own war with teasing songs. The elements only seemed to neutralize, however, with Serafino and Viablaine immense as midfield wrecking balls. In the end, as is often the case, pace was the decider. 66 minutes in, Ursula Rowan and Ki Niro perfectly synced a through ball and darting run as the Blues scrambled to get back. Once Niro is in behind, there's no catching up. One-on-one with Kearney, the Chromatik international made no mistake, grabbing a much-needed 2-1 win for Cassandra City... and denting Ram U's goal of hitting midseason with a UICA place. Ah, rivalries.

In an older but less, well, relevant rivalry, Western Isles sides Olask and Na'Ilee played out an excruciatingly boring scoreless 75 minutes. At least a quarter of Kamu Road had already gone home when the kernels finally started popping in the final 15 minutes. Gazzincha. Scafidis. Na'Tokeho. And then rightback Mei Hamilton to salvage a 2-2 draw for the Mariners. In other top stories around the league, Real Azuris were able to hold off Eastweald at home - another lifesaving three points for Collette Sade. Arrowsword and Hidalgo Antúnes clawed Azuris back from an early Velasquez thunderbolt, and Kurt Wolff justified his newfound international stature by keeping Amokachi in his pocket. Mohsin Changez continues to score in seemingly every match for Pelethas United, this time scooping a 90th minute winner around Weschler to stun Crawford City FC and claim sole possession of the Golden Boot lead. What a breakout season for the former DBC striker! Not to be forgotten, Griffin Riordan earned herself more praise in North Klyde by capping off a gorgeous ten-pass sequence orchestrated by Abdo Villalpando Fierro in the 78th minute, lifting Klyde and their ragged defense out of the relegation zone. It was one of those thumping finishes that hit the netting so hard that the ball bounced back out into the penalty area. Who doesn't love those?

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 16
Samaj FC 1–3 Cassandra City
Stoneshore United 4–2 Ramusok United
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 FC Samotath
IFK Aldenskoett 3–0 AC Holmenkollen
Klyde 0–2 Mallox
Eastweald 1–1 Goldstaff City
Pelethas United 4–4 Real Azuris
Na'Ilee Mariners 0–0 Crawford City FC
OAS Royal FC 6–3 Olask Islanders

As Cassandra City and Real Azuris have resiliently battled back up to the top half (Niro and the Tidessons the driving forces), others have fallen off the pace from fast starts. Crawford City have been mired by too many draws in recent weeks, a frustrating nil-nil in Na'Ilee merely the latest example (thanks, McNott). Goldstaff City too. Since peaking at 8th, the Guardians have gone winless in nine, talented strikers Dolanukitainen and Bannion wasted up top with a complete dearth of chance creation from midfield (although Nuke's 78th minute solo blast did just snare an undeserved point from their trip to Old Weldenskirgen). And Samaj never really even got going this season. Maybe it's a western thing. Way out east, Stoneshore United have had some fits and starts getting their attack back to last season's level, but it wasn't an issue today as they rammed three first half goals (Larrimbe, Caipirinha, Na'Tarejen) down Ramusok United's throat and never looked back. Ramusok United are perplexing. Jock Sonny has clearly reinvigorated the Blues' attack, cajoling excellent production out of both William Stone and Lara Wedderburn (today's scorers), but the defense has regressed badly. He has a lot to contemplate over the midseason break.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 17
Olask Islanders 0–2 Samaj FC
Crawford City FC 4–2 OAS Royal FC
Real Azuris 1–0 Na'Ilee Mariners
Goldstaff City 0–3 Pelethas United
Mallox 1–3 Eastweald
AC Holmenkollen 4–5 Klyde
FC Samotath 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Ramusok United 4–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
Cassandra City 2–1 Stoneshore United

CCFC get back in Amethyst Fegelein's good graces before vacation time. OAS Royal have been racking up goals like nobody's business (over four per match for the last month), so slowing them down is downright impressive. As they often do at their best, the Elephants controlled the midfield with grace ill-befitting of their nickname. Rusalka Klein, Kim Coultan and Jennifer Farrow confidently passed circles around Drover in this one despite the Brenecian's applaudable efforts to singlehandedly run them down. Klein made the possession pay, assisting on goals for both Farrow and Kevin Stabb, while Coultan's lovely set-piece deliveries also indirectly led to a pair of goals. They're still definite power players in this title race. And though they missed their chance to draw level with CCFC on points, Arora's Royal aren't out of it yet either. Eastweald, meanwhile, kept themselves ahead of both with a huge win over Gellano Fief neighbors Mallox in the Weald Classic, which really can't be overstated with both teams looking this strong for the first time in awhile. Mallox's defense has been exceptional this season, but they hadn't faced Eastweald' front three yet. Each of Velasquez, Fanaiyan and Amokachi scored in the 3-1 win, with Mordini instrumental from midfield. This means there will also be a Weald Classic on the final matchday of the season, which could be really juicy if both Eastweald and Mallox are still in contention at the top like they are now.

Ahead of all the aforementioned clubs, however, is Pelethas United. They made quick work of Goldstaff City with - you guessed it - Changez and Splitt getting the goalscoring plaudits. Surprise, surprise. Speaking of goalscoring plaudits, the wide-open Holmenkollen-Klyde match featured two hat tricks as Kamaal Nyle (where have you been?) and Sophia Trevelyan tripled for their respective sides. Trevelyan's third goal, a deft poke through the legs of Thelonious Grandstaber, ended up being the decisive one in the 81st minute though. A fog of resigned apathy fell over Cedar Park, and when the final whistle blew on 5-4, AC Holmenkollen found themselves in last place at the break. Again.

Pelethas United are on pace for 100 goals, which would break the record of 99 set by Mallox way back in the Härlighet Ligan's inaugural season. That's crazy. We're talking about a side that was known more for its defensive strength until Saltorius Splitt was added to the starting equation this season and Mohsin Changez evolved into a new Sur Arora. Whether this exciting new Pelethas is sustainable remains to be seen. There are a lot of good teams with title and top seven hopes still intact as we go into the monthlong midseason break.

1012 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Pelethas United        17    9   6   2    50   36  +14    33
 2  Mallox                 17    9   5   3    31   20  +11    32
 3  Eastweald              17    9   4   4    43   30  +13    31
 4  Crawford City FC       17    8   6   3    38   28  +10    30
 5  OAS Royal FC           17    7   6   4    51   44   +7    27
 6  FC Samotath            17    7   6   4    41   34   +7    27
 7  IFK Aldenskoett        17    6   7   4    28   25   +3    25
 8  Cassandra City         17    7   3   7    38   38    0    24
 9  Real Azuris            17    6   5   6    30   31   −1    23
10  Stoneshore United      17    6   4   7    31   30   +1    22
11  Ramusok United         17    5   6   6    40   43   −3    21
12  Olask Islanders        17    5   5   7    31   35   −4    20
13  Samaj FC               17    5   4   8    29   35   −6    19
14  Na'Ilee Mariners       17    4   6   7    29   36   −7    18
15  Klyde                  17    5   3   9    36   46  −10    18
16  Treftadaeth Alliance   17    3   7   7    32   41   −9    16
17  Goldstaff City         17    3   6   8    25   36  −11    15
18  AC Holmenkollen        17    3   3  11    34   49  −15    12


Golden Boot Leader: 
  Mohsin Changez (17)

Keenan Athletic haven't lost since Matchday 3 and claimed the top spot in the last match before the break with a Dinko Spisic hat trick. Them and Zakhoro look a cut above the rest, even if a pair of offworld sides in Fevelo Colony and Regalia City aren't far behind in the table (either of which would be the first to crack the top flight if promoted). FC Kaldukosic have been disappointing in their quest for promotion yet again despite their big spending, but at least they're not dangerously close to the drop like Versiaville. Jeremy Hayes has gambled away the Villagers' domestic season in pursuit of a rare shot at glory in the SBCC.

1012 Sekundar Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Keenan Athletic        17    9   6   2    40   27  +13    33
 2  Zakhoro Aces           17    9   5   3    40   27  +13    32
 3  Fevelo Colony          17    9   4   4    25   17   +8    31
 4  Regalia City           17    8   5   4    39   27  +12    29
 5  Helfin Fief            17    8   3   6    29   27   +2    27
 6  Ziemelu Skaida         17    8   2   7    23   22   +1    26
 7  West Gundar FC         17    8   2   7    29   30   −1    26
 8  Nomad Brotherhood FC   17    6   7   4    34   25   +9    25
 9  FC Kaldukosic          17    6   7   4    37   30   +7    25
10  Gwynt Tywyll           17    6   6   5    12   12    0    24
11  Fort Archer FC         17    7   3   7    25   29   −4    24
12  Sindo Fief             17    6   3   8    18   24   −6    21
13  Centus Serpents        17    6   3   8    32   39   −7    21
14  Versiaville            17    4   6   7    25   27   −2    18
15  Otkins Numenvernia     17    5   3   9    26   32   −6    18
16  Morponte Fief          17    3   5   9    14   23   −9    14
17  AFC Obscura 98         17    2   7   8    22   36  −14    13
18  Pristine Forest        17    2   5  10    21   37  −16    11

1012 Tredje Ligan                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  FC Flen                         21   14   4   3    65   41  +24    46
 2  Riverside Crew                  21   12   5   4    50   32  +18    41
 3  Pardock Island                  21   10   7   4    36   25  +11    37
 4  Klyde Heritage                  21   10   7   4    34   24  +10    37
 5  Cassandra Cosmopolitan          21   11   4   6    28   20   +8    37
 6  Seryddwyr Aberaeron             21   10   4   7    38   31   +7    34
 7  Revanigruud Riversharks         21    9   6   6    31   24   +7    33
 8  Sontafe City                    21    8   8   5    37   32   +5    32
 9  Rexnor District 3               21    9   4   8    27   22   +5    31
10  Portsmouth                      21    8   5   8    34   30   +4    29
11  Sepultura                       21    6  10   5    47   43   +4    28
12  Bergtatt Isle Athletic          21    7   7   7    33   35   −2    28
13  Brayllor Town                   21    8   3  10    31   37   −6    27
14  White Tower FC                  21    8   2  11    29   38   −9    26
15  Larkinham Town                  21    5  10   6    24   30   −6    25
16  Everlong FC                     21    6   5  10    36   45   −9    23
17  Silk FC                         21    6   5  10    27   41  −14    23
18  Yambridge City                  21    5   6  10    26   32   −6    21
19  Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   21    5   5  11    24   39  −15    20
20  West Devellin                   21    5   4  12    26   35   −9    19
21  Tamiat Town                     21    5   4  12    25   39  −14    19
22  Sammet Ridge                    21    4   5  12    15   28  −13    17

Third Round

Everything pretty much goes by the book in the Round of 64. OAS Royal's youth look scary in smashing fourth-tier Buscari Bridge Force 8-1, especially teenager Beatriz Koclanes' technically-superb hat trick. Samotath-Crawford is the lone Härlighet Ligan encounter and also goes how you would expect, Hannah Alcouin and Kevin Stabb both scoring, along with Kostas Postecoglou, in a match that CCFC controlled from opening whistle.

Fourth Round

Theeeeere's more of the King's Cup drama we know and love. Well, there's no drama to be found in Pelethas as the Miners pulverize some small German town's fifth-tier team by nine goals (five from Mohsin Changez). But the Zakhoro Aces are bested in penalties by fourth-tier opposition, IFK Karlsborg's goalkeeper hilariously pumped after blocking shots from Aliena and Samarqand to win. Klyde-Kaldukosic is an interesting Härlighet Ligan throwback, and it's the continuously disappointing FC Kal who actually win on the strength of Kaujarre Nisa's left boot. Samaj FC also let off some steam in their clash with Ramusok United. Their UICA streak might end this year, but they can still claim the club's first modern-era trophy. Vega Zeale-Riddick, Rachel Del Arro and Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir all scored in what might've actually been Samaj's best all-around performance of the season, Elias Møller with a pair of sparkling assists and Rasunda Vanderlei magisterial behind them.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:06 pm

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 18
Samaj FC 1–1 Stoneshore United
Cassandra City 5–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
Ramusok United 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
FC Samotath 3–2 Klyde
AC Holmenkollen 1–0 Eastweald
Mallox 6–2 Pelethas United
Goldstaff City 2–1 Na'Ilee Mariners
Real Azuris 1–1 OAS Royal FC
Crawford City FC 3–2 Olask Islanders

"I had this match circled on my calendar all month," Alexander Kárpáty proclaimed with a winner's smile as he held the match ball from Mallox's 6-2 thrashing of Pelethas United. "I checked the table each day of the break out of habit and got more and more sick of seeing [Pelethas] at the top each time. I'm glad I was able to score goals today to help my team finally take that place." Kárpáty didn't just score goals - he scored four of them. Hence the commemorative match ball. If he keeps this up, the Pasargan might find himself with a Golden Boot to go with it. At the other end of the table, Goldstaff City won a six-pointer in the potential relegation battle with the Mariners. Nuke and Bannion converted ruthlessly-efficient counters within ten minutes of each other in the second half to send the black-and-gold faithful home happy. The Mariners' newly-promoted compatriots from Aldenskoett, however, seem to have bypassed the relegation dogfight entirely. They held steady in the final UICA slot by parking the bus to infuriating effect at Fire River Arena. After making zero effort to play football for the e n t i r e match, IFK Aldenskoett snuck out with all three points thanks to Santo Silvestri chasing down what was only meant to be a desperate clearance, somehow bringing it under control amidst three Ramusok United defenders, losing them on the turn, and rifling to the bottom corner.

Cygnus Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
(VIL) Lonngeylin Coast 1-1 Real Azuris

The two coastal-themed clubs played a good, attractive match in Vilita, mostly feeling each other out in the first half before going for it more in the second. Real Azuris opened the scoring through Turori international Mbdiai Akarenaa (clearly motivated being back close to home) from the top of the box in the 67th minute, but Longgeylin Coast equalized through Cosumar international Warren Royannais' free kick in the 74th minute (likewise motivated taking on several Vanquishers teammates). The symmetry is nice. The second leg is 50/50.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 19
Crawford City FC 1–1 Samaj FC
Olask Islanders 3–2 Real Azuris
OAS Royal FC 1–1 Goldstaff City
Na'Ilee Mariners 2–3 Mallox
Pelethas United 2–1 AC Holmenkollen
Eastweald 2–0 FC Samotath
Klyde 3–3 Ramusok United
IFK Aldenskoett 1–3 Cassandra City
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–6 Stoneshore United

Treftadaeth Alliance are terrible. More specifically, Morgedal Martinsky is a terrible goalkeeper right now. Just look at the fan-made "highlight reel" from today's 6-1 embarrassment that's making the rounds on social media. Stoneshore tallied six on Trefta without a single goal from star striker Yuanchiki Larrimbe. Instead, nearly every goal featured Martinsky flapping at a cross, getting lost in the crowd on a corner or - three times - standing in a completely baffling position a free kick. This on the back of conceding five in Cassandra. Amazingly, Alliance don't even have a backup goalkeeper to push for his place. Wow. If Holmenkollen start making their annual Lotuda-fueled survival push, the Astronomers might be doomed.

Ignoring Trefta's "shocking" ability to let in goals and Stiin Siorrha'Asione's new flamingo-shaped haircut, the most shocking result of the weekend took place on Olask Isle. The Islanders played host to Real Azuris on their roughshod pitch and outmuscled the defending champions to a 3-2 win, pressing the restart button on all the progress Collette Sade had made before the break. Despite Andrew Arrowsword's two determined goals on either side of half time, Azuris couldn't stop Louelle fucking Rennold from knifing through the box to lash home the winner. Red flags continue to pop up about Real's softness in the middle without Viviano Milani.

Lastly, let's take a moment to appreciate Sen Marsteller's progression. Sur Arora has placed faith in the OAS Royal homegrown striker after years of sporadic use under Constantine Champali. It wasn't all smooth sailing at first. Marsteller started the season overshadowed by partner Claudia Cautcher, but gradually she has blossomed in the spotlight. Now she's every bit as vital to their attack (which is scoring at a record-breaking pace, by the way) as Cautcher and has reached a point where she can earn OAS results on her own. That's what she did this week in the 50th minute, taking on Goldstaff's Adkis Sühnhold one-on-one, shimmying to her right and beating the long frame of Lone Va'Nega to his far corner to salvage a point.

Cygnus Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Real Azuris 2-0 Longgeylin Coast
Real Azuris advance 3-1 on aggregate

Akarenaa strikes again in the 38th minute, this time a close-range finish after some nice combinations with Tidesson and Sandra Sybill, and big Kurt Wolff puts it beyond likely hope for Coast with a ferocious header in the 63rd. On to Real's second Cygnus Semis in three years. A familiar foe awaits them...

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 20
Samaj FC 7–4 Treftadaeth Alliance
Stoneshore United 2–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Cassandra City 1–2 Klyde
Ramusok United 2–5 Eastweald
FC Samotath 4–4 Pelethas United
AC Holmenkollen 0–2 Na'Ilee Mariners
Mallox 4–2 OAS Royal FC
Goldstaff City 2–0 Olask Islanders
Real Azuris 2–3 Crawford City FC

Remarkable! Alexander Kárpáty has now had two 4-goal performances since the break. That's eight goals in three matches! The Pasargan is truly ascending to another level this season. Head or feet, back towards goal or taking defenders on, through the air or on the ground, strength or finesse... it doesn't matter. This man can do it all. His quadruple against OAS Royal today made strapping countryman Christoper Fosse look like a helpless amateur, so it's hard to imagine anyone stopping Kárpáty when he's in this kind of mood. There are some very different kinds of moods percolating down in Azuris right now, however. Real have started the second half of the season with none of the hardscramble winning mentality that Collette Sade painstakingly established before the break. The heat is decidedly back on. Azuris blew Arrowsword's 2-0 lead this week against Crawford City, allowing Rusalka Klein, Marigold Belladonna and finally Hannah Alcouin (in stoppage time) to raid them for all three points in the final 15 minutes. CCFC gallivanted off Estadio MasseMord pitch giddy, like bullies who had just pried candy from a baby's fingers, while the Breakers were left to soak up the ringing boos. This is a club and fanbase that simply doesn't know how to cope with more than occasional losing. Similar scenes at Fire River Arena as Ramusok United are left in splinters by a rampant Eastweald that completed the most passes of any team this season. And Morgedal Martinsky still hasn't come back from vacation. 5, 6, now 7 goals? Sheesh.

AOCL Group Stage

P Group A                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   RAz  MlC  MLp  EvU              
1 Real Azuris            (COS)   6   4  1  1   13   7  +6   13    —   4–0  2–2  1–0
2 Millennium City        (NFX)   6   3  2  1    9   9   0   11   3–1   —   1–0  1–0
3 Mliona-Lpaka           (TUR)   6   1  2  3   13  11  +2    5   2–3  3–3   —   1–2
4 Evesham United         (ATH)   6   1  1  4    3  11  −8    4   0–2  1–1  0–5   —

Good stuff from some young Real Azuris sides in the AOCL, highlighted by a 3-2 win IN Turori and a 4-0 demolition of Millennium City at home (though they would lose to the 95Xers away). They advance comfortably to the regional Quarterfinals with matches to spare.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 21
Real Azuris 2–3 Samaj FC
Crawford City FC 2–3 Goldstaff City
Olask Islanders 0–1 Mallox
OAS Royal FC 3–6 AC Holmenkollen
Na'Ilee Mariners 1–1 FC Samotath
Pelethas United 3–4 Ramusok United
Eastweald 0–1 Cassandra City
Klyde 1–0 Stoneshore United
IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance

With a small but rowdy section of traveling support in nearby Crawford, Goldstaff City once again proved tough for showrunners of the southwest. Back on Matchday 4, they raced out to a surprise 2-0 lead and held on for a point with Lone Va'Nega fantastic in goal. This time, they took it a step further. Ted "Nuke" Dolanukitainen traded two early penalties with Klein and Kim Coultan goals, and then in the 50th minute Fan Xiaopeng gave Goldstaff the lead for good by squeezing a shot inside Weschler's near post from a tough angle on the left. "We're here to stay, and we want to be noisy neighbors," Nuke told the press afterwards. "We want CCFC to dread playing us. Every time." They certainly dealt CCFC a costly blow in the title race. The loss allowed Mallox to jump seven points clear after Trent Fielding saved Kárpáty's point-blank effort with his face in the 87th minute only for Siorrha'Asione to half-volley the rebound back past him.

But when it comes to being pesky little neighbors, no club is doing a better job of that this season than AC Holmenkollen. The quaint suburban club pulled quite a number on Ramusok United earlier this season with a dumbfounding 7-4 win, and now they've just done the same thing to Ramusok's other big urban club! Well, not 7-4, but damn close enough! Gabrielo Romo and Ekaterina Mirzayev had their best game of the season in central midfield command, Alana Acock and Katie McSorley's endless energy out wide proved kryptonite for OAS Royal's aging back-up fullbacks and Riprov and Nyle were a constant handful in the box. Sur Arora must be alarmed at the number of goals that have been conceded in his debut managerial campaign. For now, chalk it up to growing pains of a young back line. As for Holmenkollen, the bizarre win lifts them out of 18th to the heady heights of 17th. Maybe they wouldn't have been last to begin with if Lotuda told them every match was a Ramusok derby.

Finally, it was a week with plenty of heroes and villains around Cosumar. Heroes like actor/footballer Jakk Bekk, who came off the bench to complete a heart-stopping comeback for Ramusok United from 3-0 down at freefalling Pelethas, playing an impromptu one-two with Del Toro at the top of the box before side-footing a wicked effort past Nier. Heroes like Charles Dyer Vry and Kristian Friedmann, who curiously both scored the only goal of their respective games on the stroke of the 77th minute. Dyer Vry's particularly heroic as it came at the hallowed grounds of Old Weldenskirgen and catapulted Cassandra City into Champions' Cup consideration. Villains like Ingemar Kvolderbokk, who set alight a potentially invaluable three points for the Mariners when he gave the ball away to deadly Samotath winger Jordan Emery in the box. 1-0 became 1-1. Villains like Wizzard Mormentor. Knotted at 2-2 with Samaj, the Real Azuris midfielder completely failed to close down Gutinho as the Samaj attacked strolled into space and spanked a dipping shot under August Ozuna. And that was that. Three straight defeats for Real Azuris. A vast majority in South Klyde now want Collette Sade out (and weren't shy to let her know after the final whistle). Pundits thought the announcement would come within 24 hours of the Samaj result, but as of yet, it hasn't.

Cygnus Cup Semifinals, First Leg
(VAL) Ibini FC 0-2 Real Azuris

...A familiar foe indeed. Ibini FC and Real Auris squared off at this exact stage two Cygnus Cups ago. And, despite vociferous midweek noise surrounding Collette Sade's fate, the Breakers were able to settle down and achieve the same result as two years ago. A 2-0 win in Valanora (Arrowsword and Tidesson coming good) won't save Sade, but it might buy her another week.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 22
Samaj FC 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 Klyde
Stoneshore United 1–2 Eastweald
Cassandra City 3–2 Pelethas United
Ramusok United 0–0 Na'Ilee Mariners
FC Samotath 1–2 OAS Royal FC
AC Holmenkollen 1–1 Olask Islanders
Mallox 1–2 Crawford City FC
Goldstaff City 4–3 Real Azuris

Nuke lived up to his nickname this weekend, unleashing a bombshell heard 'round the Fiefdom. With his complete striker's hat trick against Real Azuris, the explosive Goldstaff striker pretty much single-handedly put the final nail in Sade's coffin. I wouldn't be surprised if Real's board called to relieve her of her duties on the spot when Nuke headed Margaret Tirnen's corner into the side-netting to make it 4-1 (yes, 4-1) in the 67th minute. Sure enough, Sade announced her "resignation" minutes after the match, also giving her players a heartwarming thanks for fighting back to 4-3 for her. Nuke's presser had a different air. "I fucking knew I was destined to be the one to kick that witch's ass to the curb! This might be the finest moment of my career, not even joking," he proclaimed proudly. Now the world waits to find out who will replace "that witch" in charge of one of the top three clubs in the multiverse.

...You know it's an important week in the Härlighet Ligan season when a showdown between the top two teams ends up as secondary news. The Orange Palace was ready to erupt as the match ticked by with Sindelaar holding Mallox's early 1-0 lead over Crawford City precariously intact, eager to celebrate a win that would rip open a wide gap in the title race. But CCFC dug up every ounce of grit within them to crucially strike back in the 71st and 78th minutes on a pair of slightly fortunate set-pieces. The Orange Palace audibly deflated as Sarah Ward bundled in Coultan's free kick for the second, sensing that it might go down to the end of the season between these two teams. "In one of the toughest environments in this country, we were still able to grind out a win despite not being at our best," Amethyst Fegelein said. "That's championship mettle." Since returning from the midseason break, Pelethas United are familiar with the concept of not being at their best. They've mostly crashed out of the title race with only one win in five. The break came at the wrong time for the Miners, killing the extraordinary form Mohsin Changez had found and allowing their defensive chemistry to rust.

Cygnus Cup Semifinals, Second Leg
Real Azuris 2-0 Ibini FC
Real Azuris advance to the Cygnus Cup Final, 4-0 on aggregate

Real Azuris carry right on in the Cygnus Cup without a full-time manager, Bryger Tidesson finishing Ibini off with a falling side-volley of Akarenaa's deflected pass in the box and a sumptuous hit from 24 yards. He really showed off his class in this one, but one can't help but wonder where it was on the weekend.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 23
Goldstaff City 0–1 Samaj FC
Real Azuris 3–1 Mallox
Crawford City FC 4–3 AC Holmenkollen
Olask Islanders 1–2 FC Samotath
OAS Royal FC 1–1 Ramusok United
Na'Ilee Mariners 2–2 Cassandra City
Pelethas United 2–1 Stoneshore United
Eastweald 3–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Klyde 6–3 IFK Aldenskoett

Well, that was unexpected. Not those results...what happened in the week leading up to them! I don't think there's been a 48 hours like that in Härlighet Ligan history. A chain-reaction of managerial moves shook up the league landscape in the blink of an eye. First, Real Azuris announced Luis Varezzi as their new manager, stealing him from Samaj FC in the middle of the Hunters' UICA hunt. Not a huge surprise considering the architect of Samaj's ascent has been due a big move for years, but not ideal timing for Samaj since it could signal "time to go" for Vega Zeale-Riddick this offseason. So, keen to get themselves a Name - and pronto - Samaj turned around and immediately hired Johannes Lundblade from Olask Islanders, a bright young manager who wasn't going to be trapped on Olask Isle for much longer anyways. With few other worthwhile options to poach for themselves, the Islanders turned around and hired...Collette Sade. From the sun of Azuris to the sheep of Olask in two days. She had to be sighing to herself as she got off the plane.

Varezzi won big in his Azuris debut, 3-1 over leaders Mallox with a restructured midfield dominant, as did Lundblade in his Samaj debut, profiting from a terrific 50-yard long ball from Elias Møller to Rachel Del Arro. As for Sade... she doesn't win in her Kamu Road debut. Scafidis had a chance to earn her new manager an equalizer from the penalty stripe in injury time, but it was palmed away by elated 39-year-old Samotath goalkeeper Diandra Ballard. With Capsin Sibuc an ironclad force in the back lately as well, Samotath have clawed their way into the top seven. In other news, the major Ramusok Derby is surprisingly subdued despite both sides' tumultuous defenses this season. Leonídas Bregoo shrugged off Lucien Marmor-Lavie on a rapid run into the box and slotted diagonally past Kearney for a deserved OAS equalizer in the 89th minute. The shared point doesn't really help either as they try to keep up in the congested UICA race though. In other news, KLYDE SMASH. The Doves bullied Aldenskoett off the soggy pitch at a rainy Klyde Sportsplex, Griffin Riordan's second goal (Klyde's sixth) causing Uriah Teach to throw his umbrella at his Defenders' Coach. Four stitches later, Teach has been suspended from being on the pitch for the next three matches.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
(FFD) Mâ Âlâmëómë 2-1 Crawford City FC
(TAE) Mierton Manatees 1-1 Real Azuris

No shame in either of these results, as Mâ Âlâmëómë is one of the world's best teams and Real Azuris are trying to adapt to a new coach and system. Still, you have to be a little disappointed that Azuris couldn't get more than Akarenaa's one away goal in Taeshan.

Globe Cup Round of 16, First Leg
(TUR) Turoki Tide 3-0 Samaj FC

No luck for Johannes Lundblade in his first time preparing for a Globe Cup match. Vega Zeale-Riddick has been vocally unhappy about Varezzi's departure and she looked like she was only giving half-effort in this one. Lundblade needs to win over his star player and get her on board fast or this feels like it could get ugly. To their credit, the Turoki Tide midfield really shined at home in this one, closing down the lanes between Rasunda Vanderlei and the Samaj wingers.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
(AUD) Shamrock Cathair 3-4 Versiaville

What have we come to if the Fiefdom is collectively turning to Versiaville for its UICA hopes? Believe it or not, the Villagers played extremely well in one of the multiverse's most famous football cities, looking nothing like the team currently slumming it in the bottom half of Sekundar Ligan. Jeremy Hayes' side was exciting and adventurous on the break, Sirena Va'Drevu's first-time finish of Asher Larned's long, swerving cross the highlight.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 24
Samaj FC 0–0 Klyde
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Eastweald
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–2 Pelethas United
Stoneshore United 0–1 Na'Ilee Mariners
Cassandra City 0–2 OAS Royal FC
Ramusok United 2–0 Olask Islanders
FC Samotath 1–3 Crawford City FC
AC Holmenkollen 4–4 Real Azuris
Mallox 4–4 Goldstaff City

For the second consecutive matchday, Crawford City won (big three Stabb, Coultan and Alcouin all scoring) and Eastweald won (Amokachi the dramatic heroine late) while Mallox dropped points. Just like that, all three clubs are now within a point of each other at the top. Just below them, Pelethas United are quietly rounding back into form, but this time it's Mercedini international Charlie Alotic leading the way with his hot hand (foot?). In Cassandra, the Reds capitulated to the attacking verve of OAS Royal winger Zoë Aedelbrandt, who continues to win more minutes from captain Alex Rocket. In the 12th minute, Aedelbrandt displayed a great first touch to bring down Zana Ibrox's long ball down the left before cutting inside and giving it up to academy friend Sen Marsteller. Less than ten seconds later, the ball found its way back to her at the far post for a tap-in after a smart run. In the 50th minute, Aedelbrandt was on the giving end, picking out Juquinho in the box to seal Royal's valuable six-point win in the UICA zone. Na'Ilee Mariners also got a big result that they might look back on as the one that paved the way for them to stay up. After a trying match in which she was knocked down countless times by Stoneshore's bruisers, Vesina Va'Lepeh had the last laugh 20 minutes from time, setting up in Sigrun Rathskeller's blind spot and passing Sezon Na'Sugadaleh's cutback into the side-netting. The young Vloo striker has been able to transition her Sekundar Ligan strike rate into the top flight, and that's pretty much the main reason why Na'Ilee look good to stay up despite some glaring deficiencies. Finally, Wedderburn's brace further delayed Collette Sade's first Islanders point and the Varezzi honeymoon phase has already soured a bit in Azuris after a messy 4-4 draw with lowly Holmenkollen.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Crawford City FC 1-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Mâ Âlâmëómë advance 3-2 on aggregate

Real Azuris 2-2 Mierton Manatees
Mierton Manatees advace 3-3 on aggregate away goals

Good try, boys and girls. But the circumstances just weren't suitable for a Cosumarite Champions' Cup run this year. At least Hannah Alcouin's physics-defying bicycle kick over Bacary Na'Kale in this leg was a gem that will be long remembered at Orangi Stadium.

Globe Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Samaj FC 1-2 Turoki Tide
Turoki Tide advance 5-1 on aggregate

Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir netted a nice goal in the 30th minute to make things mildly interesting at 3-1 on aggregate, but Samaj collapsed after the hour mark. Carl Erakin and Hugo Cartensen in particular had stinkers.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Versiaville 1-1 Shamrock Cathair
Versiaville advance 5-4 on aggregate

Cosumar is all aboard the Versiaville train now as the Fiefdom's sole UICA Quarterfinalist. Go Villagers!

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 25
Mallox 1–0 Samaj FC
Goldstaff City 1–2 AC Holmenkollen
Real Azuris 1–2 FC Samotath
Crawford City FC 2–1 Ramusok United
Olask Islanders 2–2 Cassandra City
OAS Royal FC 2–3 Stoneshore United
Na'Ilee Mariners 3–4 Treftadaeth Alliance
Pelethas United 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Eastweald 2–1 Klyde

And here starts the countdown of the final ten matchdays! Not much changes in the title race on #10 though. Mallox, Crawford City FC and Eastweald all maintain the status quo with winning strikes from their respective star forwards (Kárpáty, Alcouin, Amokachi). If you look at it, that's really what separates this year's three title contenders from the rest of the pack: the presence of a consistent superstar goalscorer up top. The ground shifted at the bottom of the table though. Albeit nervously, bottom sides AC Holmenkollen and Treftadaeth Alliance both won today (the latter on the strength of Isaiah Miller's hat trick of headers) to make things a little tighter for the likes of Mariners and Islanders, who dropped points above them. Also dropping points are Real Azuris. The Luis Varezzi era might not last to the end of the season if he doesn't find a way to prevent defensive lapses like the one that saw Interrobang Bermond stroll into the penalty area and tap home twice in three minutes (52', 54') to sink the Breakers at home. That would never have happened last season.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 26
Samaj FC 2–1 Eastweald
Klyde 1–2 Pelethas United
IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Na'Ilee Mariners
Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 OAS Royal FC
Stoneshore United 0–1 Olask Islanders
Cassandra City 4–4 Crawford City FC
Ramusok United 3–5 Real Azuris
FC Samotath 3–5 Goldstaff City
AC Holmenkollen 0–3 Mallox

Not even Stiin Siorrha'Asione's antics can disrupt how well Mallox are playing right now. Although Stiin played the lovely ball that Cloudchaser hoofed into the back of the net in the 22nd minute, he threatened to derail the positive start seven minutes later after the referee waved off his goal that would've been 2-0 (he pushed Berzelius Hedepolly down to create the space). He charged over to the linesman who made the call and got in his face. Routine stuff - yellow card. But it didn't stop there. You've heard about Stiin's new elaborate flamingo-shaped haircut by now, right? Well, incensed by the injustice of the card, Stiin then stuck out his neck and pecked the linesman in the eye with the, well, "beak" of his hair-flamingo. Apparently the referee considered the hair peck the equivalent of a headbutt and gave him immediate marching orders. Cloudchaser had to trot over and walk the bulging-eyed Stiin off the pitch. But once play finally resumed, Mallox carried right on with their dominance of Holmenkollen despite being down a man. Trajan Bruyne walloped Hernan Dé's free kick into the roof of the net with a swinging leg in first half stoppage time, and then Kárpáty clinically buried Mehmet Curwyk's cross in the 64th. All the while, Till Ümann kept the metronome pulsing in midfield and teenage defensive midfielder August Chappelle ran Holmenkollen ragged. Chappelle almost made it seem like Mallox were the ones up a man. With Crawford City drawn into a fruitless end-to-end goalfest at The Amphitheatre and Eastweald felled by Lundblade Tactics in Samaj, the win means the Tigers are back to being the apex predators of the league table.

The other highlights of the round were the pair of 5-3 results. Neither quite as enthralling as the memes surrounding Stiin's flamingo-hair-beak-peck-thing, but Real Azuris were buoyed by Varezzi's decision to insert Hidalgo Antúnes and Lyyli Silvén into the starting line-up, both of whom combined beautifully with Bryger Tidesson to account for four of the five Azurian goals at Ramusok United. In the other, Goldstaff City masterfully navigated FC Samotath's unorthodox attacking formation, hitting the jackpot with rapid counters over the top to Aelfwynn Bannion and refusing to compromise defensively. Along with Cassandra City, Goldstaff have been one of the under-the-radar form sides since the midseason break, elevating themselves from the relegation battle to within sight of top half.

AOCL Quarterfinals
Real Azuris 0-1 Millennium City (NFX)
Millennium City 1-1 Real Azuris
Millennium City advance 2-1 on aggregate

More disappointment for Real Azuris, though they can't have too many complaints after fielding basically their Youth Cup team in the home leg. Tidesson (Alfred, that is) scores within seven minutes back in 95X to draw level on aggregate but undid his good work with a heartbreaking own-goal in stoppage time.

All the talking points now are about a "three-horse race" between bitter Gellano Fief enemies Eastweald and Mallox, and defending runners-up Crawford. But don't forget about Pelethas. Mohsin Changez is finally back on the scoresheets again and Gudrun Crowley has taken a leadership role in strengthening up their defensive as of late. Five points isn't insurmountable for them with eight matches to play. Those four look like locks for the Champions' Cup, but the bloodshed for the three Globe Cup spots is going to be madness. Moving further down... at this point, underachieving Real Azuris and Ramusok United would just like to save some face and finish top half.

1012 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Mallox                 26   15   6   5    55   35  +20    51   CC
 2  Crawford City FC       26   14   8   4    62   46  +16    50   CC
 3  Eastweald              26   15   4   7    59   39  +20    49   CC
 4  Pelethas United        26   13   7   6    69   58  +11    46   CC
 5  Cassandra City         26   11   6   9    59   55   +4    39   GC
 6  FC Samotath            26   10   8   8    58   55   +3    38   GC
 7  OAS Royal FC           26    9  10   7    66   62   +4    37   GC
 8  IFK Aldenskoett        26    9   9   8    36   38   −2    36
 9  Samaj FC               26    9   8   9    45   46   −1    35
10  Stoneshore United      26    9   5  12    45   41   +4    32
11  Goldstaff City         26    8   8  10    47   53   −6    32
12  Real Azuris            26    8   7  11    53   55   −2    31
13  Ramusok United         26    7   9  10    56   63   −7    30
14  Klyde                  26    8   6  12    53   61   −8    30
15  Na'Ilee Mariners       26    6  10  10    41   48   −7    28
16  Olask Islanders        26    7   7  12    41   50   −9    28   PO
17  AC Holmenkollen        26    6   5  15    52   69  −17    23   R
18  Treftadaeth Alliance   26    4   9  13    47   70  −23    21   R

Golden Boot Leader: 
  Alexander Kárpáty (24)

The millions of people scattered across Cosumar's eight space colonies are following the Sekundar Ligan with baited breath right now. It's starting to look like "the year" - finally - that one of their own might really do it. Break the glass ceiling and become the first colonial club in the elite ranks of the Härlighet Ligan. Regéla Colony's focal club, Regalia City, is so close they can taste it. Will they make history and force the terrestrial Cosumarite masses to pay more attention to what's happening offworld? Or will they slip up in the final eight matches? Traditional power FC Kaldukosic will be waiting for them to...

1012 Sekundar Ligan      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Zakhoro Aces           26   14   7   5    67   41  +26    49   P
 2  Regalia City           26   13   7   6    61   45  +16    46   P
 3  FC Kaldukosic          26   12   8   6    63   50  +13    44   PO
 4  Fevelo Colony          26   13   5   8    39   32   +7    44
 5  Fort Archer FC         26   13   4   9    38   38    0    43
 6  Keenan Athletic        26   10  10   6    57   50   +7    40
 7  Helfin Fief            26   12   4  10    42   41   +1    40
 8  Ziemelu Skaida         26   11   4  11    39   35   +4    37
 9  Versiaville            26   10   7   9    45   42   +3    37
10  Nomad Brotherhood FC   26    9   9   8    48   40   +8    36
11  Gwynt Tywyll           26    9   8   9    22   23   −1    35
12  West Gundar FC         26   10   4  12    48   51   −3    34
13  Sindo Fief             26   10   4  12    34   40   −6    34
14  Morponte Fief          26    8   7  11    30   31   −1    31
15  Centus Serpents        26    8   6  12    45   62  −17    30
16  AFC Obscura 98         26    4  11  11    32   49  −17    23   R
17  Otkins Numenvernia     26    6   4  16    37   55  −18    22   R
18  Pristine Forest        26    4   7  15    40   62  −22    19   R

FC Flen and Cassandra's Riverside Crew hold steady in the top two spots, though Cassandra Cosmopolitan (some h y p e local derbies between those two this year) remain in range of challenging them for one of those automatic promotions. It's much less clear-cut for those four playoff spots, however, with the top nine all still with an excellent chance. At the other end, it appears that old-time Eastweald nemesis Yambridge City will in fact suffer consecutive relegations to Conference play. Tis a shame.

1012 Tredje Ligan                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  FC Flen                         32   19   7   6    89   63  +26    64   P
 2  Riverside Crew                  32   19   7   6    70   44  +26    64   P
 3  Cassandra Cosmopolitan          32   19   5   8    44   27  +17    62   PO
 4  Pardock Island                  32   15  10   7    52   37  +15    55   PO
 5  Seryddwyr Aberaeron             32   15   6  11    55   42  +13    51   PO
 6  Klyde Heritage                  32   13  11   8    53   45   +8    50   PO
 7  Revanigruud Riversharks         32   13   9  10    46   36  +10    48
 8  Rexnor District 3               32   14   6  12    43   33  +10    48
 9  Sontafe City                    32   13   9  10    45   42   +3    48
10  Portsmouth FC                   32   11  11  10    46   41   +5    44
11  Sepultura                       32   10  12  10    69   64   +5    42
12  Larkinham Town                  32   10  11  11    45   52   −7    41
13  Brayllor Town                   32   11   8  13    44   52   −8    41
14  Bergtatt Isle Athletic          32    8  14  10    53   55   −2    38
15  White Tower FC                  32   11   5  16    49   61  −12    38
16  Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   32   10   8  14    34   46  −12    38
17  Silk FC                         32   11   5  16    41   63  −22    38
18  Everlong FC                     32    8  10  14    51   60   −9    34   R
19  Yambridge City                  32    7  10  15    38   49  −11    31   R
20  Sammet Ridge                    32    8   7  17    26   38  −12    31   R
21  West Devellin                   32    8   7  17    36   55  −19    31   R
22  Tamiat Town                     32    7   6  19    36   60  −24    27   R

Round of 16
IFK Karlsborg (L1) 1–3 Stoneshore United (H)
Otkins Numenvernia (S) 2–2 Samaj FC (H) (2–3 AET)
Crawford City FC (H) 4–2 Ziemelu Skaida (S)
Nomad Brotherhood (S) 1–1 Olask Islanders (H) (1–1 AET) (1–4 pen.)
FC Kaldukosic (S) 1–1 Menoptera United (L2) (3–2 AET)
Cassandra City (H) 3–1 Versiaville (S)
Pelethas United (H) 1–3 Eastweald (H)
Interstellar Erurok (L2) 0–4 OAS Royal FC (H)

No upsets to be found, not even mild ones. The few remaining non-CosumarLigan clubs are punched out (though Menoptera from Geminus Colony made Kaldukosic sweat). The star of the slightly boring round is young Olask goalkeeper Trent Fielding for his three penalty shootout saves - plus one in regular time - to send the Nomads packing.

Quarterfinals
Stoneshore United (H) 0–3 Samaj FC (H)
Crawford City FC (H) 1–0 Olask Islanders (H)
FC Kaldukosic (S) 0–1 Cassandra City (H)
Eastweald (H) 3–3 (4–3 AET) OAS Royal FC (H)

...And with a snap of her neck in the 84th minute, Cassandra City's Ki Niro sent the last remaining Sekundar Ligan side, FC Kaldukosic, out of the competition. It's all big boys from here. Crawford City FC, for example, kept their hopes of a double alive with Rusalka Klein's skipping shot that went through the hands of Trent Fielding -the lad cruelly from hero to goat - in the 54th minute. Over in Stoneshore, whether out of confidence or indifference, Johannes Lundblade brought a Samaj FC B-team to the King's Cup Quarterfinals and won 3-0 anyways, Astor Zigfield finally scoring her first goal for the club. The most exciting match of the round by far, however, was Eastweald's scintillating chess match with OAS Royal. Theresa Riether and Sur Arora really went toe-to-toe in this one, making numerous tactical changes and earning each other's mutual respect, but in the end it was the far more senior Nepharim who guided her side to victory. Mina Mordini's screamer in the 114th minute was well-deserving of being the knockout punch.

Semifinals Fixtures

Samaj FC vs. Crawford City FC
@ Estadio MasseMord (42.243), Azuris, South Klyde Fief

Cassandra City vs. Eastweald
@ Kamu Road (24.000), Olask, Olask Fief

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Jan 31, 2018 8:51 pm

Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
Versiaville 2-2 Inland Peaks (VIL)

Versiaville are sitting pretty with a 2-0 lead in the 32nd minute after Nightrider Lassiter manages to get an uncleared corner under his feet in the box, but their Achilles Heel this season (inconsistent goalkeeping) struck again to fuck it all up. Both of Inland Peaks' goals were preventable, especially the second in the 80th minute. The Vilitan side were stretched thin on the day but nevertheless return to their home fortress with away goals in their favor.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 27
AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Samaj FC
Mallox 2–1 FC Samotath
Goldstaff City 1–2 Ramusok United
Real Azuris 3–3 Cassandra City
Crawford City FC 3–1 Stoneshore United
Olask Islanders 2–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
OAS Royal FC 6–5 IFK Aldenskoett
Na'Ilee Mariners 3–3 Klyde
Pelethas United 0–2 Eastweald

"This is it, right here. This is the one we've been waiting for," Pelethas manager Euan Jersey tells the press before facing Eastweald. "This is our chance as a team to show what we can do against the best in Cosumar. Pelethas, we've arrived. We're crashing this title race." Well, they tried. They really did. The Miners poured their guts into this match with conviction that sheer effort would deliver a season-changing win. Unfortunately, they didn't account for the sheer talent of Eastweald's wingers. In the 32nd minute, in the left corner of the box, Eva Velasquez flicked the ball up to herself to get past an incredulous Craig Mallman and lashed it towards goal... out of thin air. The contact was true and the ball, always rising, sailed past a diving Jillian Nier into the top corner side-netting. A stunned gasp filled the Xanadu Dome and Velasquez raced off to celebrate what might be the Showboat Goal of the Season. Nier later saved an Amokachi penalty to keep Pelethas clinging to hope, but it was to no avail. Sven Haalogalsson essentially sealed the championship field to three in the 89th minute, catching Pelethas with all their numbers forward and finishing 1v1 with Nier. While Eastweald's win likely ended trophy aspirations for Pelethas, it did little for the Elves themselves with Mallox and Crawford City FC winning without trouble.

In the Globe Cup melee, stragglers Ramusok United got a lift in their last-gasp effort to catch up to the main pack by taking out form side Goldstaff City in stoppage time, Lara Wedderburn crashing into the back post to polish off Sparrow Body's perfect long diagonal ball. In sunny South Klyde, Real Azuris took a 2-0 first half lead over Cassandra City, a club trying to hold on to one of those coveted Globe Cup spots, through the invention of Bryger Tidesson and Mbdiai Akarenaa. Their midfield grew sluggish in the second half, however, allowing Bellerophon Serafino, Phillippe-Michel Schneiderlin and Ursula Rowan to run through them and ultimately netting Charles Dyer Vry a hat trick in 20 minutes after the restart. Fortunately for Luis Varezzi, Sandra Sybill was able to bail him out with an equalizing free kick late on. Her grass-scorcher from 22 yards also did OAS Royal a favor. Royal were (barely) able to hang on to a 6-3 lead over IFK Aldenskoett to slip past the Reds into 5th. At the bottom, inspired braces from wingers Toussaint Robitaille and Sezon Na'Sugadaleh's spared their respective sides (Treftadaeth Alliance and Na'Ilee Mariners) potentially crippling losses.

Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Inland Peaks 0-2 Versiaville
Versiaville advance 4-2 on aggregate

Versiaville get a better performance in goal this time and, without the shooting themselves in the foot, Jeremy Hayes' fast-hitting attack can outshine Inland Peaks once again and secure advancement to the semifinal. Could Versiaville become the third Cosumarite club to play in the SBCC Final this decade? What about the first to win? "We have the belief! We can win this!" defensive midfielder McCall Kirby cried out victoriously after the Quarterfinal triumph.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 28
Samaj FC 0–0 Pelethas United
Eastweald 1–1 Na'Ilee Mariners
Klyde 2–3 OAS Royal FC
IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 Olask Islanders
Treftadaeth Alliance 5–2 Crawford City FC
Stoneshore United 3–3 Real Azuris
Cassandra City 6–2 Goldstaff City
Ramusok United 1–3 Mallox
FC Samotath 1–4 AC Holmenkollen

Never underestimate a relegation-threatened team's propensity to win when pushed up against the wall. Last-place Treftadaeth Alliance, who are definitely good enough to not be last, represented an obvious banana peel for Crawford City FC, yet Amethyst Fegelein's side slipped on it anyways. And they slipped hard. They went up to The Wormhole looking like they expected to win. Their play was uninspired and just generally a half-step slow. Astronomers winger Tess Pell took it upon herself to punish CCFC. The Rozelle native turned on the jets to race to the byline and chip in the cross for Isaiah Miller's opening goal in the 14th minute, then turned the corner on Kubra Babaturk before rifling inside the near post herself in the 33rd minute. Shellshocked and too conscious of the stakes, Crawford City FC capitulated further from there. When Pell beautifully bent her second in off the woodwork in the 62nd minute to make it 5-0, the Elephants had already long-since checked out, Fegelein looking bony and grim under layers of heavy fur coats on the bench as the Alliance ultras roared.

Na'Ilee Mariners likewise tripped up Eastweald, Jeremy McNott making a sprawling behind-the-head save on Peter Morrison's blast in the 88th minute to preserve a draw. As for Mallox? These Tigers are the epitome of solid. They kept rolling and opened up a four-point gap out in front. Pasargan defender Tas Danko was the Man of the Match with a titanic performance in the back, matching the physicality of Jock Sonny's battlers, and a determined flying header on the other end. In other relevant happenings, Goldstaff's defense get blinded by the bright Cassandra lights and are absolutely taken apart by City's forwards (Goulding with a hat trick and Dyer Vry's brace upping his season haul to 20), OAS Royal stay level on points thanks to Claudia Cautcher's 79th minute winner in Klyde City and AC Holmenkollen fire themselves closer to another logic-defying escape with a sparkling attacking display in Samotath, beating the Black Hawks at their own game.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 29
FC Samotath 7–2 Samaj FC
AC Holmenkollen 1–3 Ramusok United
Mallox 1–4 Cassandra City
Goldstaff City 1–0 Stoneshore United
Real Azuris 2–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Crawford City FC 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Olask Islanders 2–2 Klyde
OAS Royal FC 3–2 Eastweald
Na'Ilee Mariners 3–4 Pelethas United

FC Samotath don't *like* being beaten at their own game. So they make amends as unwitting Samaj FC stroll into town, unloading two games' worth of all-out aggression on them. Despite Johannes Lundblade's reputation for running a well-drilled defense, Samotath were unstoppable. The scary thing is that Miroslav Vorobyov's hat trick and Interrobang Bermond and Jordan Emery's braces could've been more if Kerwin Maston wasn't flying all over the place between the sticks. In a minor Ramusok Derby, Holmenkollen seem on their way to another plucky upset when Kamaal Nyle effortlessly redirects Darren Tabaz's angled through ball past Lilley Kearney, but Ramusok United are able to hold steady and fight back through the creativity of Adrián Del Toro and ultimately win 3-1. After the match, Holmenkollen scorer Nyle rankled Minnie Lotuda by saying that United manager Jock Sonny should "give him a ring" after the season and "move him across town". Seriously, Nyle? Talking up a switch to the enemy during a desperate survival push? Lotuda is very big on commitment - don't be surprised if she ends her leading scorer's season and gives his minutes to Felix Keller over this.

Kamaal Nyle wasn't the only one who lost his grip. Mallox, so consistent this season, shipped the sizzling Reds four goals in a shocking Saturday morning home slip. Bellerophon Serafino had his best game of the season in the Tigers' den, marauding powerfully forward from midfield and hitting two stunning long-range strikes for Cassandra City. Kennedy Kopenhaver was livid in the immediate aftermath but would've been thanking his lucky stars by bedtime after watching Eastweald also lose that evening in the matchday's nightcap. Eastweald's expensive roster wasn't enough to keep up with the chemistry of OAS homegrown girls Sen Marsteller and Zoë Aedelbrandt. CCFC failed to take advantage too, held to a point at home by a tenacious IFK Aldenskoett still adamant on Globe Cup hopes. Finally, streaky Pelethas United striker Mohsin Changez restored some intrigue to the Golden Boot with a casual hat trick in Na'Ilee to close the gap behind Alexander Kárpáty. But, never to be overshadowed, it is Bryger Tidesson who will take the starring role in the week's highlight reels. That solo run that led to his 88th minute winner was...arresting. Before finishing with a chip that devastated Trefta fans everywhere, the Cosumar superstar jumped OVER a sideways slide tackle from equine midfielder Apple Jack and continued on his focused assault on goal unfazed.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 30
Samaj FC 4–3 Na'Ilee Mariners
Pelethas United 4–4 OAS Royal FC
Eastweald 3–2 Olask Islanders
Klyde 1–3 Crawford City FC
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Real Azuris
Treftadaeth Alliance 0–4 Goldstaff City
Stoneshore United 1–0 Mallox
Cassandra City 3–3 AC Holmenkollen
Ramusok United 2–3 FC Samotath

Five matches to go and shit's getting tight again. We've seen this before: the route to a championship so often must pass through the fog and ferocity of Port Stoneshore. Stoneshore United have been starved for goals since midseason, but it only takes one to win a game, and they got it in the 85th minute from young Handon United loanee Jayden Fox to knock off the visiting leaders. This time, Eastweald and Crawford are able to take advantage. Nepharim stars Ishtar Fanaiyan and Chrysanthe Scafidis trade blows at Old Weldenskirgen, but it's a very special Nepharim in Penumbra Amokachi who comes good for Eastweald in the 94th minute to shake off Olask. The scenes that ensued reminded us why we love football... Gold shirts dogpiling Amokachi with countless more manically waving flags in the background, all united in relief that her ability to put yet another Nepharim in Louelle Rennold on skates and finish with precision might've saved their season. CCFC's win was a little more comfortable, Rusalka Klein barely breaking a sweat in her manipulation of Klyde's midfield en route to a goal, an assist for Kevin Stabb and a crucial win for her new club.

Recently-anointed Real Azuris gaffer Luis Varezzi also seems to be making progress for his new club. For the first time all season, they're in the top half. Hooray? Sandra Sybill hasn't been the same inspirational player that she was last year for Azuris, but today it was her sweeping finish that finally broke IFK Aldenskoett's resistance after a nice passage of play with Hidalgo Antúnes and Hakki Ojala.

Other interesting matches include comeback bids from 4-1 down by both Pelethas United and Na'Ilee Mariners. The latter fall just short in Samaj with Tomi Jakoljevic making a crucial clearance off the line, but Pelethas actually succeed in clawing back to 4-4 against OAS Royal with some flowing creativity in the final third between Auburn Tarrant and Charlie Alotic. Royal have had a good bounce-back year under Sur Arora, but their back four (and even respected keeper Aswad Munif Shalhoub at times) has often been shambolic. Like today. Give Pelethas some credit though. Even after their loss to Eastweald, they've continued to impress.

1 Mallox                  30   17   6   7    61   42  +19    57
 2 Crawford City FC       30   16   9   5    71   54  +17    57
 3 Eastweald              30   17   5   8    67   45  +22    56

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 31
Ramusok United 1–1 Samaj FC
FC Samotath 5–2 Cassandra City
AC Holmenkollen 1–0 Stoneshore United
Mallox 2–1 Treftadaeth Alliance
Goldstaff City 2–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Real Azuris 1–1 Klyde
Crawford City FC 0–2 Eastweald
Olask Islanders 0–2 Pelethas United
OAS Royal FC 5–3 Na'Ilee Mariners

Eastweald @ Crawford City was going to be a defining match of the entire season. Everyone knew it. The media knew it (and promoted it as such). Fans knew it (and packed bars as such). Theresa Riether and Amethyst Fegelein certainly knew it (and tried to motivate their players as such). I mean, look at that table. Most likely, the day would end with one team continuing their march towards their first title and the other lying on the roadside. Orangi Stadium stood as one as the players took the pitch and was still standing when the final whistle came. Unfortunately, it was more of solemn stand... in respect to their gutted players who remained motionless laying or kneeling on the pitch. The big boys had won. Experience had won. Eastweald 2-0 Crawford.

It wasn't the greatest match to watch, both teams airing on the side of caution in the first half, even after Jo de Marisco twisted and turned in the box and curled the opening goal around Hansi Weschler in the 33rd minute. Yet even in the second half, as Fegelein sent the Elephants forward, Crawford City never quite seemed comfortable going for it against Eastweald. Their best chance came in the 58th minute when Jennifer Farrow touched Kim Coultan in on goal, but Esteban Hernandez came charging out and got enough of a fingernail on her rapid-fire shot to look back and watch it skip centimeters wide. Otherwise, Jefferson and Eric Bambic largely mopped everything up before it got to Hernandez. Just as regular time turned to stoppage time with the score still 1-0, Fanaiyan showed why CCFC were so hesitant to open the game up. She stormed down their right side on the break, leaving devastation in her wake, before taking a touch wide of on-rushing Weschler, prancing past him and finishing from a long, tight angle with a somersault. Could this finally be the season Eastweald lift the trophy? Thanks to Alexander Kárpáty staying on-point there's still Mallox to deal with, but, in this moment? It certainly feels like they can do anything.

AC Holmenkollen and FC Samotath were also big winners as we begin the final month, leapfrogging other clubs into the Relegation Playoff and Globe Cup places, respectively. Spidey senses are tingling Fiefdomwide that Holmenkollen are in the midst of receiving divine intervention to keep them in the Härlighet Ligan. Again. The goal that saved them today came on a straight-ahead dipping knuckleball blast by 18-year-old academy lass Ariadne Kolomainen. From 35 yards. On her senior debut. I mean, come on. Finally, there's a Klyde Derby that doesn't feel like a Klyde Derby. The Doves and the Breakers have both pretty much thrown in the towel already. There are no stakes and the oft-anticipated match's atmosphere (and bland result) sadly reflects it, though Andrew Arrowsword's half-bike momentarily gave Azurians something to smile about.

1 Mallox                  31   18   6   7    63   43  +20    60
 2 Eastweald              31   18   5   8    69   45  +24    59
 3 Crawford City FC       31   16   9   6    71   56  +15    57

Series B Champions' Cup Semifinal, First Leg
Versiaville 0-1 Grenville Sailors (ETM)

With nothing else to get excited about this season, Versiaville Soccer Club rallied the city around their SBCC push. Versiaville Pavilion sold out an expanded over-capacity crowd within ten seconds of tickets going on sale for the semifinal date with Electrumite side Grenville Sailors. The buzz of anticipation was thick in their air as the Navy Blue kicked the match off. Unfortunately, that's the loudest they would get all night. The crowd never had much to get excited about. Grenville were stolid but effective, suffocating any Versian chances. In the 87th minute, they struck the home side a cruel blow, sending a penalty straight down the middle after an accidental handball in the box. Versiaville have it all to do in Electrum if they want to make the Final.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 32
Samaj FC 2–3 OAS Royal FC
Na'Ilee Mariners 1–0 Olask Islanders
Pelethas United 5–2 Crawford City FC
Eastweald 2–3 Real Azuris
Klyde 6–2 Goldstaff City
IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Mallox
Treftadaeth Alliance 3–2 AC Holmenkollen
Stoneshore United 2–2 FC Samotath
Cassandra City 4–2 Ramusok United

Um, well, this is awkward. Our previous dismissal of Pelethas from the title race may have been... premature. Sorry Pelethas. Euan Jersey called MD27 against Eastweald "the one", but he was mistaken too. The Miners have gone undefeated since that loss while the top three have been busy beating each other up. Now, after a stunning 5-2 romping of Crawford City that frankly no one saw coming and other results going their way, the southern shakers are right back in the thick of it. Auburn Tarrant was the first big name Pelethas recruited when they rejoined the Härlighet Ligan and, fittingly, it was the veteran attacking mid who made the difference in the match that also clinched their longstanding UICA goal. She outfoxed the likes of Peter Marshall and Dimitri Hagicostas for all 90 minutes. With time and composure on the ball and Gudrun Crowley doing the dirty work, Tarrant made the job easy for finishers Changez and Alotic. The defining moment of all Pelethas have been building towards... but will it come at the cost of a CCFC implosion?

The poetic narratives continued at Old Weldenskirgen later that afternoon. Real Azuris returned from the grave to haunt Eastweald once again. Season dead, but joyfully throwing a wrench in Eastweald's title plans... just like good 'ole times. "You've got to be fucking joking," Amokachi could be seen mouthing after reserve winger Ronan Bowditch, a relic of past Eastweald-Azuris wars, came on and made it 3-1 to Azuris by nutmegging Sol Myren before slicing a ball back across the face of goal for Sybill to fortuitously scramble home off Haalogalsson's calf. "We salute [IFK defender Nicoló] Bassi for bailing us out, but this was a missed opportunity bigger than Valanora's trophy cabinet," Riether said later. "Believe me, I know what it takes to be a champion, and this club will never arrive by continuing to take two steps forward and one step back."

This was also a week that saw the bottom of the table really start to take shape. Treftadaeth Alliance are still in hot water, three points away from potential safety, but that's better than being six points adrift - which is what they were before coming out on top from a massive meeting with fellow bottom side AC Holmenkollen. They can thank Kamaal Nyle, who earned himself two silly yellow cards in 50 minutes in his first match back from Minnie Lotuda's doghouse. Trefta have mastered their straightforward style at home too well to let that kind of advantage go unpunished, and ruthlessly efficient Isaiah Miller has the easiest of jobs. Klyde FC, meanwhile, can finally breathe easy after officially securing their safety. Sophia Trevelyan's five-goal masterclass was the big storyline there, though only two were actually from the run-of-play, the Llamanean unapologetically converting three controversial penalties. Mariners also took a step in the right direction. It has been obviously between them and Olask Islanders for that Pro/Rel Playoff spot for months now, and Na'Ilee took the long-awaited meeting on Louise Crost's hammered finish to the lower corner in the 16th minute and spirited defending the rest of the way, Sallie Wheeler in particular showing glimpses of her potential. If the Islanders are indeed forced into the playoff, it places Collette Sade at risk of two sackings in one half-season.

1 Mallox                  32   18   6   8    63   44  +19    60
 2 Eastweald              32   18   5   9    71   48  +23    59
 3 Pelethas United        32   16   9   7    84   69  +15    57
 4 Crawford City FC       32   16   9   7    73   61  +12    57
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
15 Na'Ilee Mariners       32    7  12  13    55   65  −10    33
16 Olask Islanders        32    7  10  15    48   61  −13    31  PO  
17 AC Holmenkollen        32    8   6  18    64   81  −17    30  R
18 Treftadaeth Alliance   32    6  10  16    59   84  −25    28  R

Series B Champions' Cup Semifinal, Second Leg
Grenville Sailors 3-1 Versiaville
Grenville Sailors advance 4-1 on aggregate

Well, at the very least, it's impressive that a club still in the second-tier made it to the doorstep of a UICA Final against teams mostly in top-tiers.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 33
Cassandra City 1–0 Samaj FC
Ramusok United 3–3 Stoneshore United
FC Samotath 2–2 Treftadaeth Alliance
AC Holmenkollen 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Mallox 4–2 Klyde
Goldstaff City 3–2 Eastweald
Real Azuris 1–0 Pelethas United
Crawford City FC 4–0 Na'Ilee Mariners
Olask Islanders 3–2 OAS Royal FC

Eastweald pick the worst time to run into a nuclear-powered Goldstaff City. The Guardians have been surging for several weeks, now ascended to the top half, and it is indeed lead man Ted "Nuke" Dolanukitainen who officially ends Eastweald's championship contention with his second-half brace. That's a painful way for the Elves to watch that elusive title slip away yet again... socks wet from a dewy Bostitch Lane pitch with Nuke doing his trademarked "blastoff" celebration ad nauseam. Goldstaff City went out and bought Aelfwynn Bannion after Nuke struggled to adapt to the top flight last season, but the (over)confident Cosumarite has undoubtedly been the star of their show this season. Real Azuris, seemingly keen to continue their newfound role as spoilers, copy Goldstaff and snuff out Pelethas United's own flickering hopes of lifting the trophy. They don't have a Nuke, but they have experienced left back Adrian Lindberg, who launched a missile of his own that struck its target from the left in the 90th minute on what might have been his final Estadio MasseMord bow.

...And then there were two. Mallox and CCFC keep plugging away with four-goal performances under pressure, displaying all the qualities that have seen them to this position against opponents that never stood a chance. Like Lindberg, looongtime Crawford City FC fullback Jens Reiniger also received a heartwarming home sendoff. The Elephants allowed the beloved Pasargan to sub in to a standing ovation and take the penalty that capped off their 4-0 win. There's also a huge win for Collette Sade's Islanders to ensure that, at the very least, her new club won't suffer automatic relegation. Players like Francesca Scougall, Massif DeKlan and keeper Trent Fielding really stepped up in this one to hold OAS Royal's loaded attack largely at bay and local poster-girl Hera Poxay, lacking end product all season, finally delivered with a brace when it mattered most. Treftadaeth Alliance, on the other hand, are the first club to officially go down. Their tickets back to Sekundar Ligan are punched by Samotath's merciless maestro Miroslav Vorobyov after five seasons.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 34

The middle of the table loosened up dramatically in the final weeks, so there isn't as much left to the final matchday as many would've expected earlier in the season. Pelethas United and Eastweald have the third and fourth Champions' Cup berths locked down, and the Globe Cup delegation (Cassandra City, OAS Royal, FC Samotath) is essentially set as well - though they could finish in any order between themselves.

Here are the real areas of interest as we enter Championship Sunday:

1 Mallox                  33   19   6   8    67   46  +21    63
 2 Crawford City FC       33   17   9   7    77   61  +16    60
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
16 Na'Ilee Mariners       33    7  12  14    55   69  −14    33  PO
17 AC Holmenkollen        33    8   6  19    64   82  −18    30  R
18 Treftadaeth Alliance   33    6  11  16    61   86  −25    29  R

The title is Mallox's to lose. Unless they, well, lose - and CCFC make up five points of goal-differential. That sounds difficult, but it only takes Mallox losing by 2 or 3 and CCFC winning by 2 or 3.

And guess who Mallox play on Championship Sunday! ...Eastweald. Their bitter rivals, in a Weald Classic. Theresa Riether's boys and girls may have just swallowed a bitter pill of disappointment, but they can still have a say in this title race and squash the celebrations already beginning on the other side of Gellano Fief. Crawford City FC, for their part, might actually be happy to see OAS Royal on their schedule. The Whites are a deep and talented opponent, but they have been prone to wildly high-scoring affairs this season. With Crawford needing to recover goal-difference, a frantic goalfest could be ideal if it goes their way.

At the bottom, AC Holmenkollen need a similar turn of events to nick the Relegation Playoff spot from Na'Ilee and live to die another day. Minnie Lotuda needs the Mariners to lose to Real Azuris (a likely scenario) and in turn win at The Klyde Sportsplex (where goals have flowed this season) by a sufficient scoreline. Ready or not, all the big matches around Cosumar are about to get underway...

It's not looking good for the two sides trying to fight against the odds, Crawford City and AC Holmenkollen.

Sindelaar rushed out of his goal in the 19th minute to challenge Amokachi but missed the ball. De Marisco's ensuing panenka penalty put Eastweald 1-0 up on title hopefuls Mallox, but it only matters if CCFC can take care of business in Ramusok. After 45 minutes, Amethyst Fegelein's side finds itself trailing 2-1 after Sarah Ward lost track of Claudia Cautcher in the box and Kubra Babaturk exposed Weschler by losing possession to Elsie Drover's pressure in a terrible area. They're not out of it yet, and there have been positive signals from Kim Coultan in the attack, but the teal, crimson and gold need a historic second half.

Similarly, the things out of Holmenkollen's control are lining up perfectly (Arrowsword is flat-out bullying Mariners' back line), but the Cedars are fucking up their part. Conceding is a natural consequence of pushing forward in desperation, but Griffin Riordan's 20-minute brace looked way too easy. They road to the promised land of safety is getting narrower and narrower. Even moreso than Crawford City FC, they need a second half miracle to win and make up GD.

Crawford City FC rally back and defeat OAS Royal 4-3 at the Crowley Memorial WC Stadium with Coultan leading the way, but it doesn't matter because Mallox found an equalizer in their tense Weald Classic at Eastweald. In the 83rd minute, hardworking center-mid Hernan Dé deservedly got to play hero after being the thankless engine room all season. Ümann looped a ball into the area and Hagicostas headed it away... straight to Dé 20 yards out. After taking a clever touch to bypass Peter Marshall's headstrong challenge, Dé struggled to get the ball under his feet for a few anxious seconds before finally firing off a rare shot low through the crowd, straight to the far post. His instincts served him well! Hernandez saw it late due to the congestion. All the Eastweald keeper could do was turn and watch helplessly as the ball deflected horizontally back in across the line by the slimmest of margins. Nearly half of Old Weldenskirgen was orange - Mallox fans making the pilgrimage to witness their club's return to glory - and their legions erupted in euphoric cacophony as soon as the woodwork chose their cause. With thousands of supporters behind them, the Tigers would hold on to the point for dear life despite Fanaiyan coming close a couple times.
Mallox FC are the 1012 Härlighet Ligan champions! AC Holmenkollen are simply unable to muster up enough on either end of the pitch against Klyde and will join Alliance in relegation, Minnie Lotuda's flawless survival record finally wrinkled. Will the Mariners join them too?

Promotion/Relegation Playoff

Na'Ilee Mariners are here after finishing 16th in the Härlighet Ligan. The playoff is as good as they could've realistically hoped for at the start of the season, really. Fans would've grabbed it in a heartbeat, even though they ultimately had a chance to avoid this game in the end. Young attacking players like Vesina Va'Lepeh, Sezon Na'Sugadaleh and Louise Crost were the biggest revelations of the campaign, their swagger and fearlessness compensating for other issues in the squad. Staying up would be a big coup for these players' continued development.

Helfin Fief are here after finish 3rd in Sekundar Ligan. They're hoping to bounce straight back up after last season's last-place HL finish. They were lingering outside the playoff spot for most of the season (think the 5th-7th range) but made a strong push in the final weeks to edge more-fancied teams like Regalia City and FC Kaldukosic. They're an older side than Na'Ilee, relying on the veteran talents of players like Neil Bravo, Mauricio Larkspur and Maxine Edelgrau and a strong defense. They won't make mistakes, they will force the Mariners to earn any victory.

CYGNUS CUP FINAL
@ Eels Park, Eelandii, Turori

Real Azuris XI: Ozuna - Lindberg, Wolff, A. Tidesson, Chisenhall (c) - Mormentor, Akarenaa, Sybill - Silvén, B. Tidesson - Arrowsword
Ulsa XI: Petrovic - Skinner, Leach, Ainsworth, Coles - Krause, Milic, Nolan, Szalai - Campbell, Valgard

The Cup Winners' Cup ends with a thriller, star strikers Andrew Arrowsword and Romikk Valgard going head-to-head and splitting the loyalties of non-Azurian Cosumarites. Both regular time and extra time unfold the same way, with a goal from each on the end of assists from star right wingers Bryger Tidesson and Adnan Szalai (and some words between Luis Varezzi and Nicky Martin). In the end, however, Ulsa prevail on the strength of Nemanja Petrovic's shot-stopping prowess that a slightly declining Ozuna is unable to match. With two elegant saves in the penalty shootout, the Petrovic prevented Real Azuris from taking their second Cygnus Cup in three years or salvaging a disappointing season with a trophy.

Real Azuris 1-1 (2-2 AET) (2-4 pen.) Ulsa
Romikk Valgard 12'
Andrew Arrowsword 43'
Romikk Valgard 103'
Andrew Arrowsword 117'

...

   1012 Härlighet Ligan    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Mallox                 34   19   7   8    68   47  +21    64  Champions/CC/AOCL
 2  Crawford City FC       34   18   9   7    81   64  +17    63  CC
 3  Eastweald              34   18   6  10    74   52  +22    60  CC
 4  Pelethas United        34   17   9   8    85   70  +15    60  CC
 5  Cassandra City         34   15   9  10    82   71  +11    54  GC
 6  OAS Royal FC           34   14  11   9    95   87   +8    53  GC
 7  FC Samotath            34   13  10  11    83   76   +7    49  GC
 8  Real Azuris            34   13  10  11    70   66   +4    49
 9  IFK Aldenskoett        34   12  11  11    50   53   −3    47
10  Samaj FC               34   12  10  12    57   62   −5    46
11  Goldstaff City         34   12   8  14    62   70   −8    44
12  Stoneshore United      34   10   9  15    55   54   +1    39
13  Klyde                  34   10   9  15    74   82   −8    39
14  Ramusok United         34    9  12  13    74   83   −9    39
15  Olask Islanders        34    8  10  16    51   64  −13    34
16  Na'Ilee Mariners       34    7  12  15    56   72  −16    33  Playoff (Relegated)
17  AC Holmenkollen        34    8   6  20    67   86  −19    30  Relegated
18  Treftadaeth Alliance   34    6  12  16    65   90  −25    30  Relegated




Härlighet Ligan XXIV Champions - MALLOX FOOTBALL CLUB

PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
1.   ST Alexander Kárpáty 
2.  CB Trajan Bruyne (NPH)
3.  ST Sen Marsteller (COS)
4.  AM Saltorius Splitt (COS)
5.  AM Kim Coultan (SCT)


NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:
1.   ST Griffin Riordan
2.  RW Ishtar Fanaiyan (NPH)
3.  ST Vesina Va'Lepeh (COS)
4.  CM Zana Ibrox (APX)
5.  RM Sezon Na'Sugadaleh (COS)


U21 PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
1.   ST Sen Marsteller (21)
2.  CM Jennifer Farrow (21, EFL)
3.  ST Lara Wedderburn (21, SCT)
4.  LW Mehmet Curwyk (20, COS)
5.  ST Zak Nyström (19, COS)


TOP GOAL SCORERS:
29 -   Alexander Kárpáty 
27 -  Mohsin Changez (COS)
25 -  Griffin Riordan (BRE)
24 -  Ted "Nuke" Dolanukitainen (COS)
22 -  Sen Marsteller (COS)
   -  Charles Dyer Vry (COS)
21 -  Claudia Cautcher (NPH)
19 -  Lara Wedderburn (SCT)
18 -  Charlie Alotic (MRC)
   -  Miroslav Vorobyov (SLL)
   -  Jason Goulding (QUE)
   -  Andrew Arrowsword (CEN)
   -  Sophia Trevelyan (SLL)
   -  Isaiah Miller (CMT)
17 -  Ki Niro (CMT)
   -  Hannah Alcouin (USI)
   -  Kevin Stabb (USI)
   -  Jordan Emery (VLD)
   -  Chrysanthe Scafidis (NPH)
   -  Vega Zeale-Riddick (COS)
   -  Penumbra Amokachi (NPH)

The Cosumarite Courier Team of the Season:

GK -  Johannes Sindelaar (SLL) 
DF -  Eric Bambic (ESH)
DF -  Trajan Bruyne (NPH)
DF -  Vara Swan (COS)
LM -  Mina Mordini (COS)
CM -  Rusalka Klein (NPH)
CM -  Kim Coultan (SCT) 
RM -  Ki Niro (CMT)
ST -  Alexander Kárpáty (PAS)
ST -  Mohsin Changez (COS)
ST -  Sen Marsteller (COS)

Bench:
Hernandez; Engram, Jakoljevic, Duguid; Velasquez, Rowan, Saltorius, Siorrha'Asione; Riordan, Dolanukitainen, Dyer Vry

Manager of the Year -

Kennedy Kopenhaver

Semifinals

Semifinal locations randomly drawn from pool of eligible venues; King's Cup Final always hosted in Ramusok Royal District (OAS).

 Samaj FC 2-0 Crawford City FC 
@ Estadio MasseMord (42.243), Azuris, South Klyde Fief

Gutinho and Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir score in the second half as Samaj just look more interested in the game and waltz to their first King's Cup Final.

 Cassandra City 1-0 Eastweald 
@ Kamu Road (24.000), Olask, Olask Fief

A well-played match between two strong sides but, like Crawford City, Eastweald have bigger things on their mind when this match is played and Cassandra City sneak through due to Calogero Metz's six fine saves and Jason Goulding's 49th minute volley.

KING'S CUP FINAL

SAMAJ FC vs. CASSANDRA CITY

@ Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium at The Royal Palace (105.000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

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 overseeing it all.

This is Samaj FC's first chance to win a major trophy in modern history. They had an unexceptional season, finishing 10th and losing their UICA streak amidst an unwanted managerial change, but this game represents a chance to take something tangible from the season and the Varezzi era. And, perhaps, the last appearance in a Samaj FC shirt for one Vega Zeale-Riddick.

Cassandra City, on the other hand, played in this game exactly ten years ago but lost a heartbreaker to nemesis Ramusok United. Only striker Thorodel Nagdalene and backup goalkeeper David Iziduko remain from that team, but Arturo Mancini will make sure the entire group is properly motivated to add a permanent piece to club history. Cassandra City recently finished 5th for the third consecutive season. Not quite up to their aspirations, but it could've been worse after their tough start. They bounced back and now have momentum on their side.

...

0' - Here come the Samaj FC players! It looks like Johannes Lundblade has selected the following starting eleven: Maston, Jakoljevic, Pladsen, Palmqvist, Valfar, Vanderlei, Del Arro, Møller, Sigurjónsdóttir and Zeale-Riddick. Pretty standard, though the choice of less skilled (but perhaps more reliable?) Pladsen to partner with Jakoljevic in the back is interesting.

0' - And here come the Reds! Arturo Mancini is fielding a starting eleven of Metz, Va'Afaja, Frostmarris, Gargo, Boag, Serafino, Rowan, Kobro and the usual trident of Dyer Vry, Goulding and Niro up top. I'm slightly surprised he has handed dynamic youngster Janet Kobro the start in midfield over the experienced hand of Schneiderlin.

1' - King James II has ceremonially wished both teams good luck, and Valfar has sent the first kick on its way! We're underway on in the capital! It's a gorgeous afternoon, so settle in.

6' - Cassandra City have had most of the ball so far, and they produce the Final's first close chance after five minutes! Ursula Rowan plays Charles Dyer Vry in on the left and the rising star hammers his running strike just beyond the far post.

8' - Jason Goulding is not happy after being clattered by Tomi Jakoljevic at the edge of the box for a free kick. Jakoljevic hastily apologizes, but Lundlade is applauding his physicality on the sideline. We may see a lot more of this. Samaj are generally bigger than City in the back and would be wise to exploit that.

17' - Good play from Samaj, finally! Bellerophon Serafino attempts a cute flick but none of his teammates read it and the ball is quickly headed the other way. Three or four players exchange passes before Rachel Del Arro puts in a cross that hangs dangerously for Vega Zeale-Riddick, but Calogero Metz arrives just in time to intercept. Samaj will need to punish these mistakes by Cassandra City if they hope to win.

22' - SAVE! First of the match! And it's Metz again, making a crucial sliding block after Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir picks out Del Arro on a breakaway 3-on-2.

23' - 30 seconds later, Kerwin Maston is forced into action in the other goal. It's a lovely delivery from Ki Niro, but Goulding's nodded finish goes straight into Maston's hands.

28' - Vega Zeale-Riddick: GOOOAAL! Cassandra City have had most of the pressure, but they've looked susceptible to rapid counters, and this time Samaj make them pay! Elias Møller streaks across the midfield line and picks out Zeale-Riddick up ahead. Tomi Jakoljevic slips and VZR is clear to finish and low and hard past Metz! They call her the Princess of the Plains in Samaj, and she celebrates her stunner by running over to the bench and putting on a big shiny crown! She struts back and forth in it, and King James II is shown on the jumbotron giving an amused chuckle and adjusting his own crown. For the moment, Zeale-Riddick's team rules the King's Cup. (SMJ 1-0 CAS)

34' - Close! Ki Niro dips inside and blazes over the crossbar.

37' - Yellow Card to Jakoljevic after some persistent rough play with Goulding. He'll have to be careful in the second half to avoid putting Samaj in a tough bind. He's having a fine game anchoring the Samaj back line though, having moments earlier stepped forward to intercept a ball for Niro.

41' - Jakoljevic may have been booked, but he continues to commit fouls. The Cassandra City bench is up in arms for him to be sent off with a second yellow after he takes out Rowan nastily. The ref stares straight ahead and ignores them.

44' - Niro hits the post! Cassandra City were just inches away from leveling before the break. What a wonderful, swirling free kick from the right. Maston was beaten.

45+3' - Half time at last as the Hunters clear away yet another set-piece. Samaj 1-0 Cassandra City.

50' - A little pedestrian from both sides so far in the second half. Samaj can't hold on to the ball in the face of Cassandra City's intense high-press, but the Reds' creative players are having trouble... creating.

55' - Jason Goulding: Finally! GOOOAAAL, Cassandra City! Sometimes it just takes some luck to get yourself going. Goulding hammers a volley off the back of Samaj defender Mulhaus Pladsen and into the net. Tough call whether it was Goulding's or an own goal, but regardless, credit goes to Diedrich Frostmarris for picking him out with a long ball out of the back. (SMJ 1-1 CAS)

59' - Arturo Mancini making two subs for Cassandra City. A fatigued-looking Dyer Vry makes way for Bennett Perkins, twelve years his senior, and there's another big addition of years as grizzled fullback Justinian Grimswald replaces teenage counterpart Va'Afaja. The youth got them back in the match. Now Mancini is looking to experience to pull it out. Moments earlier Samaj had inserted a new attacking threat of their own in Nathael.

61' - The subs are already making a difference. Perkins hits the byline a pulls a cross back for Niro, but she can only stab tamely at Maston for another save.

64' - Cassandra City have given the ball away so many times in promising positions, but Samaj's own attacking has not been quite so ruthless in the second half. They need to punish these err-- and oh, they just nearly did! Del Arro appears to be in through the middle but cannot find her footing for a shot and instead slides the ball over to Rasunda Vanderlei. Her powerful shot is diverted behind by the stubborn Metz.

68' - A frantic passage of play in which both sides waste their final ball in the span of a minute! Goulding's side-footed first-time hit was the best chance, but the pass from Niro was a little too long and allowed Maston to get in a position to block the shot. And now Jarobi Konsé is coming on to lend some fresh legs to the City midfield

72' - A SUPERB DOUBLE-SAVE BY KERWIN MASTON, DENYING NIRO AND THEN SERAFINO! How did Cassandra City not score?

74' - Jarobi Konsé: GOOOOAAAAL! The pressure was building! Cassandra City lead in the King's Cup with less than 20 minutes remaining! The short substitute gets vertical like a jumping bean to get the slightest of headed flicks on Rowan's astounding free kick to finally beat Maston! (SMJ 1-2 CAS)

80' - Cassandra City are still probing, looking for the dagger. They have dominated this second half and nearly get the deserved goal when Niro crosses to meet Serafino's charging run from the left but, unable to control his momentum, the Cosumar international heads straight ahead and wide of the near post.

86' - Finally, Samaj FC get the ball in the Reds' half for a spell. Keen not to waste it, they pass the ball around nervously until Sigurjónsdóttir squirts free of Grimswald to the byline and forces Frostmarris to hack it out for a corner.

87' - Sigurjónsdóttir launches the ball into the area - and it drops for Zeale-Riddick to shoot! The stadium's collective breath gets caught in its throat, but her shot is blocked by Stephen Gargo. VZR protests for a handball, but the ref waves it off.

90' - Three minutes added. Samaj FC are still attacking, but their momentum has waned somewhat. Cassandra City look set for a hard-fought trophy.

90'+2 - Going back the other way, Rowan brilliantly picks out Perkins on the edge of the box. The wily veteran dances past Pladsen to get closer instead of shooting, but in the end is only able to prod harmlessly straight at Maston. He might've done better. But it took up time, and that might be enough.

90+3' - At last, time is called! Cassandra City are the victors! The bench clears and runs across the pitch to celebrate as a team! Soon, they will soon be presented the gigantic King's Cup trophy from King James II himself, with their winning scoreline permanently engraved on it beneath all the great finals that have come before. Stuff of dreams as Calogero Metz, Belle Serafino and Ursula Rowan lift the trophy together amidst swirling red confetti and emotional songs from the traveling supporters.

~Sekundar Ligan, Tredje Ligan and Lägre Ligen tables will follow soon due to character limit~

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Jan 31, 2018 10:31 pm

Zakhoro Aces complete their domination of the second division, but more people are talking about Fevelo Colony - the first club from one of Cosumar's extraterrestrial territories to earn promotion to the top flight. Next season is going to be interesting. More people are even talking about FC Kaldukosic as a result of their spectacular late-season collapse when promotion seemed within reach. Are they just taunting their fans (and the HL execs who so desperately want their TV market back) at this point? At the other end, two of the three sides that just came up go back down, though Sindo Fief (the one thought least likely to stay up) managed to make themselves at home.

1012 Sekundar Ligan   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Zakhoro Aces           34   22   7   5    92   51  +41    73  Champions/SBCC/Promoted
 2 Fevelo Colony          34   18   5  11    55   47   +8    59  SBCC/Promoted
 3 Helfin Fief            34   17   6  11    52   47   +5    57  SBCC/Promoted (Playoff)
 4 Regalia City           34   16   8  10    74   58  +16    56
 5 Keenan Athletic        34   15  10   9    75   62  +13    55
 6 Ziemelu Skaida         34   17   4  13    56   47   +9    55
 7 Versiaville            34   14   9  11    61   53   +8    51
 8 FC Kaldukosic          34   13  11  10    78   69   +9    50
 9 Fort Archer FC         34   15   5  14    45   51   −6    50
10 Gwynt Tywyll           34   13  10  11    33   31   +2    49
11 Sindo Fief             34   14   5  15    45   50   −5    47
12 Nomad Brotherhood FC   34   12  10  12    61   53   +8    46
13 West Gundar FC         34   14   4  16    63   68   −5    46
14 Morponte Fief          34   11   9  14    38   39   −1    42
15 Centus Serpents        34   10   6  18    53   74  −21    36
16 Otkins Numenvernia     34    8   4  22    50   74  −24    28  Relegated
17 AFC Obscura 98         34    5  13  16    44   68  −24    28  Relegated
18 Pristine Forest        34    5   8  21    48   81  −33    23  Relegated


Sekundar Ligan XXIV Champions:



Silver Boot (Top Scorer):
  ST Dinko Spisic (24 goals)

Silver Ball (Best Player):
  AM Koru Özturk

With feverish local buzz, it came down to a pair of Cassandra-based sides for the title on the final matchday. With a 1-0 win, Riverside took it over Cosmopolitan, though both will take their rivalry to Sekundar Ligan next season. The right to join the two second-division debutants came down to a quartet of sides more well-versed in moving between the second and third divisions...
The most surprising relegations are Everlong, who haven't been below Tredje Ligan in over 20 years, and recent Sekundar Ligan regulars Yambridge City, who have never.

1012 Tredje Ligan              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Riverside Crew                  42   23  11   8    85   57  +28    80  Champions/Promoted
 2 Cassandra Cosmopolitan          42   24   8  10    59   33  +26    80  Promoted
 3 FC Flen                         42   23  10   9   104   74  +30    79  Promotion Playoff
 4 Pardock Island                  42   20  12  10    71   51  +20    72  Promotion Playoff
 5 Revanigruud Riversharks         42   21   9  12    67   47  +20    72  Promotion Playoff
 6 Klyde Heritage                  42   19  13  10    78   66  +12    70  Promotion Playoff
 7 Rexnor District 3               42   19   8  15    57   44  +13    65
 8 Sontafe City                    42   17  11  14    56   51   +5    62
 9 Seryddwyr Aberaeron             42   16  11  15    64   53  +11    59
10 Sepultura                       42   14  15  13    94   87   +7    57
11 Larkinham Town                  42   15  12  15    56   64   −8    57
12 Portsmouth FC                   42   14  14  14    58   57   +1    56
13 Bergtatt Isle Athletic          42   12  18  12    72   71   +1    54
14 Brayllor Town                   42   15   9  18    60   71  −11    54
15 Silk FC                         42   16   5  21    57   79  −22    53
16 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   42   13  10  19    49   63  −14    49
17 White Tower FC                  42   14   6  22    63   80  −17    48
18 Sammet Ridge                    42   13   8  21    38   50  −12    47  Relegated  
19 Everlong FC                     42   11  12  19    68   76   −8    45  Relegated  
20 Yambridge City                  42   11  12  19    56   68  −12    45  Relegated 
21 West Devellin                   42    8  10  24    44   78  −34    34  Relegated 
22 Tamiat Town                     42    9   6  27    50   86  −36    33  Relegated 


Tredje Ligan XXIV Champions:



Bronze Boot:
  FW Nine Nokkentvek (30 goals)

Bronze Ball (Best Player):
  RM Salome St. John

Promotion Playoffs
₃FC Flen 4-1 Klyde Heritage₆
₄Pardock Island 1-0  Revanigruud Riversharks₅

FC Flen 0-0 (0-0 AET) (3-2 pen) Pardock Island
Promoted to SekundarLigan:

1012 Conference Cosumarus  Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Esterhollow Harbor          27   18   5    42   18  +24    58  Champions/Promoted
 2 Hvalsey 08                  27   17   5    28   12  +16    56  Promoted
 3 IFK Sundsvall               27   16   6    47   33  +14    53  Promoted
 4 DeFinko Magni Blandinn      27   17   8    35   22  +13    53  Promotion Playoff
 5 Black Diamond Osterhaut     27   15   9    37   27  +10    48  Promotion Playoff
 6 AC Opjenheim                27   15  11    24   14  +10    46  Promotion Playoff
 7 Forest Hill FC              27   13   9    26   20   +6    44  Promotion Playoff
 8 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona       27   13  10    52   32  +20    43
 9 Azure Lane FC               27   12   8    31   20  +11    43
10 Sporting Pirankoper         27   12   8    33   26   +7    43
11 SC Swamport                 27   13  10    37   31   +6    43
12 Sarmon                      27   13  11    29   23   +6    42
13 Cadonica United             27   13  11    24   23   +1    42
14 IFK Karlsborg               27   11  12    27   32   −5    37
15 Somberlain FC               27   11  12    29   36   −7    37
16 Talmusok City               27   10  11    19   23   −4    36
17 Crawford Sharks SC          27   10  14    29   31   −2    33
18 Dawchire Town               27   10  14    25   30   −5    33
19 Moore Hill Pirates          27   10  14    20   31  −11    33
20 Cassandra City II           27    9  12    27   41  −14    33
21 Hagenheim South End         27    9  13    31   31    0    32
22 Atletisk Surpronuk          27    9  13    25   35  −10    32
23 Highlanders                 27    9  15    20   28   −8    30  Relegated 
24 Scarborough                 27    9  15    19   32  −13    30  Relegated 
25 Ayr Athletic                27    9  16    17   29  −12    29  Relegated 
26 AFC Wernersburg             27    6  13    19   37  −18    26  Relegated 
27 Ingleton Town               27    6  18    26   41  −15    21  Relegated  
28 Atletisk Östrad             27    6  18    26   46  −20    21  Relegated

Promotion Playoffs
₄DeFinko 0-0 (0-0 AET) (2-0 pen) Forest Hill FC₇
₅Black Diamond Osterhaut 0-1 AC Opjenheim₆

DeFinko 1-0 AC Opjenheim
Promoted to TredjeLigan: DeFinko Magni Blandinn

1012 Conference KlydeColonial  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Salfa City                      38   25   4   9    51   29  +22    79 Champions/Promoted
 2 Caledon Legion                  38   18  11   9    67   48  +19    65
 3 Tornline                        38   18  10  10    45   37   +8    64
 4 Meryuma Marshals                38   18   9  11    48   43   +5    63
 5 Usk Town                        38   18   6  14    84   78   +6    60
 6 Gnoss Gallants AFC              38   17   8  13    71   59  +12    59
 7 Nuur Origins FC                 38   15  13  10    62   46  +16    58
 8 Kalloroda United                38   15  12  11    72   66   +6    57
 9 Sólstafir                       38   18   2  18    62   59   +3    56
10 CD Panteras Nueces              38   14  11  13    52   55   −3    53
11 VfL Läutenstadt                 38   16   5  17    47   62  −15    53
12 Aberaeron Celtic                38   14  10  14    53   48   +5    52
13 Atlético Oterro                 38   12  11  15    75   75    0    47
14 Templar-Lune FC                 38   12  11  15    52   62  −10    47
15 Rexnor District 5               38   12  10  16    65   69   −4    46
16 Buscari Bridge Force            38   13   7  18    68   75   −7    46
17 Varvonti Firestorm              38   13   7  18    65   75  −10    46  Relegated
18 Piander Falls FC                38   10  10  18    50   62  −12    40  Relegated
19 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC        38    9   8  21    47   69  −22    35  Relegated
20 IFK Nordön                      38    8   5  25    33   52  −19    29  Relegated

Lägre Ligan 2 - Klyde    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Treacherous Cove AFC      29   18   5   6    48   35  +13    59  Champions/Promoted
 2 Sadenia Paladins          29   15   8   6    30   18  +12    53  Promoted
 3 Noumen Town               29   16   2  11    42   31  +11    50
 4 Erpland County            29   11  14   4    32   19  +13    47
 5 Moggington County         29   13   8   8    40   31   +9    47
 6 Wiedna Town               29   13   8   8    42   36   +6    47
 7 Gwerin Athletic           29   12   8   9    40   35   +5    44
 8 Emerald Cove              29   10  13   6    43   32  +11    43
 9 Interstellar Erurok       29   10  13   6    35   26   +9    43
10 FK Pentagram Pjattervid   29   12   7  10    43   35   +8    43
11 Glasbon SC                29   11  10   8    41   33   +8    43
12 Villa Forsetti            29   12   6  11    30   29   +1    42
13 Noths Castle              29   10  11   8    43   42   +1    41
14 Lindsborg Premier         29    9  14   6    31   31    0    41
15 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star   29   10  10   9    45   37   +8    40
16 Klyde City                29   11   6  12    36   34   +2    39
17 Orias-Kvissle SC          29    9  12   8    29   31   −2    39
18 Baymar Lagune             29    8  13   8    46   48   −2    37
19 Ardamirchan Isle United   29    9  10  10    32   35   −3    37
20 FC Kviststad              29    9   9  11    38   42   −4    36
21 Cerulia City FC           29    8  10  11    23   25   −2    34
22 Gibwir Marsnal            29    7  11  11    29   34   −5    32
23 Oxbow Lake                29    7  11  11    41   51  −10    32
24 Svart-Guld Klingaställe   29    7  10  12    30   37   −7    31
25 Hamlack Town              29    7  10  12    34   45  −11    31
26 Satyricon Nemeses AFC     29    7   9  13    29   39  −10    30
27 Real Azuris II            29    6   9  14    42   54  −12    27
28 Atletisk Kvelertak        29    6   9  14    29   43  −14    27
29 Flithby Town              29    6   7  16    33   51  −18    25
30 Oppland 806               29    5   9  15    29   46  −17    24

Lägre Ligan 2 - East     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Chesterton Cottagers      29   18   6   5    36   16  +20    60  Champions/Promoted
 2 Volmachtia Kaldukosic     29   16   7   6    35   22  +13    55  Promoted
 3 AFC Centus                29   15  10   4    25   13  +12    55
 4 Östrad Rockets FC         29   13  13   3    32   12  +20    52
 5 Wealdheim Bards           29   13  11   5    32   21  +11    50
 6 Marshall-Blue FC          29   15   5   9    30   25   +5    50
 7 Interstellar Östrad       29   14   7   8    39   20  +19    49
 8 IFK Sokuldijak            29   14   5  10    32   24   +8    47
 9 Cape Dutch Copperheads    29   14   4  11    36   24  +12    46
10 Paulsendam Town           29   12   8   9    27   23   +4    44
11 Nabataea                  29   11   9   9    35   34   +1    42
12 Ramusok United II         29   12   6  11    26   26    0    42
13 Dusk Athletic             29   11   9   9    21   24   −3    42
14 OAS Royal FC II           29   12   5  12    29   31   −2    41
15 Eastweald II              29   11   6  12    29   33   −4    39
16 Ollston Town              29   10   8  11    29   28   +1    38
17 East Devellin             29   11   5  13    22   24   −2    38
18 FC Samotath II            29    9  10  10    22   20   +2    37
19 Zirconim City             29    8  13   8    21   20   +1    37
20 Scarromere FC             29   10   7  12    26   30   −4    37
21 FC Stellendam             29    8  10  11    26   26    0    34
22 United FC of Stoneshore   29    7  12  10    22   28   −6    33
23 Sporting Corrian          29    8   7  14    21   31  −10    31
24 Coppell City FC           29    7   9  13    25   37  −12    30
25 1. FC Guggenheim          29    7   8  14    24   33   −9    29
26 Chittersbee Rangers       29    6  11  12    20   35  −15    29
27 FC Kaldukosic II          29    7   6  16    18   38  −20    27
28 IFK Keukenhok             29    6   8  15    20   33  −13    26
29 Mallox II                 29    7   5  17    25   40  −15    26
30 Lewisville Athletic       29    5   6  18    26   40  −14    21  Relegated

Lägre Ligan 2 - Central  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Club Toftir               29   14  12   3    41   19  +22    54  Champions/Promoted 
 2 Gladsax Chariot FC        29   14  10   5    29   18  +11    52  Promoted
 3 Jotungard 99 FC           29   14   9   6    31   17  +14    51
 4 Hassaburess Athletic      29   14   8   7    37   22  +15    50
 5 Carnessa County           29   13  11   5    21   11  +10    50
 6 Harlegan Rovers           29   12  12   5    32   22  +10    48
 7 High Noon FC              29   12  10   7    25   15  +10    46
 8 FC Invierness 912         29   11  11   7    27   21   +6    44
 9 Rhithlungwerddon Town     29   12   8   9    34   29   +5    44
10 Gorgoroth                 29    9  15   5    21   14   +7    42
11 Malm Town                 29   12   6  11    30   26   +4    42
12 Club Varden               29   11   8  10    23   18   +5    41
13 Taigaenplats              29    9  14   6    21   23   −2    41
14 Lykathea City             29   10  10   9    25   19   +6    40
15 SC Cirith 01              29   11   7  11    23   26   −3    40
16 Goldsoul FC               29   10  10   9    17   20   −3    40
17 Sporting Culmar           29   10   9  10    31   25   +6    39
18 Ajatarra Alligators       29   11   6  12    27   30   −3    39
19 Attemac Wanderers         29    9  11   9    26   27   −1    38
20 FC Fejd                   29   10   8  11    22   26   −4    38
21 Mintwick Marmots          29    9   8  12    15   23   −8    35
22 Keldin Town               29    8   9  12    17   23   −6    33
23 Impera Town               29    8   8  13    20   25   −5    32
24 Columbia Town             29    9   4  16    27   35   −8    31
25 Heofoncandel Uré          29    8   7  14    23   31   −8    31
26 Austentrapp City FC       29    7   8  14    20   31  −11    29
27 Ombra Castle              29    7   7  15    22   34  −12    28
28 FC Kastanjestad           29    7   6  16    23   34  −11    27
29 Morponte Fief II          29    7   3  19    20   43  −23    24
30 Briquia Southside FC      29    4  11  14    21   44  −23    23

Lägre Ligan 2 - West      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Stortrommeby Town          29   20   6   3    38   12  +26    66  Champions/Promoted
 2 Woods of Ypres             29   17   7   5    31   13  +18    58  Promoted
 3 Inter Juta                 29   12  13   4    33   18  +15    49
 4 FC Va'Lubasa               29   14   7   8    35   24  +11    49
 5 Crawford City FC II        29   14   6   9    34   20  +14    48
 6 Red Star Karbosic          29   13   8   8    32   22  +10    47
 7 Klovstad Klub              29   13   8   8    30   26   +4    47
 8 Gamma Zakhoro              29   12   9   8    26   27   −1    45
 9 FC Arkadius                29   12   8   9    31   25   +6    44
10 Thergothon                 29   11  11   7    13    8   +5    44
11 Drummond's FC              29   11   7  11    26   21   +5    40
12 Falco Na'Diveh             29   10  10   9    20   15   +5    40
13 Olympique Sur Mer          29   10  10   9    31   33   −2    40
14 Bayford City               29   12   4  13    20   25   −5    40
15 Rhupenhoven Town           29   12   4  13    22   28   −6    40
16 Theli City                 29   11   6  12    29   33   −4    39
17 VfL Bolmenstadt            29   12   3  14    24   31   −7    39
18 Real Bellavista            29   10   8  11    23   24   −1    38
19 Chamomile Town             29   10   7  12    36   35   +1    37
20 Yuonela Town               29   11   4  14    30   32   −2    37
21 Grayslake                  29   11   4  14    25   27   −2    37
22 FC Na'Travii               29   10   6  13    27   24   +3    36
23 Tromsdale Town             29    8  10  11    24   32   −8    34
24 East Ellum                 29    7  12  10    27   34   −7    33
25 Yellow Meadow Lynwood      29    8   9  12    29   38   −9    33
26 SEP Bjarnum                29    9   6  14    21   33  −12    33
27 West Ellum                 29    7   8  14    17   29  −12    29
28 Na'Malsille Mariners II    29    5   9  15    17   33  −16    24
29 Duval Town                 29    5   8  16     9   22  −13    23
30 FC1. Richtofen Avalanche   29    4  10  15    21   37  −16    22

Lägre Ligan 2 - Colonial  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Tranquility Treepolis      29   18   5   6    37   16  +21    59  Champions/Promoted
 2 Aläng FF                   29   16   8   5    43   22  +21    56  Promoted
 3 Kreanoltha Vipers          29   16   7   6    25   10  +15    55
 4 Rhodes Ravens AFC          29   15   8   6    36   16  +20    53
 5 Drahva United              29   15   6   8    31   19  +12    51
 6 Ciems Mungonduvia          29   15   6   8    29   19  +10    51
 7 FC Dynamo Kurbads          29   14   7   8    46   33  +13    49
 8 Levithia Shrievenzale      29   13   8   8    31   33   −2    47
 9 Orion Wanderers            29   13   7   9    33   20  +13    46
10 Rexnor District 7          29   12   8   9    43   29  +14    44
11 Rexnor District 8          29   12   7  10    34   32   +2    43
12 Snaigow Hoarfrost          29   13   4  12    26   31   −5    43
13 Sporting Club Macofor      29   11   9   9    34   26   +8    42
14 Marinus City               29   12   5  12    46   33  +13    41
15 New Hagenheim Canopy       29   11   7  11    28   29   −1    40
16 Murkwaamp Suns             29   11   6  12    28   28    0    39
17 Dockery Union              29   11   5  13    27   23   +4    38
18 Whitestone Athletic        29   11   5  13    31   29   +2    38
19 Menoptera United SC        29   10   8  11    14   15   −1    38
20 Rexnor District 6          29   11   4  14    21   27   −6    37
21 SC Vronus 510              29   10   5  14    32   49  −17    35
22 NOVIA Alliance             29    7  13   9    30   28   +2    34
23 Rexnor District 9          29   10   4  15    43   56  −13    34
24 Tonsei Tumult              29    9   7  13    21   38  −17    34
25 Romstafar Outpost          29    7  12  10    12   13   −1    33
26 Execo Station              29    9   5  15    26   36  −10    32
27 Borzac Sequins             29    6   9  14    16   40  −24    27
28 Rexnor District 2          29    5   8  16    20   36  −16    23
29 Rexnor District 4          29    5   6  18    20   55  −35    21
30 Fayanora Pontonese         29    5   5  19    22   44  −22    20  Relegated

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Mar 23, 2018 5:43 am

This season is special, for it marks the 25th anniversary of the Härlighet Ligan! 25 seasons since the Fiefdom Soccer Federation (FSF) implemented the CosumarLigan initiative, revitalizing Cosumarite domestic soccer. Here's how it organized our pyramid: 256 clubs across five professional tiers that all compete 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 that three-pronged entity, two parallel conferences comprise a messy fourth tier. Then, five large regional competitions fall under the umbrella of the fifth tier. That's where some semi-pro teams start to bleed in. But at least four fully professional tiers is more than past generations could have dreamed of before CosumarLigan.

The initiative also included FSF incentives to spend more on transfers and youth development. In the years since, quality has visibly improved in each of the leagues as a result. Most obviously in the Härlighet Ligan, which has gradually become one of the premiere competitions anywhere, but also in Sekundar Ligan and Tredje Ligan. The former could arguably be a UICA Top 30 league on its own now - three different clubs have gone to the SBCC Final in recent years. Another reason why CosumarLigan was such a landmark shift is that it also integrated clubs from Cosumar's extraterrestrial colonies into the pyramid for the first time. It took 25 seasons, but this season, for the first time, one such non-terran club will compete amongst Cosumar's best in the Härlighet Ligan. Now, without further ado, let's get to what you're here for... A preview of where each of those top-flight teams stand ahead of Season 25!

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: Real Azuris (8)
XXIV: Mallox (5)
XXV: __________ ???

8 - Real Azuris
5 - Mallox
4 - OAS Royal FC
4 - Cassandra City
2 - Ramusok United
1 - Klyde

MALLOX
Mallox, Gellano Fief

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

Kennedy Kopenhaver (64)

Transfers In: Taka Masatoshi (promoted)
Transfers Out: None

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

Sindelaar (34) -

Engram (23),

Bruyne (27),

Danko (23),

Thompson (32) -

Curwyk (21),

Ümann (32),

Dé (24),

Siorrha'Asione (24) -

Cloudchaser (33 C) -

Kárpáty (23)

Key Reserves: Ravnajuv (GK/21), Vanderpool (RB/33), Chappelle (CB/DM/20), Lindroos (LM/33), Haines (CM/35), Masatoshi (SS/17), Tortuu (ST/35)
Tactical Style: Fast and Direct

Team Preview: Mallox has returned! The title deadlock with OAS Royal, rivals for league dominance back in the 980s, is broken and the Tigers once again have a player some might consider the best going in Cosumar. This time it's not Anders Engström, but Alexander Kárpáty, who is coming off a magisterial season in which he equaled Engström's club-record 29 goals. The Pasargan striker's elite abilities when in form have never been questioned, but in 1012 he demonstrated for the first time a full campaign of brilliant performances. He was everything for Mallox… skillful with the ball or diligent without it, powerful holding up play to involve teammates or explosive outpacing opponents to get on the end of things himself. With Equestrian States icon Cloudchaser unleashed with free rein behind him to constantly thread through balls, that last option occured rather a lot. But that's not to say Kárpáty was singlehandedly responsible for Mallox's big leap from 10th to 1st. The heart of their success was improvement on the defensive side of the ball. That's what can happen when you hire a charismatic, hands-on defensive coach like Kennedy Kopenhaver to maximize the quality of a Trajan Bruyne (the league's best CB last term) and allow him to bring in and mold young players of his choosing like athletic left back Kendrex Engram from Versiaville and versatile jackknife August Chappelle from the academy. Protected by tireless midfield engine Hernan Dé and with some no-nonsense veterans as glue, Mallox were airtight defending as a unit. With Kopenhaver's disciplined mentality, this team played a patient defensive style and simply did not make mistakes. Yet they were also fast and direct in the attack. They were comfortable defending for significant stretches because they knew shifty wingers Stiin Siorrha'Asione and Mehmet Curwyk would eventually squirt free and create that single chance that Kárpáty needs to polish a game off. The squad went virtually unchanged over the transfer window, so Mallox will be hoping to follow the exact same formula to success. However, the whole league has had an offseason to dissect their tape, and the Champions' Cup may strain Kopenhaver's questionable squad depth. Kárpáty's goals should keep Mallox in it, but a Härlighet Ligan repeat is a tall order.
Last Season: Champions (19-7-8). Prediction: 5th.

CRAWFORD CITY FC
Crawford, Numenvernien Fief

Nickname: Elephants

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

Amethyst Fegelein (52)

Transfers In: Sarah Arrowsword (Whitehaven Triumph $15m), Valfar (Samaj FC $1m), Jordan Knych (University of the Everlong)
Transfers Out: Marigold Belladonna (All-Inclusive Haranguer loan), Poindexter (Sukatora Sassa free), Nikolae Na'Kebia (retired), Lyndon Pell (retired), Jens Reiniger (retired)

First XI (4-4-2 dmnd):

Weschler (23) -

Babaturk (30),

Arrowsword (24),

Hagicostas (32),

Swan (27) -

Marshall (28),

Farrow (22),

Klein (23),

Coultan (31 C) -

Alcouin (29),

Stabb (31)
Key Reserves: Knych (LB/22), Ward (CB/25), Valfar (DM/34), Postecoglou (LW/34), Lemons (FW/19), Guilliver (CF/28)
Tactical Style: Maintain Possession, Control Midfield

Team Preview: As with Mallox above, continuity is the buzzword rippling on the banks of Lake Crawford. It's essentially the same squad that has finished 2nd two seasons running. Will clearing out vestigial deadweight and strengthening the defense be enough to push the Elephants over the finish line and send the golden trophy west of Cassandra for the first time? Amethyst Fegelein is betting on it. The biggest fresh face to know is Sarah Arrowsword, the half-sister of Real Azuris striker Andrew Arrowsword. Her long-awaited arrival in Crawford was a sight for sore eyes after weeks of rumors and cryptic Twitter exchanges that had fans on edge. Sarah seems to have settled in quickly though, already striking up healthy rivalries with her brother in Azuris as well as teammate Sarah Ward, an Osarian international who now has work cut out for her to win a place back. But there's no doubt that the Crawford defense is elevated to a new level by the presence of the Drawkish stalwart, best known for her physical gifts but truly targeted by Fegelein for her equally remarkable positional intelligence. She brings a certain swagger to the center back position - we're already salivating to watch her go up against the Kárpáty and Amokachis of the league! Other fresh face Valfar isn't exactly a fresh face, 34 and grizzled, but the Samaj captain and enforcer offers an experienced, warriorlike midfield option for Fegelein to call upon. A midfield that, by the way, is currently up there with the best in the Multiverse. Peter Marshall is the rock against which waves of attacks break, a tough ball-winner who also maintains a soft touch. Rusalka Klein, Jennifer Farrow and Galactico runner-up Kim Coultan, meanwhile, can smother opponents with their darting movements and precise passes. They can possess the ball all day if you let them, and they're happy to do just that while they wait for play to open up for the seasoned strike pairing of Hannah Alcouin and Kevin Stabb, both World Cup and HL Golden Boot winners. Much has been written about how much the patient Coultan means to this club and city so I won't waste a ton of space here, but know that the humble Schottic superstar playmaker is in the all-time upper echelon of Härlighet Ligan greats and is currently at her peak. Pay close attention and enjoy it for however long it lasts. A lot of people around Cosumar would smile to see her finally win a trophy with the club she has devoted her career to. The roster could perhaps still use a little more depth after the first 15 and therefore leaves itself vulnerable to a catastrophic injury or two, but with the high caliber of talent availabe and excellent management, CCFC also have one of the highest floors.
Last Season: 2nd (18-9-7). Prediction: 4th.

EASTWEALD
Yambridge, Gellano Fief

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

Theresa Riether (59)

Transfers In: Valence Ilya (AC Holmenkollen $3m), Aron Thatch (Brayllor Town $0.45m), Régine Rao (promoted)
Transfers Out: Nigel Ebenazher (retired)

First XI (4-3-3):

Hernandez (33) -

Myren (27),

Bambic (27),

Scott (26),

Sorenson (32) -

Mordini (29),

de Marisco (35 C),

Tricklebank (20) -

Velasquez (27),

Amokachi (30),

Fanaiyan (22)

Key Reserves: Thatch (LB/LM/27), Jefferson (CB/33), Ilya (RB/22), Haalogalsson (DM/22), Morrison (RM/35), Del Angel (AM/24), Kortuufa (ST/31), Kovačević (ST/18)
Tactical Style: Tiki-Taka (short, intricate passes)

Team Preview: Eastweald are clearly one of the top championship contenders again entering 1013, even after repeating the theme of "fall in line just behind the pace of whoever the leader is in this given season" in 1012 - a theme all too familiar throughout the Ventura and Brightwater eras. Can Eastweald get everything right this time? Supporters will be expecting them to come out the gates angry after the torture of watching Mallox celebrate across the Weald all offseason. Club legend Jo de Marisco, now transitioned as a deep-lying playmaker flanked by runners Mina Mordini and Dexter Tricklebank, will be hunting for a trophy in what could be her final season as a starter at Old Weldenskirgen. Eastweald have continued to collect quality depth and are now at least two-deep at every spot. Their devotion to working the full length of the pitch with tiki-taka buildup is a sight to behold at its best. And there's no question that the forward trio of Eva Velasquez (pace), Ishtar Fanaiyan (pace and power) and Penumbra Amokachi in the middle (…Amokachiness?) is one of the scariest in the league, with young star Jagoda Kovačević likely getting more playing time too after making her first team breakthrough last season. So, yes, of course they can win the league. Unfortunately, this publication has pegged Eastweald as champs only to be let down too many times before to keep giving them the benefit of the doubt. That said, it shouldn't necessarily surprise you if Theresa Riether does manage to do the one thing her fellow Nepharim before her couldn't. Any such scenario likely involves the 'goddess' Fanaiyan building upon her very good debut season and becoming a truly dominant force on that right wing. If the Wood Elves run out of magic down the final stretch again, god forbid, fatigue won't be a valid excuse this time. Riether has rotation options such as Jefferson, Valence Ilya, Peter Morrison and Sven Haalogalsson that would be unquestioned starters almost anywhere else in Cosumar.
Last Season: 3rd (18-6-10). Prediction: 3rd.

PELETHAS UNITED
Pelethas, Morponte Fief

Nickname: Miners
Founded: 835
Ground: The Xanadu Dome (31,000 w third level covered)
Manager:

Euan Jersey (49)

Transfers In: Ryan Xandreas (The Port FC loan), Mia Grennan (promoted), Jakki Montelius (promoted)
Transfers Out: Rose Kingsley (retired)

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

Nier (28 C) -

Bourillion (20),

Said (22),

Harm (31),

Mallman (26) -

Kåsa (28),

Crowley (26) -

Xandreas (27),

Saltorius (24) -

Changez (28),

Alotic (28)

Key Substitutes: Brinegar (LB/34), Lingxin (CB/27), Grennan (RB/21), Greenchurch (DM/19), Tarrant (CM/34), Miettinen (AM/20), Ninkey (ST/31)
Tactical Style: Rugged Defending, Attack through Saltorius in the middle

Team Preview: What a difference a year makes! There were a lot of unknowns surrounding this team before last season. Their best player, Rowan Varghese, had just jumped ship and star goalkeeper Jillian Nier was publicly threatening to do the same. Euan Jersey was operating under a seemingly impossible "UICA or bust" ultimatum. Meanwhile, they'd struck out on all their big transfer targets. As it turns out, they already had the difference-makers they needed within the club! Saltorius Splitt, with a reputation for being talented but too unreliable, stepped boldly into the hole left by Varghese and blew minds. Defenses were simply baffled by the attacking midfielder's unorthodox approach to the game. He constantly found new ways to put the ball in the back of the net. At the same time, Mohsin Changez's left boot absolutely caught fire, recalling why the lanky Nuur Colony native was a hot prospect back at the U21 level. Saltorius and Changez were in immaculate form in the first half of the season, propelling Pelethas to the top of the table by the midseason break. The Miners ultimately cooled down a little in the second half, but they still finished a more-than-satisfactory 4th. Now, Pelethas United look to build upon what was a season full of club and inidividual records while faring well in their inaugural UICA appearance. It will be hard to top the unforgettable barnstormer that was last season, but I don't think it was entirely a fluke. I predict Saltorius will once again be in the thick of things for Player of the Year, and his presence should allow Changez, Charlie Alotic or both to flourish up top. Pelethas play very narrow and often over-rely on the two attacking midfielders in their 4-2-2-2 to create everything through the middle, but at least Jersey has options at the spot now. Qad star Ryan Xandreas arrives for UICA football, lightening the load on Saltorius and ever-classy veteran Auburn Tarrant. While the defense took a slight step backwards last season, they still have a strong spine on paper with two ruthlessly efficient DMs shielding the back line and a top keeper in Nier. They just need young defenders Miro Said and Arthur Bourillion to mature fast. And for Solomon Harm to stop getting red cards. If all that happens, why the hell can't this season be better than last?
Last Season: 4th (17-9-8). Prediction: 8th.

CASSANDRA CITY
Cassandra, Cresscalus Fief

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

Arturo Mancini (58)

Transfers In: Vega Zeale-Riddick (Samaj FC $30m), Dídac Vivas (Tout-Puissant Hasiera $8m)

Transfers Out: Aakif Guerin (Zakhoro Aces $2.1m), Thorodel Nagdalene (Stahlburg Rovers $1.25m), Kaden Wing (LSC Dunelan free)

First XI (4-3-3):

Metz (32) -

Va'Afaja (20),

Gargo (31),

Frostmarris (29),

Vivas (19) -

Serafino (27 C),

Rowan (26),

Schneiderlin (30) -

Dyer Vry (23),

Zeale-Riddick (23),

Niro (31)

Key Reserves: Iziduko (GK/30), Grimswald (LB/33), Misty (CB/29), Boag (RB/32), Konsé (CM/22), Kobro (LRM/22), Perkins (FW/35), Goulding (FW/31)
Tactical Style: High-press, High-octane

Team Preview: For a club that has often swung wildly between the trophy-winning highs of its good seasons and the baffling lows of its bad seasons, the young 1010s decade has thus far witnessed a new, more consistent Cassandra City. The Reds have had squad stability and settled into a comfortable groove, finishing 5th the last three seasons running. Sure, Top Five is nice. It has kept Arturo Mancini relatively safe in his job for now. It's not enough though. It's not Champions' Cup, the football caste to which the Reds (especially multitalented int'l midfielders Bellerophon Serafino and Ursula Rowan) certainly perceive themselves as belonging. So, Cassandra City went into the transfer window determined to spend, if only for the sake of demonstrating that they're still apex predators in the Härlighet Ligan. And spend they did. $30 million is a record transfer between two Cosumarite clubs, netting them first-choice woman Vega Zeale-Riddick. Cassandra City have long coveted the two-time Golden Boot-winner and were finally able to bring her to Glitzville. One of the league's brightest young stars, "The Princess" is as big of a get off the pitch as on it, with a staggering social media following and her own VZR fashion line launching this year. For brand-building, she's in the right place. Cha-ching, cha-ching. The club's finance and marketing departments are in dreamland. But will VZR fit where it counts? The long-legged center forward will have to do more running and defending in Cassandra City's trademark high-press than she ever did as a pure target in Samaj, but she's insisting that she's up to it in her preseason interviews and has shown the ability to adapt to different systems with the national team. Charles Dyer Vry, Ki Niro (both coming off career-best seasons) and Jason Goulding are all excellent creators who will rotate in the two outside-forward positions flanking Zeale-Riddick, giving her plenty of service and giving defenders plenty of other goal threats to think about. Considering her elite finishing ability and the volume of chances Cassandra's system creates, VZR is a good bet for 20+ goals. Meanwhile, Mancini's defense is looking solid after CB addition Stephen Gargo gelled well with Nephara cap Diedrich Frostmarris last season and now Tout-Puissant Hasiera's standout teenage right back Dídac Vivas arrives, hoping to do the same. Of course, at the base of it all, Calogero Metz is still a world-class goalkeeper - probably the best in the league at stunning reflex saves - and allows the team to take risks. Serafino and Rowan cover tons of ground and play vital roles in both defense and attack to make it all work. The club's pressing system is a fine-tuned machine at this point, and they're the engines. Zeale-Riddick represents the fancy new wheels that might just carry them that little extra distance towards the Champions' Cup.
Last Season: 5th (15-9-10). Prediction: 2nd.

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:

Sur Arora (46)

Transfers In: Thor Møller (Gladerial United $8m), Catheline Marchant (Sabrefell Moths $6m), Aikin Valcon (promoted)

Transfers Out: Leonídas Bregoo (Polaris $5.5m), Sindre Samstag (Mashu Hellowenia free), Jannick Kontiola (retired), Jordan Strumm (retired), Zana Ibrox (retired), Juquinho (retired)

First XI (4-4-2):

Shalhoub (28) -

Duvernay (24),

Hanger (25),

Fosse (28),

Di Sansev (21) -

Aedelbrandt (21),

Drover (27 C),

Marchant (22),

Simmons III (28) -

Marsteller (22),

Cautcher (32)

Key Reserves: Alaniz (GK/20), Ferne (LB/31), Sigurdsson (CB/34), Rocket (LRM/33), Valcon (CM/20), Møller (ST/17), Koclanes (ST/22)
Tactical Style: Exploit wide spaces with speed

Team Preview: 1012 was one big goalfest for OAS Royal. A few more and they could've had the goals record. Nepharim markswoman Claudia Cautcher and breakout starlet Sen Marsteller both surpassed 20, and that didn't even approach half of the team total! Was this explosion a one-off, or did Sur Arora really re-establish OAS amongst Cosumar's top contenders simply by trusting the young talent that had languished on the bench under Constantine Champali? We're about to find out. Versatile forward Marsteller was the face of his youth movement, but best friend Zöe Aedelbrandt out wide and quick fullback Thomas Di Sansev will also need to reprise roles that became increasingly vital as they locked down places last season. Arora clearly trusts his ability to get the most out of young players, as the club further embraced this ethos in their offseason preparations. Several old or underachieving veterans were cleared out, and they splashed a rather significant sum to ink touted Sabrefell Moths product Catheline Marchant and Vanorian wonderkid Thør Moller (when they already had another academy product in Beatriz Koclanes challenging for striker minutes). Suddenly, prime-age players we still remember as youngsters like Corey Simmons III, Elsie Drover and Christopher Fosse are the team's "veteran leaders". Super exciting stuff. With Marchant pinging pinpoint balls down the flanks for the pace of Simmons III and Aedelbrandt, the dynamic Marsteller drifting wide from center to combine with them and Cautcher making deadly runs in the box… Royal will continue to catch defenses off guard. Now let's talk about the elephant in the room. Royal's own defense. Last season just wasn't good in that regard. Aswad Munif Shalhoub had some shaky moments in goal, which we never saw from him before. Ellie Hanger regressed and seemed to struggle for confidence, particularly against physical strikers. Captain Drover was often the only midfielder interested in defending and still got caught too far forward with regularity. Royal's attacking success masked a lot of these issues, but you can't bet on always being able to ship three and still win games 4-3. In Year 2, Sur Arora needs to prove he can organize a defense. This team could win it all if he does... or collapse if the goals dry up.
Last Season: 6th (14-11-9). Prediction: 6th.

FC SAMOTATH
Samotath, Parougan Fief

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

Šimon Holguín (50)

Transfers In: Spyridon Kolitsidakis (Stahlburg Rovers $3m), Ricardo Sommerfield (Ulsa Rovers $3m), Santo Silvestri (IFK Aldenskoett $3m), McCall Kirby (Versiaville $1.45m), Loreline Fietsam (Otkins Numenvernia $1.33m), Diego Carolla (free), Nicola Mukhanova (promoted)
Transfers Out: Kimus de Vries (Foxchester Raiders $2.5m), Molly Killanen (Foxchester Raiders $2.5m), Will Sorokin (Polaris $2.5m), Gwinevra Harmonium (FC Brimstone $2m)

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

Ballard (40) -

Panossian (23) -

Fietsam (28),

Sibuc (26),

Serra (35 C) -

Kolitsidakis (30),

Kirby (25) -

Emery (26),

Silvestri (23),

Nyström (20),

Sommerfield (28)

Key Reserves: Molnár (SW/32), Carolla (DF/19), Lahtinen (CM/35), Vorobyov (RW/33), Guss (FW/26), Bermond (ST/24), L. Lucassen (ST/35)
Tactical Style: Advanced Backline, Attack at All Costs!

Team Preview: It's working! It's working! It took a couple seasons for Šimon Holguín and his team to master the nuances of his unorthodox 1-3-2-4 (a new take on the traditional Samotathian blitz), but since they have, it's delivered them consecutive top-half finishes and now a rare Globe Cup berth. The back three passed the ball around well and Ayk Panossian did frantic sweeper things, bailing them out whenever the opponent slipped through. The center forwards pulled defenders inside and the wingers were clinical shooting from distance. For the most part, it all went how Holguín drew it up. But let's not give all the credit to the mad genius and his 'system'. There's real individual quality in this side now. Technical winger Miroslav Vorobyov has been one of the most underrated and ever-dangerous attackers in the league for years, and now he has competition from new EuraLeague import Ricardo Sommerfield. Jordan Emery might be the paciest player in the league on the opposite wing, and most people in Cosumar know what starting DBC striker Zak Nyström is about by now. Juvencus star Santo Silvestri has also been added to the arsenal of forward options from IFK Aldenskoett in a veritable bargain, challenging another player who quietly excelled last year in Interrobang Bermond. Power couple Molly Killanen and Kimus de Vries, fixtures in the FC Samo XI for years, will be missed as they pursue an exotic Starblaydi adventure, but the club have managed to replace them at a profit with phenomenal Stahlburg Rovers midfielder Spyridon Kolitsidakis - an immediate difference maker for the Black Hawks - and a good system fit in Sekundar Ligan standout Loreline Fietsam, an outside back with a soft touch. Local muscle Capsin Sibuc remains the linchpin of the defense and legendary Nephara keeper Diandra Ballard is back for one more go as well, poised to become the first to start a Härlighet Ligan match in their 40s. Still, there's a lot of turnover and many new faces. The depth got a needed boost with UICA fixtures on the horizon, but there's a high risk that all of these additions won't be able to integrate into Samotath's quirky system as seamlessly as needed for another top half campaign.
Last Season: 7th (13-10-11). Prediction: 11th.

REAL AZURIS
Azuris, South Klyde Fief

Nickname: Breakers
Founded: 962
Ground: Estadio MasseMord (42,243)
Manager:

Luis Varezzi (64)

Transfers In: Jeremy Benedict (Bastion $12m), Birgid Tidesson (promoted), Samothias Odwyk (promoted)
Transfers Out: Hakki Ojala (Sabrefell Athletic $12m), Hector Grier (VLC FC $4m)

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

Ozuna (36) -

Biondi (27),

Wolff (24),

A. Tidesson (20),

Chisenhall (29 C) -

Mormentor (29) -

Akarenaa (27),

Antúnes (22) -

Benedict (28),

Arrowsword (24),

B. Tidesson (21)

Key Reserves: E. Tidesson (GK/19), Lindberg (LB/35), Vanzanto (CB/21), Clorfeine (DM/22), Sybill (CM/32), Silvén (LW/31), Bowditch (RW/32), Rwang (ST/30)
Tactical Style: Expansive, Flowing Attack

Team Preview: Real Azuris just had their worst season in a long time, but they're not panicking. Why should they? After all, they rediscovererd their winning DNA by the end, going an undefeated 6-3-0 in their final nine games. Despite lackadaisacal starts to both halves of the season, they still damn near made the Globe Cup. The defense looked a whole lot better once Luis Varezzi finally took over from Collette Sade and slotted Alfred Tidesson in there next to the rock that is Kurt Wolff and allowed Massimiliano Biondi to challenge for the long off-limits spot of Adrian Lindberg, who suddenly looked his age. So, no, the eight-time champions didn't tear it all down and go into rebuilding mode. Instead, they spent the last months methodically ticking off boxes to make sure they pick up where last season left off. Varezzi convinced free agent Sandra Sybill to sign a new contract - a huge win for the manager in his first offseason in Azuris. The seasoned Chromatik midfielder is pure class. Though she might not start every single match going forward due to the development of Hidalgo Antúnes and Birgid Tidesson in that creative-mid role and Mbdiai Akarenaa's frankly ridiculous form in the other CM spot, she'll still be a vital piece and help mentor those young players. Then, they went out and found an ideal replacement for Hakki Ojala on the left wing in Bastion's Jeremy Benedict. The Euran might not have the same eye for goal or flair for the spectacular as Ojala, but he is more of a true winger and brings pace and stamina for days. Ojala will be fondly remembered by Real supporters for his role in myriad triumphs, but the truth is that the Anglatian-Cosumarite's mentality was often questionable. He never quite seemed fully settled and committed in Azuris or shook his tendency to disappear for occasional stretches. These issues peaked last season as he rubbed the new boss the wrong way. Moving Ojala on for Benedict at zero-cost is a win-win for both parties. Judging by Benedict's assist figures at Bastion and ability to hug the sideline to create space in the middle, do-it-all striker Andrew Arrowsword will certainly reap some benefit. As always, Real Azuris' biggest strength is their depth. Apox cap Wizzard Mormentor and homegrown talent Chandler Clorfeine will split time at defensive midfield, Lyyli Silvén can fill in on either wing or the Sybill/Antúnes spot without much drop-off, Liesl Vanzanto and Lindberg are still solid defenders even if coming off trying seasons and, hell, former PoTY Ronan Bowditch is still here too! Not to mention the wealth of potential in their reserve/youth teams, both Härlighet Ligan standard-bearers, that is available to call on. The Tidessons are only the tip of the iceberg, as highly-rated strike prospect Samothias Odwyk could be the next to prove. That said, how far this team goes is pretty much up to Bryger Tidesson. The athletic goalscoring winger was "good" last season, but not as great as the year before. Some of that is on the team, but this season he needs to step up and be the STAR that he's supposed to be. In every match, no matter what. If he truly does that, Real Azuris will be nearly unstoppable.
Last Season: 8th (13-10-11). Prediction: Champions.

IFK ALDENSKOETT
Aldenskoett, Duversia Fief

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

Uriah Teach (64)

Transfers In: Leonard Abel (Dinamo Visånd $2.5m), Hecubah Statkis (Diamondqueen free), Sumac (Bufelino free), Parn Thaler (promoted)
Transfers Out: Mason Windrip (Langtree United $3.5m), Santo Silvestri (FC Samotath $3m), Falchion Hess-Olesen (Chafford free), Renelle Glatthorn (Urrheddiao United free), Chelsea Wurman (retired), Horst Palsson (retired)

First XI (5-3-2):

Merchant (34) -

Friedmann (28),

Duguid (34),

Kulverbach (25),

Bassi (27),

Glidewing (23) -

Abel (23),

Sjunitsson (23 C),

Mace (22) -

Davidson (23),

Statkis (30)

Key Reserves: Thaler (CB/20), Womack (DM/36), Sumac (CM/28), Cloaker (ST/31)
Tactical Style: Bunker and lull opponent into false sense of security, then quick-strike counter

Team Preview: They couldn't quite overcome fading form and fitness down the home stretch enough to sneak into their first Globe Cup, but IFK Aldenskoett began 1012 as one of the hottest teams in Cosumar. They were playing a little more adventurous than their usual reactionary style and it was paying off. The young new attacking duo of Oskar Davidson and Santo Silvestri kindled an immediate understanding and terrific wingbacks Kristian Friedmann and Gäelle Glidewing wreaked absolute havoc down the flanks. They just didn't have the depth or tactical flexibility to sustain it. By the end of the season, they were back to just sitting deep for 90 minutes and trying to catch teams off guard to get a 0-0 or 1-0. While IFK might've been a trendy dark horse pick to make the UICA this year if they'd kept Silvestri and added some decent depth, they did neither. They couldn't even get a decent price for Silvestri and, if anything, their ranks have been thinned. The Eagles will still be a tough out for most opponents with their strong back six all returning, young captain Karlus Sjunitsson an unflappable metronome in midfield and new signing Leonard Abel already garnering an intimidating reputation as "the Llamanean Olaf Womack", but there's a hard ceiling to what they can accomplish. Former Diamondqueen bulldozer Hecubah Statkis is the new presumed starter in front of Davidson up top, a dubious choice to replace the quality of Silvestri. I mean, at least she was a free, but Uriah Teach doesn't really have anyone else to turn to besides fucking Dez Cloaker if she doesn't pan out. Even if young standouts Sjunitsson and Davidson step up to an even higher individual level, it's difficult to predict Aldenskoett finishing top half again.
Last Season: 9th (12-11-11). Prediction: 13th.

Stay tuned for the for the second half of this Härlighet Ligan preview.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:30 am

SAMAJ FC
Samaj, Culmarland Fief

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

Johannes Lundblade (45)

Transfers In: Ophelia Lovelock (Sabrefell Athletic $7m), Adnan Jurevicius (Pristine Forest $1m), Ross Rowe (Sainati Bohemien free), Szalyk Földessy (Stein-los Turkish free), Ballou Melmendier (promoted)
Transfers Out: Vega Zeale-Riddick (Cassandra City $30m), Astor Zigfield (Goldstaff City $2m), Hugo Cartensen (Helfin Fief $1.8m), Valfar (Crawford City FC $1m), Gutinho (Umbazi Metropolitan free), Skal Phillips (released)

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

Maston (27) -

Lovelock (30),

Jakoljevic (25),

Erakin (23),

Palmqvist (24) -

Pearson (29),

Vanderlei (25) -

Del Arro (28),

Møller (25),

Sigurjónsdóttir (26) -

Rowe (36)

Key Reserves: Melmendier (LB/18), Pladsen (CB/26), S. Földessy (DM/16), Nathael (MF/29), Columbine (AM/30), Jurevicius (CF/23)
Tactical Style: Defend Narrowly, Attack Wide with High-Volume Crosses

Team Preview: It's an important season for this football club. You can justifiably give Samaj a pass for being utterly mediocre last year - longtime manager Luis Varezzi left for Real Azuris in the middle of the season and star striker Vega Zeale-Riddick seemed to have her bags packed from the start - but they need to rebound in a big way this season. The progress of the last five years, establishing themselves UICA regulars under Varezzi, could all be undone if they revert back to the bottom half again. And they'll have to do it without top scorer Zeale-Riddick. Fortunately, Samaj were never a one-woman show. Wingers Rachel Del Arro and Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir are stars in their own right, and have been the driving force behind the club's rise since it got promoted back up seven years ago. Both excel at creating space out of nothing and whipping in pinpoint crosses for whoever is playing in the box, be it Zeale-Riddick or returning pre-VZR starter Ross Rowe or lower-league standout Adnan Jurevicius. Elias Møller and Rasunda Vanderlei are also UICA-quality players who give the Hunters real ability in the midfield, responsible for getting Del Arro and Sigurjónsdóttir the ball in good positions and, in the Llamanean's case, sometimes taking it himself and making use of his accurate strike. Samaj have also reformulated their back line over the last couple seasons and now have a unit with the potential to be one of the best in the league. New left back Ophelia Lovelock is a perfect fit opposite a younger version of herself (Astrid Palmqvist) in a Johannes Lundblade system that relies on the fullbacks getting forward to create overloads out wide. Yet, one question persists no matter how much you try to focus on everythng else the Hunters have going for them. Who is going to profit from those overloads? Who is going to consistently put the ball in the back of the net? Rowe, though once capable of being that guy, is 36 and coming off a difficult season in The Askari Union. Jurevicius is an imposing physical specimen, but does he have the technical quality to succeed in his first go at this level? Overall, Samaj have a Man With A Plan in Lundblade and the players to execute his hybrid 4-2-3-1 / 3-4-2-1, but it's difficult to slot them back into the UICA zone until they dip into some of that VZR money to bring in a like replacement up top.
Last Season: 10th (12-10-12). Prediction: 9th.

GOLDSTAFF CITY

Goldstaff, Numenvernien Fief

Nickname: Guardians
Founded: 918
Ground: Bostitch Lane (23,500)
Manager:

Septimius Dellele (69)

Transfers In: Corby Wheeler (Rozelle United $6m), Astor Zigfield (Samaj FC $2m)
Transfers Out: Ted Dolanukitainen (Soldarian FC $10m)

Starting XI (5-3-2):

Va'Nega (22) -

Xiaopeng (29),

McCloud (34),

Sühnhold (28),

Al-Cazar (20),

Va'Goshal (36) -

Farrier (32),

Blazek (24),

Wheeler (20) -

Zigfield (32)

Bannion (27)

Key Reserves: Na'Akeh (CB/23), Navarette (LRM/25), Saulnesis (CM/21), Tirnen (CM/29), Goldenrod (ST/35)
Tactical Style: Lots o' Long Balls

Team Preview: In their second Härlighet Ligan season, Goldstaff City defied low expectations and finished comfortably midtable. Again. Ok, ok… I'll buy it now. G-City belong. But that's not to say it will come easy for them in Year 3. Firebrand fan-favorite Nuke is gone, granted his big-money move after a great 24-goal season. This clears the way for Aelfwynn Bannion to get her shot as the "alpha" striker after being forced to operate in Nuke's shadow last year. Can the Brenecian replace his character, let alone his goals? Will the additions of countrywoman Corby Wheeler and journeywoman Astor Zigfield add enough additional attacking firepower to make up for the fact that Goldstaff City's somewhat gappy defense went unaddressed? Or will the midfield remain an Achilles Heel? That's probably the biggest question mark. The Guardians are suddenly a much more dangerous side if scrappy young terrier Wheeler can bring some ideas and chance-creation in the middle to go with Goldstaff's usual long ball and set play goals. That creativity will be solely up to her. Blazek never stops running and Colm Farrier is a hard tackler, but neither has shown themselves to be capable of doing much more than hitting a balls over the top. One thing that IS certain is that the physical Bannion is a perfect fit for Goldstaff's system, able to battle with defenders and threaten on set-pieces. Fan Xioapeng is always one of their best players too, charging down the left wing, and Bannion will provide a target for his crosses. Also keep an eye on Lone Va'Nega, an acrobatic young goalkeeper who has made a habit out of bailing out his back line. Given the age of some of its key pieces and lack of depth, Va'Nega will be a key part of any blueprint for a successful Goldstaff City season.
Last Season: 11th (12-8-14). Prediction: 12th.

STONESHORE UNITED
Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief

Nickname: Greys
Founded: 771
Ground: SweetHaven Stadium (40,000 w upper deck covered)
Manager:

Douglas Tibet (51)

Transfers In: Senter Senterekoesima (Rozelle United), Athena Haagensen (AFC Obscura $1.75m), Jurg Haahr (Stoneshore College)
Transfers Out: Caipirinha (Kanshiro Lopunnies $3.5m), Jayden Fox (Handon United loan return), Cairo Ericsson (Vallen United free), Fakir Yacine (Dodge Bay FC free), Tuomas Pystynen (retired), Jerrell Drake (retired)

First XI (5-4-1):

Dane (32) -

Senterekoesima (33),

Maersk (23),

Na'Kele (34),

Rathskeller (27),

DeVolder (30) -

Carra (28),

Jonassen (33),

Andela (34 C),

Na'Tarejen (30) -

Larrimbe (22)

Key Reserves: Lo Duca (GK/18), Haahr (CB/22), Mäenpää (LRB/34), Tychicus (CM/19), Parra (RW/27), Gölöncsér (CAM/17), Haagensen (ST/25)
Tactical Style: Counter-Attacking

Team Preview: Last year was supposed to be the start of a new era for Stoneshore United. They were set for their first Globe Cup matches, coming off a record 4th place finish and suddenly finding themselves in possession of one of the hottest young strike properties in the world in Yuanchiki Larrimbe. The pacy Astograthian was the definition of lethal getting behind defenses on the break. Eccentric artist/manager Douglas Tibet ditched his usual cryptic poems in favor of uplifting 80s AOR choruses in preseason interviews, such was the optimism around SweetHaven Stadium. Unfortunately, it all came crashing back down to Earth throughout a frustrating season. It was their most talented team in ages on paper, but things just didn't seem to click. After a flying first month, Larrimbe's form hit a rough patch and the youngster just couldn't recover. His confidence snowballed downhill for the rest of the season. Stoneshore's countering game produces a limited number of chances, relying on Larrimbe to be clinically efficient in converting them. He simply wasn't - not like 1011. The Stoneshore Stonewall defense lived up to its name as usual, Sigrun Rathskeller and young loanee Jayden Fox in particular earning the undying respect of supporters, but their valiant efforts often went in vain with goals so hard to come by on the other end. To that end, Tibet has little choice but to put his faith in his most talented player, Larrimbe, and hope he regains his previous spark. Without an in-form Larrimbe, wingers Ali Carra and Tégen Na'Tarejen will have to do their best to pick up the goalscoring slack from distance again. Without an in-form Larrimbe, they don't have anyone else who can truly stretch defenses to get on the end of gorgeous Kira Jonassen or Tychicus diagonal balls in the same way. Without an in-form Larrimbe, it might be another long season and Tibet might not see the end of it.
Last Season: 12th (10-9-15). Prediction: 16th, Relegation Playoff.

KLYDE FC
Klyde City, North Klyde Fief

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

Blinne Va'Tuaras (43)

Transfers In: Ozaria Gandhi (Crisisbless $11m), Jackson Cornthatch (Snowden River free), Ewout Broon (promoted)
Transfers Out: Allie Vacek (FC Soessch $6m), Metán Cordéan (Southfell United $4m), Vanessa Skye (retired)

Starting XI (3-4-3):

Pressinger (34) -

O'Mercury (24),

Roniger (26),

Beckers (29) -

Abbasi-Fevison (22),

Svenskah (27),

Fierro (23),

Kvalderkorr (21) -

Trevelyan (32 C),

Riordan (23),

Gandhi (27)

Key Reserves: Montgomery (LCB/21), Tuppurainen (CB/34), Broon (DM/21), Cornthatch (CM/32), Turner (ST/16), Quesadillas (ST/34)
Tactical Style: Dynamic, Athletic Attack… but vulnerable on the break

Klyde are a massive club in terms of history, facilities, finances, fan passion, etc. They actually manage to sell out their giant multi-purpose stadium multiple times per season! The only problem is that, lately, they've been a "big club" basically everywhere BUT on the pitch. The Doves suffered a shocking first relegation in 1007 - just a year after finishing 4th and within a decade of being crowned league champions. They've since added a couple Sekundar Ligan trophies to their cabinet and now seem to be back to stay, but Klydians are frustrated at how long it is taking to return to their former UICA status. The club is trying to stay true to its history by maintaining an open, attractive style of play… but that doesn't necessarily translate well to the midtable slugfest. One impatient faction of supporters broke off a few years ago and started a new club to do things "better" - Klyde City - and is now trying to rise through the divisions as a challenger. Other local derbies include smaller sides representing specific Klyde neighborhoods such as Glasbon and Gwerin. Sekundar Ligan's Klyde Heritage FC - across the fief in Jädde - is also a heated opponent when the two meet. The biggest fixtures each year though, circled on every calendar, are Klyde FC's faceoffs with Real Azuris. As the dominant clubs from North Klyde Fief and South Klyde Fief, respectively, the Klyde Derby becomes a battle for all of Klyde's Isle. Klyde (the city) is one of Cosumar's oldest, dating back over 900 years - not far from where the First 5800 landed. Its port serves a critical function for sea travel between Cosumar's two main landmasses because it's where the strait is narrowest. Much of its local economy is still derived from the ocean - seafood is ubiquitous and Klyde Marina a grand time. The city is now a sophisticated metropolitan hub of 4.5 million (fourth-largest in Cosumar), but retains strong roots to the Irish and Welsh heritage of its founders. Outsiders often still think of clovers and celtic pubs when Klyde is mentioned. Klydians have a particular propensity for tea of all varieties when they aren't chugging cider and ale. At home, their Doves wear an 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 third kit.

Team Preview: Commend Klyde for sticking to their commitment to open, attractive football even through the storms of recent years. It's difficult to play that way and get results when you simply don't have the league's top-end talent. Thankfully (this league is more interesting with a competitive Klyde), that seems to be changing. They've been bold with their personnel moves since coming back up, going hard after some high-profile targets and actually landing a few of them. So far… mostly just strikers. Klyde are now loaded up top. Brenecian phenom Griffin Riordan was really really good in her debut Cosumarite season. There's still a bit of inconsistency to be ironed out, but Riordan scores in bunches when she feels like it. Now a bigger name arrives - Crisisbless' Ozaria Gandhi in a surprise move. If Blinne Va'Tuaras can make that pairing work, with silky-smooth Sophia Trevelyan often dropping behind the two as more of a savvy playmaking striker, Klyde will have lots of options and ways to beat you in the attacking third. Va'Tuarus will give those front three license to alternate positions, roam and combine as they please. One play, Gandhi might be looking to get on the end of a through ball between the channels. The next, she might drift out wide and take on a fullback 1v1 or switch with Riordan in the box. Given their quality, it should be a winning formula to keep defenses guessing. The question, then, is whether the rest of the team - particularly that youthful midfield - is up to their level. The midfield four is roughly diamond-ish, with Luella Svenskah often dropping deeper alongside the defenders and Abdo Villalpando Fierro operating further forward to set attacks in motion. Svenskah is the veteran of the bunch, limited but proven effective in her disruptive role. Pasargan Fierro and inexperienced wide midfielders Micke Kvalderkorr and Remington Abbasi-Fevison are more technically skilled, but had their ups and downs last season. All three had some breathtaking moments of real ability, but often struggled to find their grip on the midfield. Turnovers led to the back three being constantly flooded by opposing counters. With this working against them, it's hard to know how good Gylve Roniger & Co. back there really are. Thankfully, Lind Pressinger has been a literal saint in goal and mitigated much of the damage. Klyde are getting closer, especially if the young midfield moves past its growing pains, but they don't quite have the complete team yet that the UICA sides do. But hey, at least they'll be scintillating end-to-end entertainment.
Last Season: 13th (10-9-15). Prediction: 10th.

RAMUSOK UNITED
Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

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

Jock Sonny (77)

Transfers In: John Hare (Handon United $9m), Tevin Lilley (Rozelle), Rondok Cevelunen (promoted)
Transfers Out: Curtis Théberge (retired)

First XI (4-4-2 Dmnd):

Kearney (33 C) -

Hattingh (26),

Hare (21),

Carr-Ponce (26),

Topić (18) -

Viablaine (25),

Keohane (27),

Sparrow Body (23),

del Toro (27) -

Wedderburn (22),

Stone (29)

Key Reserves: Yotirmoy (CB/25), Langerak (CB/34), Marmor-Lavie (RB/29), Bachelor (DM/21), Bekk (LM/25), Geirsson (CAM/36), Jago (ST/31), Lilley (ST/35)
Tactical Style: Work rate and toughness prized in hard-hitting attack

Team Preview: This is getting dangerous. For four seasons running, Ramusok United have finished lower than the season prior. It's seen them slip from their comfort zone around the edge of the Globe Cup places to, now, distinctly bottom half. They can't get much lower without starting to consider the unthinkable. To think fans were upset about being "merely" Globe Cup-level just a couple years ago! Jock Sonny has the unenviable responsibility of not only stopping this concerning slide down the table, but reversing it. Has the poor old bloke had a harder job in his career? What isn't hard, however, is diagnosing what's wrong. The defense was a mess last season. Only last-place Treftadaeth Alliance allowed more goals in the penalty area. The center back pairing of high-flying Tajo Carr-Ponce and cerebral Garnet Langerak struggled for both form and fitness. The former looked younger than his age with mental lapses and the latter looked older than her age with molasses-like reactions. Ramusok United were regularly eaten alive in the box. Fringe Cosumar international fullbacks Atticus Hattingh and Lucien Marmor-Lavie were less bad, but didn't exactly help their fringe status either. Even defensive midfielder Viablaine has seen her performances stagnate since making what was supposed to be a career-boosting move from Pelethas. Pressured to overcompensate for the sieve behind her, she committed waaay too many reckless fouls last season. Thankfully, Sonny recognized the core issue. Central defense. The Schottic connection lands Ramusok touted CB prospect John Hare, whose steadying presence could make things simpler for Viablaine and everyone involved. The Schottic connection is also their greatest asset going forward, as Lara Wedderburn proved herself a reliable and often electric goalscorer at this level last season. Fans should look forward to seeing what she can do with another year under Sonny, who has a track record of elevating young players. United have a lot of young depth, from defenders Eliana Yotirmoy and Igor Topic to midfielder Dustin Bachelor, who have been praised by Sonny and could step forward under him this year. Aside from Wedderburn, the only secure starters are midfielders Keohane and Adrián Del Toro. The Cenian in particular was involved in almost everything positive the Blues generated last season. Taking a hardline approach to motivate his team, Sonny has made it clear that everyone else can be supplanted by a counterpart from the reserves or academy. On the other end of the age spectrum, 35-year-old Tevin Lilley is an underrated acquisiton. Though lacking the explosiveness of his youth, Lilley can still play and could challenge powerful but erratic striker William Stone for minutes next to Wedderburn. Ramusok United are a risky bet this year, but I'd gamble on Sonny turning their fortunes around.
Last Season: 14th (9-12-13). Prediction: 7th.

OLASK ISLANDERS
Olask, Olask Fief

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

Collette Sade (50)

Transfers In: Neil Brown (Hollin free), Fion Tzykakoos (promoted)
Transfers Out: Noah Silvio (retired), Kanan Abboud (retired), Aldo Cosuman (retired)

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

Fielding (21) -

Rennold (31),

Scougall (30 C),

DeKlan (25),

Baker (24) -

Methüzema (21),

Couturiaux (27),

Brown (28),

Way (29) -

Poxay (28) -

Scafidis (30)

Key Reserves: Parchot (LRB/22), Bourass (CB/20), Na'Tokeho (RB/31), Canales (CM/24), Tzykakoos (ST/18)
Tactical Style: Press hard and defend as a unit, quickly capitalize on mistakes

Team Preview: While most of the rest of the league improved with at least one key signing, the Islanders pretty much stood pat. The prize acquisition of their offseason was some fellow called Neil Brown, a misfit from one of the SPL's poorer sides, and it remains unclear who exactly is going to be the playmaker or dependable secondary goal threat after Chrysanthe Scafidis. The answer to at least one of those questions was supposed to be local girl Hera Poxay, but the fan-favorite attacker remains a frustrating enigma. Her spirited pressing and lung-busting runs are integral to Olask's system, but the ability to consistently make the right decision in the final third has continued to elude her. Maybe tricky young winger Kamaal Ibn Methüzema can take his development to that next level that Poxay has never been able to reach in Olask. But no other attacking reinforcements were forthcoming, so Scafidis will shoulder a heavy load in keeping this hardworking but often uninspired team up (again). The good news for new manager Collette Sade is that, after two years, the Nepharim star hasn't showed any signs of cracking under this weight yet. Scafidis actually seems to embrace and even love the responsibility. In fact, her verve has inspired the Islanders to consistently overachieve their talent level during her tenure. While the Islanders might be relegation fighters on paper, the safe money is on them repeating this ability and largely avoiding the danger. That is, assuming they're as well-drilled on defense and set-pieces under Sade as they always were under Johannes Lundblade. That discipline was paramount in every damn result they got in the last five years. With a natural leader in Francesca Scougall to marshal the back four and high-flying counterpart Massif DeKlan to terrorize on Will Couturiaux's lovely dead-ball deliveries, you shouldn't see too much of a drop-off in those departments. Outside back could be a position of weakness though, and opponents will try to expose Olask out wide. Promising young goalkeeper Trent Fielding better be ready to come out and deal with crosses.
Last Season: 15th (8-10-16). Prediction: 14th.

ZAKHORO ACES
Zakhoro, Ankortroth Fief

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

Tekeh Na'Vatajin (39)

Transfers In: Robert Hobbs (Arrowsmith $3m), Aakif Guerin (Cassandra City $2.1m), Ivy Fiefwalker (Keenan Athletic $0.72m), Salome St. John (Revanigruud Riversharks ($0.5m), Makenna Scripps (Half Copper Academy free), Erikka Dicer (promoted)
Transfers Out: Filipe Carneiro (released), Trevoh Ebuzoeme (released), Marcel Payet (retired)

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

Sinistar (28) -

Quaglia (32),

Noff (22),

Hobbs (27) -

Winterseer (21),

Fiefwalker (29),

Aliena (33 C) -

Özturk (24) -

Guerin (23),

Samarqand (29),

Tarmé (23)

Key Reserves: Hernández (CB/26), Scripps (LW/18), St. John (RM/27), Temuge (CAM/29), Dicer (ST/20)
Tactical Style: Create triangles when attacking, try to swarm ball and immediately dispossess in defense

Team Preview: One should always temper expectations with newly-promoted teams, even ones that were as dominant as last year's Aces. Yes, they won Sekundar Ligan by fourteen points, but they've toyed with that league in similar fashion before (record five SL titles, baby) and it hasn't always translated back up. But that's not the mentality first-time Härlighet Ligan manager Tekeh Na'Vatajin is taking into the season. He's gone to the Euran market for top-end defensive help in Robert Hobbs, recruited proven but out-of-favor HL performers in Aakif Guerin and Ivy Fiefwalker, and blended them with an incumbent cast highlighted by breakout star #10 Koru Özturk (Sekundar Ligan Player of the Year), tight-dribbling #8 Selana Aliena, reliable goalscorer Kurtis Samarqand and energetic homegrowns Tarmé, Isaak Noff and Ksenia Winterseer. If the less-experienced players that rose to prominence in Sekundar Ligan can maintain that same swagger in more demanding environments, the first eleven on this roster looks like it could compete with almost anyone. If. Özturk was transcendent carving open defenses like Otkins Numenvernia with pinpoint passes last season, but his vision depended on time and space that simply won't be available at this level. It will be interesting to see if he can adapt. He'll need Guerin and Tarmé to be at their pacy, enterprising best out wide. And like many newly-promoted clubs forced to build a largely new core squad from scratch, the Aces could be in trouble if Na'Vatajin is forced to dig deeper than his first 13-15 on a recurring basis. A possible wild card is Temuge. The Savalen international and former Zakhoro superstar has missed most of the last 2-3 seasons with a litany of unfortunate injury setbacks, but could be ready to make his return - one most had begun to doubt would ever arrive.
Last Season: Sekundar Ligan Champions (22-7-5). Prediction: 17th, Relegation.

FEVELO COLONY
Bildeventure, Fevelo

Nickname: Cavedwellers
Founded: 945
Ground: Fevelo Field (15,000)
Manager:

Paaron Petrov (45)

Transfers In: Paulie Papon (Kareen FC $2m), Berzelius Hedepolly (AC Holmenkollen $1.3m), Aurora Solignac (Golden Eagles $1m), Craig O'Maramy (Anomalies $0.5m), Elizabeth Kent (USC Toro free), Thia Ribos (Versiaville free)
Transfers Out: Physical and hardworking, with a slight hint of unexpected flair on the ball

Starting XI (3-5-2):

Berzins (26) -

Kent (24),

Hedepolly (30),

MacIldoon (21) -

Solignac (22),

Paupon (24),

Swarthimore (30),

Ardanova (21),

Keldian (24) -

Demetriou (34),

Sibučić (23)

Key Reserves: Ešenvalds (CB/24), Ferdinand (LRM/27), O'Maramy (CM/34), Ribos (CF/34)
Tactical Style:

Team Preview: Fevelo Colony have the least Härlighet Ligan pedigree (none, in fact) of any team this season, so by definition nobody had more work to do going into it. And so work they did, pulling in 2.5 international midfielders (Paulie Papon, Aurora Solignac and whatever remains of Craig O'Maramy), a fringe international defender (Elizabeth Kent) and some of Fevelo's previous successful products (HL veterans Thia Ribos and Berzelius Hedepolly) who were eager to return to their homeworld for its first bow on the big stage. Yes, if you haven't heard by now, Fevelo Colony FC is the first club from one of Cosumar's extraterrestrial colonies to earn its way up the pyramid into the elite ranks of the Härlighet Ligan. No, Cornellians superstar Isla Sibučić isn't one of the alums they brought back, but Fevelo Colony do have her older cousin on the books, striker Anna Sibučić. She's a bit more heavyset and one-footed than Isla, but Anna is nonetheless a clever player with some nifty finishes on her. This is a big chance for her to make her own name. And the club do have amongst their ranks perhaps their only alum more distinguished than young Isla……former national team captain Paaron Petrov. No, it's not what you think. The original Fevelian wizard did stretch his playing career into his 40s, but not all the way to 45! He's a manager now, having seamlessly transitioned a few years ago after finally retiring from Na'Ilee Mariners. The man is a god amongst men back on Fevelo as a result of staying there for much of his prime before achieving abroad. Petrov's 'divine' presence (along with a boundless enthusiasm for the game) visibly inspires his players - especially the local ones - to keep going at it for 90 minutes rain or shine. Good. They'll probably need every ounce of extra motivation. While Fevelo Colony are a feelgood story and wingback dynamo Solignac and defensive anchor Hedepolly in particular were excellent pickups, it's really not clear how good a lot of the other players are. They performed well as a team last season, but there weren't individual standouts. Nepharim talisman Apollo Demetriou has had some great seasons in the Fevelian caves but hasn't played top-flight since West Brinemouth (if that counts) and is now 34. This wasn't a squad that was expected to even contend for promotion a year ago, and now they're expected to contend with world-class operations like Real Azuris while dealing with unprecedented travel demands? They'll need something special to keep the dream going.
Last Season: 2nd in Sekundar Ligan (18-5-11). Prediction: 18th, Relegation.

HELFIN FIEF
Dvinko, Helfin Fief

Nickname: Protons
Founded: 911
Ground: Scandrick's Stadium (28,000)
Manager:

Josie MacLean (56)

Transfers In: Adrien Borges (Canalave Dragons $7.5m), Robbie Guerricaechevarria (KT Moreazerua $3.5m), Jouri Salverda (Ibini FC $2m), Hugo Cartensen (Samaj FC $1.8m), Ezekiel Tarkanian (Trothwands Evolution), Ilon Venator (Yambridge City $0.75m), Kiv Kvikernes (Tamarskand Fief University)
Transfers Out: Neil Bravo (retired), Dwaro Na'Tule (retired)

Starting XI (4-4-2):

Edelgrau (33) -

Cartensen (33),

Salverda (21),

de Naam (28),

Borchgardt (23) -

Larkspur (31),

Guerricaechevarria (32),

Katholos (25),

Tarkanian (31) -

Riise (20),

Borges (25)

Key Reserves: Venator (GK/27), Brynjolfsson (CB/22), Cree (DM/31), Alepo (RM/31), Nobela (AM/22), Kvikernres (ST/20)
Tactical Style: Balanced

Team Preview: Hello again, Helfin Fief. Care to stay more than one season this time? It's impolite to keep popping in and out. Especially when present company really would like to see those lovely sashes attached to shoulders not slumped in resignation to relegation for once. I promise Sekundar Ligan won't get too jealous if we borrow a few seasons of your time. I mean, he probably wouldn't even recognize you anymore. Josie MacLean wasted no time turning over your roster for what might be her last chance to make it stick in the HL, and she did quite a job. No stone was left unturned for potential contributors. I know losing Neil Bravo hurt you, but Robbie Guerricaechevarria arrived in return as an even better veteran central creator! One with 50+ Audioslavia caps! And if all else fails, you can just hit the ball over the top and let two-footed young striker Aron Riise or technical Valladar signing Adrien Borges scrap to cement themselves as Härlighet Ligan stars. Let go of the past, Helfin Fief. Let go of the fear. If you keep your heads, your squad now has the right blend of strong youth and experienced leaders, of quality and grit, to confidently take your seat at the Härlighet Ligan table at last. So, please, come on in.
Last Season: 3rd in Sekundar Ligan (17-6-11). Prediction: 15th.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:35 am

See the previous post for the second half of the Season 25 Härlighet Ligan team previews.
This is a brief overview of the lower leagues.

Na'Ilee Mariners
Best Players: ST Vesina Va'Lepeh, GK Jeremy McNott

AC Holmenkollen
Best Players: RM Darren Tabaz, ST Kamaal Nyle

Treftadaeth Alliance
Best Players: LAM Toussaint Robitaille, CF Isaiah Miller

Regalia City
Best Players: LB Tree Harper, CB Matthias Whyteleafe

Keenan Athletic
Best Players: ST Dinko Spisic, CM Lethe Cirvante

Ziemelu Skaida
Best Players: DM Ehab Amkura, RM Xandria Springgate

Versiaville
Best Players: CF Sirena Va'Drevu, LM Eugenio Prescott

FC Kaldukosic
Best Players: LW Kaujarre Nisa, AM Georgina Wadimu

Fort Archer
Best Players: CM Tarran Seamster, CB Dirk Göffling

Gwynt Tywyll
Best Players: GK Cema Creed, CM Ferdinand Absalon

Sindo Fief
Best Players: LB Kaliya Java Gula, CM Kendron Pertzborn

Nomad Brotherhood FC
Best Players: GK Thea Henson, CB Gwidion

West Gundar
Best Players: DM Prisma Zalzaria, ST Henrique Lopez

Morponte Fief
Best Players: LM Lily Penhaligon, ST Javier Encarnación

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

Riverside Crew
Best Players: DM Elsa Dietrich, SS Adrian Spekter

Cassandra Cosmopolitan
Best Players: RB Sil Na'Vijil, LM Lucius Kaspian

FC Flen
Best Players: FW Nine Nokkentvek, DM Lea Minter

Otkins Numenvernia

AFC Obscura 98

Pristine Forest

Pardock Island

Revanigruud Riversharks

Klyde Heritage FC

Rexnor District 3

Sontafe City

Seryddwyr Aberaeron

AC Sepultura

Larkinham Town

Portsmouth FC

Bergtatt Isle Athletic

Brayllor Town

Silk FC

Tierra Interstellar Wanderers

White Tower FC

Esterhollow Harbor

Salfa City

Hvalsey 08

IFK Sundsvall

Dvinko Black Hearts

Conference Cosumarus

Everlong FC
Yambridge City
West Devellin
Tamiat Town
Forest Hill FC
Dawchire Town
Sarmon
Hagenheim South End
Cadonica United
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona
Azure Lane FC
Moore Hill Pirates
AC Opjenheim
Sporting Pirankoper
Atletisk Surpronuk
Black Diamond Osterhaut
Talmusok City
Cassandra City II
IFK Karlsborg
Somberlain FC
Crawford Sharks SC
SC Swamport
Chesterton Cottagers
Volmachtia Kaldukosic
Club Toftir
Gladsax Chariot FC
Stortrommeby Town
Woods of Ypres

Conference KC

Sammet Ridge
Caledon Legion
Gnoss Gallants AFC
Nuur Origins FC
Aberaeron Celtic
Buscari Bridge Force
Tornline
Usk Town
Kalloroda United
Meryuma Marshals
Atlético Oterro
CD Panteras Nueces
Rexnor District 5
VfL Läutenstadt
Sólstafir
Templar-Lune FC
Treacherous Cove AFC
Sadenia Paladins
Tranquility Treepolis
Aläng FF

IFK Nordön
FK Pentagram Pjattervid
Hamlack Town
Svart-Guld Klingaställe
Real Azuris II
Villa Forsetti
FC Kviststad
Wilmontsbloom Blue Star
Wiedna Town
Noumen Town
Gwerin Athletic
Moggington County
Atletisk Kvelertak
Emerald Cove SC
Cerulia City FC
Flithby Town
Satyricon Nemeses AFC
Gibwir Marsnal
Glasbon SC
Erpland County
Ardamirchan Isle United
Baymar Lagune
Oppland 806
Interstellar Erurok
Noths Castle
Orias-Kvissle SC
Oxbow Lake
Lindsborg Premier
Klyde City
Klyde II

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

Scarborough
Highlanders
Sporting Culmar
FC Kastanjestad
SC Cirith 01
Rhithlungwerddon Town
Ajatarra Alligators
Lykathea City
FC Fejd
High Noon FC
Attumac 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 Varden
Heofoncandel Uré
Taigaen Plats

Ayr Athletic
Olympique Sur Mer
West Ellum
Grayslake
SEP Bjärnum
Real Bellavista
Inter Juta
Yellow Meadow Lynwood
Klovstad Klub
Bayford City
Gamma Zakhoro
Chamomile Town
Crawford City FC II
East Ellum
FC Va'Lubasa
Rhupenhoven Town
Yuonela Town
FC Arkadius
Tromsdale Town
Falco Na'Diveh
FC Na'Travii
Thergothon
Drummond's FC
Duval Town
Theli City
Miklagaard Salvation
Vfl Bolmenstadt
Red Star Karbosic
FC1. Richtofen Avalanche
Goldstaff Athletic

Varvonti Firestorm
Piander Falls FC
Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC
Murkwaamp Suns
Rhodes Ravens FC
Borzac Sequins
Rexnor District 7
Ciems Mungonduvia
Drahva United
FC Dynamo Kurbads
SC Vronus 510
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
Exxeco Station
Whitestone Athletic
New Hagenheim Canopy
Snaigow Hoarfrost
Levithia Shrievenzale

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Apr 06, 2018 9:25 am

Pelethas are unlucky in the draw - getting Gelderlish stalwards Celtic in the prelims - and crash out of their first ever Champions' Cup. A disastrous start in the first leg away set them back three goals and they were never able to recover. Turns out the CC is too tall of a mountain for the Miners to climb, at least without proper acclimation to the season... On the other hand, early returns are promising for newly-promoted sides Helfin Fief and Fevelo Colony. Both impress in their preseason SBCC fixtures, especially new Helfin Fief, who advanced past three strong opponents with six goals in six matches from fresh-off-the-plane striker Adrien Borges.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 1
Stoneshore United 0–1 Samaj FC
Zakhoro Aces 1–2 IFK Aldenskoett
Fevelo Colony 2–2 Real Azuris
Ramusok United 2–3 Cassandra City
FC Samotath 4–5 Crawford City FC
Klyde 3–2 Goldstaff City
Eastweald 2–0 Helfin Fief
Mallox 1–2 Pelethas United
Olask Islanders 2–2 OAS Royal FC

Let's kick off the 25th season at Fevelo Field, where we're about to witness the first Härlighet Ligan match played on another planet! These are the kind of moments you live for as a football fan... Mobs of Fevelians are packed like sardines well beyond the stated capacity of 15,000 as Real Azuris take the pitch opposite their beloved Cavedwellers. Smoke bomb residue has shrouded much of the cozy facility in a purple and tan haze, creating what must be a genuinely scary close-quarters atmosphere for the players. It could almost be described as gladiatorial. Real Azuris were already out of their element after the armored lift ride under the remote planet's surface, and unsurprisingly seemed rattled at the whole spectacle. The offworld underdogs struck first around twenty minutes in, Berzelius Hedepolly with the headed-on flick and Apollo Demetriou with the stabbed finish with his left foot, setting off a new round of smoke bombs. Debutant Aurora Solignac added onto Fevelo Colony's unbelievable lead early in the second half, controlling a long pass from Paulie Papon, cutting inside on her right and beating August Ozuna to the far post. Real Azuris' quality would eventually shine through with a pair of equalizing goals in the final ten minutes, but this day was about the Fevelians. Paaron Petrov was delighted with his plucky side for taking a point off Cosumar's premier juggernaut. "We are undeniable PROOF of the growing legitimacy of the extraterrestrial game!" Petrov proclaimed to the press. Well, on the pitch at least. Multiple Real Azuris players took to Twitter later to criticize the "unprofessional" facilities and accommodations they were "subjected to" on their maiden voyage to Fevelo. Will this be a recurring controversy? It's not exactly a hospitable planet.

Nothing can top the novelty of the first top-flight match played amongst the stars, but Matchday 1 was a bona-fide frenzy back on terrestrial Cosumar too. Samaj visit Stoneshore, and it takes veteran forward Ross Rowe only three minutes to get sent off for a flying elbow to the head of Stoneshore Stonewall centerpiece Willem Maersk. Johannes Lundblade has no choice but to trot out Tredje Ligan top scorer Adnan Jurevicius for his HL debut... and the lad scores with his first touch! Rachel Del Arro gingerly dribbled inside the right of the 6-yard box and, after she couldn't trick her way past Efe Na'Kele, slid the ball back to the top of the 6 for Jurevicius to pass into the opposite side-netting! Despite being down a man, Samaj were able to hang on to the 1-0 lead against an idealess Stoneshore attack. Maybe Samaj will be just fine without Vega Zeale-Riddick. But not to be forgotten, Zeale-Riddick also scored on her Cassandra City debut. Her tap-in was rather routine, but it was triumphantly celebrated by the away support in Ramusok against the rival Blues, and set the stage for Ursula Rowan's perfectly-curled winner later on. A tough way to start the season for Jock Sonny's Ramusok United, though there were individual bright spots.

Elsewhere around Opening Day, Kim Coultan's hat trick inspired Crawford City FC to a rousing comeback win from 4-2 down, Penumbra Amokachi welcomed Helfin Fief back to the big stage with a cheeky finish that kissed the underside of the crossbar, dueling Brenecian strikers Riordan and Bannion both scored for their respective sides in Klyde-Goldstaff but Pasargan playmaker Abdo Villalpando Fierro was the difference for Klyde with a magisterial second half, and ...finally... The Orange Palace sagged in disbelief as defending champions Mallox gifted a late stoppage-time winner to Pelethas defender Zheng Linxin on a corner.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 2
Samaj FC 2–0 OAS Royal FC
Pelethas United 4–1 Olask Islanders
Helfin Fief 2–5 Mallox
Goldstaff City 1–1 Eastweald
Crawford City FC 3–4 Klyde
Cassandra City 4–1 FC Samotath
Real Azuris 2–4 Ramusok United
IFK Aldenskoett 2–4 Fevelo Colony
Stoneshore United 0–2 Zakhoro Aces

Samaj win again without striker Rowe (suspended due to last week's harsh red card) and remain perfect, with replacement Adnan Jurevicius holding his own against a more impressive opponent. The young buck didn't score, but he held up the ball well in the sequence leading up to Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir's opening goal. Will Rowe get the start next week or will Samaj keep rolling with the talented but undeniably raw Jurevicius?

Crawford City's FC's defensive lapses at home against Klyde doomed them in a 4-3 defeat, looking far from the improved defensive side that was promised. CCFC controlled nearly every aspect of the match... except Riordan, who converted all three of her chances into goals. It was a blissful day for Klydians, as hated Real Azuris also buckled. After a dominant opening 45 minutes featuring a nice goal from Bryger Tidesson, Real Azuris got "Stone'd" 4-1 in the second half by Ramusok United. Euran striker William Stone had himself a powerful brace, looking fully adjusted to the Cosumarite game at last. Beware? Adrián Del Toro and Lara Wedderburn also scored in what was a great energetic response from Sonny's Blues after last week's numbing defeat. On the other side, folks in Azuris have to be worried by the sluggish start reminiscent of last season's. Cue sidelong glances at Lujendra Mescalin and Stig Söderquist winning the Premiership with Brinemouth...

Mallox, meanwhile, quickly and ruthlessly extinguish the excitement at Helfin Fief's home opener, flexing their title-winning muscle with five different scorers - including an easy goal for academy teen Taka Masatoshi on his debut. Elsewhere, Lone Va'Nega made eight saves for Goldstaff City to stave off swarming Eastweald and Fevelo Colony earned their first Härlighet Ligan win in emphatic fashion, homegrown midfielder Via Ardanova all over the place. Pelethas United romped a poor Islanders side with the Saltorius-Alotic combination on-point, and Charles Dyer Vry single-handedly dismantled FC Samotath's defense (or lack thereof) with a hat trick, reminding Cassandra City fans that Zeale-Riddick isn't the only exciting young Cosumarite forward in town.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Eastweald 1-1 AFC Treason (NPH)[/sub]

Magnificent! Ishtar Fanaiyan blasts a close-range shot into the roof of the net after a sixteen-pass build-up in the 21st minute to give the Wood Elves a dream start against marquee opposition at a sold-out Old Weldenskirgen. Unfortunately, they concede a potentially vital away goal to Vanquisher cap Lorelei Neptune on the brink of half time and it remains knotted 1-1, both defenses resolute in the second half.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Botley Bears SC (HUD) 5-1 FC Samotath
Pelethas United 2-2 Istria City FC (BNJ)

Botley came in with the perfect gameplan to expose the holes in Samotath's aggressive 1-3-2-4 and poked through them with methodical precision. 5-1 pops off the page, but it's not really that surprising. You risk occasional scorelines like that when you play the way Samo do. But it gives them reason to come out with all cannons pointing forward in the return leg at Alesund Stadion, which is what that crowd loves to see. Pelethas will be a little disappointed too after twice taking leads over Istria City through Mohsin Changez and Saltorius Splitt but twice conceding equalizers at home. Those away goals might hurt if the second leg is close and cagey, as should be expected.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1
Umbar (CMT) 2-1 Fevelo Colony
Helfin Fief 2-2 Nukon (EUR)
Cadott United (DAI) 0-1 Zakhoro Aces

Mixed results in the SBCC. Fevelo Colony have hope after snagging a late Demetriou away goal, and Zakhoro's Koru Özturk continued a promising start to the season by scoring a free kick midweek in Dainer. Despite the loss, even Fevelo might actually have a better chance than Helfin Fief, who drew, going into the second leg. The yellow-and-black need a win in Eura. Tough ask.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 3
Zakhoro Aces 3–0 Samaj FC
Fevelo Colony 1–0 Stoneshore United
Ramusok United 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett
FC Samotath 2–3 Real Azuris
Klyde 0–1 Cassandra City
Eastweald 2–0 Crawford City FC
Mallox 5–2 Goldstaff City
Olask Islanders 0–4 Helfin Fief
OAS Royal FC 3–4 Pelethas United

After their home opener collapse, Mallox again found themselves shellshocked in front of a disquieted Orange Palace early in their second home match. Arunas Saulnesis smashed a first-time half-volley past Johannes Sindelaar in the 10th minute and Aelfwynn Bannion pounced on an unlucky deflection in the box scarcely a minute later to sucker-punch the hosts 2-0. "WE HUNTIN' TIGERS!" the Goldstaff City striker hollered repeatedly as she gallivanted around, getting in faces and drawing boos from the crowd. "The lads are feeling the targets on their backs this season," Mallox manager Kennedy Kopenhaver acknowledged afterwards. "When you rise to the top as quickly as we did, everybody wants to tear you back down. We just need to stay true to the values that got us here." Two of those values are patience and discipline, which the Tigers displayed as they gradually fought their way back. Tas Danko and Trajan Bruyne refused to let "Tiger Hunter" Bannion get under their skin and kept her in check for the rest of the match, Bruyne even lifting the equalizing header over Va'Nega in the 49th minute himself. Stiin Siorrha'Asione delivered Mallox the lead six minutes later with a header of his own at the near post, making sure Bannion heard his "TIGERS ALWAYS HUNTING!" response celebration, and Mehmet Curwyk completed the five-unanswered rally in the 78th minute, courtesy of Cloudchaser's back-hoof assist. "It won't be easy, but we're determined to defend our crown," Kopenhaver finished. "We showed that today."

Nice sentiment Kennedy, but taking care of unheralded Goldstaff at home is hardly a barometer of greatness. Your title hopes will be truly examined when you face your foes across the Weald. It was, in fact, Eastweald who notched the most impressive result of the weekend, taking down fellow preseason favorites Crawford City FC with the same 2-0 scoreline by which they knocked the Elephants out of the title reckoning late last season. It was an intriguing arm-wrestle of two sides that play excellent possession-based football, but Theresa Riether's was just that extra bit faster and more precise on the day. Fanaiyan's wickedly swerving shot gave Eastweald a 2-0 lead before the break and they were able to waste the second half away with pesky little midfielder Dexter Tricklebank giving Klein and Coultan hell. Amethyst Fegelein will have to wait a bit longer to finally beat Riether. Another eye-catching contest took place at Crowley Memorial. We expected goals between OAS Royal and Pelethas United, the two most prolific attacks of last season. And goals we got. None of them were exactly beautiful - the defending often questionable - but Pelethas somehow came out on top of an action-packed second half thanks to a hat trick by Mercedini international Charlie Alotic, two coming in the last five minutes after Royal's Beatriz Koclanes had made it 3-2 herself in the 80th. Pelethas United have already scored 10 goals and lead the table just like they did throughout their hot start last season. At the other end of the spectrum, Olask Islanders and Stoneshore United are, like, baaaaad. Both got run off the pitch by newly-promoted sides this week.

Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
AFC Treason 1-1 (2-1 AET) Eastweald
AFC Treason advance 3-2 on aggregate after extra time

I believe this Eastweald side could've gone a lot farther if they hadn't come up against Peter Svensson & Co. before the group stage, but you have to beat the best to be the best. After the Nepharim struck an early lead, Jo de Marisco did well to roll the ball beyond the keeper in first half stoppage time to level the playing field for the second half, but the Elves just didn't have enough magic to break Treason down. Their elimination was sealed in extra time by good 'ole John Fletcher, who floated a nice header inside the far post to leave Esteban Hernandez punching the dirt.

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
FC Samotath 1-0 Botley Bears SC
Botley Bears advance 5-2 on aggregate

Istria City FC 2-0 Pelethas United
Istria City advance 4-2 on aggregate

Shame, shame. You'd expect a bit more urgency from two clubs that have been forced to really appreciate UICA berths.

Series B Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Fevelo Colony 1-1 Umbar
Umbar advance 3-2 on aggregate

Nukon 1-1 Helfin Fief
Nukon advance 3-3 on away goals

Zakhoro Aces 1-0 Cadott United
Zakhoro Aces advance 2-0 on aggregate

After a set of predictably dull second legs, the Aces are Cosumar's last men standing into the SBCC group stage. Daineri keeper Sinistar was in fine form between the sticks against an opponent from his home country, earning a deserved clean sheet.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 4
Samaj FC 2–2 Pelethas United
Helfin Fief 2–4 OAS Royal FC
Goldstaff City 3–5 Olask Islanders
Crawford City FC 3–1 Mallox
Cassandra City 2–1 Eastweald
Real Azuris 2–2 Klyde
IFK Aldenskoett 2–0 FC Samotath
Stoneshore United 0–0 Ramusok United
Zakhoro Aces 5–3 Fevelo Colony

Boosted by SBCC success, the Aces are currently flying high in all competitions. Exuberant 39-year-old coach Tekeh Na'Vatajin has them playing with supreme confidence, and it was on full display as they shredded Fevelo Colony in Zakhoro. They repeatedly forced blunders in bad areas and converted them with sweeping moves in the blink of an eye. Five all without Özturk (slight knock midweek). Injury-riddled star Temuge rotated in to a heartwarming ovation having not played a single minute last season and, just like that, scored his first two goals in three years. What a young winger the Aces look to have in Makenna Scripps as well. The teenage Eastfielder has quickly earned the confidence of Na'Vatajin, injecting pace, flair and goals off the bench. No one in Zakhoro was counting on Scripps OR Temuge to be a factor this season. If both can keep performing at a high level, the Aces' most severe limitation - lack of depth - might not actually be a problem. But check back a couple posts from now. It's pointless to draw any conclusions from the first month. At least, FC Samotath hope that aphorism holds true. They've got four defeats from four. Local pundits refrained from sounding the alarms after the three opening losses because they were to Crawford, Cassandra and Azuris, but there's no reason why this attacking corps shouldn't get at least one goal every time out against IFK. But lo and behold, IFK fullback Kristian Friedmann made new weapon Ricardo Sommerfield look foolish out wide, college signing Parn Thaler dominated at CB, and Hecubah Statkis opened her account with a middle finger towards some verbally-abusive Samo fans.

Other key matches around the league included Cassandra City's defeat of Eastweald on prime Sunday evening air, high-pressing them into submission. Ki Niro punished Eastweald for their insistence on building out of the back with two clinical strikes following interceptions. And there was the first Klyde Derby! This one disappointingly ended in a 2-2 draw, though Hidaldo Antúnes furthered his case for Cosumar call-ups by netting both the opener and final equalizer. Despite the boring result, it was an exciting finish as Andrew Arrowsword and Bryger Tidesson both nearly blew the roof off of Estadio MasseMord with shots that ricocheted off the woodwork in the final 10 minutes. Crawford City FC bounced back from their gut-check against Eastweald, strikers Hannah Alcouin and Kevin Stabb scoring a flying header and reflex rebound, respectively, after being virtual no-shows at Old Weldenskirgen. Olask Islanders bounced back too. Several players including Chrysanthe Scafidis opened their accounts for the season against Goldstaff City's sieve of a defense.

Finally, Player of the Week was an extremely close vote between OAS Royal FC's hat trick hero in Helfin (Claudia Cautcher) and Alotic, whose spectacular 28-yard bicycle equalizer at Stadion Jägare extended his six-game scoring streak in all competitions for Pelethas. With the lead changing hands several times in the final hour as both fanbases bombarded the online poll, managers Sur Arora and Euan Jersey traded some Twitter banter about why their striker deserved it more. In one, Arora misspelled Cautcher's name as "Claudia Cashier" in the heat of the moment, spawning horrendous memes that I have a terrible feeling will last all year.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 5
Fevelo Colony 3–3 Samaj FC
Ramusok United 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
FC Samotath 4–4 Stoneshore United
Klyde 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Eastweald 1–2 Real Azuris
Mallox 4–4 Cassandra City
Olask Islanders 0–1 Crawford City FC
OAS Royal FC 0–0 Goldstaff City
Pelethas United 3–1 Helfin Fief

"Well, that was ugly," Amethyst Fegelein reflected with a chuckle as she sat down in front of the press. Her Crawford City FC pulled off a character-building win amidst sleet and a dreadful pitch away on Olask Isle. Rusalka Klein tucked away a fleeting opening in the 68th minute for the only goal despite already being diminished to nine men. Dmitri Hagicostas racked up two yellows in the first half and innocent-faced Jennifer Farrow, of all people, earned a straight red after the restart, leaping up and hilariously grabbing Neil Brown's neck in retaliation. He'd grasped her hand from behind to stall a breakaway and held on over several yards like a desperate lover! But the Elephants soldiered on, relying on Klein's opportunistic strike, gutsy last-ditch tackles by Sarah Arrowsword and a few critical moments by rapidly-maturing goalkeeper Hansi Weschler to ride out soggy and bruised, but as winners. To be Härlighet Ligan champions, a team has to know how to win ugly when necessary. That was certainly the case this week for CCFC. As statement wins go, Real's 2-1 at Old Weldenskirgen is a whopper. Arrowsword showed why he's the most dangerous man in Cosumar with his head and the defense redeemed itself for a mixed effort in last week's Klyde Derby. The wall could've been better-positioned to block Eva Velasquez's low-driven free kick, but they were otherwise remarkably solid. They allowed Eastweald to complete all the passes their hearts desired, but snuffed out the truly dangerous lanes.

Sighs of relief in Goldstaff as it seems City actually does remember how to play defense, not allowing Claudia "Cashier" to open the register in a clean sheet. The Guardians didn't score either, but they'll take the progress. Sighs of puzzlement in Stoneshore as the Greys allow four goals but, equally uncharacteristically, also score four. I mean, they hadn't scored yet all season. What changed? Desperate for a goal, Douglas Tibet threw out an experimental team, benching veterans like Aidan Andela, Kira Jonassen and Na'Kele in favor of younger back-ups and shifting to a two-striker formation with Athena Haagensen playing off Yuanchiki Larrimbe up top. Not only did players like Haagensen and teenage orchestrator Benci Gölöncsér play well and score, but the shift also invigorated slumping strike phenom Larrimbe, who got in on the act with a cushioned chip late. "Fresh young careers are lovely blossoms just dropped from a mighty ancient tree after a heavy storm," eccentric manager Douglas Tibet mused poetically about his team's new look. "Now they must be sewn together with a needle and threads of security and support to live into beautiful circles of football's garland. The circle cannot close without the shelter of the old tree from which they fell." ...So, I'm guessing we can expect more of this look from Stoneshore, but gradually? The team is still winless despite the hubbub over the youngsters' performances. Knowledge of the game possessed by the likes of Jonassen will surely be needed in the event of a relegation fight.

Other top performers this week include Alexander Kárpáty, who produced the season's first complete hat trick in a high-powered 4-4 draw with Cassandra City, as well as new Samaj left back Ophelia Lovelock, who had a cracking goal and lovely assist for Del Arro to lead Samaj's comeback from 3-1 down offworld on Fevelo. Tajo Carr-Ponce and John Hare comprised a monstrous pairing in the back for Ramusok United, halting the red-hot Zakhoro Aces for their best performance yet, and Saltorius Splitt added to his league-leading assist tally against hesitant Helfin Fief.

Globe Cup - Qualifying Round, Leg 1
Eastweald 0-0 Langtree United (MRC)

Disappointing result for Eastweald. They created plenty of danger in the early going with the home crowd's energy behind them, but couldn't make their chances count - Amokachi particularly frustrated with herself - and eventually ran out of momentum in the second half. A consolation is that Apoxian Brevin Scott continues to shine, solidifying his first-choice spot in the heart of Theresa Riether's defense.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 6
Samaj FC 0–0 Helfin Fief
Goldstaff City 0–0 Pelethas United
Crawford City FC 4–0 OAS Royal FC
Cassandra City 5–2 Olask Islanders
Real Azuris 4–2 Mallox
IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Eastweald
Stoneshore United 3–1 Klyde
Zakhoro Aces 3–2 FC Samotath
Fevelo Colony 2–2 Ramusok United

"Hold my beer," Andrew Arrowsword says after noting the attention Kárpáty's hat trick generated last week. On the same pitch as Kárpáty this week, the gifted Cenian took the opportunity to one-up his rival striker and do a bit of showing off. He had a complete hat trick of his own in an hour's work and even added a fourth to his tally in the 75th minute, scoring all of Real's goals on the day to send Mallox packing. After the fourth, a mazy run through three defenders, he had the entire Estadio MasseMord doing synchronized archer motions in tribute. Stiin Siorrha'Asione didn't like this too much. He mocked the fans' customary Arrowsword celebration by "arrowing" himself in the head and playing dead after nabbing a late consolation goal. Andrew thought it was funny though and, despite being polar opposite personalities, traded shirts with Stiin after the final whistle.

Theatrics in Azuris aside, it was a rather run-of-the-mill week. Crawford City-OAS Royal was supposed to be a fun one but ended up being one-way traffic with Klein offering up one of her most dominant midfield performances yet and Royal's back line in constant disarray. Eastweald also failed to entertain, their midweek malaise bleeding into their trip to Aldenskoett. The Elves controlled possession but again lacked cutting edge. Arnold Mace then caught them with their guard down on a counter for a 1-0 IFK upset. Olask Islanders were hapless under the bright lights of The Amphitheatre and got destroyed by Cassandra City, victims of two extraordinary Bellerophon Serafino blasts, a debut goal for Dídac Vivas and a signature Vega Zeale-Riddick sliding finish. Stoneshore and Zakhoro both overcame early home deficits (including Ozaria Gandhi's long-awaited first Klyde goal) with inventive play on the wings. And Fevelian-bred bully Thia Ribos was the hero in her first home appearance for Fevelo Colony since her return, diving onto the end of Via Ardanova's cross in the 77th minute to steal a point back for the fearless Cavedwellers. Is something special brewing out there in the constellation of Eayn?

Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2
Langtree United 2-1 Eastweald
Langtree United advance 2-1 on aggregate

Former IFK Aldenskoett midfielder Mason Windrip rips a 30-yard screamer to make it 2-0 in the 37th minute and that pretty much does it for Eastweald's UICA season. To Eastweald's credit, they fought back and made a genuine go at it in the second half, eventually narrowing it to 2-1 through Amalia Del Angel in the 89th minute. Sol Myren then came close to a dramatic away-goals winner at the end of stoppage time, breaking free of his mark to get on the end of Jo de Marisco's corner, but he headed it agonizingly wide. The Mercedinians deservedly progress.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 7
Ramusok United 2–1 Samaj FC
FC Samotath 3–2 Fevelo Colony
Klyde 5–2 Zakhoro Aces
Eastweald 7–4 Stoneshore United
Mallox 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Olask Islanders 2–5 Real Azuris
OAS Royal FC 4–2 Cassandra City
Pelethas United 1–1 Crawford City FC
Helfin Fief 3–2 Goldstaff City

Don't you love those matches where you can't even go to the bathroom because it feels like every passing moment is vital? That's what this Eastweald-Stoneshore match was like. 7-4 will likely be the highest-scoring match of the season. Douglas Tibet returned to his experimental young line-up that produced four a couple weeks ago and they repeated the feat with some blistering breakaway sequences, but also got worked going the other way by Eastweald's far superior experience, craft and vision. Eva Velasquez? Brace. Penumbra Amokachi? Brace. Ishtar Fanaiyan? Trio of assists. Tibet needs to figure out a way to get electric youngsters like Tychicus and Gölöncsér on the pitch without compromising Stoneshore's prized defensive stability.

Goldstaff City did not savor the home cooking by the referee on Friday night in Dvinko. Both penalty calls (converted by earners Aron Riise and Adrien Borges) against the still-winless visitors were questionable at best, and the Guardians couldn't find a way back into the match until it was too late. The lone bright spot was Corby Wheeler's side-footed effort that nutmegged Maxine Edelgrau from ten yards out late on. It was the young Brenecian's first HL goal, a welcome sight after a humbling adjustment period in her first month. Speaking of Brenecians, they scored four of Klyde's five at home as they proved themselves superior to tactically-likeminded side Zakhoro Aces. Gandhi exploded off the mark for a hat trick after her debut goal last week, and one Jackson Cornthatch came off the bench to casually add a wonderfully-random 35-yard thunderbastard into the mix. Back to the drawing board for the Aces, who have started to cool off from their hot start. Teenager Makenna Scripps continues to be a sparkplug off the bench, but they need more from main men Koru Özturk and Kurtis Samarqand, not to mention the goalkeeping catastrophes in this one. Safe to say, Cornthatch's miracle shouldn't have gone in.

Elsewhere, OAS Royal were able to use their pace to bypass Cassandra City's press in a much-needed 4-2 win. "Always feels good to give an arrogant team their first loss," Elsie Drover boasted to the press after a match in which she was at her best, bossing the midfield despite the presence of Serafino and Rowan on the other side. A rotated Real Azuris had a merry time in Olask against an Islanders side struggling for identity under their former manager Collette Sade, characters like Ronan Bowditch and Sandra Sybill turning up with goals. Finally, Mohsin Changez and Kevin Stabb traded nifty backheel finishes as Crawford City battled to a physical draw in Pelethas, and steely IFK Aldenskoett added another Weald side's scalp to their season's collection.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 8
Samaj FC 3–0 Goldstaff City
Crawford City FC 3–3 Helfin Fief
Cassandra City 2–2 Pelethas United
Real Azuris 1–0 OAS Royal FC
IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Olask Islanders
Stoneshore United 3–5 Mallox
Zakhoro Aces 1–2 Eastweald
Fevelo Colony 1–1 Klyde
Ramusok United 1–4 FC Samotath

Well, we almost made it through a quarter of the season without having The VAR Debate take over a round of media talking points. "We play in a league where people from around the world communicate using implanted language processors and, each week, one team travels to its match via space shuttle, yet we can't use primitive video technology to get the most fundamental of calls correct?" Pelethas United captain Jillian Nier implored after her side's 2-2 draw at Cassandra City. While a decent result for the Miners, it could've been even better if Cassandra City's second goal in the 75th minute had been correctly waved off. A sprinting Ki Niro blatantly brought down Phillippe-Michel Schneiderlin's lobbed diagonal pass with her right hand before squeezing a half-volley between Chromatik countrywoman Nier and the near post. All eleven Pelethas players saw it and raised a hand immediately but, to their disbelief, the referee had somehow missed it (or swallowed his whistle in the face of The Amphitheatre's celebrations). Craig Mallman's own right-side finish a few minutes later would salvage a point for Pelethas, but the bitter what ifs remained. Might this shitstorm of publicity be the final impetus for the FSF to announce VAR?

Shame that the nonexistent Video Assistant Referees dominated headlines, because there were some good actual football moments too. Helfin Fief's attack has finally showed some life in the last two matches after the offseason investment, and this week Cosumar U21 striker Aron Riise matched Kim Coultan's brace in Crawford. Then, played in cleverly by a one-two with Robbie Guerricaechevarria, Adrien Borges slotted diagonally to the far post to give Helfin Fief a surprise 3-2 lead in the 82nd minute. Having none of the subsequent attempts to waste time, Coultan ran the length of the pitch to collect the ball out of Weschler's net and back to restart the match herself. Inspired by the silent leadership of their captain and the piercing eye of Fegelein on the touchline, Crawford dialed up the pressure on Helfin in the ten minutes that remained. Arden Lemons rushed a one-on-one chance and put it over the bar, then Vara Swan stung the palms of Edelgrau from distance. Kevin Stabb finally made the waves of attacks pay in the 90th minute, ghosting in front of Duviel de Naam to tap home Coultan's cutback from the endline. The Sunrisian-Cosumarite defiantly pumped a muscled arm in the air as his teammates rallied around him.

Real Azuris also continue to grind out impressive results, this week polishing off OAS Royal with a Bryger Tidesson strike from the top of the box in the 67th minute. But the Man of the Match was actually Bryger's bulldog of a younger brother, Alfred. He, in partnership with Kurt Wolff, held Royal strikers Cautcher and Marsteller to zero shots-on-target. It was also a tough day at the office for the other big Ramusoki side. Ramusok United have had a positive start to the season, but took a step back against FC Samotath this week, unable to get out of their own third as the Black Hawks flew down their throats at will. Spyridon Kolitsidakis made sure of that, scoring a banger to make it 3-1 at half time and managing only one lost duel and two incomplete passes all game.

While one could argue that Pelethas United would be top of the table if Cosumar had VAR, Cassandra City and Real Azuris currently have the most points after two months. The Miners remain the only undefeated team, however. They're getting goals at a rate similar to last year while also back to having one of the league's best defenses. Goldstaff City, in contrast, are the only side still looking for the relief of their first win. But the going is still early and nothing is out of reach for anybody yet.

  1013 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Cassandra City          8    5   2   1    23   16   +7    17
 2  Real Azuris             8    5   2   1    21   15   +6    17
 3  Pelethas United         8    4   4   0    18   11   +7    16
 4  Crawford City FC        8    4   2   2    20   15   +5    14
 5  Ramusok United          8    4   2   2    14   12   +2    14
 6  IFK Aldenskoett         8    4   2   2     9    7   +2    14
 7  Eastweald               8    4   1   3    16   11   +5    13
 8  Klyde                   8    3   3   2    17   15   +2    12
 9  Samaj FC                8    3   3   2    12   10   +2    12
10  Zakhoro Aces            8    4   0   4    17   16   +1    12
11  Mallox                  8    3   1   4    23   21   +2    10
12  Fevelo Colony           8    2   4   2    18   18    0    10
13  Helfin Fief             8    2   2   4    15   19   −4     8
14  OAS Royal FC            8    2   2   4    13   17   −4     8
15  FC Samotath             8    2   1   5    20   24   −4     7
16  Stoneshore United       8    1   2   5    14   21   −7     5
17  Olask Islanders         8    1   2   5    12   24  −12     5
18  Goldstaff City          8    0   3   5    10   20  −10     3


Golden Boot Leaders: 
  Andrew Arrowsword (9)
  Alexander Kárpáty (9)

Keenan Athletic look like the second tier's best-in-class so far. Athletic's patience with Matilda Heisenberg seems to be paying off. The Checkers simply look like a team that knows how to win, with the likes of Caitlin Cutnine, Elodie Sade and Dinko Spisic especially impressive going forward. After them, it's a complete clusterfuck. There are still nine teams within a win of 2nd. Notably, former HL regulars West Gundar look like they might be in danger of a first-ever relegation to Tredje Ligan, with freshly-relegated Treftadaeth Alliance only one point ahead of them. Consecutive relegations would be a crippling financial hammer-blow to the Astronomers' modest club. On the flip side, newly-promoted sides FC Flen and Riverside Crew are faring rather well so far. They might even dare to start thinking about promotion as a possibility if the results continue.

  1013 Sekundar Ligan        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Keenan Athletic           8    6   2   0    21   15   +6    20
 2  Ziemelu Skaida            8    4   2   2    19    9  +10    14
 3  Versiaville               8    4   2   2    24   16   +8    14
 4  AC Holmenkollen           8    4   2   2    15   12   +3    14
 5  Riverside Crew            8    3   4   1    13    9   +4    13
 6  Na'Ilee Mariners          8    4   1   3    17   14   +3    13
 7  Morponte Fief             8    3   4   1    12    9   +3    13
 8  FC Flen                   8    4   1   3    12   10   +2    13
 9  Centus Serpents           8    3   3   2    12    8   +4    12
10  Fort Archer FC            8    3   2   3    18   13   +5    11
11  Nomad Brotherhood FC      8    3   1   4     9   14   −5    10
12  Regalia City              8    2   3   3     8    8    0     9
13  Cassandra Cosmopolitan    8    2   3   3    15   21   −6     9
14  FC Kaldukosic             8    3   0   5    13   20   −7     9
15  Sindo Fief                8    2   1   5     8   16   −8     7
16  Treftadaeth Alliance      8    2   1   5    15   24   −9     7
17  West Gundar FC            8    1   3   4    17   22   −5     6
18  Gwynt Tywyll              8    1   1   6    10   18   −8     4

It's impossible to make heads or tails of the Tredje Ligan so far, though Pardock Island's early success looks the most sustainable as they look to fight their way back to Sekundar Ligan at last behind talented young forward Ann Reus. The other sides in the promotion playoff spots (top six) are heavily outperforming expectations so far, but will probably come back down to Earth as more well-financed projects like AFC Obscura, Rexnor District 3 and Otkins Numenvernia find their gear.

  1013 Tredje Ligan                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Portsmouth FC                   10    6   4   0    19   10   +9    22
 2  Seryddwyr Aberaeron             10    7   0   3    16   14   +2    21
 3  Pardock Island                  10    6   2   2    18    9   +9    20
 4  Sontafe City                    10    5   3   2    19   11   +8    18
 5  IFK Sundsvall                   10    5   3   2    21   18   +3    18
 6  Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   10    5   3   2    14   11   +3    18
 7  Rexnor District 3               10    5   2   3    13   10   +3    17
 8  AFC Obscura 98                  10    4   4   2    16   14   +2    16
 9  Otkins Numenvernia              10    5   0   5    18   15   +3    15
10  Klyde Heritage                  10    3   5   2    18   17   +1    14
11  Revanigruud Riversharks         10    3   4   3    15   13   +2    13
12  Sepultura                       10    4   1   5    18   18    0    13
13  Brayllor Town                   10    4   1   5    13   15   −2    13
14  Hvalsey 08                      10    4   1   5    16   20   −4    13
15  Bergtatt Isle Athletic          10    3   3   4    18   17   +1    12
16  Esterhollow Harbor              10    2   4   4     7    9   −2    10
17  Larkinham Town                  10    2   3   5    11   14   −3     9
18  Dvinko Black Heart              10    2   3   5    12   18   −6     9
19  Salfa City                      10    1   5   4     2    9   −7     8
20  Pristine Forest                 10    1   4   5    10   17   −7     7
21  White Tower FC                  10    1   4   5     8   17   −9     7
22  Silk FC                         10    1   3   6     9   15   −6     6

The King's Cup is Cosumar's premier cup tournament. The Final, always played in Ramusok's royal district, is the last match of each domestic calendar. The cup, which has the names of all previous holders engraved into it, is presented to the winner by King James himself. The 256 clubs in Cosumar's top five tiers take part, all entering together in a randomized first round draw.

Division represented in parenthesis.
H = Härlighet Ligan (1st tier)
S = Sekundar Ligan (2nd tier)
T = Tredje Ligan (3rd tier)
L1 = Lägre Ligen 1 (4th tier conferences)
L2 = Lägre Ligen 2 (5th tier regional divisions)
Major upsets, high-profile fixtures and/or derbies are bolded.

First Round

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

Cosumar's big clubs largely avoided First Round Madness this season, with none of the noteworthy upsets that people usually anticipate from the all-tiers free-for-all. In fact, this King's Cup First Round was historic in the opposite sense. We've never seen this many true beatdowns by Härlighet Ligan clubs against fourth and fifth-tier opponents in one weekend. 9-1. 8-0. 8-0. 7-0. 6-1. Even Sekundar Ligan sides got in on the act, swatting smaller teams 7-0, 8-3 and 6-1. This could be evidence of a growing divide between CosumarLigan (the top three tiers) and the rest of the footballing Fiefdom.

Second Round

Tromsdale Town (L2) 1–2 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1)
Interstellar Erurok (L2) 1–2 Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2)
FC Kviststad (L2) 3–2 Yambridge City (L1)
Klyde City (L2) 1–2 FC Kaldukosic (S)
Sindo Fief (S) 4–4 Goldstaff City (H) (5–5 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Sporting Pirankoper (L1) 1–1 Bergtatt Island Athletic (T) (1–2 AET)
1. FC Guggenheim (L2) 0–1 Briquia Southside (L2)
FC Samotath (H) 0–0 Mintwick Marmots (L2) (2–1 AET)
Fort Archer FC (S) 1–0 FC Fejd (L2)
Orion Wanderers (L2) 1–1 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2) (1–1 AET) (5–6 pen.)
Pristine Forest (T) 1–0 Thergothon Town (L2)
Tamiat Town (L1) 0–3 Samaj FC (H)
Aberaeron Celtic (L1) 2–2 Aläng FF (L1) (2–4 AET)
Svart-Guld Klingaställe (L2) 0–1 Mallox II (L2)
OAS Royal FC (H) 3–0 Keenan Athletic (S)
Noumen Town (L2) 1–2 Real Azuris II (L2)
Gibwir Marsnal (L2) 0–0 Lindsborg Premier (L2) (0–1 AET)
Cassandra Cosmopolitan (S) 1–2 Portsmouth (T)
AC Opjenheim (L1) 0–0 Black Diamond Osterhaut (L1) (1–0 AET)
Zakhoro Aces (H) 0–3 Treftadaeth Alliance (S)
AC Holmenkollen (S) 7–1 Stortrommeby Town (L1)
Atletisk Kvelertak (L2) 1–5 Regalia City (S)
Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (T) 0–1 Riverside Crew (S)
FC Va'Lubasa (L2) 2–2 IFK Aldenskoett (H) (2–5 AET)
Rexnor District 3 (T) 1–1 Taigaenplats (L2) (3–1 AET)
West Devellin (L1) 1–1 Klyde (H) (2–2 AET) (3–2 pen.)
Buscari Bridge Force (L1) 1–1 Salfa City (T) (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Chamomile Town (L2) 1–0 Whitestone Athletic (L2)
AFC Wernersburg (L2) 0–0 Talmusok City (L1) (0–0 AET) (3–2 pen.)
Dawchire Town (L1) 1–2 Otkins Numenvernia (T)
Levithia Shrievenzale (L2) 2–2 SC Swamport (L1) (2–3 AET)
Attumac Wanderers (L2) 0–1 FC Stellendam (L2)
AFC Centus (L2) 2–2 Stoneshore United (H) (2–2 AET) (3–4 pen.)
FC Samotath II (L2) 0–0 Club Toftir (L1) (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Azure Lane FC (L1) 0–11 Crawford City FC (H)
Club Varden (L2) 0–2 Klyde Heritage FC (T)
Glasbon SC (L2) 2–2 Silk FC (T) (2–3 AET)
FC Kastanjestad (L2) 1–3 Eastweald (H)
Helfin Fief (H) 0–0 Nuur Origins FC (L1) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Cassandra City (H) 4–1 Impera Town (L2)
FC Flen (S) 2–1 Erpland County (L2)
Esterhollow Harbor (T) 0–1 Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2)
Pelethas United (H) 0–1 Gwynt Tywyll (S)
Revanigruud Riversharks (T) 2–1 Heofoncandel Uré (L2)
Sepultura (T) 1–6 Nomad Brotherhood (S)
Olask Islanders (H) 4–1 Sadenia Paladins (L1)
Forest Hill FC (L1) 3–0 Tornline (L1)
Bayford City (L2) 0–0 East Ellum (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Ziemelu Skaida (S) 0–1 Centus Serpents (S)
Emerald Cove (L2) 1–2 Na'Ilee Mariners (S)
Moore Hill Pirates (L1) 4–4 Atlético Oterro (L1) (4–4 AET) (6–5 pen.)
AFC Obscura 98 (T) 1–2 Ramusok United (H)
East Gundar (L2) 0–1 SC Vronus 510 (L2)
Pardock Island (T) 1–0 Fevelo Colony (H)
Marinus City (L2) 0–1 Sontafe City (T)
Kalloroda United (L1) 2–2 Orias-Kvissle SC (L2) (2–3 AET)
Seryddwyr Aberaeron (T) 1–0 Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2)
Sólstafir (L1) 1–2 Goldsoul FC (L2)
Jotungard 99 FC (L2) 1–8 Real Azuris (H)
Versiaville (S) 1–1 Atletisk Surpronuk (L1) (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Morponte Fief (S) 0–0 Hvalsey 08 (T) (0–1 AET)
Novia Alliance (L2) 0–4 West Gundar (S)
White Tower FC (T) 1–1 Volmachtia Kaldukosic (L1) (1–1 AET) (4–1 pen.)
Hamlack Town (L2) 1–2 Mallox (H)

Did someone ask for some madness? Three Härlighet Ligan clubs are upended by Sekundar Ligan opposition, most notably Pelethas United by last-place Gwynt Tywyll. There are bigger upsets too, like Klyde going out on penalties to brave fourth-tier Ramusoki side West Devellin. That said, the above concerns aren't necessarily invalidated. Crawford City FC match the largest margin of victory in the competition's history with an 11-0 and Real Azuris' youth run riot 8-1 against recent Tredje Ligan side Jotungard 99. Other results include OAS Royal knocking out Sekundar Ligan leaders Keenan Athletic with big days from Sen Marsteller and Demi Duvernay.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 1:32 am

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 9
FC Samotath 3–0 Samaj FC
Klyde 1–0 Ramusok United
Eastweald 0–0 Fevelo Colony
Mallox 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
Olask Islanders 1–0 Stoneshore United
OAS Royal FC 3–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Pelethas United 1–1 Real Azuris
Helfin Fief 0–0 Cassandra City
Goldstaff City 3–4 Crawford City FC

Crawford City FC were the big winners on the weekend as Hannah Alcouin's three timely goals kept them ahead of their comeback-minded southwestern neighbors. Two of the three teams above the Elephants, Pelethas and Azuris, dramatically split the points in the 95th minute when Teor Rwang headed Jeremy Benedict's desperate cross through the hands of Jillian Nier, and the third - Cassandra City - also settled for a draw in Helfin after Q'orianka Va'Afaja got sent off for going in studs-up on Les Katholos. Former Samaj captain Valfar played a vital role in Crawford's win, roughing up Goldstaff City creator Corby Wheeler just enough to knock her off of her ryhthm without going into the referee's pocketbook himself. Samaj certainly would've wanted Valfar back this weekend. FC Samotath easily beat the Hunters 3-0 behind Jordan Emery's first half brace without a physical presence in the Samaj midfield to do the dirty work that Rasunda Vanderlei, despite her many gifts, just isn't as adept at. A #9 also would've helped. Ross Rowe and Adnan Jurevicius have been splitting time, but neither was up to the job in this one. Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir and Astrid Palmqvist exploited Samo repeatedly down the right side, but their fine crosses went to waste. Klyde won a tense and evenly-matched night game against visiting Ramusok United 1-0 thanks to a 79th minute Lind Pressinger penalty save and an Ozaria Gandhi strike four minutes later, keeping their fine early form ticking at the expense of United's. Finally, in her first career start in place of resting Chrysanthe Scafidis, local teenage striker Fion "Krazy" Tzyakakoos was the match-winner for Olask Islanders, putting her laces through Kamaal Ibn Methüzema's layoff and finding the top shelf on the stroke of half time.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 10
Samaj FC 2–1 Crawford City FC
Cassandra City 1–1 Goldstaff City
Real Azuris 5–2 Helfin Fief
IFK Aldenskoett 1–3 Pelethas United
Stoneshore United 2–3 OAS Royal FC
Zakhoro Aces 2–2 Olask Islanders
Fevelo Colony 1–2 Mallox
Ramusok United 5–1 Eastweald
FC Samotath 0–1 Klyde

"If we're going to lose to Real Azuris, we're damn well going to do it on our own terms," Josie MacLean defiantly tells the press in an effort to save face after Helfin Fief's 5-2 loss in South Klyde. But she has a point. Expected to win by literally no one, what did they have to lose? Well, a fair bit of goal differential, as it turns out. Helfin Fief courageously tried to go toe-to-toe with Azuris, throwing numbers forward and attempting some entertaining attacking stuff. They were able to hang with the Breakers for a while, equalizing at 1-1 and then 2-2 thanks to Adrien Borges' clinicality in the box, but were eventually swept away by the particular quality of Hidalgo Antúnes, who preyed upon the space in behind to net his first career hat trick with some sublime shots. But the bigger five-goal performance on the day probably goes to Ramusok United, who bodied Eastweald 5-1 with superior athleticism and physicality. They wanted it more, scoring three goals on set-pieces (Keohane, Hattingh, Hare) and the other two through sheer lung-busting determination on hail-mary counters (Jakk Bekk, Keohane again). Penumbra Amokachi's acrobatic karate-kick finish would've been a talking point after any other Eastweald match, but no one in the away dressing room dared mention it in the presence of Theresa Riether, who used every interview question to rip into her team's mental toughness. Finally, Klyde kept rolling with another dramatic 1-0 as Gylve Roniger chested home Abdo Villalpando Fierro's in-swinging free kick at the far post in stoppage time. The big center back was equally instrumental in holding FC Samotath's attackers at bay in the 90 minutes of regular time. Tougher in the back and more composed in the midfield than last year, the Doves of old might just have returned.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 11
Klyde 3–4 Samaj FC
Eastweald 0–0 FC Samotath
Mallox 3–4 Ramusok United
Olask Islanders 1–0 Fevelo Colony
OAS Royal FC 2–1 Zakhoro Aces
Pelethas United 0–1 Stoneshore United
Helfin Fief 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Goldstaff City 1–0 Real Azuris
Crawford City FC 2–2 Cassandra City

Ah, Commentator's Curse. Klyde are anything BUT tough in the back or composed in midfield as Samaj visit a packed Sportsplex and win comfortably despite the goalscoring exploits of Riordan and Gandhi. Vanderlei steals the headlines with a next-level performance directing the show. Anyone could've put away the through balls she delivered on a platter for Rowe, helping the veteran striker finally open his account with a brace in the first six minutes. The Nepharim also struck what would ultimately be the winning goal herself in the 56th minute to make it 4-2, gliding past Luella Svenskah with a pristine first touch and picking out the top corner. Johannes Lundblade has to be encouraged after his Samaj side also put away CCFC under the radar last week.

There was also a big 4-3 result between Mallox and Ramusok United, Sonny's surging Blues getting further validation from a win at The Orange Palace, William Stone a menace in the difficult fixture. Things also tighten up a little again at the top. Real Azuris fall to a late Astor Zigfield penalty in Goldstaff and Pelethas finally pick up their first L of the season, a rare sight as Saltorius Splitt found a defense he couldn't unlock in a Sigrun Rathskeller-led Stoneshore Stonewall. Crawford City FC looked on their way to taking advantage of the opening after Alcouin's two neat first half finishes - the half-Vaporeon in fine form lately - but Cassandra City proved to be unaccommodating visitors and forced the Elephants to settle for one point of ground made-up. Vega Zeale-Riddick's bullet header from Niro and Janet Kobro's superb stoppage-time free kick leveled affairs at 2-2 to the dismay of Orangi Stadium.

At the other end of the table, Olask Islanders robbed Fevelo Colony for a potentially pivotal six points with Scafidis' putback of Ilana Way's saved strike undoing a superior overall performance by the extraterrestrial side, who only lacked someone like Scafidis up top. Helfin Fief also got a needed morale-booster to please the anxious fans in Dvinko, Aron Riise's sprawling scooped finish after splitting Brandon Duguid and Nicolò Bassi the only highlight of a dour match in the 51st minute.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 12
Samaj FC 3–3 Cassandra City
Real Azuris 0–3 Crawford City FC
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Goldstaff City
Stoneshore United 0–1 Helfin Fief
Zakhoro Aces 2–2 Pelethas United
Fevelo Colony 0–5 OAS Royal FC
Ramusok United 0–3 Olask Islanders
FC Samotath 1–5 Mallox
Klyde 1–5 Eastweald

The Cosumarite corner of the internet erupted as reports began trickling in from Fevelo on the evening before matchday that the colonial planet's subterranean lifts had malfunctioned with the entire OAS Royal FC delegation inside. Would they be exposed to the planetary surface's toxic night gases? Could it have been deliberate sabotage by crazy Fevelian ultras? With no connection to the outside world from the stalled lifts, such rumors were running rampant for hours! The eventual upshot was that the visiting delegation had to sit in the dark all night until it was safe for operators to venture upwards to manually repair the lift. Evidence suggested the nightmarish alien creatures known as Damnagoras had been present nearby, but did not attack the armored transport. Thus, Royal's players and coaches finally arrived in Bildeventure Cavern on the morning of their match. No sleep? No practice? No biggie for OAS! Despite the trauma of being tunnel-trapped on a dangerous planet, they put in one of the sharpest shifts of their season. Elsie Drover was powerful and athletic in the middle of the park, throwing herself into 50/50 balls and charging forward as if on a superhuman Adrenaline kick (quite plausible given the events of the last 24 hours). She made a sprint from the opposite box to bundle home the opener from Zoë Aedelbrandt in the 38th minute. Eager to get off claustrophobic Fevelo, OAS then scored an astonishing three goals in four minutes to start the second half (Marsteller, Koclanes, Cautcher) and ended up with a 5-0 win to show for their ordeal.

Back home, Gellano Fief enemies Eastweald and Mallox also generated five against quality opponents. Braces from Amokachi and Mehmet Curwyk. The tricky little Mallox winger has been noticeably more clinical in front of goal this season. You know who hasn't been clinical? Pretty much anyone for Stoneshore United. The supporters started chanting "Tibet Out!" this week after he tinkered yet another completely new line-up that didn't work and consigned Stoneshore to the bottom of the table. Aelfwynn Bannion finally relieved Goldstaff City of that ignominy by catching countryman Bram Merchant bafflingly far off his line in Aldenskoett. Goldstaff are sorely missing Dolanukitainen at the moment and need more of this from Bannion if they want to stay up.

Lastly, the biggest match of the week... Crawford City FC at Real Azuris! The Breakers were the leaders entering the weekend, but Fegelein's crew flipped the script in a big way with a handsome 3-0 win. The home side were stunned in just the 12th minute when Kim Coultan played a ball between the lines to find Alcouin's lovely run into space, then got back on the end of Alcouin's return ball into the box and slipped it under August Ozuna with an acrobatic spin past Kurt Wolff. Coultan added another in the 42nd minute - a rare goal with her head to meet Jennifer Farrow's lofted pass - and flashed an equally rare ear-to-ear smile in stoppage time when big Dmitri Hagicostas rose above Wolff to tattoo his forehead onto the ball for the third goal. Guess who delivered the corner?

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 13
Eastweald 4–2 Samaj FC
Mallox 2–2 Klyde
Olask Islanders 1–2 FC Samotath
OAS Royal FC 1–0 Ramusok United
Pelethas United 1–0 Fevelo Colony
Helfin Fief 3–5 Zakhoro Aces
Goldstaff City 1–0 Stoneshore United
Crawford City FC 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Cassandra City 2–2 Real Azuris

"Typical..." Crawford City FC fans must be saying to themselves. After a landmark deconstruction of Real Azuris last week, CCFC's next trick is... a home loss to IFK Aldenskoett? Admittedly, IFK have been the league's best defense thus far, with the likes of Craig Kulverbach and Leonard Abel remarkably solid, but even they needed a couple incredible misses from Crawford to pull this one out. For example, it had goal written all over it in the 57th minute when Kevin Stabb outmuscled Abel to bring down Peter Marshall's high-bouncing ball over the top, broke Kulverbach's ankles with a juke and charged in on Weschler. Unfortunately, he got happy feet and tried to be a little too cute with the finish, scooping it just wide. Six minutes later, IFK midfielder Arnold Mace showed Stabb how to properly put his laces through it, scoring the winning goal with a thunderous first-time blast from outside the corner of the box that just dipped under Weschler's leaping dive.

Ramusok Derby! People in the capital actually had reason to get excited about this one, with BOTH Royal and United performing at a relatively high level. In fact, Jock Sonny's post-match interviews last week suggested that Ramusok United were guilty of overlooking the Islanders because they were so excited about this upcoming derby. Ilana Way made them pay. This week, though, the Blues were the ones that nearly made OAS Royal pay for Thomas Di Sansev's early offside trap mix-up. He held Lara Wedderburn onside as she bursted by onto the end of Adrián Del Toro's through ball. Crowley Memorial held its breath as Aswad Munif Shalhoub rushed out one-on-one and Wedderburn took a touch around him... but, to their relief, her acute finish pinged back off the far post. With their large blue-clad away sections staying loud in the royal district, Ramusok United were able to keep the energy up and looked the better side in the first half. Sur Arora's halftime changes, however, swung the balance back in OAS Royal's favor. Thor Møller entered to lend a stronger physical presence in the box, Sen Marsteller shifting wide left to explicitly target teenage right back Igor Topić. Both ingredients came into play on the winning goal in the 73rd minute. Møller held off Carr-Ponce with his back to goal on the left side, then sent a no-look backwards flick wide to Marsteller. She took a few touches past Topić towards the end line before bringing her head up and crossing it back in towards Møller. The imposing Vanorian dragged about four United players to the ground with him as he lunged forward, allowing the ball to squirt through untouched to the opposite side, where a wide-open Corey Simmons III was waiting for the simplest of finishes. 1-0, the white-clad home majority granted bragging rights over their noisy blue neighbors. OAS Royal have now won five straight, shooting up to 2nd.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 14
Samaj FC 2–0 Real Azuris
IFK Aldenskoett 1–2 Cassandra City
Stoneshore United 5–5 Crawford City FC
Zakhoro Aces 1–1 Goldstaff City
Fevelo Colony 3–3 Helfin Fief
Ramusok United 0–1 Pelethas United
FC Samotath 2–2 OAS Royal FC
Klyde 3–3 Olask Islanders
Eastweald 2–1 Mallox

Forget the Ramusok Derby, it's Weald Classic time! Few things are more iconic to Cosumarite soccer than drunk hordes of unsightly Malloxites crossing over into the Weald's better half and causing a ruckus at Old Weldenskirgen. They were more obnoxious than usual too, determined not to let a single Eastwealder go ten seconds without hearing about their fifth title. Ho' many d'you have again, Easty? Can you blame them for enjoying the feeling of superiority, though? After all, it only lasted six minutes into the match. Eastweald struck the first blow, veteran defender Aleksi Soderlund getting an outstretched boot on the end of Jo de Marisco's forty-yard free kick delivery. ...And that would be this one's last uncontroversial event. In the 31st minute, the ref pointed to the spot after what seemed like clear simulation by Alexander Kárpáty, though Scott left himself open to it by sticking his leg out in such a way. Kárpáty confidently drove the penalty into the side-netting to make it 1-1. Eastweald would feel further aggrieved in the 54th minute when Amokachi drifted in behind off the shoulder of Trajan Bruyne only to have a brilliant finish incorrectly waved offside by the linesman. Then, the complaints swung in the opposite direction when Mallox's Till Ümann was harshly given a straight red, despite winning the ball, for leaving his feet to slide into Mina Mordini. Down to ten men, Mallox were ultimately unable to keep track of all Eastweald's tiki-taka passes over the remaining half-hour. Substitute striker Jagoda Kovačević bagged a winner in the 73rd, ferociously volleying Fanaiyan's cross into the top corner. As both sets of fans flooded back into the concourses, Mallox supporters claimed they would've won were it not for the bogus red card, while Eastweald supporters countered that it should've actually been 2-0 before that anyways, neither group completely satisfied with the match. They'll settle this Matchday 31.

Let's also take a moment to check-in on the Golden Boot race before we focus on the UICA Group Stage. Early leaders Kárpáty and Andrew Arrowsword have cooled off lately (above penalty aside), as has Pelethas' Charlie Alotic, who started the season with that impressive string of scoring in consecutive matches. All of their scorching form seems to have been transferred to... Ozaria Gandhi! The Crisisbless import was already being labelled an $11m waste by some after an anonymous first month, but has rocketed up the charts with 10 goals in Klyde's eight matches since, including an equalizer deep in stoppage time this week to complete a comeback from 3-0 down. Helfin Fief youngster Aron Riise is hot too, announcing himself as a credible threat in the race by scoring in the last four matches (including a couple clutch 1-0 winners). And despite scoring in fewer total matches than any of the above, Hannah Alcouin tops the chart with 12 goals by striking in bunches when she does get on the scoresheet (Exhibit A: this week's hat trick in Stoneshore to bail out some cataclysmic counter defending). Could the Sunrisian win her second Golden Boot? And where is Vega Zeale-Riddick in all of this? "The Princess” has been in good form for Cassandra City, keeping pace just behind the leading pack with eight from 13 as she adjusts to her new surroundings. She struck her first brace for the Reds last week to single-handedly earn them a point from Real Azuris.

Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group B                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   Mlx  HdU  SEs  CAP
1 Mallox                    COS    6    6   0   0    12    4   +8    18    —   3–1  2–1  1–0
2 Handon United             SCT    6    2   1   3     6    8   −2     7   1–2   —   2–1  0–0
3 Sporting Esper            ZWZ    6    2   0   4     6    9   −3     6   0–2  2–0   —   2–1
4 CA Paulinthal             PAS    6    1   1   4     4    7   −3     4   1–2  0–2  2–0   —

Mallox might not exactly be looking like world-beaters in the Härlighet Ligan at the moment, but that may partially be because they've been pouring so much energy and effort into their Champions' Cup performances. Literally world-beating. I'm no historian, but I don't think any Cosumarite club has taken all 18 points from the group stage before. The Tigers have been stellar defensively (Sindelaar amazing in goal to get the big win in Handon) and clinically buried their own chances when they came, just like they did all last year.

  Group G                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   Tih  CrC  Cor  30C
1 Tihon                     CMT    6    3   2   1     8    5   +3    11    —   1–2  1–0  3–1
2 Crawford City FC          COS    6    3   1   2     9    8   +1    10   1–2   —   2–1  1–2
3 Cornellians               SCT    6    2   2   2     5    5    0     8   0–0  1–1   —   1–0
4 1830 Cathair FC           AUD    6    1   1   4     6   10   −4     4   1–1  1–2  1–2   —

Perhaps overshadowed by Mallox making Group B stand for Bitch, CCFC nevertheless did well to advance from a group of death that included the biggest clubs from Schottia, Chromatika and Audioslavia. They weren't great at Orangi Stadium (read: completely uninspiring), but made up for it by accomplishing the more difficult task of winning away at both 1830 Cathair and Tihon. Fegelein's shrewd squad rotation could allow the Elephants to go far without compromising their domestic title hunt.

Globe Cup - Group Stage

  Group C                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   Csc  Tan  OAS  Lam
1 SC Cascadia               NFX    6    4   2   0    15    6   +9    14    —   3–1  4–0  2–2
2 Tanrısal                  PAS    6    2   2   2     9    9    0     8   1–3   —   4–1  1–0
3 OAS Royal FC              COS    6    2   1   3     6   12   −6     7   1–2  1–1   —   1–0
4 Lammerton                 SCT    6    0   3   3     5    8   −3     3   1–1  1–1  1–2   —

Royal gave it a good go, but they were unlikely to come back from those 4-0 and 4-1 shellackings at SC Cascadia and Tanrısal. It nevertheless came down to the final matchday with OAS Royal needing Tani to lose to have a chance, but the Pasargans took care of Lammerton.

  Group E                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   SMS  FdF  CdC  FWb
1 San Marco Storm           PCR    6    4   0   2    20    9  +11    12*   —   6–2  6–1  2–1
2 Fadrön Flight             TAE    6    4   0   2    10   10    0    12*  3–2   —   1–0  1–0
3 Cassandra City            COS    6    2   1   3     5   10   −5     7   2–1  2–1   —   0–0
4 FC Fairleigh-Warburton    ETM    6    1   1   4     2    8   −6     4   0–3  0–2  1–0   — 
* San Marco Storm ahead of Fadrön Flight on head-to-head goal difference

Cassandra City don't place a lot of priority on the Globe Cup, often fielding weakened sides, and unsurprisingly get booted without fanfare. A 6-1 defeat in Port Christopher is a black mark the fans won't let the club forget for quite awhile.

Series B Champions' Cup - Group Stage

  Group D                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   ZkA  AFb  WCW  WuS
1 Zakhoro Aces              COS    6    5   0   1    12    6   +6    15    —   2–1  2–1  3–0
2 Agri Foodbowl             ETM    6    4   1   1    12    5   +7    13   3–0   —   1–1  3–1
3 West Coast Warriors       SCT    6    1   1   4     8   12   −4     4   1–4  0–2   —   2–3
4 Wushan Stars              YZH    6    1   0   5     5   14   −9     3   0–1  1–2  0–3   —

Cosumar is historically strong in the SBCC and the Aces continue that tradition in the group stage. With their only dropped points coming on the road in Electrum and a famous 4-1 win in Schottia, the Aces will be hoping to make their long-awaited return to the SBCC Final to avenge the heartbreaking loss of their only prior appearance in the game.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 15
Mallox 3–5 Samaj FC
Olask Islanders 1–1 Eastweald
OAS Royal FC 0–0 Klyde
Pelethas United 2–3 FC Samotath
Helfin Fief 1–3 Ramusok United
Goldstaff City 3–2 Fevelo Colony
Crawford City FC 1–0 Zakhoro Aces
Cassandra City 3–3 Stoneshore United
Real Azuris 2–1 IFK Aldenskoett

Samaj fly across the Attumac Desert to Mallox and immediately bombard the Tigers in the first fifteen minutes, their midfield five suffocating Mallox's tired-looking unit. Rachel Del Arro, Darrius Columbine and Elias Møller (2) all get goals by passing triangles around them. Kennedy Kopenhaver is apoplectic and literally rips out some of his little remaining hair. His team turn their performance around in the second half, presumably after he sunk his teeth into them during the break. Curwyk's goal and two assists narrow the early 4-0 deficit to 4-3 by the 70th minute, but Samaj stubbornly pulled back and entrenched themselves to deny the fourth. In the 89th minute, 16-year-old defensive midfielder Szalyk Földessy subbed on to make his Härlighet Ligan debut and, of course, iced the game at 5-3 with piledriver from the top of the box on the break. It's in his genes. That's two quality wins in a row for Samaj, who are beginning to look more and more like the ideal Johannes Lundblade side. Though lacking a go-to goalscorer, the other ten positions have picked up the slack and the Hunters now find themselves in the thick of the (extremely congested) title race. They're seventh, but only two points behind first. Leaders Pelethas United dropped all three points on Ayk Panossian's majestic Butt Goal for FC Samotath in the 94th minute. Admittedly, it's a big target for corner-taker Jordan Emery to pick out... Crawford City FC also take advantage of the opportunity to gain ground by edging Zakhoro in an end-to-end Southwestern Derby, while Eastweald miss a chance to go top due to Trent Fielding's heroics for Olask in goal.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 16
Samaj FC 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Stoneshore United 0–3 Real Azuris
Zakhoro Aces 4–6 Cassandra City
Fevelo Colony 3–6 Crawford City FC
Ramusok United 2–5 Goldstaff City
FC Samotath 1–1 Helfin Fief
Klyde 2–4 Pelethas United
Eastweald 0–1 OAS Royal FC
Mallox 1–2 Olask Islanders

With just two matches left before the midseason break, teams across Cosumar are hitting peak sharpness and form. This matchday featured some of the league's most capable attacking sides doing what they do best: scoring goals. Cassandra City were party-poopers at Zapt Park, spoiling premature celebrations at 3-1 with consecutive goals by Serafino, Niro and Dyer Vry to storm back 4-3, going on to make it six through Zeale-Riddick, and a rotated Crawford City FC follow a similar script on Fevelo, Coultan and teenager Arden Lemons combining to deadly effect - a brace apiece - to outscore the colonials 6-1 after Anna Sibučić's two early strikes. And Goldstaff City, yes Goldstaff City, though not often associated with goalscoring theatrics, tallied FIVE out of the blue at Fire River Arena. The scoreline was harsh to Ramusok United due to the fluky nature of some of the goals, but the moral of the story for Goldstaff fans was that Corby Wheeler actually isn't all hype. She finally looked like the Wheeler from her Rozelle United highlight videos, offering dynamism and creative impetus from midfield that Goldstaff have sorely lacked this year (especially with countryman Bannion misfiring a bit). She especially came alive in the second half, turning John Hare at the top of the box and firing into the bottom corner to complete the 5-2 scoreline, just minutes after dropping a dime onto the chest of Bannion for the fourth. Maybe this bodes well for both of them for the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, Sur Arora lauds his team's improved defensive performance in their 1-0 win over Eastweald, left back Duvernay coping well with the immense challenge of Fanaiyan and Catheline Marchant sticking to Jo de Marisco like glue in midfield. Marchant's stubborn shins dispossessed De Marisco in a bad spot in the 49th minute and directly led to Cautcher's composed winner. Real Azuris shimmered in their translucent rainbow kit, breezing through the Stoneshore Stonewall 3-0 with Jeremy Benedict finally reaping the rewards of his untiring work this season. The Euran found the back of the net twice, including a wonder-goal from far wide left that was ~~perhaps~~ definitely meant as a cross. Finally, Olask Islanders have sneakily lifted themselves well clear of the relegation zone in the run-up to the midseason break. Maybe people will finally take notice this week now that they've stunned the champions 2-1 at The Orange Palace. Will Couturiaux's bending free kick in the 20th minute was the highlight, but it was Larissa Canales' rugged street smarts during a scrum in the box (poking the ball through the legs of Tas Danko on the bounce) that won the Islanders the points in the 81st minute. That, and Massif DeKlan sliding to clear Kárpáty's second goal off the line three minutes later.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 17
Olask Islanders 2–0 Samaj FC
OAS Royal FC 2–0 Mallox
Pelethas United 2–4 Eastweald
Helfin Fief 2–1 Klyde
Goldstaff City 1–2 FC Samotath
Crawford City FC 3–1 Ramusok United
Cassandra City 3–2 Fevelo Colony
Real Azuris 4–1 Zakhoro Aces
IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 Stoneshore United

Ok, yep, Olask are officially on the rise. Collette Sade's side have only lost one of their last ten. They'll rue the reset of form that inevitably comes with the month off, but this stretch might just have been enough ensure their survival regardless. Drawkish winger Ilana Way, surprisingly, is their leading scorer rather than Scafidis, now with eight after her 60th minute daisy-cutter that finished off Samaj. Way has been especially superb this season, on both sides of the ball, and her eye for goal is starting to force teams to gameplan for her -- which should start to loosen things up for the predatory instincts of Scafidis. Eastweald have been less consistent lately, shredding some teams yet oddly toothless against others, but got a massive confidence and morale boost going into the break. The Elves overwhelmed Pelethas down the right - Fanaiyan and Sorenson both scoring and assisting Amokachi goals from that side - to draw within two points of the Miners despite a splendid outing by Ryan Xandreas. The importance of the 4-2 win can't be overstated for Eastweald. They'll be looking at the league table during the entire midseason break, and now they'll see a version of it where they're only three points out of the Champions' Cup rather than one where they're on an island five points adrift of Pelethas, possibly out of the UICA zone. They'll come back next month with all the motivation in the world.

At the other end, Zakhoro Aces have been struggling badly lately, their positive start a distant memory. The midseason break couldn't come soon enough after giving up ten goals in the last two matches. Koru Özturk looks frustrated by the higher speed of play in Härlighet Ligan, and they're getting eaten alive out wide, in space, on the break. Zakhoro need to possess the ball and quickly win it back, but this week, Real Azuris had their way with it. Bryger Tidesson, Massimiliano Biondi, Ronan Bowditch and Andrew Arrowsword all scored and it could've been a lot worse were it not for five interventions of the woodwork. But at least the Aced have hope? Kurtis Samarqand is scoring with some regularity, Makenna Scripps is a bright spot and Selena Aliena is quality. Fevelo Colony and Stoneshore United, on the other hand, look relegated already. Neither team has been awful - they're in most matches - they just can't seem to figure out how to see out results. How to win. Perhaps Fevelo can ask fellow newbies Helfin Fief for advice. The Protons have been an interesting prospect in the first half-season. This week, they came out at home and grabbed Klyde by the throat, taking a 2-0 first half lead through Borchgardt and Guerricaechevarria, and then shutting the game the fuck down.

Finally and fittingly, the final match of the first half of the season, Ramusok United at Crawford City FC on Sunday night, came down to some Sunrisian magic between Hannah Alcouin and Kevin Stabb. A tedious 0-0 midfield struggle in the first half finally delivered a show in the second half as all four goals were scored in the span of ten minutes. Jennifer Farrow opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a running shot from 22 yards that skipped across the surface and through the hands of Lilly Kearney, but Atticus Hattingh answered for Ramusok United in the 61st, losing his marker on a corner with a simple run to the near post. That's when the Sunrisians took over for CCFC. Almost immediately after the restart, Klein switched the point of play and found Stabb in space on the right. A quick jaunt of fancy footwork took him past Hattingh into the box, where he rabona'd a ball into the blazing path of Alcouin, who lifted it into the roof of the net. Cinematic Football indeed. Just five more minutes later, Alcouin would lay the ball off to Stabb on a two-on-one breakaway to repay the favor. Crawford fly high into the break with the HL's best GD.

Cassandra City lead at the break, but not by much. It's shaping up to be one of the most contentious title races in league history.

1013 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Cassandra City         17    8   8   1    45   34  +11    32
 2  Crawford City FC       17    9   4   4    45   32  +13    31
 3  Real Azuris            17    9   4   4    38   28  +10    31
 4  OAS Royal FC           17    9   4   4    32   23   +9    31
 5  Pelethas United        17    8   6   3    34   25   +9    30
 6  Eastweald              17    8   4   5    33   24   +9    28
 7  Samaj FC               17    7   5   5    30   29   +1    26
 8  Ramusok United         17    7   2   8    29   31   −2    23
 9  Olask Islanders        17    6   5   6    28   33   −5    23
10  FC Samotath            17    6   4   7    34   37   −3    22
11  Klyde                  17    5   6   6    31   35   −4    21
12  Mallox                 17    6   2   9    42   40   +2    20
13  Goldstaff City         17    5   5   7    27   32   −5    20
14  Helfin Fief            17    5   5   7    29   37   −8    20
15  IFK Aldenskoett        17    5   4   8    15   20   −5    19
16  Zakhoro Aces           17    5   3   9    33   39   −6    18
17  Fevelo Colony          17    2   6   9    29   42  −13    12
18  Stoneshore United      17    2   5  10    26   39  −13    11


Golden Boot Leader: 
  Hannah Alcouin (14)

Keenan Athletic still going strong as the heavy favorites to win Sekundar Ligan, while Na'Ilee Mariners have emerged as prime candidates to go straight back up behind the stellar goalkeeping play of Jeremy McNott and timely goals from Vesina Va'Lepeh. Morponte Fief are right up there too, surprisingly, with an energetic and largely young, homegrown squad. They may not have Härlighet Ligan quality on paper, but they pride themselves on being faster, stronger and running opponents into the ground. Meanwhile, Cillian Najdorf's FC Kaldukosic have also started to round into form after a rocky start to his tenure. FC Kal's fans have been through this song and dance too many times to be optimistic about promotion right now, but maybe the Najdorf era really will be different. Conversely, Riverside Crew have taken a nosedive from their promising start, already regretting the early-season banter traded with Cassandra intercity rivals Cosmopolitan.

1013 Sekundar Ligan        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Keenan Athletic          17   11   4   2    44   32  +12    37
 2  Na'Ilee Mariners         17    9   3   5    34   24  +10    30
 3  Morponte Fief            17    8   4   5    27   22   +5    28
 4  Versiaville              17    7   6   4    46   38   +8    27
 5  FC Kaldukosic            17    8   2   7    31   32   −1    26
 6  FC Flen                  17    7   4   6    31   32   −1    25
 7  Ziemelu Skaida           17    6   6   5    32   25   +7    24
 8  AC Holmenkollen          17    6   6   5    28   30   −2    24
 9  Nomad Brotherhood FC     17    7   2   8    26   29   −3    23
10  Gwynt Tywyll             17    7   1   9    26   31   −5    22
11  Cassandra Cosmopolitan   17    6   4   7    23   32   −9    22
12  West Gundar FC           17    5   6   6    38   39   −1    21
13  Treftadaeth Alliance     17    5   5   7    32   37   −5    20
14  Sindo Fief               17    6   2   9    25   37  −12    20
15  Centus Serpents          17    4   7   6    24   23   +1    19
16  Fort Archer FC           17    5   3   9    30   26   +4    18
17  Riverside Crew           17    3   9   5    24   26   −2    18
18  Regalia City             17    3   6   8    16   22   −6    15

Well, how about that. It's only midseason, but Aberaeron and newly-promoted IFK Sundsvall actually look like they're for-real. With the bigger sides mostly underwhelming across the board, these top six spots are fair game for anybody.

 1013 Tredje Ligan                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  IFK Sundsvall                   21   12   6   3    44   31  +13    42
 2  Seryddwyr Aberaeron             21   12   5   4    32   26   +6    41
 3  Rexnor District 3               21   11   4   6    25   19   +6    37
 4  Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   21   11   4   6    27   22   +5    37
 5  Pardock Island                  21   10   5   6    35   26   +9    35
 6  Revanigruud Riversharks         21    8   8   5    31   23   +8    32
 7  Sepultura                       21    9   5   7    41   38   +3    32
 8  Otkins Numenvernia              21   10   1  10    30   23   +7    31
 9  Sontafe City                    21    8   6   7    36   30   +6    30
10  Brayllor Town                   21    8   6   7    30   26   +4    30
11  Portsmouth FC                   21    7   9   5    27   25   +2    30
12  AFC Obscura 98                  21    7   8   6    31   27   +4    29
13  White Tower FC                  21    8   5   8    26   29   −3    29
14  Bergtatt Isle Athletic          21    7   5   9    39   38   +1    26
15  Klyde Heritage                  21    6   7   8    32   33   −1    25
16  Pristine Forest                 21    6   7   8    26   33   −7    25
17  Dvinko Black Heart              21    6   6   9    23   29   −6    24
18  Hvalsey 08                      21    7   3  11    32   42  −10    24
19  Esterhollow Harbor              21    5   8   8    20   24   −4    23
20  Larkinham Town                  21    4   7  10    22   32  −10    19
21  Salfa City                      21    2   8  11     8   27  −19    14
22  Silk FC                         21    1   9  11    21   35  −14    12

Third Round

The biggest upset of the round is FC Samotath sending their reserves to deal with nearby fifth-tier opposition and falling on their faces, surrendering a 21st minute opener with terrible defending and then trying way too hard and spinning their wheels for an equalizer after that under the weight of the embarrassment. Samaj and Mallox also lose to Tredje Ligan opposition. Better, but still poor. Samaj even sent a near-full-strength eleven, but simply got beat by Pristine Forest, goalkeeper Kerwin Maston having a day to forget. Crawford City FC nearly join them, but get an extra time winner from who else but Hannah Alcouin from Kim Coultan to escape Klyde Heritage. Real Azuris B-team dominates another lower league team 5-0 and OAS Royal barely see off the actual Real Azuris II with a 79th minute chip from Beatriz Koclanes in a precious start for the young striker.

Fourth Round

Things are starting to take shape as, at last, Härlighet Ligan clubs collide in the Fourth Round. There's a real heavyweight bout too as Eastweald and Cassandra City go to extra time, honors even after 90 thanks to Dyer Vry's 81st minute goal after some nice interplay with Jason Goulding and Rowan. The high-spirits of their late equalizer would lift them in extra time. After Eastweald's Brevin Scott was shown red for Denial Of Goalscoring Opportunity in the 103rd minute, Cassandra City escalated their blitz and were rewarded with a Ki Niro sumptuous curler three minutes from stoppage time. 2-1 AET. Crawford City see off Stoneshore United on penalties after a chippy match that ends with a semi-brawl near midfield. Na'Ilee Mariners manage to do the same to Ramusok United, continuing their positive performances of late in Sekundar Ligan with McNott again the hero, reaching behind his head to make the deciding penalty save on Tevin Lilley. Laughing at all their peers sweating it out, the confident Olask Islanders pump seven past Bayford City. Scafidis with a hat trick, Ilana Way with the other four.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 5:42 pm

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 18
Samaj FC 1–0 Stoneshore United
IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Zakhoro Aces
Real Azuris 2–1 Fevelo Colony
Cassandra City 2–3 Ramusok United
Crawford City FC 2–0 FC Samotath
Goldstaff City 1–1 Klyde
Helfin Fief 1–6 Eastweald
Pelethas United 0–1 Mallox
OAS Royal FC 2–1 Olask Islanders

Welcome back at last! As always, the second half of the HL season starts off a bit sloppy as players struggle to regain their touch after a month of inaction. And work off their Vintermåne feasts. With precision lacking in the final third, it was the defenders who stepped up as heroes across the board this week. Ramusok United rotation center back Eliana Yotirmoy rose highest to glance Adrián Del Toro's free kick from wide left into the far corner to make it 3-2 in the 83rd minute, earning a savory measure of revenge against rivals Cassandra City for topping the Blues in identical fashion on Matchday 1. Fellow third CB Liesl Vanzanto also dug out a late winner for Real Azuris, awkwardly lumping a corner down the middle past Berzins after it sat (...and sat) for her in the box. It was heartbreaking for Fevelo Colony, who - since Justin Swarthimore's deflected opener in the first thirty seconds - had been clinging to their lead for dear life for 84 long minutes until, within minutes of each other, Andrew Arrowsword's equalizer and Vanzanto's winner. Fullbacks also got in on the party, with Kristian Friedmann bending a close-range shot around Robert Hobbs and Sinistar from the left side of the penalty area to give IFK Aldenskoett all three points against visiting Zakhoro. Like Fevelo, the Aces face an uphill climb to survival and would've loved to have started the second half of the season with the big push of an away win. But the opposing defenders had other ideas.

Eastweald, meanwhile, were a delightful exception to the usual midseason break doldrums. The Wood Elves finished the first half-season hot, and there was no trace of rust on their wheels at all as they went full EASTWEALD ~~SMASH~~ OUTLCASS in their first match back. Helfin Fief didn't have a clue how to slow their arsenal of attacking moves. It was an impressive display of both established and up-and-coming talent for Eastweald. Eva Velasquez, Jo de Marisco, and Penumbra Amokachi (2) made it 4-0 by half, and then were replaced by teens Jagoda Kovačević and Régine Rao, who added to the tally in the second half. The winger Rao, who doesn't even turn 16 until next week, is the youngest goalscorer in club history. Elsewhere, Crawford City FC breezed past Samotath to reclaim the top spot on Kim Coultan's goal+assist and, against Olask, Claudia Cautcher and Sen Marsteller struck in quick succession in the second half to make up for Royal's profligate first half and early home deficit.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 19
OAS Royal FC 6–1 Samaj FC
Olask Islanders 5–5 Pelethas United
Mallox 1–0 Helfin Fief
Eastweald 4–0 Goldstaff City
Klyde 1–4 Crawford City FC
FC Samotath 1–2 Cassandra City
Ramusok United 1–2 Real Azuris
Fevelo Colony 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Zakhoro Aces 1–3 Stoneshore United

As we enter the business end of the season without any separation in the table, many teams are eager to prove themselves as true title contenders. OAS Royal look scary as they smash a nominally good Samaj defense against the rocks 6-1 with braces by both Marsteller and Cautcher and a hat trick of assists from Catheline Marchant, but so do Crawford City FC as their midfield dominates the Doves despite a hostile crowd at The Klyde Sportsplex. Eastweald also notch four on visiting Goldstaff City, Mina Mordini creating an electrifying atmosphere at Old Weldenskirgen with a pair of spectacular long-range strikes. The 2-1 scorelines produced by Real Azuris and Cassandra City don't jump off the page as much, but winning away at Fire River Arena and Alesund Stadion - respectively - aren't feats to be taken lightly either. Bryger Tidesson had a great game for Azuris, flashing his Player of the Year credentials with a perfectly-weighted pass through the Ramusok United defense to set up Mbdiai Akarenaa's opener before later scoring off a throw-in for the stoppage time winner. And despite seeing their league results slip amidst UICA commitments, you can't really count the defending champions Mallox out yet either. Not with Alexander Kárpáty scoring goals like a madman. The Tigers have now won consecutive games 1-0 on late Kárpáty winners. So, yeah, all of these teams looked like the real deal today, but many will probably fall by the wayside as the title race thins over the coming weeks. Which two or three have what it takes to break away from the pack?

At the other end of the table, Yuanchiki Larrimbe again flares to life with Benci Gölöncsér playing behind him to deliver Stoneshore United a crucial six-pointer while Fevelo Colony are undone by Aldenskoett's stubborn ability to win games with zero offense from the run of play (Friedmann getting in there again on a set-piece). Finally, a point will have to suffice for the Olask Islanders after a crazy second half at Kamu Road. Down 3-1 to favored visitors Pelethas after the first hour, the Laskies again demonstrated their quiet confidence this season, storming back to take a 4-3 lead with goals from Chrysanthe Scafidis, Hera Poxay and Neil Brown in the span of ten minutes. But the Miners, also resilient, kept climbing too. Jillian Nier dropped to the turf to smother a low Scafidis strike in the 85th minute and pranced back to the top of the box to punt a long ball in the direction of Charlie Alotic. The muscular Pelethas striker held off two defenders and headed the ball down into open space in the middle... towards which powerful midfielder Jens Kåsa was charging like a bull! The Pasargan blasted the layoff in under the crossbar first-time from nearly 30 yards to make it 4-4. The Olask crowd would experience another roller-coaster of emotions in stoppage time. Scafidis completed her hat trick to take the lead back once and for all... or so they thought. With five seconds remaining in the two added minutes, young goalkeeper Trent Fielding spilled Mohsin Changez's tame shot to allow Gudrun Crowley to tap in a villainous 5-5 equalizer. Oof.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 20
Samaj FC 4–2 Zakhoro Aces
Stoneshore United 0–1 Fevelo Colony
IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 Ramusok United
Real Azuris 1–2 FC Samotath
Cassandra City 1–1 Klyde
Crawford City FC 4–1 Eastweald
Goldstaff City 2–1 Mallox
Helfin Fief 2–2 Olask Islanders
Pelethas United 2–2 OAS Royal FC

Real Azuris trip up at home (Mo Chisenhall repeatedly scalped by Jordan Emery out wide) and so do OAS Royal despite Cautcher and Marsteller continuing their tandem scoring streak. This allows Crawford City FC to open up a gap after an astonishing 4-1 result over Eastweald, Kevin Stabb leading the line with a brace and left back Kubra Babaturk excellent against Ishtar Fanaiyan. Fevelo Colony, meanwhile, resuscitate their flatlining survival hopes, lifted again by the in-form Swarthimore. It was extremely foggy conditions in Stoneshore - lowest visibility this year - but you can't faze a team accustomed to playing in underground alien caverns! Samaj FC lent credibility to their UICA hopes, comprehensively beating Zakhoro behind the efforts of Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir and Rachel Del Arro to creep up on Pelethas United in the Globe Cup zone, who have started slow in the second half of the season. And tucked away in the southwest corner of Cosumar, former Azuris back-up Astor Zigfield continues to do it all for Goldstaff City, quietly among the league's best strikers this season. Her pair of identical back-post headers took her tally to 12 for the season (already near her career-best) and took the Guardians past a frustrated Mallox.

The biggest headline of the weekend, however, took place outside the lines. Waaay outside of them. Footage surfaced late Friday night of a heavily-intoxicated Vega Zeale-Riddick groping two male performers with each hand at a Cassandra strip club, earning her a suspension for the next day's home match against Klyde on breach of the team's personal conduct rules. It seems like Vega Zeale-Riddick might be enjoying her new surroundings a little bit too much. The Reds could've used her too - Jason Goulding sent two potential winners wide in the frantic push of the final ten minutes.

AOCL Group Stage

P Group D                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   Mlx  IzZ  AvL  RdJ             
1 Mallox             (COS)       6   3  3  0    8   3  +5   12    —   2–1  2–2  3–0
2 AC Izotz Zubia     (AUD)       6   3  1  2   14   7  +7   10   0–0   —   0–1  4–1
3 Avenida Leal       (FFD)       6   3  1  2    9   8  +1   10   0–1  2–4   —   1–0
4 Redemption Joshuyo (ANM)       6   0  1  5    3  16 −13    1   0–0  1–5  1–3   —

It's a tight group in the regional showcase (well, besides cannon-fodder Redemption Joshuyo), but Mallox are able to pip Group D thanks to some steely performances. Terrific defending on the road (three clean sheets) and just enough ~~firepower~~ Alexander Kárpáty at home (the Pasargan with five of the seven goals) saw the Tigers take four points from each opponent.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 21
Pelethas United 0–2 Samaj FC
OAS Royal FC 2–2 Helfin Fief
Olask Islanders 2–2 Goldstaff City
Mallox 2–1 Crawford City FC
Eastweald 0–0 Cassandra City
Klyde 2–1 Real Azuris
FC Samotath 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Ramusok United 0–0 Stoneshore United
Fevelo Colony 0–1 Zakhoro Aces

Not a lot of goals this week - half the teams get clean sheets - but some big ones. Kurtis Samarqand brought the cave walls down on Fevelo Colony's supporters, for example, with his 89th minute outside-of-the-boot flick from Koru Özturk on Fevelo, giving the Aces a cushion of separation from the auto-relegation places. Yet no goals resounded louder than the two Klyde scored in their derby against Real Azuris. Ozaria Gandhi redirected Remington Abbasi-Fevison's cutback past August Ozuna in the sixth minute and then Luella Svenskah, of all people, thumped home the second late to break a 1-1 tie. Commence celebrations across North Klyde Fief! For the first time this decade, Klyde FC take the season series over their southern neighbors. Blinne Va'Tuaras couldn't resist the chance to rub it in, opining post-match that "Real Azuris aren't the club they were two years ago", that "nobody fears them right now" and even that opposite manager Luis Varezzi "might not be cut out for managing top teams". Of course, the classy silver-haired tactician refused to respond. Varezzi's former side, Samaj, defeated and fully overtook Pelethas in the Globe Cup race to send murmurs of discontent through The Xanadu Dome. Rasunda Vanderlei and Cedric Pearson vigorously closed down Saltorius Splitt and Ryan Xandreas all night to minimize their creative influence, and Tomi Jakoljevic and Carl Erakin were rock-solid clearing away any chances that did sneak through in search of Alotic or Changez. Ross Rowe found enough life in his old legs to half-volley a bouncing Del Arro cross past Nier on the other end.

The most goals of the low-scoring day came in Ramusok's royal district, where young Cosumarite strikers Sen Marsteller and Aron Riise locked horns in an intriguing duel. Riise put Helfin Fief on the upset path from the spot in the 24th minute, but Marsteller matched it with a penalty of her own in the 35th (Edelgrau sent off for making a mess of a 1v1 situation - coming out and slipping into Cautcher) and then made it 2-1 for OAS Royal in first half stoppage time, profiting at the far post after center backs Jouri Salverda and Duviel de Naam both lost track of Zoë Aedelbrandt's lofted cross in the air. Despite being down a man, Riise won a valuable road point back for Helfin Fief in the 79th minute, collecting Ezekiel Tarkanian's angled pass and slipping it under Shalhoub with a victorious shout and pump of his fist. The boyish, freckled Cosumar U21 striker has exceeded the expectations of even his highest raters in his debut Härlighet Ligan season. Marsteller - last season's Riise - might be in line for World Cup 80 caps if she keeps scoring goals at her impressive rate. "She's a different type of striker than I was, but [Sen] has every chance to have just as strong of a career," OAS Royal manager Sur Arora said of Marsteller after the game. In the title race, it's Crawford's turn to slip up - to a rotated Mallox drawing inspiration from their AOCL successes - but no one really capitalizes.

AOCL Round of 16
Mallox 3-1 Willox Street Pirates (PCR)
Willox Street Pirates 2-3 Mallox
Mallox advance 6-3 on aggregate

Former Mallox manager Alvin Burnsides received a nice round of applause from The Orange Palace in his first return since taking up the Willox Street job, but that would've been the only highlight of his day in the first leg. Alexander Kárpáty gave Tomas Nazario-Silva and Seon-Yann Slater fits with a series of near-misses in the first half, and then finally struck gold twice in the second half. By the time Soren Winterkorn nabbed an 84th minute consolation (and refused to celebrate against his former side), it was little more than just that. Mallox made sure of it in the away leg in Port Christopher, taking a 2-0 lead (5-1 aggregate) lead by half time to put things beyond doubt. Mehmet Curwyk was the star of the show on the island.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 22
Samaj FC 3–2 Fevelo Colony
Zakhoro Aces 4–5 Ramusok United
Stoneshore United 1–2 FC Samotath
IFK Aldenskoett 3–3 Klyde
Real Azuris 0–2 Eastweald
Cassandra City 0–1 Mallox
Crawford City FC 2–3 Olask Islanders
Goldstaff City 4–3 OAS Royal FC
Helfin Fief 5–7 Pelethas United

Ah, I see. All of last week's goals were just being saved up for today. I mean, how else can one explain whatever dafuq just happened in Dvinko? Seven different players scored in Pelethas United's visit to Helfin Fief... even with two of them getting hat tricks! And those two players were on the same team - Pelethas strikers Mohsin Changez and Charlie Alotic. The twelve-goal bonanza made even Ramusok United's 5-4 win over Zakhoro look uneventful in comparison, though the blazing counter that led to Lara Wedderburn's scooped 93rd minute winner was fucking lit. If only it had been at Fire River Arena so the play could've had the corresponding roar of a crowd it deserved instead of just some scattered boos from Aces fans. Regardless, the Schottic striker was plenty pleased and continues to give Jock Sonny's rejuvenated side a spark of lively energy even when she's not scoring goals, a nice foil to William Stone's power and hold-up play.

And people dismissed his hot-take last week, but maybe Va'Tuaras was onto something about Real Azuris. Last year's inconsistencies were supposedly a temporary blip, but some of the same issues have spruced up again this season. Is their fear factor wearing off a bit? Eastweald certainly had no trepidation about marching into Estadio MasseMord and playing their football this weekend. Theresa Riether's title-hungry club hoisted themselves back up into the title race by using Real Azuris as their hand-hold, pulling the Breakers down behind them with a 2-0 win. It was all too routine as Jo de Marisco curled a free kick over the wall to take the Azurian crowd out of it in the 17th minute and Penumbra Amokachi followed it up with a supremely athletic diving header of Fanaiyan's driven cross in the 56th minute. Esteban Hernandez only really had one difficult save to make, doing the splits to kick Arrowsword's downward snap-header wide on a 2nd minute breakaway. Eric Bambic and Brevin Scott otherwise largely kept Arrowsword and Tidesson in check. Elsewhere, oft-criticized IFK Aldenskoett striker Hecubah Statkis showed up against Klyde for her sixth and seventh goals - her first Cosumarite brace - only for IFK to uncharacteristically cough up a 3-0 lead. The interplay of Sophia Trevelyan and Ozaria Gandhi was just too slick for even their deep, tightly-packed defensive lines to bog down. Elsewhere, CCFC and OAS both caught lower-table opposition on the wrong day and got tilted by exuberant performances from young Fion Tzyzakoos and Corby Wheeler.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 23
Helfin Fief 2–2 Samaj FC
Pelethas United 2–0 Goldstaff City
OAS Royal FC 2–1 Crawford City FC
Olask Islanders 1–3 Cassandra City
Mallox 1–1 Real Azuris
Eastweald 4–2 IFK Aldenskoett
Klyde 1–2 Stoneshore United
FC Samotath 4–2 Zakhoro Aces
Ramusok United 0–0 Fevelo Colony

Both OAS and CCFC are both determined to bounce back after last week's unexpected losses. They now butt heads in a top-of-table clash that quickly becomes a bit too feisty for the referee's liking. OAS Royal defender Christopher Fosse flies in with a desperate scissoring challenge on Stabb at the top of the area in the 11th minute and is unsurprisingly whistled for a penalty. Fosse is so incensed by the call that he leaps to his feet and runs to the ref, arms flailing in animated protest. In doing so, his passionate demonstrations of disagreement may have accidentally "bumped" the referee, earning him an upgrade from yellow to red for "assaulting an official". Bye-bye. Fortunately for Fosse, by the time the pandemonium at Crowley Memorial finally died down and Stabb sent his penalty dead-center in the 20th minute, goalkeeper Shalhoub had had plenty of time to psych himself up and saved the effort with a trailing leg. Reduced to ten early, Arora adjusted his tactics, deliberately allowing CCFC to control the ball and commanding his team to sit back and defend, waiting for a chance to spring a counter with their pace out wide. It worked. Despite owning only 32% of possession, Royal were the first to score. In exactly the manner described above, Elsie Drover intercepted a Coultan cutback intended for wide-open Alcouin and cleared it down the right flank to Corey Simmons III. The winger wriggled past Rusalka Klein and charged the other way, filling empty space like a vacuum. He tightly dribbled the ball all the way to the corner of the box before sliding it softly over to Claudia Cautcher, who danced past Dmitri Hagicostas with her first touch before firing home with aplomb. Crawford would get their deserved goal ten minutes later, Arden Lemons teeing Jennifer Farrow up for a 19-yard line-drive, but the magic simply belonged to the Royals on this day. Fosse's replacement defender, veteran Eithan Sigurdsson, bowled over the back of Hagicostas to nod home the 2-1 winner in the 89th minute, sending Arora to his bulging kneecaps in celebration! And countless others in the megastadium.

In other highlights, Saltorius Splitt is at his quirky, brilliant best with a brace as Pelethas United soar past Goldstaff 2-0 and Klyde are held 2-1 by Stoneshore. There's no shame in only putting one past the Stoneshore Stonewall in theory, but Klyde's actual play in this match was emblematic of what has been a generally disappointing season going forward. Griffin Riordan and new star strike signing Ozaria Gandhi have both gotten their goals (especially the Apoxian as of late), but it has mostly been either one or the other thriving at a given time. The two have rarely been on the same page and there have even been rumors of a feud between the two in the dressing room.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
Crawford City FC 1-0 Lonngeylin Coast (VIL)
Raynor City United (VAL) 1-0 Mallox

Knockout rounds, baby. High-stakes moment equals low-risk play. It's cagey stuff, but Vara Swan seals a home win for CCFC after a one-two with Klein in the 25th minute. Mallox holding RCU to just a single goal in Valanora can almost be considered a win as well.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg
West Holbrookdale (SCT) 1-1 Zakhoro Aces

Despite handily beating West Holbrookdale twice in the group stage, the Aces are only able to muster up a draw this time in Schottia. Grant Nean's side are a worthy opponent, but the Aces won't be able to view this as anything but a missed opportunity to punch their tickets to the quarterfinals. People around Zakhoro are already talking about a potential return to the SBCC Final, so an unfavorable swing of events in the second leg would be a disaster.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 24
Samaj FC 2–2 Ramusok United
Fevelo Colony 3–1 FC Samotath
Zakhoro Aces 3–3 Klyde
Stoneshore United 2–4 Eastweald
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Mallox
Real Azuris 2–2 Olask Islanders
Cassandra City 2–1 OAS Royal FC
Crawford City FC 1–3 Pelethas United
Goldstaff City 1–1 Helfin Fief

Fevelo Colony must be on Cloud Nine! Or, rather, they would be if there were any actual, you know, clouds on Fevelo. FC Samotath is the highest-stature club the new boys have beaten yet, wingbacks Solignac and Swarthimore paragons of composure going both ways with Scion Keldian pure class pulling the strings. The 24-year-old native Fevelian produced a beautiful volleyed goal to go with his clipped assist to Apollo Demetriou. Samaj-RamUtd was a boring match that lacked execution in the final third...right up until it didn't. 0-0 with fifteen minutes left, the Globe Cup battle nevertheless ended 2-2 after a flurry of late goals from Del Toro and Keohane and then Del Arro and Sigurjónsdóttir in response. Like Samaj - though the Hunters' two-goal deficit was ever so brief - the Zakhoro Aces similarly came back from 3-1 down at home. Euran defender Robert Hobbs made up for being culpable on both of Riordan's early goals by totally intentionally redirecting Koru Özturk's blast with his calf to send Lind Pressinger the wrong way in the 53rd minute. A rare Pressinger distribution mistake then delivered Zakhoro their equalizer in the 85th minute. The experienced keeper shanked a punt directly to Aces winger Tarmé, who immediately pumped the ball back in for Aakif Guerin to nick home. The Aces won't go back down without a fight. Good. Fellow southwesterners Goldstaff City won't either with Astor Zigfield continuing to take advantage of her long-awaited time to shine after backing up the likes of Arrowsword and Zeale-Riddick for most of her prime. Why did Samaj, the team currently leaning on a creaking Ross Rowe, sell her again?

And Fion "Krazy" Tzyzakoos strikes once more, this time on an elevated stage in Azuris! Olask's diminutive teenage dynamo has made her impact felt in her rookie season, perhaps never moreso than today, when her sweeping stoppage time strike ruined what was supposed to be Jeremy Benedict's storybook 2-1 winner moments earlier. Estadio MasseMord went from uncontrolled celebration, to confusion, to loathing disbelief... and then to rage as replays on the big screen revealed that Tzyzakoos had been well offside. But there is no VAR and the phantom goal sends Azuris down to the edge of the UICA zone at the Islanders' expense. Kraziness indeed. You know what else was crazy? Eva Velasquez's wonder-goal in the 7th minute. Eastweald definitely would've thrashed Stoneshore anyways, but that glorious high-arching rainbow from near midfield sure set the tone. What does it meeeaaan? The only thing more awe-inspiring might've been Saltorius' first half artistry as he effortlessly brought CCFC's world class midfield to its knees with a goal and two assists.

Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Lonngeylin Coast 0-2 Crawford City FC
Crawford City FC advance 3-0 on aggregate

Mallox 1-1 Raynor City United
Mallox eliminated 2-1 on aggregate

Cruelly, Kendrex Engram wears both the hero's cape and dunce's cap for Mallox. The left back scored the Tigers' aggregate equalizer with a bursting run down the left after 76 minutes... only to supply Raynor with their winner in the 88th, a hell of a finish into his own side-netting while trying to block a ball into the box. Sigh. The kid didn't deserve that. But Crawford City FC fully deserved what they got tonight. Alcouin + Stabb were on-point and the Elephants march on as one of the top eight teams in the Multiverse.

Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg
Zakhoro Aces 0-1 West Holbrookdale
Zakhoro Aces eliminated 2-1 on aggregate

A disaster. Benkè Oulonagawi will never be welcome back in the City of Cocodragons.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 25
Goldstaff City 1–1 Samaj FC
Helfin Fief 3–3 Crawford City FC
Pelethas United 3–2 Cassandra City
OAS Royal FC 4–4 Real Azuris
Olask Islanders 3–3 IFK Aldenskoett
Mallox 2–0 Stoneshore United
Eastweald 6–3 Zakhoro Aces
Klyde 2–2 Fevelo Colony
FC Samotath 3–3 Ramusok United

The midseason break's leading quartet of clubs (Cassandra/Crawford/OAS/Azuris) have all had some stumbles since the HL reconvened. It continued today. Cassandra's back line got flattened by Changez and Alotic, Crawford needed a late Alcouin equalizer just to leave Helfin Fief with a solitary point, and OAS and Azuris settled for a mutually unsatisfying draw despite braces from Cautcher and Benedict. As a result, Eastweald have suddenly leapfrogged all four - three points clear - after thrashing Aces for their fourth consecutive win, also their third consecutive game with at least four goals. They had six different scorers in this one, up 4-1 by half time after Amokachi and Fanaiyan linked up for a pair of highlight-reel goals and assists. Riether's team is shredding defenses at will right now and has a head full of steam. Watch out. Same for Pelethas United, whose win against Cassandra City was their fourth straight as well, allowing the Miners to also leapfrog up several spots into 2nd. Their four-headed attacking beast of Changez, Alotic, Saltorius and Xandreas is something else to behold when they're all clicking. In Olask, Hecubah "Freight Train" Statkis is underestimated and takes offense, bullying Olask to a rugged hat trick just a few weeks after her first brace. IFK Aldenskoett still didn't win because Craig Kulverbach forgot how to mark two-goal woman Hera Poxay (seriously, he kept his distance like she had cooties), but still.

Lone Va'Nega salvaged a point for Goldstaff City against visiting Samaj with a miraculous top-shelf save on Ophelia Lovelock's laser-strike, Mallox kept ticking on to another unheralded positive result with a rotated side - unlikely scorers Bella Thompson and 'ole Jol Tortuu getting on the scoresheet - and Klyde's much-ballyhooed strike prospect Cathal Turner scored an 81st minute equalizer against Fevelo Colony moments after coming on for some rare extended minutes. Finally, Ramusok United fans barely had time to sit down on the couch before they found themselves down 2-0 in Samotath (Sommerfield, Nyström striking), but they displayed the trademark spirit associated with Jock Sonny sides to fight back to 3-3 through sheer determination in the second half. Only Keohane's clinical run-up slice to the far post from 15 yards could be considered beautiful (William Stone's hip+knee "finish" certainly wasn't), but a goal is a goal and a point is a point! United can still be optimistic about returning to the UICA, especially after the recent announcement from its Commerce Heights headquarters that Cosumar will be awarded an additional fourth Champions' Cup berth.

Harlighet Ligan Matchday 26
Samaj FC 4–3 FC Samotath
Ramusok United 4–0 Klyde
Fevelo Colony 2–5 Eastweald
Zakhoro Aces 4–6 Mallox
Stoneshore United 3–3 Olask Islanders
IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 OAS Royal FC
Real Azuris 5–4 Pelethas United
Cassandra City 4–3 Helfin Fief
Crawford City FC 4–1 Goldstaff City

Smh. Terrible, terrible. The Zakhoro Aces surrender six again. This time to Eastweald's neighbors Mallox. The Tigers aren't a high-scoring team by design under Kennedy Kopenhaver, but Alexander Kárpáty won't pass up four free chances if you offer them up. Staggeringly, it's already Kárpáty's third quadruple in his HL career - the first player to have three such games in league history. Despite the Aces' skill going forward (Selena Aliena's goal and two assists kept it somewhat respectable), it's evident that young defensive players like Ksenia Winterseer and Isaak Noff just aren't ready for the grind of a full season at this level yet, and Sinistar has never been more than a mediocre HL keeper even at his best. If the Aces do stay up, they will need an overhaul amongst their back six positions. But hey, at least they're not the only ones being made to look silly against those mean Gellano Fief sides. Led by an in-form Amokachi (and viral celebration dance after her second), Eastweald shredded another relegation-threatened club this week in their first ever off-world match. Guess who it was? The lopsided result on Fevelo widened the gap at the top as Pelethas fell to a Real Azuris side determined to fight and claw their way back into the title race somehow. Andrew Arrowsword was the symbol of their resistance with his late brace that turned 4-3 down into 5-4 up and set off wild scenes at Estadio MasseMord.

Meanwhile, Kim Coultan dominated an Everlong River Derby to keep Crawford City FC on pace and OAS Royal and Cassandra City narrowly took care of business to keep themselves in the hunt too. Vega Zeale-Riddick's scorpion kicker winner was particularly breathtaking, silencing the Helfin Fief away support that had constantly been teasing her with stripper-groping hand motions. Almost as impressive was Ramusok United overwhelming Klyde with their fast and direct attacking style. The Blues are eyeing the top seven, but Samaj might stand in their way. Despite well-publicized issues up top, Johannes Lundblade's Hunters look tough. They can still get goals, as Elias Møller showed today with his first hat trick at Stadion Jägare.

AOCL Quarterfinals
Mallox 2-5 Cazadores Cathair (AUD)
Cazadores Cathair 1-1 Mallox
Mallox eliminated 6-3 on aggregate

Kárpáty scores as always in the first leg at home, Mehmt Curwyk too, but it wasn't enough to keep up with the avalanche that the historic Cathair side brought raining down on the Tigers. Kopenhaver essentially resigns his side from the AOCL and rests most of his starters in Audioslavia for the second leg. Surprisingly, the second-string group puts up a better fight and holds an early 1-0 lead courtesy of Jesper Lindroos until the second half.

With their scintillating form in the last two months, Eastweald have emerged as the new leaders. Penumbra Amokachi has never been better in green-and-yellow, and a versatile central midfield lends excellent structural support for some electric wing talent. Eastweald fans must be writhing in anxiety at the familiar sight of this fragile lead. Does the Déjà Vu of another heartbreaking photo-finish await around the final bend? Further down, there's a big gap between Ram United in 9th and the bottom half, where the likes of Samotath, Olask, Aldenskoett and Goldstaff look like they have nothing to play for... in all likelihood already eliminated from consideration for either UICA or relegation. It looks like it's heading for a scrap between Stoneshore United, Fevelo Colony and Zakhoro Aces for 16th: the Relegation Playoff spot.

  1013 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Eastweald              26   15   5   6    65   38  +27    50
 2  OAS Royal FC           26   13   7   6    55   40  +15    46
 3  Cassandra City         26   12  10   4    61   48  +13    46
 4  Crawford City FC       26   13   5   8    67   48  +19    44
 5  Pelethas United        26   12   8   6    60   48  +12    44
 6  Samaj FC               26   12   8   6    50   47   +3    44
 7  Real Azuris            26   12   7   7    56   47   +9    43
 8  Mallox                 26   13   3  10    58   48  +10    42
 9  Ramusok United         26   11   6   9    49   44   +5    39
10  FC Samotath            26    9   5  12    50   56   −6    32
11  Olask Islanders        26    7  11   8    50   57   −7    32
12  IFK Aldenskoett        26    8   6  12    26   34   −8    30
13  Goldstaff City         26    7   9  10    39   51  −12    30
14  Klyde                  26    6  11   9    45   56  −11    29
15  Helfin Fief            26    5  10  11    48   65  −17    25
16  Zakhoro Aces           26    6   4  16    53   71  −18    22
17  Fevelo Colony          26    4   8  14    40   57  −17    20
18  Stoneshore United      26    4   7  15    37   54  −17    19


Golden Boot Leader: 
  Alexander Kárpáty (21)

Keenan Athletic haven't been as great since the midseason break, allowing Mariners and Morponte to nearly close the gap. Long assumed a near-lock for promotion, there's now a real danger they might muck it up. Kaldukosic sides FC Kal and Gwynt Tywyll are also in there with a small chance at that playoff spot. Meanwhile, another major story of the second half of the season so far has been the collapse of Versiaville. The Villagers are 1-2-6 since the break, going from promotion candidates to the outer fringes of the relegation dogfight. Defensive issues have been a recurring theme under Jeremy Hayes, but they've never been as soft at the back as they are right now. Only Fort Archer's season has arguably been a bigger disappointment. Despite some top talents in Dirk Göffling and Tarran Seamster, the dice just haven't fallen their way.

1013 Sekundar Ligan        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Keenan Athletic          26   14   7   5    65   49  +16    49
 2  Na'Ilee Mariners         26   14   5   7    43   32  +11    47
 3  Morponte Fief            26   14   5   7    40   30  +10    47
 4  FC Kaldukosic            26   13   3  10    53   47   +6    42
 5  Gwynt Tywyll             26   13   1  12    37   42   −5    40
 6  Ziemelu Skaida           26   10   9   7    45   35  +10    39
 7  AC Holmenkollen          26   10   9   7    51   46   +5    39
 8  Treftadaeth Alliance     26   10   7   9    55   56   −1    37
 9  Nomad Brotherhood FC     26   10   6  10    41   43   −2    36
10  FC Flen                  26    9   7  10    42   48   −6    34
11  Centus Serpents          26    8   8  10    40   35   +5    32
12  Versiaville              26    8   8  10    62   64   −2    32
13  Sindo Fief               26   10   2  14    43   57  −14    32
14  West Gundar FC           26    7   8  11    48   54   −6    29
15  Cassandra Cosmopolitan   26    8   5  13    36   49  −13    29
16  Regalia City             26    7   7  12    28   33   −5    28
17  Riverside Crew           26    5  13   8    30   37   −7    28
18  Fort Archer FC           26    6   6  14    40   42   −2    24

IFK Sundsvall are a great story, assigned the second-worst odds to win the Tredje Ligan before the season...yet here they are. Can they hold on and extend their fairy tale season all the way to the finish line? Clubs like Rexnor District 3, Otkins Numenvernia and AFC Obscura - all backed by big corporate money - have stepped on the gas since the midseason break though and are coming for them hard. Pardock Island and Revanigruud have also been consistently strong all year and will like their chances to hang on for a top six spot and not fade like Seryddwyr Aberaeron have over the last month or so. At the other end, it's best to just not even look at Salfa City. That team really shouldn't be in Tredje Ligan.

1013 Tredje Ligan              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  IFK Sundsvall                   32   18   9   5    67   46  +21    63
 2  Rexnor District 3               32   18   6   8    42   29  +13    60
 3  Pardock Island                  32   17   7   8    53   37  +16    58
 4  Otkins Numenvernia              32   18   2  12    56   35  +21    56
 5  Revanigruud Riversharks         32   15   9   8    53   36  +17    54
 6  AFC Obscura 98                  32   13  11   8    54   44  +10    50
 7  Seryddwyr Aberaeron             32   15   5  12    45   50   −5    50
 8  Sontafe City                    32   12  12   8    51   40  +11    48
 9  Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   32   14   5  13    37   35   +2    47
10  Portsmouth FC                   32   11  12   9    41   40   +1    45
11  Brayllor Town                   32   12   8  12    45   41   +4    44
12  Esterhollow Harbor              32   11  10  11    39   38   +1    43
13  Klyde Heritage                  32   11   9  12    44   47   −3    42
14  Sepultura                       32   12   6  14    56   60   −4    42
15  White Tower FC                  32   12   6  14    38   47   −9    42
16  Bergtatt Isle Athletic          32   10   8  14    60   61   −1    38
17  Pristine Forest                 32    9  11  12    41   47   −6    38
18  Dvinko Black Heart              32    9  10  13    40   46   −6    37
19  Hvalsey 08                      32    9   6  17    47   63  −16    33
20  Larkinham Town                  32    7   9  16    34   48  −14    30
21  Silk FC                         32    6  10  16    35   52  −17    28
22  Salfa City                      32    3   9  20    18   54  −36    18

Round of 16
FC Kaldukosic (S) 6–1 Briquia Southside (L2)
Pristine Forest (T) 3–7 OAS Royal FC (H)
Portsmouth (T) 0–0 Riverside Crew (S) (0–0 AET) (8–7 pen.)
Rexnor District 3 (T) 2–3 Otkins Numenvernia (T)
Crawford City FC (H) 1–2 Cassandra City (H)
Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) 1–2 Olask Islanders (H)
Na'Ilee Mariners (S) 2–0 Pardock Island (T)
Real Azuris (H) 4–1 Hvalsey 08 (T)

In the Round of 16, many of the remaining sides outside Härlighet Ligan or Sekundar Ligan are filtered out without sympathy. FC Kaldukosic unleash their full side against fifth-tier Briquia. As a result, Aspen Meratyn scores her first career hat trick and Georgina Wadimu also swoops in for a brace. OAS Royal do the same against Hagenheim's Pristine Forest FC and Marsteller and Cautcher are the ones with a hat trick and brace, respectively. The exceptions are Portsmouth, who survived a penalty scare after a dirty, physical scoreless match, and Otkins Numenvernia, who nabbed a stoppage time winner to knockout Tredje Ligan rivals Rexnor. The biggest match, however, was definitely Crawford City-Cassandra City. Of the two title hopefuls, the latter City won out with a Woman of the Match performance from Ursula Rowan, including the winner in the 47th minute.

Quarterfinals
FC Kaldukosic (S) 3–3 OAS Royal FC (H) (3–4 AET)
Portsmouth (T) 0–0 Otkins Numenvernia (T) (0–0 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Cassandra City (H) 3–0 Olask Islanders (H)
Na'Ilee Mariners (S) 0–1 Real Azuris (H)

The two big underdogs draw each other in the Quarterfinals, ensuring there will be at least one Cinderella dancing into the rarified air of the semis. With so much money, exposure and opportunity on the line, it's unsurprising that both Portsmouth and Numenvernia play it very conservatively. There were a few decent chances, but it still finished nil-nil after 120. Otkins Numenvernia's goalkeeper is the shootout hero, making two clutch saves to spur Mr. Otkins and his team on. Awaiting them will be OAS Royal FC after the Whites prevailed in a high-octane Ramusok vs. Kaldukosic clash with FC Kal that reminded of their old days in the HL together. Catheline Marchant bent a shot around Ael Koron for the win in the 112th minute.
The other semifinal will be a marquee match-up between Real Azuris and Cassandra City, the two most successful Cosumarite clubs of the last decade or so. Both defeated their quarterfinals opponents without too much turbulence. As reigning cupholders, the Reds could become just the second club to win back-to-back King's Cups after Azuris themselves four years ago.

Semifinals Fixtures

OAS Royal FC vs. Otkins Numenvernia
@ Crowley Memorial WC Stadium (105.000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

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

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Apr 21, 2018 12:32 am

Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg
Royal Jam FC (EFL) 1-0 Crawford City FC

CCFC are unable to break down a Royal Jam squad that defended with a lot of heart in Eastfield Lodge, putting Amethyst Fegelein under heavy scrutiny for her decision to rest creator-in-chief Kim Coultan. "I appreciate your frustration - I'm frustrated too," Fegelein said post-match. "But you have to be smart about these things. Kim played 90 minutes at derby-level intensity at the weekend and we have another big one this Saturday against a Samaj side who are threatening to break into the top four." No one would've questioned the move if the Elephants had won, but still, it's the Champions' Cup. You have to put your best players on the field at this stage.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 27
Crawford City FC 2–3 Samaj FC
Goldstaff City 0–1 Cassandra City
Helfin Fief 3–4 Real Azuris
Pelethas United 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
OAS Royal FC 3–0 Stoneshore United
Olask Islanders 1–1 Zakhoro Aces
Mallox 3–1 Fevelo Colony
Eastweald 4–3 Ramusok United
Klyde 3–5 FC Samotath

The "allocation of resources" doesn't exactly produce the return on investment Fegelein was hoping for. Crawford City FC are off the pace from the first whistle against Lundblade's spirited Samaj side and Ross Rowe turns in a pair of one-touch layoffs from Rachel Del Arro and Elias Møller in the 2nd and 16th minutes. CCFC would recover from their nervous first twenty minutes and have the better of play for large swaths of the rest of the game, a well-rested Coultan finally slipping Kevin Stabb in to thunder the back of the net in the 68th minute to equalize four minutes after Sarah Arrowsword's surging run from the back and surprising pop. Nevertheless, Samaj would hold on and produce a late flurry of chances as the game became stretched and CCFC's fatigue showed. In the 86th minute, Peter Marshall was forced to hack down Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir to stop a dangerous-looking break. Ross Rowe headed the ensuing free kick through the hands of Hansi Weschler to complete his first hat trick in exactly five years and poach the Elephants out of the top four. Lesson: anyone can get a hat trick with the right service. If Rowe can (despite having the lateral-movement of a snowman by now), Jeremy Benedict certainly can. And the Euran winger proved it today, and actually created each of his chances himself. It was his best game thus far in a Real Azuris shirt. He marked Helfin Fief's right side as his territory and outpaced and outsmarted Larkspur and Cartensen all day long. Benedict's hat trick helped Azuris to a handy three away points despite Helfin strikers Aron Riise and Adrien Borges also proving their mettle.

Elsewhere, Santo Silvestri powered FC Samotath past the purple Doves on a sunny day at The Klyde Sportsplex, Eastweald's possession-based style continued to operate at peak efficiency (it was only 4-3 after Ramusok United's two late consolations) and Arnold Mace again proved himself an influential figure in the IFK Aldenskoett midfield - dispossessing Saltorius countless times and upsetting Pelethas with his deflected shot in the 92nd minute. Finally, it looks like the writing is on the wall for Douglas Tibet in Stoneshore. His Greys actually put in a positive performance in Ramusok, fighting OAS tooth-and-nail, but all people will see is the unlucky 3-0 scoreline.

Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg
Crawford City FC 3-0 Royal Jam FC
Crawford City FC advance 3-1 on aggregate

That's more like it. Crawford take the field at home with a full-strength line-up and only one thing on their mind. They get it done. Coultan sets up Stabb for the two decisive goals, and Dmitri Hagicostas adds a third for good measure late. CCFC are the first HL club not named Real Azuris to advance to the Champions' Cup Semifinals. Western Cosumarite soccer has arrived!

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 28
Samaj FC 3–0 Klyde
FC Samotath 4–5 Eastweald
Ramusok United 2–2 Mallox
Fevelo Colony 3–5 Olask Islanders
Zakhoro Aces 1–3 OAS Royal FC
Stoneshore United 0–1 Pelethas United
IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 Helfin Fief
Real Azuris 3–2 Goldstaff City
Cassandra City 1–2 Crawford City FC

Eastweald are... something else. Their insistence on building out of the back backfired early against FC Samotath's aggressively advanced field positions, Ricardo Sommerfield pouncing on a pair of under-hit balls like a man possessed and scoring both times, but they kept at it like the mistakes didn't happen. Like programmed machines. It made for a heart-stopping show at Alesund Stadion against an opposing style with potential to be their kryptonite, but Eastweald's belief in their philosophy eventually paid off in the end. Back to 2-2 by half time, breaking a 3-3 tie on Penumbra Amokachi's sliding finish, and then again breaking a 4-4 tie in stoppage time. The Wood Elves produced some world-class team goals in this game. Stringing together passes, involving everybody as they worked their way down the pitch and unlocked the perfect final move. Two different sequences ended with midfielder Mina Mordini virtually walking the ball in unopposed. I mean, it was Samotath at their most Samotath-y, but beauty is beauty.

Mallox's accomplished Equestrian maestro Clouchaser knows a thing or two about beauty. The World Cup legend has been a boon for Golden Boot leader Alexander Kárpáty up top this year, but today it was her 17-year-old understudy Taka Masatoshi who got a chance to feed the Pasargan warrior. The academy product's sporadic appearances have impressed, but this was probably his best. Unfazed by the magnificent atmosphere of Fire River Arena, Masatoshi clinically evaded John Hare and picked out the bottom corner from the top of the box to put Mallox up 1-0 in the 23rd minute. At the end of the first half, he split Ramusok United's defense with a single pass for Kárpáty to make it 2-0. Though the Tigers would ultimately succumb to the home side's rally in the second half (led by opposite #10 Adrián Del Toro), their traveling fans can take comfort in the fact that they have an heir apparent for Cloudchaser in that pivotal CAM/SS spot.

Other headlines from Matchday 28 included the Tidesson brothers (Bryger and Alfred) both scoring in the same match as Real Azuris edged Goldstaff City late thanks to Alfred, as well as Fevelo Colony's epic collapse at home. The Cavedwellers led 3-0 at half time on the strength of local girl Anna Sibučić's brace and the whole planet was in party-mode. But the big, strong Islanders came roaring back in the second half and won 5-3... Mainly though set-piece plays drawn up on the training ground, taking advantage of Fevelo Colony's undersized team. Brutal lesson for the relegation candidates. Crawford City FC bounced back from last week's disheartening loss on Hannah Alcouin's elegantly curled winner late in Cassandra, Arnold Mace somehow conjured up some more magic for IFK Aldenskoett, and Gudrun Crowley's long-rage roller trickled in to keep Pelethas United in the UICA places. Stoneshore finalized the sacking of Tibet after the loss, hoping a new-manager bump can inspire a survival rally in the last six matches. Candidates rumored to be in the running include longtime Treftadaeth Alliance manager Truda Jotunnoj, infamous disciplinarian Minnie Lotuda and former Cosumar U21 manager Johannes Sulo.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 29
Cassandra City 2–1 Samaj FC
Crawford City FC 0–0 Real Azuris
Goldstaff City 1–2 IFK Aldenskoett
Helfin Fief 0–0 Stoneshore United
Pelethas United 0–2 Zakhoro Aces
OAS Royal FC 2–0 Fevelo Colony
Olask Islanders 0–1 Ramusok United
Mallox 2–2 FC Samotath
Eastweald 2–0 Klyde

Some moving and shaking at both ends of the table.

Amongst the top seven, Sarah Arrowsword roughed up her half-brother with a satisfied smile as Crawford City FC and Real Azuris cancelled each other out 0-0. The leading trio of Eastweald, OAS Royal and Cassandra City rejoiced at the sight, seizing the opportunity to pull ahead in the race with noteworthy wins. Eastweald's 2-0 home win over Klyde was a walk in the park, Mina Mordini again excellent in the center of said park. Jo de Marisco may be the more recognizable name in Eastweald's midfield, but Mordini has actually been the true architect of Eastweald's tremendous form since midseason. The Eastweald lifer seems to be reaching her career apex at age 29, displaying a newfound trust in her attacking instincts to go with her usual work rate and calmness in possession. Similarly, OAS Royal were just solid on both ends of the pitch against Fevelo Colony after former Cosumar teammates Sur Arora and Paaron Petrov shared a heartfelt handshake and praised each other's managerial acumens before the match. Arora has proven this season that he can organize a defense and, in doing so, have positioned Royal as the prime challenger to Eastweald for the title. Ellie Hanger and Christopher Fosse were stalwarts in central defense today, Hanger even hanging in the air like she does best to head home the opener. Their more consistent performances have brought out the best in goalkeeper Asward Munif Shalhoub - back to being a candidate for Golden Glove after last season's erraticism. Finally, Cassandra City's win was dominated by the storyline of Vega Zeale-Riddick going up against her former club Samaj FC for the first time (she was ill for their first match this season). Despite millions anticipating the narrative, VZR didn't score in the Reds' 2-1 win. Instead, she again proved her underrated versatility and turned creator - playing the decoy to set up goals for Charles Dyer Vry and Ki Niro.

Amongst the bottom five, the result with big implications is Zakhoro's 2-0 win over fading Pelethas. It's a big, big result for Tekeh Na'Vatajin's crew. Koru Özturk was the man, outdueling opposite #10 Saltorius Splitt (partial credit to Aces d-mid Ksenia Winterseer for that) and even sailing a beautiful long-range free kick into the furthest reaches of the top-right corner. Sekundar Ligan sensation Özturk may have struggled for much of the early season, but he looks completely comfortable now and has been one of the Härlighet Ligan's best performers since the break. The unexpected three points lifts the Aces a full six points clear of the bottom two and only one goal of GD behind Helfin Fief and absolute safety. These two play next week in a massive relegation six-pointer. The Zakhoro stunner also moves the goalposts on new Stoneshore manager Truda Jotunnoj, who were only four points behind the playoff slot when he took the job midweek. Despite a decent away point on his debut with a well-organized gameplan, the former Treftadaeth Alliance icon's odds of success just got longer.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 30
Samaj FC 3–6 Eastweald
Klyde 3–4 Mallox
FC Samotath 4–1 Olask Islanders
Ramusok United 5–3 OAS Royal FC
Fevelo Colony 1–1 Pelethas United
Zakhoro Aces 1–2 Helfin Fief
Stoneshore United 1–2 Goldstaff City
IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 Crawford City FC
Real Azuris 1–0 Cassandra City

You could hear the triumphant roars of Fire River Arena all across the capital (even in the royal district) as a feisty Ram United struck five times in the Ramusok Derby to (probably) punch Royal out of the title race. You could sense Jock Sonny's side had a quiet stream of confidence flowing as they went into this one and it translated into a veritable tsunami on the pitch. They didn't even blink when Corey Simmons III picked out Claudia Cautcher in the box for the opener inside ten minutes, responding in turn through Jakk Bekk and Igor Topiç. William Stone's rapid-fire brace in the 74th and 76th minutes then cracked open a 4-2 lead that Ramusok United would not relinquish. Fire River was louder after Stone's second goal than I've heard since they won the title. A week after we lauded Royal's improved defense too... Emboldened by the events of the Saturday morning derby, leaders Eastweald took the cue and put Samaj to the sword. 6-3 with six different scorers, including a vintage Peter Morrison worldie. Can anyone slow them down right now? With Royal's defeat, Eastweald have opened up a seven-point gap with four matches to play. With Real Azuris and Crawford City FC both making up for the ground lost last week, it's now about the tight race for the three Champions' Cup places behind Eastweald. Spots 2-9 could completely reshuffle in the next month.

In the anticipated (or dreaded?) Helfin-Zakhoro survival duel, the Aces succumbed to the weight of expectation at Zapt Park, conceding a well-taken 85th minute winner (and debut goal) to Helfin Fief rookie Kiv Kvikernes. Koru Özturk tried to carry the Aces, hauling them back into the tie with his 79th minute penalty (earned and taken), but they just aren't getting enough creation from out wide to balance the attack. It was a big step for Helfin Fief, who can now control their destiny in terms of dodging HL relegation for the first time in three attempts. The central midfield axis of Les Katholos and Robbie Guerricaechevarria was quietly efficient and effective yet again. A glance at the table begs another question. The win saw the Protons leapfrog Klyde! Are the Doves in danger all of a sudden? They've been plodding along with an anonymous "bottom half but safe" finish assumed for months, but complacency has seen soooooo many points slip through their fingers lately. The sloppy 4-3 loss to Mallox was their fifth in a row, and they haven't won since the big Klyde Derby on Matchday 21. Since Va'Tuaras made himself a villain by slandering Luis Varezzi and Real Azuris. Karma in action? Reports surfaced that the team held an emergency "players-only meeting" last night to iron things out, or, as scorer at the weekend Griffin Riordan put it, "wake ourselves the fuck up".

1 Eastweald              30   19   5   6    82   48  +34    62
 2 OAS Royal FC           30   16   7   7    66   46  +20    55
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Helfin Fief            30    6  12  12    54   71  −17    30
15 Klyde                  30    6  11  13    51   70  −19    29
16 Zakhoro Aces           30    7   5  18    58   77  −19    26  PO
17 Fevelo Colony          30    4   9  17    45   68  −23    21  R
18 Stoneshore United      30    4   8  18    38   60  −22    20  R

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 31
Real Azuris 2–3 Samaj FC
Cassandra City 3–1 IFK Aldenskoett
Crawford City FC 3–2 Stoneshore United
Goldstaff City 4–2 Zakhoro Aces
Helfin Fief 2–2 Fevelo Colony
Pelethas United 3–5 Ramusok United
OAS Royal FC 3–1 FC Samotath
Olask Islanders 3–1 Klyde
Mallox 0–0 Eastweald

Whatever pledges Blinne Va'Tuaras' players made behind closed doors, it didn't help them halt their losing streak. Despite all the money Klyde have spent on attacking talent, Chrysanthe Scafidis was the best player on the pitch when they visited Olask. The former Brinemouth woman's quality was evident as she converted two first-time finishes, and though fellow former Premiership star Gandhi pulled one back with a seasoned near-post stab of her own, Olask kept the pressure on Klyde and made things difficult, ultimately riding out 3-1 winners. Fortunately for the purple-and-turquoise, Aelfwynn Bannion was in a bad mood for Goldstaff City. The stout Brenecian striker bullied the Aces' back three in a 4-2 win to prevent Zakhoro from further loosening Klyde's hold on the last guaranteed survival spot. Crucially, though, OAS Royal were able to gain some ground... in the title race. For the first time in the last ten matches, Eastweald failed to score multiple goals. In fact, the terrific Mallox defense kept a clean sheet in the Weald Classic, refusing to let the Wood Elves play games on their gorgeous checker-board pitch with dogged man-marking. As a result, OAS Royal's routine deconstruction of FC Samotath narrows the gap behind Eastweald to five points. Cautcher was on-point again with good service from Zoë Aedelbrandt, and Royal bent but didn't break at the other end in the face of Samotath's direct-assault.

Meanwhile, Ramusok United are still brimming with confidence and energy, pumping five past another strong opponent - including a cameo goal from ancient talisman Robin Geirsson - to inch closer to their UICA objective. As for teams currently in the UICA places, CCFC held onto the fourth CC spot with a dramatic Kostas Postecoglou winner from the left that nutmegged both Senter Senterekoesima and Stoneshore goalkeeper John-Arnold Dane. Rusalka Klein's through ball was perfectly-placed. Samaj FC again defeated former manager Luis Varezzi and Real Azuris, inspired (again) by brilliant wide play from the likes of Del Arro, Sigurjónsdóttir and Ophelia Lovelock to ink their designs on a Globe Cup place. At the other end, Fevelo Colony fight back from 2-0 down for a valuable point at Scandrick's Stadium while Truda Jotunnoj looks like he's destined for a very brief stay in Stoneshore, still searching for his first win with survival hopes turning grey as the local fog.

1 Eastweald              31   19   6   6    82   48  +34    63
 2 OAS Royal FC           31   17   7   7    69   47  +22    58
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
15 Klyde                  31    6  11  14    52   73  −21    29 
16 Zakhoro Aces           31    7   5  19    60   81  −21    26  PO
17 Fevelo Colony          31    4  10  17    47   70  −23    22  R
18 Stoneshore United      31    4   8  19    40   63  −23    20  R

Champions' Cup Semifinal, First Leg
Handon United 0-1 Crawford City FC

Harbour Hill isn't treated to the prettiest game, but Hannah Alcouin's goal on the stroke of half time (with a flick of her neck, passing a gorgeous Coultan chipped assist beyond the reach of Shjegrzh Na'Kefir) is enough to give the Elephants a decisive advantage heading back home. Hansi Weschler also came up with a couple massive saves to deny Line Stenberg and Daniel Dostalok and preserve the clean sheet.

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 32
Samaj FC 0–1 Mallox
Eastweald 7–3 Olask Islanders
Klyde 4–3 OAS Royal FC
FC Samotath 0–2 Pelethas United
Ramusok United 4–2 Helfin Fief
Fevelo Colony 1–1 Goldstaff City
Zakhoro Aces 2–2 Crawford City FC
Stoneshore United 4–6 Cassandra City
IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 Real Azuris

OAS Royal watch their title hopes go up in smoke in the opening five minutes against a highly-motivated Klyde, losing Teemu Tuppurainen and then Griffin Riordan's runs and paying dearly. With Sur Arora sweating buckets on the edge of the touchline, Royal would make a game of it in the second half - Cautcher twice beating Pressinger to Drover's weighted balls into space to continue her fantastic scoring streak - but Klyde just kept coming. "There was no way we were going to let these great fans down today at home," Klyde captain Sophia Trevelyan said passionately into a mic twenty minutes or so after assisting Riordan's winning goal.

Unfortunately for the league's media department, the Doves' frantic flap of wings towards survival came at the cost of any championship intrigue in the final two matchdays. With OAS Royal falling in Klyde, Eastweald needed only pick up a single point from the visiting Olask Islanders to secure the first Härlighet Ligan title in club history. That's right. Just a point to erase decades of "almost", "2nd-best" and Championship Sunday heartbreak. ...So guess what? They got it. They fucking got it. And more. It was knotted at 1-1 for awhile in the first half, but as news of Royal's situation began to filter into Old Weldenskirgen, it visibly lifted the energy of both the Eastweald crowd and players. After Klyde's third goal was announced, a tide of excitement washed over the whole stadium. A particularly scary look entered the eyes of Penumbra Amokachi, the Nepharim superstar who'd spent the last five years - her valuable prime years - trying in vain to bring trophies to the Weald. She was going to finish this. Amokachi morphed into a pure freak of nature and buried Olask 4-1 with a hat trick in the few minutes remaining before half time. All of Old Weldenskirgen jumping up and down, absolutely ballistic, as she smashed the third past Trent Fielding and stood in front of the supporters with chin high, eyes stony and arms spread wide. Eastweald are a club full of old legends and lore, and this - right now - is a moment that will join it all in the vaults. Eva Velasquez and Ishtar Fanaiyan would add to the scoreline in celebratory fashion in the second half. 7-3, playing their style at Ole' Weldy. Could the Elves have won it in more fitting fashion?
Eastweald are your 1013 HL Champions!!! Lift the trophy, manager Theresa Riether. Savor it, longtime captain Jo De Marisco.

For polar opposite scenes, flip the channel to Cassandra City @ Stoneshore United, where Bellerophon Serafino is currently all over the pitch pulping Stoneshore in front of a sparsely-filled SweetHaven Stadium to officially relegate the Greys. Only two years removed from 4th. The extremely promising career of Yuanchiki Larrimbe fizzling before it really began, and the old veteran legs proving hindrance rather than a savvy edge. Wow. We now turn our attentions to the final two relegation slots, as well as the UICA race behind Eastweald, which looks like this at the moment after a big Mallox win in customary 1-0 fashion:

2 OAS Royal FC           32   17   7   8    72   51  +21    58  CC
 3 Cassandra City         32   16  10   6    74   57  +17    58  CC
 4 Crawford City FC       32   16   7   9    78   56  +22    55  CC
 5 Mallox                 32   16   6  10    70   56  +14    54  GC
 6 Real Azuris            32   15   9   8    67   56  +11    54  GC
 7 Samaj FC               32   15   8   9    63   60   +3    53  GC
 8 Ramusok United         32   15   7  10    69   58  +11    52
 9 Pelethas United        32   14   9   9    67   57  +10    51
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Klyde                  32    7  11  14    56   76  −20    32
15 Helfin Fief            32    6  13  13    58   77  −19    31
16 Zakhoro Aces           32    7   6  19    62   83  −21    27  PO
17 Fevelo Colony          32    4  11  17    48   71  −23    23  R

Champions' Cup Semifinals, Second Leg
Crawford City FC 1-0 Handon United
Crawford City FC advance 2-0 on aggregate

Orangi Stadium sold out in under two minutes for this game, including the additional 7,000 standing room-only tickets. That's saying something for a club that has at times struggled to fill their behemoth of a venue even when the team is good. Indeed, the Champions' Cup buzz leading up to this match was palpable in the air throughout the Crawford area! CCFC were the talk of the city! And they ensured they will continue to be so up to the Final, scoring in the 8th minute to really pile the pressure on Handon United early. Osarian Sarah Ward got the start alongside Sarah Arrowsword in central defense and nodded home the lone goal from Coultan's corner, impressively getting sufficient power on it despite falling away from goal. The two Sarahs then dealt admirably with everything Jane Gullie's side threw at them. Very good work from that back line. Kevin Stabb would've then made it 3-0 in the 77th minute were it not for an unbelievable double-bounce off the woodwork. This is the utterly spotless Crawford City FC we should've seen a bit more in the Härlighet Ligan season. But if the Elephants can march on and win the Champions' Cup, it would more than make up for it!

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 33
IFK Aldenskoett 5–2 Samaj FC
Real Azuris 1–1 Stoneshore United
Cassandra City 0–1 Zakhoro Aces
Crawford City FC 1–1 Fevelo Colony
Goldstaff City 2–2 Ramusok United
Helfin Fief 1–1 FC Samotath
Pelethas United 4–3 Klyde
OAS Royal FC 1–1 Eastweald
Olask Islanders 3–2 Mallox

As the ~~dust~~ confetti settles on CCFC's landmark UICA victory and an Eastweald championship parade decades in the making, one could be forgiven for forgetting about the two matches still to play in the regular season. In a parallel universe, this OAS Royal-Eastweald match would've been a colossal bout with the season on the line, but Royal had to go and lose to Klyde last week to spoil all the potential drama... As it is, the top two clubs play a match high in quality but a tad lacking in urgency. Eastweald understandably seem hung over in the first half, and roll the carpet out for red-hot Cautcher to slot home an easy opening goal down the middle. Sur Arora's Royal just need a draw to clinch Champions' Cup play next season, and they mostly weather a storm of Eastweald pressure in the second half (conceding a well-worked Fanaiyan equalizer but no more) to seal the deal.

The other takeaway from the penultimate weekend is Samaj inexplicably shipping five at The Eagles' Nest. Pelethas United's dominant showing against Klyde earlier in the day to pull a point ahead of Samaj for the last Globe Cup slot dumped all the pressure on the Hunters... and they couldn't handle it. Uncharacteristically for a Johannes Lundblade side, Samaj surrendered three goals off IFK set plays and failed to close down space fast enough on the other two goals. It was 3-0 by half time. Shellshocked. Did Samaj just squander their chance to return to the UICA? Fortunately, most of the other teams in the UICA race (well, besides Pelethas) also failed to really help themselves. Crawford City FC's uninspiring 1-1 draw against Fevelo Colony, however, was enough to mean the end of the road for the Cavedwellers. They weren't able to stay up, but Paaron Petrov's valiant side never stopped fighting and will always be remembered for breaking the glass ceiling for off-world clubs. Poor Petrov, though, has still never experienced Härlighet Ligan survival as a player OR a coach.

3 Cassandra City         33   16  10   7    74   58  +16    58  CC
 4 Crawford City FC       33   16   8   9    79   57  +22    56  CC
 5 Real Azuris            33   15  10   8    68   57  +11    55  GC
 6 Mallox                 33   16   6  11    72   59  +13    54  GC
 7 Pelethas United        33   15   9   9    71   60  +11    54  GC
 8 Ramusok United         33   15   8  10    71   60  +11    53
 9 Samaj FC               33   15   8  10    65   65    0    53
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Helfin Fief            33    6  14  13    59   78  −19    32
15 Klyde                  33    7  11  15    59   80  −21    32
16 Zakhoro Aces           33    8   6  19    63   83  −20    30  RPO

Härlighet Ligan Matchday 34 Preview

Bittersweet feelings as Championship Sunday arrives. Even when the championship is already decided, it's always compelling viewing as several other teams come face-to-face with the reality that a full year of behind-the-scenes work will be defined as "success" or "failure" based on one last match. The reference table above gives a sense of which teams are feeling that crunch-time pressure this season. Let's run through the stakes for each:

Olask Islanders @ Samaj FC - The Islanders are comfortably midtable and have nothing to play for, which is good news for a Samaj side that now needs a win to have a chance at salvaging a Globe Cup berth. Ross Rowe injured his hip a couple weeks ago, which means young Adnan Jurevicius will bear responsibility up top.

OAS Royal FC @ Mallox - It's always a nostalgic feel when these two early-HL powers meet back up. There's more on the line for Mallox in this one at home. A point might suffice, but only a win will guarantee them UICA status. And depending on how CCFC and Real's results go, could even sneak them back into the Champions' Cup. The defending champions have the widest range of possible outcomes on Championship Sunday. Winning to officially seal 2nd place would be nice for OAS (they fully deserve it), but 2nd vs. 3rd is a minor difference in terms of UICA path. It's also a direct battle for the Golden Boot, with Alexander Kárpáty currently one goal ahead of chaser Claudia Cautcher in the scoring chart!

Pelethas United @ Eastweald - Tough draw for the Miners. Their big win last week puts them in control of their Globe Cup destiny, but it will be tough to get a result against an Eastweald side sure to be full of swagger as they wrap up their historic season and try to put on one last show for Old Weldenskirgen. Ram United and Samaj will be eager to pounce if Pelethas fall to Eastweald as so many have this year.

Helfin Fief @ Klyde - This is an interesting one. Fevelo and Stoneshore are down, but the playoff-bound 16th spot is still "up for grabs". These two are above the line the right now, but both need a result to guarantee they won't be overtaken by the Aces if they win. Helfin Fief have the luxury of settling for a draw because of their superior Goal-Differential.

Goldstaff City @ FC Samotath - Dead rubber. These clubs are locked into 13th and 12th, respectively.

Crawford City FC @ Ramusok United - This is a juicy one. Two very capable sides, in-form, with top managers and lots on the line. Fire River Arena will be popping with their Blues one big win away from accomplishing their goal of returning to UICA football. CCFC need to win to keep hold of Top Four, though the Champions' Cup Final could be a backdoor into next year's Champions' Cup if this one doesn't go their way.

Cassandra City @ Fevelo Colony - One last Härlighet Ligan hurrah (for now) on the mysterious cave planet of Fevelo. Their rabid fans will be out in force to enjoy it. Cassandra City probably just need a draw to obtain Champions' Cup, though they could conceivably steal 2nd from Royal at the death with a win.

Real Azuris @ Zakhoro Aces - If the Aces want to avoid the dreaded coin-flip of playing in a relegation playoff, they have to defeat... Real Azuris. And not just any Real Azuris - a version of Azuris that has all the motivation in the world with their UICA fate (CC, GC or nothing) in the reckoning. Luis Varezzi's group will be desperate to dispel whispers that their dynasty is over, especially with rumors that Andrew Arrowsword could bolt. So it's a tough task for Zakhoro, but at least they get to play at horn-filled Zapt Park. It will be loud and hot.

IFK Aldenskoett @ Stoneshore United - Who in their right mind would want to watch this? The two ugliest styles in the Härlighet Ligan going head to head in the fog with nothing to play for but the thought of vacation after 90 more minutes.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Apr 21, 2018 11:31 pm

Pelethas #10 Saltorius Splitt causes a minor stir when he refuses to participate in the Guard of Honor for Eastweald, earning a chorus of boos from Old Weldenskirgen. "I find the entire concept emasculating and humiliating," he decalred afterwards. "I will never willingly enter a position of submission to an opponent." Sour grapes, much? Well, at least he backed it up on the pitch, putting the Silver & Gold in front early with a killer final ball that was lifted in over the goalkeeper's sliding challenge by Qad superstar Ryan Xandreas. The Miners are on the UICA path against the champs!

Elsewhere, it's not looking good for the Aces, clearly second-best against Real Azuris. They might've been a little too amped up, pegged back by the sheer calmness and composure of Andrew Arrowsword and then Jeremy Benedict in the final third. Unfortunately for Azuris, Crawford City have likewise gone two-up on Ram United to stay in front of them for the last Champions' Cup place, Alcouin and the other Arrowsword applying the final touches. Somber mood in Ramusok as it looks like Jock Sonny's youth revolution will come up one step short of a UICA return. They're happy at The Orange Palace though, where Alexander Kárpáty has grabbed two first half goals to put the Golden Boot race to rest and set Mallox up nicely, though Chris Fosse corraled one back for OAS Royal before the whistle.

Finally, Fevelo Colony are determined to represent the colonial worlds with pride even in relegation. Aging former Schottic star Craig O'Maramy, who has admittedly been a tourist moreso than a key player on Fevelo this year, popped off a gloriously random 30-yard screamer in the 32nd minute for his first goal of the campaign. Calogero Metz could've gotten a stronger hand to it, but that didn't stop O'Maramy from ripping his shirt off and jumping into the Fevelian ultras. Should someone remind him they're still relegated? Suddenly, Cassandra are just two points of GD away from losing their nearly-assured Champions' Cup berth.

Aces are smoother in the second half, doubling their pass completion rate and winning the possession battle, but still succumb to quality of Real Azuris in the back. They'll have another chance to earn their place next week in the Relegation Playoff. Helfin Fief finish off Klyde just in case, with some gorgeous interplay between Aron Riise and Adrien Borges leading to the winner that Kvikernes slashes home after Pressinger's save off Borges falls to his feet.

CCFC seal their return to Champions' Cup regardless of next week's date with Raynor City United with what was also a great tune-up performance in the second half, finishing off Ramusok United with a great Arden Lemons goal off the bench. Cassandra City rally on Fevelo to claim their spot amongst the UICA elite as well. Andris Berzins was helpless to stop Zeale-Riddick and Dyer Vry's powerful point-blank finishes. Cassandra's comeback win also allowed them to usurp OAS for 2nd despite Royal holding that position for the last few months. After Mallox and Real Azuris, Pelethas United round out the Globe Cup places despite Jo de Marisco's late free kick equalizer for Eastweald. They can thank Samaj FC - despite Jurevicius showing up with two goals - for capitulating (again) to Scafidis and the Islanders. Finally, divisive IFK striker Hecubah Statkis delights in Stoneshore's demise, sending the Greys down in sadistic fashion - blatantly diving to draw the decisive penalty and badly concussing Stoneshore defender Willem Maersk with a needlessly fierce aerial challenge in the 89th minute.

Promotion/Relegation Playoff

Zakhoro Aces are here after finishing 16th in Härlighet Ligan. They started the season on a good note, their confidence from a dominant Sekundar Ligan run carrying over, but then had a long spell of futility as it wore on. However, after reaching a rock-bottom of consecutive 6-2 and 6-3 losses, the Aces began to pick themselves back up, mainly through the stellar individual play of versatile attacker Koru Özturk. With him wreaking havoc, Samarqand rounding back into form and a healthy menu of winger options, the Aces have the ability to win a high-scoring thriller. As the original Härlighet Ligan yo-yo club, their experience in these situations also bodes them well. However, the back half of the park remains a vulnerability that could undo them. Another relegation would obviously dash the club's attempts to recreate the period of midtable stability they enjoyed last decade.

Na'Ilee Mariners are here after finishing 3rd in Sekundar Ligan. Conversely to the Aces, they're looking to go straight back up instead of straight back down - effectively to switch places with the Aces in consecutive seasons. Ejegefe Na'Safeh's young team spent most of the Sekundar season in 2nd and were gutted to cede it to red-hot FC Kaldukosic on the final matchday. They need to win this game to ensure a strong season of hardworking football doesn't go to waste. Unlike the Aces, their biggest strength is in the back with seasoned Schottia goalkeeper Jeremy McNott and cerebral center half Sallie Wheeler. Yet they also have a striker in Vesina Va'Lepeh who can make teams pay in front of goal, and they will likely lose her to the Härlighet Ligan if they don't earn promotion themselves.

70th CHAMPIONS' CUP FINAL
@ King William VII National Park, Eswelle, Soltsteed

Hello! Marc Kirkovic here - UICA beat reporter for TheCourier.cos. Welcome to my live commentary feed of tonight's Champions' Cup Final. It's the match we've been waiting for - the biggest one in all of club soccer! I'm typing to you live from Solsteed, where I'm shivering a bit in the strong breeze but am otherwise fantastic! Oh man, I can already tell this is going to be a great atmosphere.

Here are the teams Amethyst Fegelein and Vanaina Talglinaelen have called on for the big match, right to left:

Crawford City FC XI (4-4-2 Dmnd): Weschler; Swan, Hagicostas, Arrowsword, Babaturk; Marshall, Farrow, Klein, Coultan (C); Alcouin, Stabb
Bench: Knych, Ward, Valfar, Postecoglou, Belladonna, Lemons, Guilliver

Raynor City United (4-3-1-2): Abbott; Fjørtoft, da Silva, Jorgensen (C), Saravakos; Anselm, Koarena, Lithvathar; Arango; Çíânflöné, Bérdoon

No surprises in either side, and - I must say - it's tough to pick a winner on paper. Ironically, RCU have the better Cosumarite players in defensive duo Torbjörn Jorgensen and Corella da Silva, but both teams have a superstar in the final third (Coultan v. Çíânflöné) and midfielders who are capable of taking control of this match (like Rusalka Klein and the timeless quality of Lithvathar). The pressure is more on the Elephants as newcomers to this stage. They know a win here would take the west-coast club to a completely new, unimagined level. Raynor City United can't really get any more renowned, even if winning their fifth Champions' Cup would be a nice milestone.

A major storyline has also been Amethyst Fegelein's personal stake in this one. Raynor City United was the team that denied her consecutive Champions' Cups on this stage back in CC66 with Starling. Will Fegelein get her revenge? Let's take it to the pitch for answers, where Jennifer Farrow is almost ready to kick things in motion.

1' - We're underway! Rusalka Klein immediately tries to catch Raynor off-guard and launches a long cross-field pass for Kim Coultan's run, but there's too much on it and it skips out for a goal kick. Early jitters.

6' - Crawford City FC's midfield has controlled the early goings so far with their crisp combinations. They also produce the first shot-on-goal as Klein tries her luck from 25 yards. It's a decent strike, but it goes straight into the hands of Abbott.

9' - Left back Kubra Babaturk flicks a lovely ball over the RCU defense and Kim Coultan brings it down with one foot! She's in behind! She sends a shot spinning away from Abbott towards the post! It glances in off the woodwork... just as the linesman belatedly raises the offside flag. Promising stuff from CCFC.

18' - Finally some action on the other end! Hansi Weschler is forced into a save at his top corner. Pressuring striker Nacho Bérdoon won the ball at the midfield line, picked out Çíânflöné up ahead and provided the decoy run as the Farf striker instead waited to lay it back off to the second-arriving run of Cristian Arango, who made solid first-time contact. Fortunately, Weschler was up to the task.

19' - After a subdued first 15, United are starting to play better football now and put Crawford under pressure.

23' - SAVE! AND PENALTY SHOUT! AT THE SAME TIME! A sequence that could've ended in a CCFC goal in two different ways nevertheless amounts to nothing but an Abbott punt. Coultan released Kevin Stabb in the box and the Sunrisian-Cosumarite was chopped down by a sliding challenge moments after cutting the ball back for Farrow, whose tame effort was scooped up by Abbott. Seems like the ref was ball-watching and didn't see the blatant foul on Stabb after the ball left his feet.

38' - RCU have had more of the possession for awhile, but are struggling to make things connect in the final third. Çíânflöné tries to force the issue with a dazzling solo run, but he can't break through Sarah Arrowsword in the last line of defense.

41' - Oh! That wasn't far off! Klein again pulls the trigger from distance, but what would've been a spectacular moment on the biggest stage instead blazes inches over the bar. Abbott grazed his fingers to it just in case, so it will remain with Crawford for a corner.

42' - Marshall latches onto Coultan's delivery and heads the ball across the face of goal dangerously, but no Crawford players were there to capitalize, allowing Torbjörn Jorgensen to clear the danger.

45' - There will be one minute of added time. As the stadium makes the announcement, Anselm blazes down the right for United and gets around Babaturk with the ball. There's space, but the final delivery lacks quality and the clear chance to nab a lead at the break is squandered.

45+1' - Half time at last... Crawford City FC 0-0 Raynor City United.

47' - Fresh substitute Kostas Postecoglou nearly breaks the deadlock minutes into the second half as he latches onto Hannah Alcouin's flick in the box, but Abbott comes up with a vital block.

56' - Vara Swan cuts a ball back to Kim Coultan following an overlapping run down the right. The Schottian finds her path blocked and slides a pass back to Klein, who runs up and blasts it into the sky. She's gone for an uncharacteristic number of long-range efforts in this game. If Klein's not careful, these attempts at a "hero shot" in the Champions' Cup Final will become a talking point or - worse - a meme.

59' - United come close on a counter going the other way, but Arango slices his 15-yard strike inches wide of the post.

65' - SAVE! NACHO DENIED! Lithvathar sends a fine cross into the box for the short Cosumarite striker to head down on frame. Weschler gets down fast enough to palm the ball back out wide to his left back Babaturk. A brilliant stop from the young keeper.

73' - Both teams are showing some decent stuff and flashing their creativity here and there, but the final touch is all that's lacking. They're trading half-chances on both ends. It's only a matter of time until someone lands the killer blow.

77' - Ooooh, nervy moments for Raynor. The ball pinballs around their box for an eternity after a poor clearance. Both Postecoglou and second substitute Arden Lemons swinging a boot at it. However, they get in each other's way and the latter's effort is scuffed over the bar. CCFC might look back at that as a moment they could've won it.

79' - Fegelein wants to win this in regular time! She takes an offensive gamble, switching left back Babaturk for another Sunrisian forward in Guilliver to join Alcouin and Stabb up top.

82' - Weschler nearly makes a terrible mistake. He claims Lithvathar's corner with ease, but rushes the distribution and gifts the ball to Koarena in a bad spot. The Raynor midfielder goes on the charge and rifles a vicious low shot towards goal. Weschler is rooted to the center of the goal and helplessly watches... as it slams into the advertising boards instead of the back of the net. Huge inner sigh of relief.

87' - Time is running short. The players are starting to look at the clock and brace for the next 30. But both of these teams are surely good enough to have a late piece of magic in them. ...Like that! Jorgensen heads the ball on in the final third for United and Çíânflöné latches onto it with a feathery touch! Wow, but Hagicostas does brilliantly to poke it away from behind for a corner!

89' - GOAL FOR RAYNOR!!! It's Nacho! BÉRDOOOON! On the ensuing corner! At the death! If this is the end for Crawford City FC, it's a heartbreaking way to go down. There's a scramble in the box after Lithvathar's floated delivery and it rolls kindly to the former Ramusok United poacher, who holds his nerve, takes a steadying touch through traffic and lifts it past a sprawling Weschler from almost point-blank. Hagicostas and Arrowsword's desperate attempts to block it arrive too late. (CCFC 0-1 RCU)

90+3' - Crawford flood numbers forward, but they're exhausted and it doesn't look like anything is going to open up. They're just passing it around the box and waiting for RCU to cut one out and clear it...

90+4' - At last, time is called! Raynor City United are multiverse champions! Their eleven all sprint off wildly in different directions like ants whose hill just got stepped on. Ecstasy (again) for Lithvathar & Company at the expense of a Fegelein-coached team. The players in teal-crimson-and-gold stare off into space, still probably having not even fully processed that 89th minute goal. They played relatively well, but this will be a moment they look back on with some regret for the rest of their careers.

Crawford City FC 0-1 Raynor City United
Nacho Bérdoon 89'

...

Eastweald finally exorcise their late-season title race demons by wrapping it up early this time. They were far and away the most consistent and entertaining team this year. Eastweald's incredible run of attacking form in the second half of the season (12-4-1, three and a half goals per game) is one with few parallels in recent memory. Doubly satisfying is that their long-awaited title came as a direct response to that of cross-Weald enemies Mallox last season... Turns out all it took for them to break their curse was the ENVY of seeing their oldest and fiercest rivals celebrate first!

1013 Härlighet Ligan     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts  
 1  Eastweald              34   20   8   6    92   54  +38    68  Champions/CC/AOCL
 2  Cassandra City         34   17  10   7    76   59  +17    61  CC
 3  OAS Royal FC           34   17   9   8    76   55  +21    60  CC
 4  Crawford City FC       34   17   8   9    82   58  +24    59  CC
 5  Real Azuris            34   16  10   8    70   58  +12    58  GC
 6  Mallox                 34   16   7  11    75   62  +13    55  GC
 7  Pelethas United        34   15  10   9    73   62  +11    55  GC
 8  Ramusok United         34   15   8  11    72   63   +9    53
 9  Samaj FC               34   15   8  11    67   69   −2    53
10  Olask Islanders        34   11  12  11    70   78   −8    45
11  IFK Aldenskoett        34   12   8  14    38   44   −6    44
12  FC Samotath            34   12   7  15    71   73   −2    43
13  Goldstaff City         34    9  11  14    51   67  −16    38
14  Helfin Fief            34    7  14  13    62   80  −18    35
15  Klyde                  34    7  11  16    61   83  −22    32
16  Zakhoro Aces           34    8   6  20    64   85  −21    30  Relegation Playoff (Safe)
17  Fevelo Colony          34    4  12  18    50   74  −24    24  Relegated
18  Stoneshore United      34    4   9  21    45   71  −26    21  Relegated




Härlighet Ligan XXV Champions - EASTWEALD

PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
1.  ST Penumbra Amokachi 
2.  CM Mina Mordini (COS)
3.  CB Brevin Scott (APX)
4.  ST Alexander Kárpáty (PAS)
5.  AM Kim Coultan (SCT)


NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:
1.  CB John Hare
2.  CM Catheline Marchant (NPH)
3.  LW Jeremy Benedict (EUR)
4.  CB Sarah Arrowsword (DRK)
5.  CM Neil Brown (SCT)


U21 PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
1.  ST Aron Riise (20)
2.  CB John Hare (21, SCT)
3.  CM Dexter Tricklebank (20, COS)
4.  RW Bryger Tidesson (21, COS)
5.  LW Mehmet Curwyk (21, COS)


TOP GOAL SCORERS:
27 -   Alexander Kárpáty 
25 -  Claudia Cautcher (NPH)
21 -  Charlie Alotic (MRC)
   -  Penumbra Amokachi (NPH)
   -  Chrysanthe Scafidis (NPH)
   -  William Stone (EUR)
20 -  Sen Marsteller (COS)
   -  Hannah Alcouin (USI)
   -  Andrew Arrowsword (CEN)
18 -  Vega Zeale-Riddick (COS)
   -  Kevin Stabb (USI/COS)
   -  Ozaria Gandhi (APX)
   -  Griffin Riordan (BRE)
   -  Astor Zigfield (COS)
17 -  Aron Riise (COS)
   -  Kurtis Samarqand (ISK)

The Cosumarite Courier Team of the Season:

GK -  Esteban Hernandez (COS) 
DF -  Sarah Arrowsword (DRK)
DF -  Brevin Scott (APX)
DF -  Ellie Hanger (COS)
LM -  Eva Velasquez (SLL)
CM -  Mina Mordini (COS)
CM -  Kim Coultan (SCT)
RM -  Bryger Tidesson (COS)
ST -  Alexander Kárpáty (PAS)
ST -  Claudia Cautcher (NPH)
ST -  Penumbra Amokachi (NPH)

Manager of the Year -   Theresa Riether

Bench: Shalhoub; Wolff, Bambic, Hare; Del Arro, Rowan, Serafino, Fanaiyan; Marsteller, Alotic, Zeale-Riddick

Semifinals

Semifinal locations randomly drawn from pool of eligible venues; King's Cup Final always hosted in Ramusok Royal District (OAS).

 OAS Royal FC 1-1 (1-1 AET) (2-3 pen.) Otkins Numenvernia 
@ Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium (105.000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

Holy shit. Despite a lucky venue draw allowing them to play at home in front of their expectant thousands, OAS Royal crash out of the King's Cup Semifinal to heavy underdogs Otkins Numenvernia. CUP MAGIC, MOTHA' FUCKAS! The Tredje Ligan promotion hopefuls had the lead from the 23rd minute after Ova Va'Vuva struck the inside of the woodwork with a knuckling chuck from the left. You could hear a pin drop in the World Cup Stadium as the black-and-yellow shirts dogpiled in euphoric disbelief. Christopher Fosse's header rescued Royal ten minutes later, however, and the second half was one-way traffic towards the Numenvernia goal once Sen Marsteller entered after the break and livened things up. OAS Royal had chances to end it in both regular time and extra time, but Otkins Numenvernia managed to cling on by their fingernails and see it to penalties. You still would've liked Royals chances there with the form Pasarga goalkeeper Shalhoub has been in, but his Numen opposite matched him with two big saves in the first four. Tied 2-2 with one taker left apiece, Va'Vuva faked towards the right and buried it in the opposite corner. With all the pressure on her, Catheline Marchant followed it up by leaning black and sizzling her penalty over the bar. Stunner.

 Cassandra City 0-4 Real Azuris 
@ The Amphitheatre (60.000), Cassandra, Cresscalus Fief

Um... are we sure these semifinals scores didn't get switched? What was supposed to be the real contest of the round ends up being a one-sided affair. Cassandra City's Phillippe-Michel Schneiderlin gets caught spitting towards a prostrate Birgid Tidesson in the sixth minute and is dismissed, which is not as ideal when you're playing a team as adept at manipulating pockets of space as Azuris. Andrew Arrowsword scored with his had to make it 1-0 in the 26th minute, and the floodgates opened in the second half as Teor Rwang, Bryger Tidesson and Jeremy Benedict helped Real romp to the final.

KING'S CUP FINAL

OTKINS NUMENVERNIA vs. REAL AZURIS

@ Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium at The Royal Palace (105.000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief

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 King James II himself overseeing it all. It's already a historic final. Otkins Numenvernia are the first Tredje Ligan club to make it to this stage, and the first non-Härlighet side in over a decade. Meanwhile, Real Azuris make a record seventh appearance in the final, with a chance to win their fifth. All in the last eight years. No other club has more than two King's Cups. The Breakers might not have made the Champions' Cup like they wanted, but they have a chance here to ensure their trophy-winning culture continues. They couldn't have asked for a more favorable match-up... but they would still be wise not to underestimate a Numenvernia side that's on fire in Tredje Ligan and capable of creating chances against anyone.

...

0' - Here come the underdogs! To thunderous applause! It seems Crowley Memorial has forgiven them for knocking out OAS Royal last week. Most of the spectators outside the three blue sections seem eager to throw their support behind Otkins.

0' - And here come Real Azuris! It looks like Luis Varezzi has selected the following starting eleven: Ozuna in goal, Lindberg, Wolff, Alfred Tidesson and Chisenhall in defense, Clorfeine, Akarenaa and Sybill in midfield, and a front three of Benedict, Arrowsword and Bryger Tidesson. Pretty standard. Lindberg and Sybill haven't had too many starts this year, but it makes sense to go with the experienced international veterans in a one-off on a big stage.

1' - The King has ceremonially wished both teams good luck at the center circle, and Sybill has hit the first kick back to Chisenhall! Another King's Cup Final is underway in the capital! It's a gorgeous afternoon, so settle in.

3' - Jeremy Benedict: And we already have a goal! Benedict is a bad, bad man. He breaks the right back's ankles with a razor-sharp turn, plays a one-two with Sybill and strikes low across the face of goal. It goes under the keeper's dive to set Azuris on their way. This might be a long day for Otkins Numenvernia. (RAZ 1-0 OTK)

5' - Jens Heisel: Welp, nevermind! Otkins are here to play too! Next Azuris possession after the opener, Chandler Clorfeine turns it over to Ayana Na'Roogn, who immediately launches a counter the other way. Azuris weren't ready and lead striker Jens Heisel rolls off the shoulder of backpedalling Kurt Wolff with pace to break clear for a one-on-one! He rounds August Ozuna and polishes it off with aplomb! We have a game! (RAZ 1-1 OTK)

11' - Besides the counter that led to Heisel's goal, the ball has barely left the Numen half. Defender Maciej Jurasik has just deflected Bryger Tidesson's volley back out for a third consecutive Real Azuris corner.

18' - Ayana Na'Roogn: And now Na'Roogn gets one for herself against the run of play! It's only the second look Otkins Numenvernia have had on goal, but Azuris allow the rangy midfielder to line up a shot from 24 yards and she puts in where the spiders lay their eggs! Crowley Memorial is starting to bubble with anticipation at the prospect of a historic upset. (RAZ 1-2 OTK)

20' - Marija Jeliç: Forget "bubbling". It's a full-blown uproar now! Real Azuris are in shambles! They're again caught off-guard on a rapid counter and this time it's teenage striker Jelic who puts it in - following up Heisel's initial low effort after Ozuna spilled the save! An unthinkable scoreline after just 20 minutes! (RAZ 1-3 OTK)

22' - Bryger Tidesson: There is no relief! Bryger Tidesson answers right back, winning a free kick on the right wing and curling it into the top corner to perfection. Numenvernia's goalkeeper could've done better than flap helplessly at his near post though. (RAZ 2-3 OTK)

32' - Another mistake by the Otkins keeper. He comes out of his box to halt Benedict's breakaway and gets all man as he lunges in for the ball. He gets a yellow and - honestly - is quite lucky to not be sent off for DOGSO.

36' - Bryger Tidesson: And we're all square once more. Bryger Tidesson does all the heavy lifting for Real Azuris, going on a mazy run around the Otkins half with several impressive touches, ultimately finding some space on the left side of the box to roll a shot to the near post. It nestles nicely into the side-netting. This is why he's one of the biggest Cosumarite players right now. (RAZ 3-3 OTK)

39' - Ova Va'Vuva: Just when it seemed as if Azuris had stolen all of the momentum back, Otkins Numenvernia win a penalty before the break! Jens Heisel has been a thorn in the side of Real's back line this half, and hit the ground without hesitation as soon as he felt Alfred Tidesson's tug on his shirt collar. He went down super easy, but you can't not call it when the grab is so blatant. Tredje Ligan Player of the Year candidate Ova Va'Vuva steps up and hammers the penalty home. (RAZ 3-4 OTK)

45+3' - Both teams are relieved as half time arrives at last after a breathless seven-goal first period. Nobody saw that coming, and if they did, they probably would've said Real 6-1 Otkins. Instead, it's 4-3 in favor of the plucky westerners.

54' - Ten minutes into the second half and the most noteworthy event has been Andrew Arrowsword's boot flying off on a top-of-the-box shot. It wasn't a bad shot, to be fair, and forced a save in the bottom corner.

59' - Jeremy Benedict places an inch-perfect cross onto the big forehead of Kurt Wolff! The powerful header stings the palms of the Numen goalkeeper, but he recollects it after an initial bounce.

62' - Bryger Tidesson: Real Azuris were starting to get restless and impatient in their probing attacks... until Bryger bursted through the box to take the ball off the feet of Sybill and smash it into the back of the net! Thanks to the hat trick hero, the King's Cup Final is level... again. (RAZ 4-4 OTK)

73' - Double-chance! Beautiful cushioned through ball from Lindberg cuts out four Otkins defenders, but Benedict's first touch is heavy and causes him to aim his shot wide of the far post. Arrowsword almost got there in time to tap it in before it went out, but mistimed his slide - agonizingly close.

80' - Ten minutes to go! The second half has been all Real Azuris. Varezzi cleaned up the defensive organization at half time. Adding d-mid Mormentor to the equation helped as well. That re-stabilized base has allowed them to pulse forward without being as concerned about Numenvernia's lethal counters. They'd love to get a deserved winner in what time remains.

88' - Bryger Tidesson: And there's the fourth for Tidesson! He has taken over this match since Real Azuris went 3-1 down. This time, he uses his head in the area, beating two Otkins defenders in the air to nod Akarenaa's lofted ball back across the face of goal and gently into the far side-netting. The 21-year-old is a man amongst boys today, and he might've just won the King's Cup. (RAZ 5-4 OTK)

90+2' - Maciej Jurasik: No. Fucking. Way. OTKINS NUMENVERNIA HAVE SCORED IN STOPPAGE TIME! Na'Roogn clears a desperate long ball towards Va'Vuva, and the Vloo phenom somehow outpaces and outmuscles Chisenhall, Wolff and Alfred Tidesson to get on the end of it and launch a dipping shot at Ozuna. The Audioslav keeper is forced to tip it over the bar. On the ensuing corner, no one marks the big center back Jurasik as he bowls in and thumps a header down the center. Oh, Real Azuris. It's a calamity of errors. (RAZ 5-5 OTK)

90+6' - Full time is called. We're going another thirty. Real Azuris have dominated this match to the tune of nearly 80% possession and triple the number of shots, but if they somehow still lose, they'll have no one to blame but themselves.

98' - Hidalgo Antúnes has made his presence felt since coming on for exhausted Sandra Sybill at the start of extra time. He nearly just forced an own-goal with a dangerous ball into the box.

115' - A rare chance for Otkins Numenvernia as Va'Vuva springs forward down the left on the break and bends a ball in towards Heisel's run in the middle. The striker's attempt at a first-time karate-kick finish spins off a little high and a little wide. He might want that one back. He had the space to take a quick touch before shooting.

116' - Last substitution for Real Azuris as 16-year-old strike prospect Samothias Odwyk enters the match for Turori midfielder Akarenaa as Varezzi goes all-in to avoid penalties. Look what happened to OAS Royal in a shootout with Otkins last round. Odwyk is a supremely gifted athlete, but only has four senior appearances to his name. Let's see what he can do.

120+1' - Samothias Odwyk: ...THAT! Aaaaaahhhh. This match is unbelievable! As the stoppage time announcement echoed through the massive stadium, Mormentor found Arrowsword in the center of the box. Thousands stood in anticipation, and the Cenian managed to fire off a strong left-footed shot along the ground. The Otkins keeper fully had it covered though, diving forward to scoop it up with both hands. He had it. But somehow, he didn't secure it all the way. The ball bobbled loose in his hands just enough for Odwyk to arrive on the scene and legally nick it free with a precise poke and follow it, stumbling, across the line. (RAZ 6-5 OTK)

120+2' - Otkins Numenvernia are heartbroken. To be on the cusp of history and a life-defining accomplishment and lose it in such a way is crushing. Particularly for the goalkeeper, who will relive that last goal in his dreams for years. They still had a minute and a half to search for another miracle goal, but this one was a bridge too far. They wouldn't even get the ball back across the midfield line.

120+3' - That's it! After an unexpected roller-coaster of a match, Real Azuris have won the King's Cup on the strength of Bryger Tidesson's quadruple. It starts to drizzle as King James II hands them the trophy with their name now engraved to the list of champions, but the rain can't dampen their spirited celebrations! Could this be the trophy that sees August Ozuna and Adrian Linberg ride off into the sunset?

In just one season, Cillian Najdorf has done it. Taken sleeping giant FC Kaldukosic back up to where it belongs. Finally. His team really hit a groove in the last two months which, combined with downturns in form for other promotion candidates, allowed them to surpass the Mariners on the final matchday. Kaujarre Nisa sparkled during this stretch, scoring almost every match to leap up the Silver Boot standings. But don't let Kal distract from how great Keenan were this season. They had promotion locked up with a few weeks to spare. Caitlin Cutnine was a breakout star for the Checkers after arriving from AFC Obscura. At the other end, West Gundar are sent down to Tredje Ligan for the first time in club history. Any chance they can get Romikk Valgard back?

 1013 Sekundar Ligan        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Keenan Athletic          34   18  10   6    87   66  +21    64  Champions/SBCC/Promoted
 2  FC Kaldukosic            34   18   5  11    73   57  +16    59  SBCC/Promoted
 3  Na'Ilee Mariners         34   16  10   8    61   45  +16    58  SBCC/Promotion Playoff (lost)
 4  Morponte Fief            34   17   6  11    50   45   +5    57
 5  AC Holmenkollen          34   14  12   8    68   59   +9    54
 6  Treftadaeth Alliance     34   12  11  11    71   71    0    47
 7  Ziemelu Skaida           34   11  13  10    57   53   +4    46
 8  Gwynt Tywyll             34   14   3  17    45   54   −9    45
 9  Sindo Fief               34   14   3  17    54   65  −11    45
10  Centus Serpents          34   11  11  12    46   39   +7    44
11  Nomad Brotherhood FC     34   12   8  14    50   54   −4    44
12  FC Flen                  34   11  10  13    52   63  −11    43
13  Riverside Crew           34    9  15  10    40   43   −3    42
14  Versiaville              34   10  11  13    75   77   −2    41
15  Regalia City             34   10  10  14    43   46   −3    40
16  West Gundar FC           34   10  10  14    59   69  −10    40  Relegated
17  Fort Archer FC           34   10   7  17    48   49   −1    37  Relgated
18  Cassandra Cosmopolitan   34    9   5  20    45   69  −24    32  Relegated


Sekundar Ligan XXV Champions:



Silver Ball (Most Outstanding Player):
  LW Caitlin Cutnine

Silver Boot (Top Scorer):
  FW Kaujarre Nisa (22 goals)

Silver Glove (Best Goalkeeper):
  GK Jeremy McNott

Silver Arrow (Best U21 Player):
  LB Kaliya Java Gula (18)

Fresh from fourth-tier, IFK Sundsvall become the most unlikely team to ever win Tredje Ligan. And they do it by ten points! Remarkable. Now the question is whether or not they can hang onto their players, coaches and other staff from a giant offseason raid by bigger clubs. Revanigruud enjoy a strong end to the season and go back up as well. In the promotion playoff, the Fiefdom will be looking to see if King's Cup cinderellas Otkins Numenvernia have any more fairy dust on them. Pardock Island are the favorites to win the mini-toruney with arguably the deepest squad in the division.

1013 Tredje Ligan                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  IFK Sundsvall                   42   25   9   8    88   63  +25    84  Champions/Promoted
 2  Revanigruud Riversharks         42   21  11  10    70   45  +25    74  Promoted
 3  Pardock Island                  42   21  11  10    66   47  +19    74  Promotion Playoff
 4  Rexnor District 3               42   21   8  13    49   38  +11    71  Promotion Playoff
 5  Otkins Numenvernia              42   22   2  18    72   57  +15    68  Promotion Playoff
 6  Seryddwyr Aberaeron             42   19   7  16    60   68   −8    64  Promotion Playoff
 7  AFC Obscura 98                  42   16  14  12    69   60   +9    62
 8  Sontafe City                    42   14  18  10    58   47  +11    60
 9  Esterhollow Harbor              42   16  12  14    53   49   +4    60
10  Brayllor Town                   42   16  11  15    67   62   +5    59
11  Klyde Heritage                  42   15  13  14    59   59    0    58
12  Sepultura                       42   16   9  17    72   74   −2    57
13  Portsmouth FC                   42   14  14  14    62   65   −3    56
14  Tierra Interstellar Wanderers   42   16   6  20    46   50   −4    54
15  White Tower FC                  42   15   9  18    52   62  −10    54
16  Pristine Forest                 42   13  14  15    63   67   −4    53
17  Bergtatt Isle Athletic          42   14  10  18    79   81   −2    52
18  Hvalsey 08                      42   14   7  21    60   75  −15    49  Relegated
19  Larkinham Town                  42   11  13  18    49   57   −8    46  Relegated
20  Dvinko Black Heart              42   11  12  19    48   58  −10    45  Relegated
21  Silk FC                         42    8  12  22    45   69  −24    36  Relegated
22  Salfa City                      42    8  10  24    33   67  −34    34  Relegated


Tredje Ligan XXV Champions:



Bronze Ball (Best Player):
  DM Maia Abylon

Bronze Boot:
  LW Ova Va'Vuva (28 goals)

Promotion Playoffs
₃Pardock Island 0–1 Seryddwyr Aberaeron₆
₄Rexnor District 3 2–2 (3-2 AET) Otkins Numenvernia₅

Seryddwyr Aberaeron 0–0 (0-0 AET) (3-1 pen.) Rexnor District 3
Promoted to SekundarLigan:

Lägre Liganes (fourth and fifth tiers) will follow in a later post

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Mon Apr 23, 2018 12:30 am

   1013 Conference Cosumarus  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona       27   16   7   4    51   26  +25    55  Champions/Promoted
 2 Forest Hill FC              27   17   4   6    25   16   +9    55  Promoted
 3 Everlong FC                 27   15   7   5    36   20  +16    52  Promotion Playoff
 4 West Devellin               27   16   2   9    28   19   +9    50  Promotion Playoff
 5 Azure Lane FC               27   14   7   6    37   19  +18    49  Promotion Playoff
 6 Cassandra City II           27   11   9   7    42   34   +8    42  Promotion Playoff
 7 Atletisk Surpronuk          27   12   6   9    24   21   +3    42
 8 Dawchire Town               27   12   6   9    28   27   +1    42
 9 Yambridge City              27   11   8   8    24   23   +1    41
10 Woods of Ypres              27   10  10   7    34   30   +4    40
11 Talmusok City               27   12   3  12    19   19    0    39
12 Volmachtia Kaldukosic       27    9  11   7    22   17   +5    38
13 Sarmon                      27   10   7  10    25   20   +5    37
14 Black Diamond Osterhaut     27   10   7  10    33   34   −1    37
15 Gladsax Chariot FC          27    9   8  10    29   34   −5    35
16 Cadonica United             27    9   7  11    30   29   +1    34
17 Chesterton Cottagers        27   10   4  13    31   36   −5    34
18 Club Toftir                 27    9   6  12    28   35   −7    33
19 Hagenheim South End         27    9   6  12    23   30   −7    33
20 Crawford Sharks SC          27    8   7  12    25   27   −2    31
21 IFK Karlsborg               27    7  10  10    25   32   −7    31
22 Tamiat Town                 27   10   1  16    18   27   −9    31
23 Moore Hill Pirates          27    5  15   7    14   17   −3    30  Relegated (Central)
24 Sporting Pirankoper         27    7   8  12    23   26   −3    29  Relegated (West)
25 SC Swamport                 27    8   5  14    31   39   −8    29  Relegated (West)
26 Stortrommeby Town           27    7   8  12    17   27  −10    29  Relegated (West)
27 AC Opjenheim                27    6   8  13    16   23   −7    26  Relegated (East)
28 Somberlain FC               27    2   7  18    13   44  −31    13  Relegated (East)

Promotion Playoffs
₃Everlong FC 0–2 Cassandra City II₆
₄West Devellin 2–0 Azure Lane FC₅

Cassandra City II 1–3 West Devellin
Promoted to TredjeLigan:

  1013 Conference K+C    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Tornline                38   22   4  12    59   37  +22    70  Champions/Promoted
 2 Nuur Origins FC         38   20   9   9    72   46  +26    69  Promotion Playoff
 3 Atlético Oterro         38   21   5  12    88   72  +16    68  Promotion Playoff
 4 Gnoss Gallants AFC      38   19  10   9    62   42  +20    67  Promotion Playoff
 5 CD Panteras Nueces      38   19   8  11    74   60  +14    65  Promotion Playoff
 6 Caledon Legion          38   19   4  15    70   59  +11    61
 7 Sólstafir               38   16   7  15    48   44   +4    55
 8 Kalloroda United        38   15   9  14    79   71   +8    54
 9 Aberaeron Celtic        38   15   9  14    67   64   +3    54
10 Meryuma Marshals        38   16   5  17    48   53   −5    53
11 Aläng FF                38   13  12  13    53   64  −11    51
12 Templar-Lune FC         38   13  11  14    53   59   −6    50
13 Treacherous Cove AFC    38   15   5  18    45   62  −17    50
14 Sammet Ridge            38   13  10  15    69   74   −5    49
15 Rexnor District 5       38   13   9  16    54   59   −5    48
16 Sadenia Paladins        38   12  10  16    52   57   −5    46
17 VfL Läutenstadt         38   11  10  17    50   67  −17    43  Relegated
18 Usk Town                38   11   9  18    83   89   −6    42  Relegated
19 Buscari Bridge Force    38    9   9  20    67   81  −14    36  Relegated
20 Tranquility Treepolis   38    6   9  23    49   82  −33    27  Relegated

Promotion Playoffs
₂Nuur Origins FC 1–0 CD Panteras Nueces₅
₃Atlético Oterro 2–1 Gnoss Gallants AFC₄

Nuur Origins FC 2–1 Atlético Oterro
Promoted to TredjeLigan:

Lägre Ligan 2 - Klyde    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Klyde City                29   18   5   6    56   30  +26    59  Champions/Promoted
 2 Interstellar Erurok       29   17   3   9    47   30  +17    54  Promoted
 3 FK Pentagram Pjattervid   29   14  11   4    44   25  +19    53
 4 Wiedna Town               29   16   5   8    42   31  +11    53
 5 IFK Nordön                29   15   6   8    41   30  +11    51
 6 Emerald Cove              29   13  11   5    40   29  +11    50
 7 Noumen Town               29   15   5   9    42   32  +10    50
 8 Villa Forsetti            29   14   8   7    40   32   +8    50
 9 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star   29   13   9   7    47   38   +9    48
10 Baymar Lagune             29   14   5  10    45   41   +4    47
11 Hamlack Town              29   13   7   9    45   43   +2    46
12 Erpland County            29   10  13   6    18   14   +4    43
13 Cerulia City FC           29   10  11   8    26   23   +3    41
14 Oppland 806               29   10  11   8    41   39   +2    41
15 Ardamirchan Isle United   29   10  10   9    39   32   +7    40
16 Lindsborg Premier         29    9   9  11    45   49   −4    36
17 Oxbow Lake                29   10   6  13    45   51   −6    36
18 Moggington County         29    9   8  12    35   34   +1    35
19 Gwerin Athletic           29   10   5  14    54   58   −4    35
20 Klyde II                  29    8  11  10    37   43   −6    35
21 Noths Castle              29    9   7  13    38   41   −3    34
22 Atletisk Kvelertak        29    9   5  15    28   40  −12    32
23 FC Kviststad              29    8   7  14    30   39   −9    31
24 Satyricon Nemeses AFC     29    7  10  12    38   48  −10    31
25 Real Azuris II            29    9   4  16    32   48  −16    31
26 Flithby Town              29    7   9  13    33   45  −12    30
27 Gibwir Marsnal            29    8   6  15    29   44  −15    30
28 Orias-Kvissle SC          29    7   4  18    34   49  −15    25
29 Glasbon SC                29    5   8  16    30   46  −16    23
30 Svart-Guld Klingaställe   29    5   7  17    24   41  −17    22

Lägre Ligan 2 - East     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 East Devellin             29   17   5   7    37   25  +12    56  Champions/Promoted
 2 Cape Dutch Copperheads    29   16   7   6    32   23   +9    55  Promoted
 3 Interstellar Östrad       29   14   8   7    39   21  +18    50
 4 Eastweald II              29   14   8   7    25   19   +6    50
 5 Östrad Rockets FC         29   14   7   8    27   21   +6    49
 6 Wealdheim Bards           29   14   6   9    33   23  +10    48
 7 AFC Centus                29   14   6   9    33   26   +7    48
 8 IFK Sokuldijak            29   13   8   8    28   17  +11    47
 9 Ingleton Town             29   13   8   8    28   22   +6    47
10 1. FC Guggenheim          29   13   7   9    35   27   +8    46
11 Atletisk Östrad           29   12   9   8    31   19  +12    45
12 OAS Royal FC II           29   11  10   8    32   29   +3    43
13 East Gundar               29   11   8  10    30   26   +4    41
14 Marshall-Blue FC          29   10   9  10    27   24   +3    39
15 AFC Wernersburg           29   11   6  12    29   27   +2    39
16 Paulsendam Town           29   10   9  10    26   25   +1    39
17 FC Kaldukosic II          29   10   8  11    22   30   −8    38
18 Ramusok United II         29    8  13   8    21   19   +2    37
19 Dusk Athletic             29   10   6  13    21   26   −5    36
20 IFK Keukenhok             29   10   5  14    26   31   −5    35
21 Sporting Corrian          29    8  11  10    15   21   −6    35
22 Coppell City FC           29    9   7  13    21   25   −4    34
23 Mallox II                 29    8   9  12    28   31   −3    33
24 FC Samotath II            29    9   5  15    20   33  −13    32
25 Zirconim City             29    6  13  10    30   32   −2    31
26 Scarromere FC             29    6  12  11    22   30   −8    30
27 FC Stellendam             29    8   6  15    22   45  −23    30
28 Chittersbee Rangers       29    5  10  14    18   29  −11    25
29 Nabataea                  29    5   9  15    27   44  −17    24
30 United FC of Stoneshore   29    4   9  16    18   33  −15    21

Lägre Ligan 2 - Central  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 High Noon FC              29   18   6   5    43   17  +26    60  Champions/Promoted
 2 Highlanders               29   16   7   6    29   15  +14    55  Promoted
 3 Jotungard 99 FC           29   15   9   5    30   13  +17    54
 4 Attumac Wanderers         29   16   4   9    38   28  +10    52
 5 SC Cirith 01              29   14   9   6    34   24  +10    51
 6 Taigaenplats              29   15   5   9    26   24   +2    50
 7 Ajatarra Alligators       29   13  10   6    23   14   +9    49
 8 Malm Town                 29   14   6   9    28   19   +9    48
 9 Rhithlungwerddon Town     29   15   2  12    29   23   +6    47
10 FC Fejd                   29   11  11   7    35   30   +5    44
11 Gorgoroth                 29   12   6  11    25   19   +6    42
12 Heofoncandel Uré          29   11   9   9    26   27   −1    42
13 Club Varden               29   12   5  12    29   27   +2    41
14 Briquia Southside FC      29   10   9  10    44   39   +5    39
15 Goldsoul FC               29   11   6  12    26   31   −5    39
16 Columbia Town             29   10   8  11    23   26   −3    38
17 Sporting Culmar           29   11   4  14    29   26   +3    37
18 Ombra Castle              29   10   7  12    18   27   −9    37
19 Scarborough               29   10   6  13    22   26   −4    36
20 Carnessa County           29    9   8  12    11   16   −5    35
21 Lykathea City             29    9   8  12    20   28   −8    35
22 Mintwick Marmots          29    9   7  13    31   29   +2    34
23 Hassaburess Athletic      29    9   7  13    28   30   −2    34
24 Harlegan Rovers           29    8  10  11    20   27   −7    34
25 Impera Town               29    8   8  13    17   21   −4    32
26 FC Invierness 912         29    8   8  13    24   29   −5    32
27 Keldin Town               29    8   8  13    17   23   −6    32
28 Austentrapp City FC       29    8   6  15    21   41  −20    30
29 Morponte Fief II          29    6   4  19    16   42  −26    22
30 FC Kastanjestad           29    4   7  18    11   32  −21    19

Lägre Ligan 2 - West      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Inter Juta                 29   17   6   6    32   17  +15    57  Champions/Promoted
 2 Real Bellavista            29   16   5   8    33   21  +12    53  Promoted
 3 Klovstad Klub              29   15   7   7    33   19  +14    52
 4 Bayford City               29   14  10   5    30   17  +13    52
 5 West Ellum                 29   15   7   7    36   28   +8    52
 6 Grayslake                  29   15   5   9    29   20   +9    50
 7 Yellow Meadow Lynwood      29   14   6   9    29   20   +9    48
 8 Red Star Karbosic          29   14   6   9    27   19   +8    48
 9 Gamma City Zakhoro         29   13   8   8    28   20   +8    47
10 Olympique Sur Mer          29   12  10   7    29   19  +10    46
11 Theli City                 29   11  10   8    33   29   +4    43
12 FC Na'Travii               29   12   5  12    27   24   +3    41
13 Ayr Athletic               29   12   4  13    22   25   −3    40
14 FC Arkadius                29   12   3  14    25   28   −3    39
15 FC Va'Lubasa               29   10   8  11    36   29   +7    38
16 Falco Na'Diveh             29    9  11   9    19   19    0    38
17 Crawford City FC II        29    9  10  10    19   23   −4    37
18 Chamomile Town             29    9  10  10    20   26   −6    37
19 Duval Town                 29    8  11  10    15   19   −4    35
20 Goldstaff Athletic         29   10   4  15    22   25   −3    34
21 Thergothon                 29    8  10  11     9   12   −3    34
22 Yuonela Town               29    8  10  11    24   28   −4    34
23 East Ellum                 29    9   7  13    30   35   −5    34
24 Tromsdale Town             29    8   9  12    24   33   −9    33
25 Rhupenhoven Town           29    8   9  12    21   33  −12    33
26 FC1. Richtofen Avalanche   29    8   7  14    21   32  −11    31
27 SEP Bjärnum                29    9   3  17    17   29  −12    30
28 Drummond's FC              29    7   8  14    32   35   −3    29
29 Miklagaard Salvation       29    7   5  17    17   32  −15    26
30 VfL Bolmenstadt            29    5   8  16    14   37  −23    23  Relegated

Lägre Ligan 2 - Colonial  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kreanoltha Vipers          29   17   8   4    27   10  +17    59  Champions/Promoted
 2 Drahva United              29   18   4   7    41   22  +19    58  Promoted
 3 Levithia Shrievenzale      29   17   7   5    35   16  +19    58
 4 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC   29   17   6   6    34   21  +13    57
 5 FC Dynamo Kurbads          29   15  10   4    48   21  +27    55
 6 Rhodes Ravens AFC          29   15   7   7    27   16  +11    52
 7 Murkwaamp Suns             29   15   7   7    27   16  +11    52
 8 Piander Falls FC           29   14   6   9    40   26  +14    48
 9 Romstafar Outpost          29   13   7   9    19   15   +4    46
10 Marinus City               29   11   9   9    38   28  +10    42
11 Ciems Mungonduvia          29   12   6  11    31   24   +7    42
12 Rexnor District 8          29   12   6  11    19   20   −1    42
13 Sporting Club Macofor      29   11   7  11    30   32   −2    40
14 New Hagenheim Canopy       29   11   6  12    26   23   +3    39
15 Whitestone Athletic        29   11   6  12    29   29    0    39
16 Rexnor District 7          29    9  11   9    22   19   +3    38
17 Tonsei Tumult              29   10   8  11    21   28   −7    38
18 Snaigow Hoarfrost          29    9   9  11    25   24   +1    36
19 Exxeco Station             29    8   9  12    28   31   −3    33
20 Menoptera United SC        29    6  15   8    19   23   −4    33
21 Rexnor District 6          29    7  11  11    11   22  −11    32
22 Orion Wanderers            29    7  11  11    22   35  −13    32
23 Varvonti Firestorm         29    5  14  10    25   34   −9    29
24 SC Vronus 510              29    9   2  18    24   46  −22    29
25 Dockery Union              29    6  10  13    15   20   −5    28
26 Rexnor District 2          29    7   7  15    19   29  −10    28
27 Rexnor District 9          29    5  13  11    27   41  −14    28
28 Rexnor District 4          29    5   9  15    33   55  −22    24
29 NOVIA Alliance             29    6   6  17    21   44  −23    24
30 Borzac Sequins             29    4   9  16    23   36  −13    21

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed May 09, 2018 10:35 pm

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 Goldstaff Lightning won the IUBC MultiverseBasket (Cosumar's second).

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 1013 season turned out:

Season IX (1013) - Regular Season

Eastern Conference     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Gundar Basket           62   51  11  5163 4437 +726
 2 Kaldukosic Krushers     62   49  13  5001 4432 +569
 3 OAS Ocelots             62   45  17  4966 4446 +520
 4 Cassandra Flames        62   40  22  4899 4607 +292
 5 Dawchire Rage           62   39  23  4810 4613 +197
 6 Stoneshore SeaDevils    62   38  24  4867 4597 +270
 7 Mallox Mavericks        62   37  25  4841 4615 +226
 8 Overkill BC             62   36  26  4840 4688 +152
-------------------------^PLAYOFFS^--------------------
 9 Havok du Kaldukosic     62   33  29  4819 4680 +139
10 Parougan Plague         62   27  35  4554 4751 −197
11 South Klyde Sparks      62   26  36  4704 4856 −152
12 North Klyde Imps        62   22  40  4659 4868 −209
13 Ramusok Empire          62   20  42  4538 4954 −416
14 Altamirano Artillery    62   19  43  4621 5062 −441
15 Östrad Spacefolk        62   16  46  4442 4966 −524
16 Samotath Slayers        62   12  50  4462 5071 −609

Tarran Skannendev is the most versatile offensive threat in Cosumar right now, so it's no surprise that the guard in a power forward's body powered Gundar Basket to the top of the east, averaging a double-double and almost a triple-double. Always strong, flagship franchise Krushers gave pushed them up until the final week. After three seasons of shameless, last-place tanking, a young South Klyde Sparks group finally showed some promise, although they're still a step away from playoff contention. Even a very good team in the Havok, hitting their prime, failed to make it this year, outpaced in the final month by a less-talented but well-coached Mallox and depleted but hot-shooting Overkill BC team in Centus.

Western Conference     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Na'Ilee Maelstrom       62   52  10  5017 4233 +784
 2 Mortim Morbid Angels    62   42  20  4996 4527 +469
 3 Crawford Cormorants     62   41  21  4960 4529 +431
 4 Pelethas Mastodons      62   37  25  4716 4693  +23
 5 Goldstaff Lightning     62   37  25  4773 4566 +207
 6 Pirankoper Kings        62   36  26  4746 4593 +153
 7 Helfin Fief Heathens    62   36  26  4748 4652  +96
 8 Dusk Wolfpack           62   35  27  4795 4560 +235
-------------------------^PLAYOFFS^--------------------
 9 Olask Tentacles         62   35  27  4638 4568  +70
10 Jotungard Giants        62   23  39  4564 4829 −265
11 Versiaville Voyagers    62   22  40  4523 4960 −437
12 Culmarland Warmasters   62   21  41  4571 4775 −204
13 Zakhoro Porcupines      62   21  41  4448 4810 −362
14 Fort Archer Guerillas   62   17  45  4451 4947 −496
15 Rexnor Skyforgers       62   15  47  4356 4920 −564
16 Flen Sorcerers          62   12  50  4399 5082 −683

The Maelstrom are the dominant force of the west now, with the best defense in the league anchored by stud center Ovu Va'Devu in the paint. They also have the brightest young coaching mind in Kapellan Brisendine. No one in the west came close to them in the regular season as they claimed the #1 seed again in back-to-back seasons. Behind them, the Mortim MorbidAngels were a huge surprise, rising from mid-seed placements of recent seasons all the way to 2nd. Rookie point guard Ida Lou Carleton seems to be the piece they were missing, translating a strong NSCAA 9 straight to double-digit points and assists in the CBA. The West is decidedly weaker than the east this year, and there don't seem to be any legitimate Finals contenders behind the top three. Yes, I'm a believer in Cormorants star forward Alvin Kuhn despite his and the team's previous postseason shortcomings. No, I don't think Goldstaff Lightning can defend their title following the departure of superstar guard Warren Cross to PlacidBasket.

CBA Playoffs First Round

East 1v8
Gundar Basket 77–78 Overkill BC
Gundar Basket 75–64 Overkill BC
Gundar Basket 75–57 Overkill BC
Gundar Basket 83–64 Overkill BC

#1 Gundar Basket advance 3-1, dominant after falling on a buzzer-beater in the series opener


East 4v5
Cassandra Flames 95–71 Dawchire Rage
Cassandra Flames 72–96 Dawchire Rage
Cassandra Flames 78–75 Dawchire Rage
Cassandra Flames 67–60 Dawchire Rage

#4 Cassandra Flames advance 3-1, winning two tough road games after a shocking Game 2 blowout at home


East 2v7
Kaldukosic Krushers 67–77 Mallox Mavericks
Kaldukosic Krushers 72–69 Mallox Mavericks
Kaldukosic Krushers 75–92 Mallox Mavericks
Kaldukosic Krushers 68–75 Mallox Mavericks

#7 Mallox Mavericks advance 3-1, toppling one of the East favorites, who lacked a clutch go-to scorer
to match Tozin Summata for Mallox.


East 3v6
OAS Ocelots 63–95 Stoneshore SeaDevils
OAS Ocelots 91–66 Stoneshore SeaDevils
OAS Ocelots 79–71 Stoneshore SeaDevils
OAS Ocelots 96–82 Stoneshore SeaDevils

#3 OAS Ocelots advance 3-1, adjusting their gameplan to feature center Lucianne Baudrillard after Game 1


----------------------------------------------


West 1v8
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 93–67 Dusk Wolfpack
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 99–80 Dusk Wolfpack
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 66–74 Dusk Wolfpack
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 75–75 (85-82 OT) Dusk Wolfpack

#1 Na'Ilee Maelstrom advance 3-1 with an epic overtime thriller on Game 4, Ovu Va'Devu shattering the rim
with his ferocious dunk that iced the game and silenced Wolfpack Stadium


West 4v5
Pelethas Mastodons 65–84 Goldstaff Lightning
Pelethas Mastodons 79–84 Goldstaff Lightning
Pelethas Mastodons 80–75 Goldstaff Lightning
Pelethas Mastodons 66–84 Goldstaff Lightning

#5 Goldstaff Lightning advance 3-1, the experience of the defending champions too much for the 
overachieving Mastodons, Case Scanlon stepping up in the absence of Warren Cross


West 2v7
Mortim Morbid Angels 76–74 Helfin Fief Heathens
Mortim Morbid Angels 77–70 Helfin Fief Heathens
Mortim Morbid Angels 73–86 Helfin Fief Heathens
Mortim Morbid Angels 77–57 Helfin Fief Heathens

#2 Mortim Morbid Angels advance 3-1, finally breaking it open in Game 4 after the Heathens made it hard
for them in the first three games


West 3v6
Crawford Cormorants 66–69 Pirankoper Kings
Crawford Cormorants 69–78 Pirankoper Kings
Crawford Cormorants 90–68 Pirankoper Kings
Crawford Cormorants 68–78 Pirankoper Kings

#6 Pirankoper Kings advance 3-1, subjecting Kuhn & Crawford to yet another disappointing playoff upset

Second Round

East 1v4
Gundar Basket 64–64 (78-74 OT) Cassandra Flames 
Gundar Basket 94–81 Cassandra Flames
Gundar Basket 83–81 Cassandra Flames

#1 Gundar Basket advance 3-0 despite some very good performances by Cassandra. Just THAT much 
better all-around. Was that Chadrak Kvotirkoy's last best chance to make a playoff run? 
At 33, the Flames star ain't getting any younger.

East 7v3
Mallox Mavericks 78–83 OAS Ocelots
Mallox Mavericks 62–83 OAS Ocelots
Mallox Mavericks 89–65 OAS Ocelots
Mallox Mavericks 70–74 OAS Ocelots

#3 OAS Ocelots advance 3-1. They dominate the first two games at home and then edge it on Game 4 after
Mallox came out swinging in their Game 3 home opener.

----------------------------------------------

West 1v5
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 66–71 Goldstaff Lightning
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 82–79 Goldstaff Lightning
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 81–60 Goldstaff Lightning
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 91–72 Goldstaff Lightning

#1 Na'Ilee Maelstrom advance 3-1. The Lightning made things very interesting by stealing Game 1
in the Western Isles, but the Maelstrom adjusted after that and gradually won back control of the series.

West 2v6
Mortim Morbid Angels 82–77 Pirankoper Kings
Mortim Morbid Angels 90–68 Pirankoper Kings
Mortim Morbid Angels 78–52 Pirankoper Kings

#2 Mortim Morbid Angels advance 3-0, breaking the Kings' spirit with a comeback Game 1 win and then 
sweeping them aside almost effortlessly in Games 2 and 3. Clearly the better team.

Conference Finals

Eastern Conference Finals (1v3)
Gundar Basket 86–60 OAS Ocelots
Gundar Basket 64–83 OAS Ocelots
Gundar Basket 95–77 OAS Ocelots
Gundar Basket 83–77 OAS Ocelots
Gundar Basket 91–95 OAS Ocelots
Gundar Basket 75–82 OAS Ocelots
Gundar Basket 84–63 OAS Ocelots

#1 Gundar Basket advance 4-3 in a crazy back-and-forth series in which OAS stormed back to tie it up
from a 3-1 hole by limiting Skannendev, but home-court advantage in Game 7 saw the favorites through


West Finals (1v2)
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 85–74 Mortim Morbid Angels
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 67–78 Mortim Morbid Angels
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 84–73 Mortim Morbid Angels
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 84–71 Mortim Morbid Angels
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 71–64 Mortim Morbid Angels

#1 Na'Ilee Maelstrom advance 4-1. Mortim fought valiantly but just couldn't generate enough offense.

CBA FINALS!

West Champion v East Champion

Na'Ilee Maelstrom 70-66 Gundar Basket
Na'Ilee Maelstrom 67–73 Gundar Basket

The series opens in Na'Ilee and two tense, physical games of basketball are played. 
Gundar Basket steal home advantage by taking Game 2 on Skannendev's 15-point 4th quarter.

Gundar Basket 93–73 Na'Ilee Maelstrom
Gundar Basket 73–81 Na'Ilee Maelstrom

The series rotates to Gundar Fief, and the G-Basket squad rally their home fans with a Game 3 romp,
but come out a little flat in Game 4 and trail by 14 at the half, ultimately losing by 8. Honors even at 2-2.

Na'Ilee Maelstrom 77–78 Gundar Basket

What a twist! GB back-up point guard Satoshi Kahlo is a genius insertion into the starting 5 and goes off
for 28 points with the hot hand, carrying them to a famous Game 5 away win. Not even Va'Devu could get 
a finger on his slashing drives! Gundar now have a chance to win it all at home.

Gundar Basket 81-80 Na'Ilee Maelstrom

They do it! And it's an absolute classic! The Maelstrom started each half dominant, but each time, Gundar
found a spark in the 2nd and 4th quarters to confuse that stellar defense and go on catch-up runs! Young
Kahlo was again the unsung hero, opening up the defense with his paint penetration. Then, star man
Tarran Skannendev hit six clutch free throws in the final minute - the highest pressure ones you'll ever see - 
to kick off jubilant celebrations in Gundar Fief.

Congrats to GUNDAR BASKET, hereby crowned 1013 CBA Champions after winning 4-2!

It was the match-up all CBA fans wanted to see, the two regular-season conference champions going head-to-head. In this instance, offensive variety and innovation triumphed over Maelstrom's all-time defense. It is their second title in franchise history and breaks the Western Conference's run of consecutive CBA Finals victories, perhaps restoring the utter Eastern dominance of the previous decade.

AWARDS TIME!

Finals MVP: 
Satoshi Kahlo (PG, Gundar Basket)

Regular Season MVP:
Tarran Skannendev (SG, Gundar Basket)

Scoring Champion: 
Saturnius Warman (SF, Kaldukosic Krushers)

Rookie of the Year: 
Ida Lou Carleton (PG, Mortim Morbid Angels)

Defensive Player of the Year: 
Ovu Va'Devu (C, Na'Ilee Maelstrom)

Sixth Man of the Year:
Bjarne Herjúlfsson (SG, Kaldukosic Krushers)
 
Most Improved Player: 
Lucianne Baudrillard (C, OAS Ocelots)

Coach of the Year: 
Kapellan Brisendine (Na'Ilee Maelstrom)

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Tue May 22, 2018 12:41 am

Cosumar Lacrosse League -- Season VI (1013)

The CLL is one of the newest and most exciting professional sport leagues in Cosumar. Thanks to sustained success in the World Lacrosse Championships, Cosumarites have rallied around the sport and a rabid supporters' culture has emerged. Though the CLL's attendance and TV ratings are still dwarfed by association and gridiron football, its surging niche popularity and high quality of play have made Cosumar something of an international leader for the sport.

In the sixth CLL season since its major overhaul, 28 teams will duke it out to be one of the 12 teams to make the playoffs (four new expansion franchises upping the total from 24) after a single round-robin of 27 games. The best regular season team takes home a trophy called the Silver Shield in addition to home field as the #1 seed throughout the playoffs. The ultimate prize, however, that only one will take home, is the Sheppard Trophy - named after the greatest player in Cosumarite lacrosse history, Tracy Sheppard. Last season was something of a changing of the guard as the Surpronuk Snowstorm won the Silver hield for the first time and the Ramusok Rhinos won the Sheppard Trophy for the first time.

Past Winners:
Season I: Olask Empire
Season II: Crawford Lions
Season III: Altamirano Apes
Season IV: Centus Journeymen
Season V: Ramusok Rhinos

Let's take a look at how the regular season went in 1013.

The premier dynasty of the CLL's brief history reclaimed the Silver Shield with another dominant regular season. Jack Schmidt is still the best goaltender in the league by a fair margin and dynamic Pirankoper attacker Tekker Barbosa proved to be a massive offseason acquisiton, as he led the Apes - and the league - in goals. If any team looked close to Altamirano's level, it was Ramusok. The defending champion Rhinos have a reputation for big hits and physically punishing their opponents with their sticks. But they were no slouches at the other end either, powered on offense by teenage shooting prodigy Hazel Cathclove. Klyde Guardians are a stout defense and LC Hagenheim have the smoothest-passing midfield, but neither quite look like the complete package that the Apes and Rhinos are and will only be secondary favorites in the playoffs. Impressively, colonial expansion team Kalloroda Cardinals made the postseason field in their first year of operation too.

CLL Season VI            Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Altamirano Apes           27   23   4   335  230 +105    69  Silver Shield - Playoffs - Bye
 2 Ramusok Rhinos            27   20   7   328  202 +126    60  Playoffs - Bye
 3 Klyde Guardians           27   19   8   325  223 +102    57  Playoffs - Bye
 4 Surpronuk Snowstorm       27   18   9   295  225  +70    54  Playoffs - Bye
 5 LC Hagenheim              27   18   9   286  250  +36    54  Playoffs
 6 Mallox Mayhem             27   17  10   309  234  +75    51  Playoffs
 7 Dawchire Doom             27   17  10   305  258  +47    51  Playoffs
 8 Cassandra City Coroners   27   16  11   319  263  +56    48  Playoffs
 9 Holmenkollen Wanderers    27   16  11   293  262  +31    48  Playoffs
10 Kalloroda Cardinals       27   16  11   307  284  +23    48  Playoffs
11 Crawford Lions            27   15  12   325  288  +37    45  Playoffs
12 Dvinko Hellions           27   15  12   295  269  +26    45  Playoffs
13 Versiaville Varyags       27   15  12   290  268  +22    45
14 Olask Aurochs             27   15  12   246  294  −48    45
15 Na'Ilee Neptunians        27   13  14   274  268   +6    39
16 Zakhoro Immortals         27   13  14   271  291  −20    39
17 Samotath Wyverns          27   12  15   289  293   −4    36
18 Nexus Magens LC           27   12  15   258  263   −5    36
19 Hvalsey Undertakers LC    27   12  15   280  289   −9    36
20 Attumac Kokopelli         27   11  16   252  281  −29    33
21 Centus Journeymen         27   11  16   244  273  −29    33
22 Duversia Death            27   10  17   256  299  −43    30
23 Samaj Samurai             27   10  17   245  288  −43    30
24 Flen Salamanders          27    9  18   280  318  −38    27
25 Pirankoper Musketeers     27    9  18   254  335  −81    27
26 Kaldukosic Oblivion       27    7  20   228  352 −124    21
27 Fort Archer Fire Ants     27    6  21   190  330 −140    18
28 Stoneshore Pirates        27    3  24   212  361 −149     9

CLL Sheppard Trophy Playoffs - First Round

No surprises in the first round as the lower seeds duke it out. Sola Swensson was the top performer of the week - everywhere for Cassandra all across the field as they piled over 20 goals on hapless Holmenkollen. Extraterrestrial cinderella hopefuls Kalloroda also crumbled under the playoff pressure after a season that exceeded all expectations. Almin Alzidaleh just had too many tricks up his sleeve around the goal for the Doom.

8v9
Cassandra City Coroners 21–15 Holmenkollen Wanderers

5v12
LC Hagenheim 11–9 Dvinko Hellions

7v10
Dawchire Doom 18–10 Kalloroda Cardinals

6v11
Mallox Mayhem 12–4 Crawford Lions

CLL Sheppard Trophy Playoffs - Second Round

The match of the round was Ramusok vs. Dawchire, which featured the league's most-feared defense going up against its most athletic and energetic young attacking corps. The likes of Alzidaleh and Elaina Avgeropoulos delivered in clutch moments for Dawchire Doom, but ran out of gas in overtime and Ramusok's physical play gradually wore them down. The Rhinos are now the top seed remaining after the Apes stunningly fell to the Coroners despite their Altamirano fortress, leaving their notorious fanbase speechless.

1v8
Altamirano Apes 9–12 Cassandra City Coroners

4v5
Surpronuk Snowstorm 14–7 LC Hagenheim

2v7
Ramusok Rhinos 10–10 (13-11 OT) Dawchire Doom

3v6
Klyde Guardians 12–9 Mallox Mayhem

CLL Sheppard Trophy Playoffs - Semifinal

Whaaaat. In a beatdown that no one saw coming, the Coroners go ham on a Snowstorm team that many were pegging as Sheppard Trophy favorites after they looked equally impressive breezing past LC Hagenheim last round. Cassandra are catching fire at the right time. Sola Swensson looks like the best player in the league orchestrating from midfield. Rhinos-Guardians isn't much of a game either, the Guardians attackers dispelling expectations of a low-scoring slugfest.

8v4
Cassandra City Coroners 19–4 Surpronuk Snowstorm

2v3
Ramusok Rhinos 7–14 Klyde Guardians

CLL SHEPPARD TROPHY FINAL

No one knew what to expect from the wildcard Coroners after last week, but the experienced Klyde Guardians were still favorites in the big game and they lived up to the billing. Hollen Oakenfour was titanic in defense and helped Klyde shut out Cassandra for the first quarter of the game while the Guardians raced out to a 4-0 lead. Swensson & Company would mount a run of their own later on to make things interesting, but the game was always Klyde's to lose and their defensive tactics held firm late. A major sporting trophy goes to North Klyde Fief's long-suffering fans at last! The first since Klyde FC won the Härlighet Ligan ~15 years ago.

8v3
Cassandra City Coroners 9–12 Klyde Guardians

The Klyde Guardians have won the Cosumar Lacrosse League, lifting the Sheppard Trophy for the first time. They are the 1013 CLL Champions.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed May 23, 2018 11:57 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 Cosumarite 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 exhilarating. For its first 14 editions, the CFL had a total of 34 teams, with 17 in each conference. As ever, the CFL is the second-most popular sporting league in Cosumar behind only Härlighet Ligan soccer. Some teams share large multi-use stadiums with HL clubs.

However, a seismic shift to the league's structure is was introduced last season for the 15th anniversary.

>>>To foster more intense local rivalries, reduce travel costs and slightly expand the league while keeping the traditional Blue/Silver groupings intact, the conferences were further divided into four nine-team divisions: Blue East & Blue West, Silver East & Silver West. Now with 36 total teams in the league, as dynastic arena league franchises Jotungard Goblins and Sundsvall Penguins transitioned in. Each team will play the other teams in its Division twice, keeping a 16-game schedule. The top four from each division advance to the CFL Playoffs, which still features Blue Conference and Silver Conferences preceding the Dragon Bowl. <<<.

Dragon Bowl Champions:
I: Jädde Brutes
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: Bayford Blue Dragons
XV: Hagenheim Vagabonds (link to last season)
XVI: _____ _____???

CFL Season XVI (1013) - Regular Season

In the Silver East Division, the Dawchire Eagles came away with the CFL's best record, finally taking the next step from "pretty good team with potential" to "real powerhouse". And with the high-pressure experience that came with last season's Finnegan Tropy run, the Eagles have what it takes to go all the way. Nic Perrantes is probably the most complete running back in the league right now and their run-first offense can travel to any climate or situation. Their defense is also stacked where it counts: in the pass rush and the secondary. But another team with an all-time greater runner and strong defense awaits in the first round in the Bruins, who should provide a stiff test even if 1012 breakout star Olavi Kalgara struggled somewhat in his second season under center and aforementioned runner Avery Broddick is a few years past his prime.

Meanwhile, banner franchise Kataklysm continue to struggle defensively in the wake of their 1000s dynasty players all retiring, and the Mallox Iron Tigers quietly had a remarkably efficient season on both sides of the ball. They were rarely flashy, but just rarely turned the ball over or committed penalties - a recipe for success.

Silver East                 Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts
 1 Dawchire Eagles              16   13   3   419  282 +137    13  Playoffs
 2 Mallox Iron Tigers           16   12   4   357  243 +114    12  Playoffs
 3 Centus Owls                  16    9   7   393  323  +70     9  Playoffs
 4 Jädde Brutes                 16    8   8   377  293  +84     8  Playoffs
 5 Kaldukosic Kataklysm         16    8   8   305  368  −63     8
 6 Opjenheim Bulldogs           16    7   9   402  339  +63     7
 7 Altamirano Devils            16    6  10   322  390  −68     6
 8 Surpronuk Marsh Monsters     16    5  11   258  440 −182     5
 9 Dusk Bearcats                16    4  12   275  430 −155     4

In the Silver West Division, the defending champion Vagabonds failed to take the league by storm as they did when they went 15-1 last season, but their early-season hangover and occasional sloppiness was still enough to win the division outright. Their offense is such a well-oiled machine that it's hard to stop even at half-capacity. Kenji Toyashimo is just too too lethal throwing on the run, and with a bruiser of a back in Macauley Swarthman, defenses have no choice but to bite on the play-action fakes. Oh yeah, and their young defense is pretty dope too. Between Coventry, Kravikovic and now Surgeloose, They've drafted well enough to enjoy a seamless transition from the Tompkins-Nickens-Troumper era. But can they become the first team to win consecutive Dragon Bowls??? (How has that not happened yet?) Not if the Dolphins, Vikings or Marauders have anything to say about it. None of those three teams are quite what they were at their respective peaks in the last few years, but they're well-run organizations that always present a threat.

Silver West                 Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Hagenheim Vagabonds          16   11   5   437  280 +157    11  Playoffs
 2 Olask Dolphins               16   10   6   380  261 +119    10  Playoffs
 3 Versiaville Vikings          16   10   6   300  318  −18    10  Playoffs
 4 Morponte Marauders           16    9   7   346  298  +48     9  Playoffs
 5 Bayford Blue Dragons         16    9   7   283  283    0     9
 6 Cassandra Wildcats           16    8   8   300  359  −59     8
 7 Crawford Comrades            16    6  10   322  380  −58     6
 8 Flen Jaguars                 16    6  10   262  320  −58     6
 9 Sundsvall Penguins           16    3  13   277  408 −131     3

Over in the Blue East Division, a new contender has emerged to join Brandon Reigner's Conquistadors and Peri Fothergill's Lions. The Samotath Scourge! They were dead last in the CFL two years ago, but under a new coaching regime increased their win count by four last season and by another three this season. Remarkable turnaround up north. Sveinn Sneijder has always been a great corner, but now he finally has help with 2nd-year defensive end Colin Trindal and rookie safety Mohammad Mussic both turning out to be top players. On the other side of the ball, nabbing Arena League legend Francis Hibbert from the Penguins before they transitioned over was a stroke of genius. Though 34, Hibbert is just starting to hit his stride in the CFL game and it's pretty scary... especially with a speed demon in Madison Weeldreyer to launch bombs for on the outside. But until proven otherwise in the playoffs, this is still very much Emerald Cove's division. At the other end of the standings, it's a disappointing season for the other teams on Klyde Isle. A lot of people thought this was the season that the Azuris and/or Klyde had strengthened enough to mount a real playoff push. It wasn't. The long playoff draught continues for Cyclones.

Blue East                   Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Samotath Scourge             16   11   5   332  272  +60    11  Playoffs
 2 Hvalsey Lions                16   11   5   317  285  +32    11  Playoffs
 3 Emerald Cove Conquistadors   16   11   5   367  264 +103    11  Playoffs
 4 Ramusok Stars                16    9   7   313  280  +33     9  Playoffs
 5 Sarmon Spirit                16    8   8   333  322  +11     8
 6 Kaldukosic Blazers           16    7   9   268  264   +4     7
 7 Stoneshore Predators         16    6  10   280  383 −103     6
 8 Klyde Cyclones               16    5  11   236  297  −61     5
 9 Azuris Anthrax               16    4  12   273  352  −79     4

In the Blue West Division, the Thunder and Mighty Men were good and made the playoffs, as usual, but slightly less expected was the Spartans being the ones to actually win it. They bounced back well after disappointingly missing the playoffs last season, Aman Na'Vibé and Thorin Cherufin truly stepping us leaders on either side of the ball. Not many people had the OAS Kingsmen sneaking into the postseason ahead of the Na'Ilee Venom either, but Taron Thalman-to-Anthony Scarlioni has become one of the iconic QB-WR duos in the league. No quarterback has targeted a receiver more than Thalman has targeted Scarlioni over the last three seasons. The difference was that this year they had a defense, a switch to a more conservative Tampa-2 style paying dividends and bringing out the best from star corner LaQuan Notari. Or maybe it was the new colors and helmet logo they unveiled this season.

Blue West                   Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Samaj Spartans               16   12   4   356  272  +84    12  Playoffs
 2 OAS Kingsmen                 16   10   6   371  293  +78    10  Playoffs
 3 Pelethas Thunder             16   10   6   299  272  +27    10  Playoffs
 4 Helfin Mighty Men            16   10   6   348  284  +64    10  Playoffs
 5 Na'Ilee Venom                16   10   6   421  283 +138    10
 6 Keenan Robins                16    7   9   348  323  +25     7
 7 Zakhoro Wolfpack             16    6  10   245  389 −144     6
 8 Pirankoper Dwarves           16    4  12   275  435 −160     4
 9 Jotungard Goblins            16    3  13   293  405 −112     3

Playoff Match-ups

Silver Conference

₁Dawchire Eagles (13-3) vs. ₄Jädde Brutes (8-8)

₂Mallox Iron Tigers (12-4) vs. ₃Centus Owls (9-7)

₁Hagenheim Vagabonds (11-5) vs. ₄Morponte Marauders (9-7)

₂Olask Dolphins (10-6) vs. ₃Versiaville Vikings (10-6)

Blue Conference

₁Samotath Scourge (11-5) vs. ₄Ramusok Stars (9-7)

₂Hvalsey Lions (11-5) vs. ₃Emerald Cove Conquistadors (11-5)

₁Samaj Spartans (12-4) vs. ₄Helfin Mighty Men (10-6)

₂O.A.S. Kingsmen (12-4) vs. ₃Pelethas Thunder (10-6)

Finnegan Trophy XIII

The most criticized aspect of the 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 are fine with that, but the younger and more casual fans wanted to see the, say, Kaldukosic Kataklysm and Blazers clash more often. The league heartily agreed, seeing the profit potential of such duels. To appease both sides, The Finnegan Trophy was introduced.

It's a tournament that runs concurrently to the CFL season but separate, like a soccer-style Cup. Named after former national team coach Gary Finnegan, it features 32 teams (all but the last-place finisher in each division from the prior season) going at it single-elimination style. Silver and Blue Conference teams are pitted against a random opponent from the opposite conference in the first round, 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 best regular season record from each conference) as well as an additional draft pick at the end of the first round. That last bit is often the strongest incentive for teams to go for it.

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'Ilee Venom
IX: Na'Ilee Venom (2)
X: Azuris Anthrax
XI: Samaj Spartans
XII: Dawchire Eagles
XIII: _____ _____ ???

Centus Owls                  10  0  3 14  27<
Sarmon Spirit                 7  3  3  6  19

Jädde Brutes                  3  6  3  6  18
Jotungard Goblins            14  3  3  0  20<

Dusk Bearcats                 3  7  3  3  16
Opjenheim Bulldogs            9 10 14 14  47<

Dawchire Eagles               0 13  7  6  26
Na'Ilee Venom                17  3 10  3  33<

Keenan Robins                 3  6  6  3  18
Klyde Cyclones               10  3  7 10  30<

Versiaville Vikings           0  7  7 10  24
Stoneshore Predators          3  3  9 10  25<

Hagenheim Vagabonds           0  7 10  3  20<
Emerald Cove Conquistadors    0  0  3  7  10

Bayford Blue Dragons          3  3  6 14  26<
Pelethas Thunder              0  3 10  0  13

Sundsvall Penguins            6  3  0 10  19
Azuris Anthrax                6  7  3  7  23<

Kaldukosic Kataklysm          0  3  3  7  13
OAS Kingsmen                 17  7  7  6  37<

Cassandra Wildcats            0  7  0 10  17
Hvalsey Lions                 7  3  0 10  20<

Mallox Iron Tigers            0  3  7 10  20<
Samotath Scourge              7  3  3  6  19

Morponte Marauders            6  3  3 10  22<
Samaj Spartans                3  3  0  3   9

Flen Jaguars                  0  7  3  7  17
Zakhoro Wolfpack              3  7  3  7  20<

Olask Dolphins                7  0  3  3 0  13
Kaldukosic Blazers            0 10  3  0 6  19<

Surpronuk Marsh Monsters      7  3  0  0  10
Helfin Mighty Men             3  3 13 10  29<

Centus Owls            14  6 17 10  47<
Jotungard Goblins       0  7  0  7  14

Opjenheim Bulldogs      0  3  7  7  17
Na'Ilee Venom           6 10  0  7  23<

Klyde Cyclones          6 14  3  0  23<
Stoneshore Predators    7  0  3  7  17

Hagenheim Vagabonds     0  6  7  3  16
Bayford Blue Dragons   10 10  0  0  20<

Azuris Anthrax          6  0  7  7  20
OAS Kingsmen           13 10  0  6  29<

Hvalsey Lions           7  3  0  7  17
Mallox Iron Tigers      3  6 21  7  37<

Morponte Marauders     14  0 10 10  34<
Zakhoro Wolfpack        0  7  7 13  27

Kaldukosic Blazers      0  0 10  7  17
Helfin Mighty Men      13  7  3  0  23<

Centus Owls             3  6  0  0   9
Na'Ilee Venom           0  7  7  6  20<

Klyde Cyclones          0  7  0  3  10<
Bayford Blue Dragons    3  3  0  0   6

OAS Kingsmen            3  0  3  6  12
Mallox Iron Tigers      0 21  7 14  42<

Morponte Marauders      0  3  0  0   3
Helfin Mighty Men       7  7 10 10  34<

Na'Ilee Venom          14  0  3  0  17
Klyde Cyclones          3  3  7 10  23<

Mallox Iron Tigers      0  0  3 10  13
Helfin Mighty Men      17  0  0  3  20<

Klyde Cyclones          7  3  0  7  17
Helfin Mighty Men       3  3  7  7  20<

Though Silver Conference is generally recognized as superior - and recent Dragon Bowl results have bore that out - the opposite has been true in the Finnegan Trophy lately. The trophy has consistently stayed in the "weaker" Blue Conference over the last decade, and that peculiar trend continued immediately in this edition as Blue Conference went 11-5 against Silver Conference in the first round and went on to claim three of the four semifinalist places. The defending champion Eagles tumbled out of the first round, as did the vaunted Vagabonds (though they were cursed with a titanic clash with Emerald Cove right off the bat), leaving the window open for the likes of "good but not great" Blue Conference teams like Helfin Mighty Men and Klyde Cyclones to put together a run to the Final.

The Mighty Men had the more difficult road to get there, taking out the Kaldukosic Blazers, Mallox Iron Tigers and Morponte Marauders -- only favored in the first round game. That said, all bets were off after the opening kickoff. Though underachieving in the CFL, the Cyclones had demonstrated the potential to hang with anybody. They did so again - and it ended up being one of the most thrilling Finnegan Trophy finishes in its history! Blertim Timanov converted a fourth-down QB sneak by the width of an index card to set up a go-ahead 20-yard field goal for the Helfin Mighty Men with 1:30 left, and then his younger opposite Kyrian Moon fumbled the ball inches from the goal line with 30 seconds left (guess who forced it... who else but Kanata Botiejonas) to heartbreakingly give the Mighty Men the 20-17 victory despite leading the Cyclones down the field to the brink of glory.

The HELFIN MIGHTY MEN have won the thirteenth Finnegan Trophy! It is the Mighty Men's first trophy in modern history, and the sixth Finnegan Trophy to go to the Blue Conference in seven editions, extending the lead to 8-5 in the all-time series between the two bitter conferences in the history of this tournament.

Now, stay tuned for the real main event! The CFL Playoffs and DRAGON BOWL in the next post!

TheCourier.cos -- Cosumar Domestic Sports Newswire

Season 23 - Part II

Season 23 - Part III

Season 23 - Part IV

CFL 15 - Regular Season

CFL 15 - Playoffs

CBA 1011 Season

Härlighet Ligan Season XXIV: Preview (pt. 1)

Härlighet Ligan Season XXIV: Preview (pt. 2)

Härlighet Ligan Season XXIV: Part I (MDs 1-8)

Härlighet Ligan Season XXIV: Part II (MD 9-17)

Härlighet Ligan Season XXIV: Part III (MD 18-26)

Härlighet Ligan Season XXIV: Part IV (Finales, Awards)

Lower Leagues: Season XXIV

Härlighet Ligan Season 25: Preview (pt. 1)

Härlighet Ligan Season 25: Preview (pt. 2)

Härlighet Ligan Season 25: Part 1

Härlighet Ligan Season 25: Part 2

Härlighet Ligan Season 25: Part 3

Härlighet Ligan Season 25: Part 4

Härlighet Ligan Season 25: Finale

CBA 1013 Season

CLL Season VI (1013)

CFL 16 - Regular Season

Who is online