Sportingnews.kalactin.com

[Northwest Kalactin]

MD26
Harbor City 0–2 Griffin City
River City 5–5 Purple Town
Blue Town 3–1 Salmon Head
Yamba FC 3–0 Toureres
Ballina FC 3–1 Kempsey United
Ballina Red Devils 0–4 GCCFC

Well, certainly no shortage of excitement today in the NKSL. We start off with a high scoring game between River City and Puprle Town, where neither side came out victorious as both sides duked it out in a high scoring showdown. Ramonet Navarro of Tequilo certainly had a good game, as he contributed his part when he scored 3 goals and also added in an assist on an Alphonse Zsosz goal. River City has done a good job using their foreigners, although who knows if they will be able to keep this up in the following seasons.

2 large matches also took place this week. Ballina FC decided to help out their rivals by beating a very strong Kempsey United team, which will help the Red Devils, who are in close quarters with Kempsey right now. Speaking of the Red Devils, they just played a terrible match against GCCFC, who is now in striking distance of an IFCF spot, although they are running out of time to cash in on that spot.

MD27
GCCFC 2–0 Harbor City
Kempsey United 1–3 Ballina Red Devils
Toureres 5–3 Ballina FC
Salmon Head 2–1 Yamba FC
Purple Town 0–3 Blue Town
Griffin City 2–1 River City

Well, you know how Ballina FC scored that decisive victory last week over Kempsey? It happened again today, as the Ballina Red Devils are now 1 step close to a title and they have a very good shot at it right now. They play a relatively weak remaining schedule, and if they can win out, there is no saying what they won’t accomplish this season. Toureres may be on the ride near the end of the ride this season, as they win a game over Ballina FC. It won’t do much for them at this point, but it is a good building block for them.

Ever since Sutherland has taken over the job at Toureres, they have been able to support a very good offensively minded game. While this hasn’t worked out for them very well this season, they could come back next season with a far stronger team, and more potential. GCCCFC barely escaped on their home turf with a win, as 2 goals in the later stages of the game from Gustafe Wright and Konstantin Nikolov which would put them over Harbour City today.

MD28
Harbor City 3–1 River City
Blue Town 0–1 Griffin City
Yamba FC 1–3 Purple Town
Ballina FC 1–2 Salmon Head
Ballina Red Devils 0–1 Toureres
GCCFC 1–1 Kempsey United

We had some great games this week, although let’s start out with one you may not see as important as the others. Griffin City hasn’t been talked about much this season, although they really are starting to build a very strong team. A small win over Blue Town may not seem good, but they had stellar play, and they are a team to look out for soon. The Ballina Red Devils suffered a crushing defeat, and this loss may help keep them out from the title this season.

In a game that is always heavily anticipated, GCCFC and Kempsey United played to a very competitive, back and fourth draw that is very important. If either of these teams was able to win, we may be looking at a far different table right now. Ballina FC lost to Salmon Head, who is now in striking distance of a title. Salmon Head really is the story of this season, they came out of nowhere, and had a good grasp on the league for a while, all they need to do is close it out strong.

MD29
Kempsey United 3–0 Harbor City
Toureres 5–0 GCCFC
Salmon Head 0–1 Ballina Red Devils
Purple Town 0–0 Ballina FC
Griffin City 2–2 Yamba FC
River City 1–1 Blue Town

If we told you that Matchday 29, specifically between Salmon Head and the Ballina Red Devils would be important, you would probably think that we had a little to much to drink before we started to talk. However, this game may decide the league, and if either team could win, it would change the landscape of the league by a ton. The Ballina Red Devils scored a very important 46th minute goal, right off of halftime on a goal from Mohan Thakshak. This would win them the game, but not by a long shot.

Ballina FC may be out of contention for the title right now, they tied a game that they should’ve won on pretty much any other day, and it was disastrous for the team that came in with so much hope. After all the IFCF success in the offseason, some are starting to think, should they have really been hyped up that much? I think not, they have really struggled to come out on top this season, and that may have only been a slight flash of what we thought they could be.

MD30
Harbor City 2–0 Blue Town
Yamba FC 1–1 River City
Ballina FC 1–1 Griffin City
Ballina Red Devils 1–0 Purple Town
GCCFC 7–0 Salmon Head
Kempsey United 1–6 Toureres

The Ballina Red Devils now have 4 point lead going into the final 3 match days. Them, along with Kempsey United are probably the only realistic contenders at this point, and even though Ballina Red Devils have a strong position right now, that could all change very easily. United has one tough game left, against Salmon Head, if they can win that game, and Ballina Red Devils drop some points, it could be smooth sailing from there.

But it won’t be that easy. Ballina Red Devils don’t have much of a tough schedule either, and if they win just 2 of the remaining 3 games, it is all over for Kempsey. On this day, GCCFC absolutely destroyed Salmon Head, this may put them over Salmon Head and Ballina FC for those final 2 spots in the CC that have been so coveted this season. Kempsey had a very costly loss today, as Toureres handed their ass to them in a 6-1 blowout that included Francis Sutherland going on a postgame rant about his teams future.

NKSL                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA     Avg   GD   Pts 
 1 Ballina Red Devils      30   18   6   6    71   38   1.868  +33    60
 2 Kempsey United          30   16   8   6    63   37   1.703  +26    56
 3 Ballina FC              30   15   8   7    93   50   1.860  +43    53
 4 GCCFC                   30   15   8   7    71   38   1.868  +33    53
 5 Salmon Head             30   16   5   9    59   52   1.135   +7    53
 6 Griffin City            30   13   7  10    56   44   1.273  +12    46
 7 Toureres                30   14   2  14    66   60   1.100   +6    44
 8 Purple Town             30   10   9  11    47   39   1.205   +8    39
 9 River City              30    7  10  13    51   73   0.699  −22    31
10 Blue Town               30    8   3  19    34   79   0.430  −45    27
11 Yamba FC                30    6   5  19    48   75   0.640  −27    23
12 Harbor City             30    5   3  22    33  107   0.308  −74    18

[Northwest Kalactin]

MD31
Toureres 2–2 Harbor City
Salmon Head 3–3 Kempsey United
Purple Town 4–1 GCCFC
Griffin City 1–1 Ballina Red Devils
River City 1–1 Ballina FC
Blue Town 3–1 Yamba FC

Nobody that needed to win won? What happens now?

If the Ballina Red Devils can just win 1 more game, the league is theirs, they are so goddamn close to that sweet first title ever, and all they need to do is win 1 game. It isn’t guaranteed though, this tie to Griffin City really does show some of the weaknesses of the Red Devils, which their main could definitely be their inability to score when needed most. If they just won this game, this would be a few different story.

GCCFC lost in game that may end up being their death sentence, if they had just tied that one game, then they may qualify into the final IFCF spot. Ballina FC, Kempsey United, Salmon Head. They all tied. If just one of those teams had won their games, we would be talking in a different manner right now. That Kempsey United tie stings the most though, if they had won, they could’ve closed the gap on Ballina RD easily, but only time will tell now.

MD32
Harbor City 0–3 Yamba FC
Ballina FC 3–0 Blue Town
Ballina Red Devils 2–4 River City
GCCFC 3–0 Griffin City
Kempsey United 3–0 Purple Town
Toureres 0–0 Salmon Head

Ballina Red Devils. All. You. Had. To. Do. Was. Win. They are so close to the title that it seems like they almost don’t want it at this point. If they can just go out and win the game, they would win their first ever championship of the NKSL. Instead they lost. To River. Fucking. City. Marcus Schoenauer of Nephara really did show his prowess at midfield, and he was able to score 2 goals, which helped River City win a game that doesn’t matter much to them, but man, it matters a hell of a lot more to the Red Devils.

Kempsey United is close now. Just 1 point away. If they can win next week, and in the unlikely case the the Red Devils lose or tie, they will have the Championship, it’s all theirs, they don’t control their own fate, but what they do control, is how that fate could be going down next week.

It all comes down to next week. 33. All the managers on the field know it. All the fans know it. Those players just gotta go out and take it.

NKSL                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA     Avg   GD   Pts 
 1 Ballina Red Devils      32   18   7   7    74   43   1.721  +31    61
 2 Kempsey United          32   17   9   6    69   40   1.725  +29    60
 3 Ballina FC              32   16   9   7    97   51   1.902  +46    57
 4 GCCFC                   32   16   8   8    75   42   1.786  +33    56
 5 Salmon Head             32   16   7   9    62   55   1.127   +7    55
 6 Griffin City            32   13   8  11    57   48   1.188   +9    47
 7 Toureres                32   14   4  14    68   62   1.097   +6    46
 8 Purple Town             32   11   9  12    51   43   1.186   +8    42
 9 River City              32    8  11  13    56   76   0.737  −20    35
10 Blue Town               32    9   3  20    37   83   0.446  −46    30
11 Yamba FC                32    7   5  20    52   78   0.667  −26    26
12 Harbor City             32    5   4  23    35  112   0.312  −77    19

[Northwest Kalactin]

MD33
Salmon Head 3–1 Harbor City
Purple Town 0–0 Toureres
Griffin City 1–0 Kempsey United
River City 3–3 GCCFC
Blue Town 1–0 Ballina Red Devils
Yamba FC 0–3 Ballina FC

What in the world is this shit? Ballina Red Devils. You didn’t even have to win one of your last 2 games, Kempsey screwed themselves over for you. Blue Town thought they were Kempsey United’s hero for a bit, until they saw Kempsey United down 1-0 in the 90+3 minute against fucking Griffin City. You know the saying, if you wanna blow a title, blow it to Griffin City.


Unfortunately for the Red Devils, they were not able to come through, although Kempsey made it so the Red Devils didn’t have to do anything.

Apparently Kempsey United likes to take that saying and use it, as a close game against Griffin City last season would end up screwing them into having to play their game at Gold Coast in the playoffs, rather than playing at home, which some think, ultimately lost them a championship last season.

In all seriousness though, this was one of the best seasons that ever happened to the NKSL. There was so much good stuff to cover here, that it was hard to decide what we wanted to do each week.

The Best Games
1. Ballina FC 11-0 Harbour City, MD24
This game was certainly one, that we can all enjoy. Even though it many have not had the greatest highlights to it, or the most dramatic ending, we all love watching record breaking performances.
2. Griffin City 1-0 Kempsey United, MD33
This was a great one to watch, because it came down to the wire! It has everything in it, a great goal, and a championship at stake for 1 team. I’m sure all Ballina Red Devil Fans will cheer for Griffin City next season.
3. Ballina FC 4-4 Ballina Red Devils, MD24
We all love the Ballina Rally games, although this year just seemed like the best ones we’ve had ever, especially this game in particular. A back and fourth environment and a great atmosphere at the Ballina Coliseum made for one of the best we’ve had in a while.

 

NKSL                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA     Avg   GD   Pts 
 1 Ballina Red Devils      33   18   7   8    74   44   1.682  +30    61
 2 Ballina FC              33   17   9   7   100   51   1.961  +49    60
 3 Kempsey United          33   17   9   7    69   41   1.683  +28    60
 4 Salmon Head             33   17   7   9    65   56   1.161   +9    58
 5 GCCFC                   33   16   9   8    78   45   1.733  +33    57
 6 Griffin City            33   14   8  11    58   48   1.208  +10    50
 7 Toureres                33   14   5  14    68   62   1.097   +6    47
 8 Purple Town             33   11  10  12    51   43   1.186   +8    43
 9 River City              33    8  12  13    59   79   0.747  −20    36
10 Blue Town               33   10   3  20    38   83   0.458  −45    33
11 Yamba FC                33    7   5  21    52   81   0.642  −29    26
12 Harbor City             33    5   4  24    36  115   0.313  −79    19

[Northwest Kalactin]

NKSL Awards
All NKSL Team
GK: Nifea Sitrembel, Salmon Head
DL: Aldir Pahlke, Kempsey United
DC: Nicolas Lebaume, Toureres
DC: Conlon Fry, Kempsey United
DR: Gustafe Wright, GCCFC
ML: Manik, GCCFC
MC: Konstantin Nikolov, GCCFC
MR: Mikhael Gerardo, Kempsey United
ST: George Taylor, Ballina RD
ST: Joe Russell, Ballina FC
ST: Cody Dixon, Ballina FC


MVP Voting
Manik 35%
Mikhael Gerardo 23%
Konstantin Nikolov 21%
Joe Russell 13%
Cody Dixon 8%

Congrats on Manik (TEQ) of GCCFC on winning the MVP!

Rest of Awards
Golden Boot: Mikhael Gerardo (AUD), Kempsey United
Silver Boot: Cody Dixon (NWK), Ballina FC
Bronze Boot: Manik (TEQ), GCCFC
Golden Glove: Nifea Sitrembel (HIN), Salmon Head
AO Player of the Year: Mikhael Gerardo (AUD), Kempsey United
Esportiva Player of the Year: Gustafe Wright (SNL), GCCFC
Rushmori Player of the Year: Marcus Schoenauer (NPH), River City
Young Player of the Year: Alphonse Zsosz (FFD), River City
Writers Player of the Season: Manik (TEQ), GCCFC

[Northwest Kalactin]

NKSL 2

NKSL 2                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Jersey Killers           33   18   7   8    48   31  +17    61
 2 Murwelldobah             33   15   8  10    47   37  +10    53
 3 Jarrbergen Football      33   15   7  11    39   38   +1    52
 4 Coffs Harbour            33   14   9  10    58   44  +14    51
 5 Byron Bay                33   12  12   9    53   38  +15    48
 6 Basepoint Kyater AC      33   13   9  11    45   52   −7    48
 7 Glen Innes               33   12  11  10    34   25   +9    47
 8 Brenleigh FC             33    9  13  11    30   27   +3    40
 9 AFC Eumbrai              33    9  11  13    29   30   −1    38
10 South City               33    9  11  13    31   43  −12    38
11 Taree United             33    8  10  15    32   46  −14    34
12 AFC Gold Coast           33    7   6  20    41   76  −35    27

Pure dominance from the Jersey Killers would be the story of the season in the NKSL 2, as they were able to handle many of their opponents with ease, while posting the best record in the league. A battle for the other 2 IFCF spots in the Liga B Champions Cup would be a very heated one, as the Jarrbergen, Murwelldobah, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay football clubs were all in the running for that spot. Despite this, Jarrbergen Football and Murwelldobah surprised many as they won the spots. Byron Bay was certainly a story to talk about though. They came up from the Ligue 3 this season, and finished in the top half of the league. They certainly have a very bright future.

[Northwest Kalactin]

Coupe Kalactin
Octofinals
Ballina Red Devils 4–0 Coffs Harbour
Ballina FC 4–2 Jarrbergen Football
Murwelldobah 2–6 Kempsey United
Jersey Killers 5–4 Salmon Head
GCCFC 4–2 Harbour City
Yamba FC 2–4 Griffin City
Toureres 5–4 Blue Town
Purple Town 3–6 River City

Quarterfinals
Ballina Red Devils 6–4 River City
Ballina FC 6–0 Toureres
Griffin City 4–2 Kempsey United
Jersey Killers 2–4 GCCFC

Semifinals
Ballina Red Devils 6–2 GCCFC
Griffin City 4–2 Ballina FC

Finals
Griffin City 4–3 Ballina Red Devils

[Northwest Kalactin]

NKSL Youth

NKSL Youth                   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA     Avg   GD   Pts 
 1 Fountain of Youth             33   18   7   8    73   39   1.872  +34    61
 2 Kempsey United Youth          33   17   8   8    53   27   1.963  +26    59
 3 Ballina Red Devils Youth      33   15   8  10    53   36   1.472  +17    53
 4 River City Youth              33   15   6  12    33   32   1.031   +1    51
 5 GCCFC Youth                   33   13   8  12    32   32   1.000    0    47
 6 Blue Town Youth               33   13   8  12    50   62   0.806  −12    47
 7 Griffin City Youth            33   13   6  14    66   67   0.985   −1    45
 8 Purple Town Youth             33   11  11  11    51   58   0.879   −7    44
 9 Toureres Youth                33   12   6  15    45   43   1.047   +2    42
10 Ballina FC Youth              33   10   8  15    44   68   0.647  −24    38
11 Harbour City Youth            33    6  16  11    53   68   0.779  −15    34
12 Salmon Head Youth             33    7   4  22    27   48   0.562  −21    25

[Northwest Kalactin]

NKSL Previews, Title Contenders

GCCFC
Starting XI
GCCFC: 4-3-3: Neil Scott (GK, 21, NWK), Gustafe Wright (D, 27, SNL), Fred Martin (D, 23, NWK), Harry Ramirez (D, 28, NWK), Keith Price (D, 34, NWK), Manik (M, 35, TEQ), Konstantin Nikolov (M, 32, STL), Emanuel Nissen (M, 32, AUD), Taylor Green (ST, 29, HVY), Jim Hallet (ST, 30, XAN), Carl Collins (ST, 21, NWK)

History: One of the most successful clubs in the league, GCCFC had very humble beginnings, barely avoiding relegation in their first years in the league. That all changed when they finished 1st in the NKSL, and gained much international recognition due to their UICA performances. One of the richest clubs in the league, they always look to spend more, and win more than everyone else. These guys are not an easy team to beat, and never have been. They are one of the team that has always been a power team since they became good, and being easily the most successful team from the largest city in the nation, they have always had some good money to spend. Lawrence Brooks has been one of the best players in the league since it started, and is a GCCFC legend, that retired a few seasons ago. Last season, for the first time ever, they were unable to reach IFCF competition from the NKSL and it happened just the first season under the ownership of Adama Sowe.
Players In: Taylor Green (HVY)
Keys to Winning: Meshing Their Roster: No doubt that this team has the best roster in the league, nobody can challenge these guys at all. But can they mesh? Last year, we watched them on their disappointing run as they failed to make an IFCF competition. If they are able to mesh the squad well, nobody can contend with GCCFC.
Manager: Joseph Wilcox
Outlook: Is the performance last year a cause for concern? Maybe, but you can also say it was the year needed to “set the stage”. This team has an absolutely crazy roster. Among those players are MVPs Manik and Emanuel Nissen, Xannerian National Team Striker Jim Hallet, Havyish Striker Taylor Green, and rising star Gustafe Wright. This team has a roster that nobody, and I mean nobody here can compete with. It isn’t even close, next might be, Kempsey United? But they are light years away from GCCFC. The leadership of Adama Sowe, WCCVP, has brought a large amount of cash to the club, and they have all the resources they need to win. Joseph Wilcox had a very tough time trying to adapt to a roster that has so many new players, so it will be interesting to see what he can do this year, with his players working better together and an even better squad than last year. Even with an aging Manik, this team is great. We expect them to lift the trophy this season, if they are able mesh their squad.

Ballina Red Devils
Starting XI
Ballina Red Devils: 4-3-3: Ozsvát Sárközi (GK, 29, PAS), Wayne Collins (D, 28, NWK), Mark Martinez (D, 21, NWK), Mohan Thakshak (D, 33, BUS), Carlos Carter (D, 31, NWK), Lamar Snyder (M, 29, NWK), Trevor Bryant (M, 21, NWK), Okyanus Batur (M, 26, TMR), Bruce Johnson (ST, 32, NWK), George Taylor (ST, 27, NWK), Juan Campbell (ST, 30, NWK)

History: One of the long standing powerhouses of the league, Ballina Red Devils have always been the dark horse to challenge for the title. They are huge rivals with Ballina FC, their crosstown rivals that always put on a spicy show for the fans when they play. One thing though about this squad is they always seem to be doing worse than they were expected to, and this had had many sports magazines put them down below where most think they will be. They are one of the 3 “Kalactin’s Teams”, along with Yamba FC and rivals Ballina FC. These are clubs that always tend to have the best Kalactanian players playing for them, although the domestic player bias can definitely disadvantage them in the long run. Finally, they were able to win a championship, and get that win that they have always wanted in the NKSL.
Players In: Ozsvát Sárközi (PAS)
Keys to Winning: Repeating: Ballina Red Devils have another strong roster coming into this season, along with an improvement at the goalkeeper position. They played strong in the Champions League and if they can repeat that, they have a shot at the title.
Manager: Willie Flores
Outlook: While they may not be at the same level as last year, the Ballina Red Devils come out with a strong roster that has a shot at challenging for the title. While it will be hard for them to challenge for a title, they certainly have a chance at doing so, and if they play well, they definitely could. Their improvement at the goalkeeper position from the young and faulty Jimmy James is good news, and was one of their main weaknesses last season. Willie Flores did a great job as manager last season, and is likely the man that this team needs to repeat. If this squad stays on the same level as last season, they have a shot at the title, it will be a surprise if they win it. We expect A second or third place finish, although more is possible for this squad.

Ballina FC
Starting XI
Ballina FC: 4-3-3: Mikey Johnson (GK, 34, NWK), Travis McCoy (D, 31, NWK), Alan Frazier (D, 30, NWK), Arturo Maldonado (D, 29, NWK), Andrew Fields (D, 21, NWK), Tyrone Baughn (M, 29, TKT), Jackie Smith (M, 22, NWK), Vaarin Detkov (M, 32, SRS), (, , ), Tofer Kahlor (AMC, COS, 29), Mitchell Dukakis (ST, 21, NWK),Travis Holter (ST, 24, CHD)

History: Here we are with the other end of the Ballina duo. Despite being, one of the most successful clubs to ever hail from the nation, Ballina FC is short on silverware, only having won 1 title, which was last season. They always seem to be the bridesmaid to a club like Kempsey United, Gold Coast Capital, or, their own rival, Ballina Red Devils. They are however, one of the most consistent teams in the league, earning UICA placement every year of their storied history. Despite this, they are the most successful Kalactanian club in IFCF play, when last season they managed to reach a miracle group stage finish in the challengers cup, which no Kalactanian team had ever done before. They are one of the clubs that always seems to have a huge number of Kalactanian players on it, which they somehow do great with despite not having the money to pull in the best international guys.
Players In: Tofer Kahlor (COS)
Keys to Winning: Finding the Magic Again: It is safe to say, after that one miracle season a few seasons ago, Jamarcus Point will need to be able to find the magic he once had in the league. If this team can return to the play they used to have, they have a shot at the title.
Manager: Jamarcus Point
Outlook: After somewhat of a disappointment last season, Ballina FC will be returning with high hopes, and a shot at the title. While it is unclear whether they will be able to compete at the level with teams like Gold Coast Capital, and their in town rivals, they are a team with definite potential for this season. Jamarcus Point is a solid coach, although he needs to return this team to what they had with Edward Hernandez at the helm. The Cosumarite Tofer Kahlor is a very solid Attacking Midfielder, and his play this season may be one of the defining factors on the team this season. They produced one of the best offenses in the league last season, however, their loss of Joe Russell may hurt the team substantially. Kahlor could be a solid backup for Russell, although he is likely not as good as the NKSL legend was. We say they finish at 3rd, but with so much unknown about this squad, it could vary greatly.