Matchday 18: Garifunya 2–2 Chromatika
Goals: Sierra '41, '72
Starting Lineup: Williams; McBee - Ibex - Anderson; Rien - Mora - Armageddon - Kuzami - Han; Gail (C) - Sierra.
Substitutes: Xe -> Han '56, Austic -> Anderson '71, An-> McBee '83
Game Summary: Cosnoelta had gifted the Chromatiks with a golden opportunity: Hold the late lead against Garifunya, and steal the first place in the group. Alas, it was Ali Wijkstra that snuck by Ibex in the eighty-ninth and sealed the Chromatiks' fate to the Playoffs.
And with eighteen games played, let us look at each of the players and how they've fared up to this point:
GOALKEEPERS
Jillian Nier: Starts: 2 Goals Allowed: 2
Mia Ria: Starts: 3 Goals Allowed: 1
Nika Justus: Starts: 2 Goals Allowed: 2
Sherlyn Joy: Starts: 5 Goals Allowed: 7 Captains: 3
Nova Williams: Starts: 6 Goals Allowed: 4
The Rundown: It's not really sure if Jillian Nier or Mia Ria should be the starting keeper for the Chromatiks. Parker will probably allow each one a start in this upcoming playoff ties against Nova Anglicana.
Biggest Surprise: Nika Justus continues to revitalize his career after turning thirty, only conceding one goal in two starts. If it wasn't for Joy and Williams taking up so many starts, he would've had some more chances, but he still impressed. Most likely to be the third keeper.
Biggest Letdown: Sherlyn Joy, for all her good in the Chromatik League, has let in seven goals in five starts, all against not-so-good competition. Perhaps she's best just being with Tihon. With her also being past thirty, it's likely that this is her last stint with the National Team, and with Tihon signing a new keeper this offseason, perhaps there as well.
RIGHT BACKS
Erika Morningstar: Starts: 4
Olivia An: Starts: 3 Appearances: 3
Aoife Ruth: Starts: 5 Appearances: 3
Zheide McBee: Starts: 6 Appearances: 2
The Rundown: Erika Morningstar is still top notch, but was kept to the matches against Mriin and Kalumba. Lots of chances for Ruth and McBee to shine.
Biggest Surprise: Zheide McBee might have a future in the team after all. After a disappointing showing last time around, McBee is showing to be a more stable proposition.
Biggest Letdown: Olivia An. Decent defender of the Chromatik League, maybe not quite fit out for international play.
CENTER BACKS
Luuk Aart: Starts: 3
Lucjusz Stef: Starts: 3 Appearances: 2
Yeri Ibex: Starts: 6 appearances: 3
Henri de Aea: Starts: 6 Appearances: 3
The Rundown: Lucjusz Stef and Luuk Aart are definitely the top two dogs and will remain so for now, but Ibex and de Aea show potential.
Biggest Surprise: Henri de Aea needs some work, but he is some specimen. A new Captain in the making, a few years down the road.
Biggest Letdown: Lack of headers from the backs. They're so tall! Why can't they head anything in? Does Parker just not utilize them, or do the players lack the skills?
LEFT BACKS
Aysu Damjana: Starts: 3
Valence Ilya: Starts: 5
Cierra Anderson: Starts: 6 Appearances: 2
Miles Austic: Starts: 4 Appearances: 1
The Rundown: After Aysu Damjana, it's a bit hard to figure out who's next in the totem pole...
Biggest Surprise: Valence, Cierra, and Miles all show promise, but also all have some mistakes...
Biggest Letdown: Valence, Cierra, and Miles all show promise, but also all have some mistakes...