The fact that Soldera was eliminated from the Cup of Harmony after two matches was not a surprise. They were, after all, playing the Pot 3 team Flavovespia in a group that may not be the Cup of Harmony's equivalent of a Group of Death, but was renowned for its balance with the four teams combining to go .500 during World Cup 90 qualifying.
There weren't many surprises in store for Soldera, at least on the pitch, as Flavovespia defeated the Snakes 2-1 to render the final match of the Cup of Harmony completely meaningless. It would simply go down as the final ride for both midfielder and captain Joey Westway and defender Davis Perez as the two thirty-something team leaders get set to play their final match that counts before their retirement. The biggest surprise would come after the match as manager Norm Carricker announced that he would be stepping down as manager to become the team's technical director as Dahvid Leib would assume the role of commissioner of the Solderan Elite League and would oversee the process of establishing the new first division of Solderan football.
"We've discussed a variety of options regarding the role of technical director and how we would proceed with filling the managerial vacancy in the event I accepted the role of technical director," Carricker said. "We'll begin an international search for a new manager upon the conclusion of our time here at the Cup of Harmony." When asked why he chose to accept promotion to technical director instead of staying on as manager, Carricker said he felt a responsibility to ensure that the Solderan team would continue to head in a positive direction and he wanted to have greater influence in player development and retention.
"It's like the old saying about being responsible for cooking the meal. I wanted a greater voice deciding on and buying the groceries," he said. "I have some ideas on how I want to see Solderan football develop and I feel I'd have a better chance at implementing my vision for Solderan football as it pertains to the national team from the role as manager." Carricker said he will manage the group stage finale against Chartistan, who dropped their match against Pot 1 side Savojarna 3-0. The Chartistani side are currently in last place in the group by goal differential as they've allowed five goals to one scored. Soldera have allowed three goals and only have a Cayden Barkley 44th minute goal from the spot against Flavovespia to show for their abortive efforts to attack the opposing team's defensive zones.
Westway said the reality that his and Perez's playing careers were about to end hadn't hit either of them yet.
"Ask us when the match is over," Westway said. "When we're in the locker room for the last time and we've showered and gotten dressed and we leave our uniforms behind for the last time. I'm sure reality will set in then."
Even though the match between Soldera and Chartistan will merely be for pride and to avoid finishing last in the group, Carricker said he intended to keep the usual starting 11 for the final match.
"Pride is an important reason for us to play our usual starters," he said. "Besides, I feel like Westway and Perez deserve to have a chance to go out having contributed to Solderan football all the way to the end." When asked if he planned to substitute for Westway or Perez to allow them an opportunity to receive a round of applause from Solderan supporters, he smiled.
"I'll ask Joey what he thinks," he said. "If he wants to come out early, I'll probably let Davis wear the armband for a little while. After that, we'll see."
Perez was not available for an interview, but Westway said he hadn't given any thought to his next steps after his playing career. However, he shot down a suggestion that he'd apply to serve as national team manager or as an assistant manager.
"I'm not ready for that," he said. "Right now, I just want to sit back and process everything after it all ends."
