40th World Lacrosse Championships- Everything Thread

by **Banija** » Sun May 01, 2022 3:35 pm

40th World Lacrosse Championships

Welcome to the Kingdom of Banija! We are excited to host the world's best lacrosse players as they compete at the 40th edition of the World Lacrosse Championships, the most prestigious international lacrosse tournament in the world.

Helpful WLC Links
Last Edition | Official WLC 40 Rankings. || OOC Discussion Thread || Host Bid

New to NS Sports?
Guide to Sports Roleplaying

Format
We have 28 teams! So we will have 4 groups of 7. Top four from each group will advance to the knockout stages. A seeded draw will occur, where teams will be placed into a fixed bracket. Seeding shall be by positioning and by points- 1st place team cannot be seeded behind a second place team, for example.

Groups
Group A
Vangaziland(26)
Banija(2)
The Cordian Isles(10)
Delaclava(16)
Hannasea(40)
Great Orange(UR)
Sudilia(UR)

Group B
Bendicion(UR)
St. Saratoga(UR)
Baker Park(3)
Abanhfleft(5)
Natanians and Nosts(11)
Qasden(21)
The 14 Stars(UR)

Group C
StrayaRoos(33)
Republic of Ludwigsburg(UR)
HUElavia(4)
Arjunnagar(UR)
Cassadaigua(8)
Ranoria(12)
South Jeolerina(18)

Group D
Quebec & Shingoryeo(17)
Kyhun(UR)
Sarzonia(1)
Geektopia(UR)
Kriegiersien(7)
Soldera(UR)
Bollonich(14)

Calendar
Group Stage, Matchday 1- Sunday, May 8th
Group Stage, Matchday 2- Monday, May 9th
Group Stage, Matchday 3- Tuesday, May 10th
Group Stage, Matchday 4- Wednesday, May 11th
Group Stage, Matchday 5- Thursday, May 12th
Group Stage, Matchday 6- Friday, May 13th
Group Stage, Matchday 7- - Monday, May 16th
Round of 16- Wednesday, May 18th
Quarterfinals- Friday, May 20th
Semifinals- Monday, May 23rd
3rd Place- Tuesday, May 24th
Final- Wednesday, May 25th

All of my cutoffs will take place between 8 and 10 AM EDT.

Group Stage Match Schedule
Matchday 1
1 BYE
2 v 7
3 v 6
4 v 5
Matchday 2
5 BYE
6 v 4
7 v 3
1 v 2

Matchday 3
2 BYE
3 v 1
4 v 7
5 v 6

Matchday 4
6 BYE
7 v 5
1 v 4
2 v 3

Matchday 5
3 BYE
4 v 2
5 v 1
6 v 7

Matchday 6
7 BYE
1 v 6
2 v 5
3 v 4

Matchday 7
4 BYE
5 v 3
6 v 2
7 v 1

RP Permissions
Please post this either with your roster or your first RP with a yes or a no(with any qualifiers) for each question. These are all permissions to help facilitate an acceptable RP to you if somebody else RPs your match first, and vice versa.

Code: Select all: [u]RP Permissions[/u] [b]Choose my goal scorers:[/b] [b]Godmod scoring events:[/b] [b]RP injuries to my players:[/b] [b]Godmod Injuries to my players:[/b] [b]Suspend my players:[/b] [b]Godmod suspension events[/b]: [b]Godmod other events:[/b]

Group Stage Tiebreakers
1) H-2-H Wins
2) H-2-H Goal Difference
3) Overall Goal Difference
4) Total Goals For

OOC Note: Only the host may tag posts! Any post can get graded whenever it is posted. Please use the save draft feature if you cannot complete a post in one sitting. Thank you!

by **Banija** » Sun May 01, 2022 3:36 pm

National Information

The Kingdom of Banija is a country that classifies itself as a semi-constitutional monarchy. A nation that is a member of Atlantian Oceania, it is led by the Kabaka(which translates to King), and the current monarch is Kabaka Mwanga. The Kabaka, alongside with the Waziri(translates to Foreign Minister), whom he picks and dismisses solely at his pleasure, is the Head of State and responsible for the country's foreign affairs. Upon reaching age 25, the Isebantu(Crown Prince), becomes the Waziri by constitutional right. The current Isebantu is Isebantu Mutungi. The full list of members of the Royal Family can be found here.

Kabaka Mwanga ascended into power after the assassination of his father, Kabaka Albert III during World Cup 82 Qualifying. This is, of course, a government with an elected element. The elected unicameral legislature is the Lukiiko(Parliament), and the Lukiiko is responsible for governance of domestic affairs. The Katikkiro(Prime Minister) is elected by the Lukiiko. After over a decade of rule by the left, this traditionally conservative nation has shown its true colors again by electing a coalition led by the center-right People's Protection Movement. The Katikkiro is Kobe Azizi, who is currently serving in his second term as Head of Government. The established church is the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, most commonly known as Puritan Mormonism. Well over 90% of Banijans identify as adherents to the state church, though freedom of religion is generally respected by the law and the populace. There is very little patience and open disdain, however, for atheism among the general populace. Courts are sometimes known not to enforce freedom of religion laws when it comes to those preaching atheism, which is considered an 'evil' view by many Banijans.

Due to the massive influence of Puritan Mormonism in this nation, they are relatively socially conservative. Abortion in this country is outlawed unless the mother's life is in danger, and polygamy for males is legal. The church's Universal Call to Motherhood, which teaches that the destiny of each and every woman is to give birth to children and raise faithful Puritan Mormons, has heavily shaped the nation's view on the role of women in society, forming the basis for Banija's prior sports gender segregation laws in the first place. Consumption of alcohol and the recreational use of marijuana in Banija is legal. Due to Mormon tradition, however, the purchase/sale of coffee products is illegal within Banija- however, the consumption is not. Fans and teams are allowed to bring in their own coffee products as long as they are declared at customs, where it is then taxed per pound. Any attempt or effort to sell the product, however, can and will result in arrest.

Most people in the country speak both Olusanke, the local dialect, and English. There is a smattering of Korean spoken within the country, thanks to Banija's Quebecois roots. Banija's currency is the shilling. The exchange rate to the NationStates Dollar is 100 shillings to 1 NSD. Conversion kiosks will be available at all hotels and at airports to exchange your money, as well as any banks. However, using the NSDs directly to purchase items is only guaranteed at stadiums and hotels- vendors outside of stadiums or hotels are not required to accept NationStates Dollars. Fans are also advised that street vendors will only take cash, according to Banijan law- as an issue of security to prevent against credit card theft.

Of course, Banija was for a long time known as a developing country and more of a backwater Economically. However, due to a recent discovery of large oil deposits in Hangaza during World Cup 82, the country has been engaged in an economic miracle since then, with the country almost reaching true developed country status. Public transit within cities is via the boda boda, though each team/delegation will have passenger busses provided by the RTC to transport players, coaches, staff, family, etc... To and from the hotel to the games and practices. The climate of Banija has a lot of natural rainforest and jungle, which means that there is no winter, only wet season and dry season. Temperatures generally range at their coldest around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and at their hottest around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. For the duration of the tournament, average high temperatures will range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Banijans have a tendency of being relaxed about time. While, of course, things like flights and matches will run on time, this is something that is observed generally, especially at restaurants. It is considered standard to arrive about 15-20 minutes late for a restaurant reservation, which is something Banijan authorities would like to make note of for travelling fans and visitors to the country for this tournament. This is very true for hangouts with Banijans, dates, weddings, etc... Within the country.

The largest international airports within Banija are South Moravica/Istria International(called SMI International), Jinja City International, and Busukuma International. These serve the country's two largest cities, and the nation's capitol. All teams and dignitaries, upon their arrival to Banija, will fly into Gonzaga International Airport in Busukuma before reaching their final destination. Gonzaga International has long been known as the 'VIP' airport, catering to the royals, high-ranking government officials, and those deemed of special importance by the Government of the day. Most flights will go to one of those three airports before flying to the host city.

In terms of food, Banijans are very heavy meat eaters, and you'll find plenty of chicken, goat meat, beef, pork, and turkey options on your localized menus. In terms of non-meats, popular staple foods are jollof, matoke, Chapati, a rolex, and samosas. Strictly vegan restaurants within the country, outside of Istria and Busukuma, are almost non-existent, though of course you'll find non-meat options everywhere.

Per the latest Census, the national population of Banija is 133 million.

Locations

Istria, Moravica
Banija's largest port and largest city by population, this is in the Moravica region, in Northwestern Banija. It is a city of 4,728,000 people, and it is known as Banija's economic capitol. It is largely considered Banija's most diverse city. Historically, this city served as the second capitol city of the Kasanke Tribe, the historical predecessors of the modern Banijan nation. It is one of two Banijan cities with a major foreign population- the other being the nation's capitol, Busukuma. It has risen in status since its designation as an Olympic City, having co-hosted the XIV Summer Olympiad with Orean, Liventia. Nearly a third of the city holds citizenship of a country other than Banijan. More of those come from the Royal Kingdom of Quebec or the Busoga Islands, but people come from all over Atlantian Oceania and the rest of the multiverse. It is also known as Banija's wealthiest city and primary economic hub. It is home to Banija's oldest university, the University of Loyola-Istria, and to the country's biggest airport. It is also home to the Regional Transit Corporation, as well as the Istria Stock Exchange.

Kabonero III Field

The stadium used in Istria is Kabonero III Field, with a capacity of 48,000. This serves as the stadium for Istria City FC, the reigning S-FPL champions(in soccer). The vast majority of stadiums used are soccer stadia for this tournament.

Matches Held Here
Group A Matchday 2
Group B Matchday 1
Group C Matchday 6
Group C Matchday 7: Ranoria(12) v. Republic of Ludwigsburg(UR)
Group D Matchday 7: Soldera(UR) v. Kyhun(UR)
Two Quarterfinal Matchups

Herzegovina City, Moravica
Banija's oldest city, the city by its current name is over 800 years old, when it was first conquered by the Kasanke people. It is a city with a population of over 2.9 million people. It is the heart of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The national religion was started in this city, and the church's world headquarters, the Herzegovina Temple, is the multiverse's largest Puritan Mormon church. The Bishop of this church, formally titled the Patriarch of Herzegovina, is the most senior member of the church, and the joint head of the global church, alongside His Majesty, the Kabaka. It is home to Banija's largest university, Northern Moravica University. It served as the seat of government for the Kasanke Tribe. It is also the capitol city of the Moravica region. As the original home of the predecessors of the Banijan monarchs, all reigning monarchs are buried on the grounds of the Herzegovina Temple.

Herzegovina City had their own airport finally open just prior to World Cup 83. It is not the largest airport, and much traffic is still directed through Istria. Still, it has permanent international status, and is a city looking to continuously place themselves on the map.

Kizza I Field
Capacity of 33,000. Located in Herzegovina City, Moravica

A specialty lacrosse stadium, it was built at the cost of $115 million NSDs, and funded by the local government ahead of WLC 28. The Herzegovina City Kings, Banija's most popular lacrosse team, play their home games at this stadium. It is Banija's largest lacrosse-specific stadium. It is named after Kizza I, the first chief of the Kisanke, and who's direct descendants would eventually become the Kings of Banija. It has hosted the Finals of both WLCs 28 and 29, as well as a number of IDLO Finals, and twice the final of the AOLC.

Matches Held Here
Group A Matchday 1
Group A Matchday 7: Sudilia(UR) v. Vangaziland(26)
Group B Matchday 2
Group C Matchday 7: Cassadaigua(8) v. HUElavia(4)
Group D Matchday 5
Two Semifinals
One Third Place Matchup
WLC 40 Final

Mynda, Aksum
Mynda is the country's 11th largest city, with an urban population of about 1.1 million, and it is the largest city in the Aksum region. It has very few, truly metropolitan expansion in terms of suburbs beyond the city limits, and therefore, does not have a top 10 metropolitan area in terms of population. This being the center of what is otherwise a very rural region, it will provide fans with plenty of chances to experience nature- safaris and nature preserves galore throughout the Aksum Region.

Electra Stadium

Electra Stadium has a capacity of 47,000 for the tournament, a permanent expansion from its former 41,000 seating capacity. Electra Stadium is the home to Mynda Electra, and both are owned by Electra, a public utility company from Damukuni. This team was the first ever foreign owned team in the Banijan Soccer League, purchased before Dukuma SC was purchased by an Al Qurijan family, and before Fadron Pizza's purchase of the Busembe Timberwolves.

Matches Held Here
Group A Matchday 3
Group B Matchday 4
Group B Matchday 7: The 14 Stars(UR) v. Bendicion(UR)
Group C Matchday 5
Group C Matchday 7: South Jeolerina(18) v. StrayaRoos(33)
Group D Matchday 6
Two Round of 16 Matchups

Busukuma, National Capitol Region
This is the nation's capitol, located on the country's Southern coastline. Puritan Mormons believe that their God told the-then chief of the Kasanke, Kabonero III, that he should conquer all of the land that is currently Banija, gave the country it's name(therefore killing the name of the Kasanke nation), and put the capitol in the South. He did it, made Busukuma the capitol, and declared himself Banija's first Maharaja, or Emperor. As the nation's capitol for over 400 years, the city has been the spot for many major events in Banijan history, and the seat of plenty of foreign embassies, a large foreign population, and Banija's first airport.

The city, of course, is known for having two airports- the public, international airport, called Busukuma International, and also the non-public airport, named Gonzaga International Airport- reserved for the royal family and their guests, elected national politicians, foreign diplomats, and the point of entry for high-ranking officials to avoid the general public. Heads of State/Government, Foreign Ministers, AOCAF officials, host committee members, and national teams, upon their first arrival into Banija, will fly into Gonzaga International.

Mugisha III Memorial Stadium

This has a capacity of 49,000, and is used to house the Busukuma Force in the S-FPL.

Matches Held Here
Group A Matchday 4
Group B Matchday 6
Group C Matchday 3
Group D Matchday 2
Group D Matchday 7: Kriegiersien(7) v. Sarzonia(1)
Two Round of 16 Matchups

Sisonke, Kitara
Sisonke, Kitara, is the capitol city in the fast growing Kitara Region of Banija. With a population over 1.2 million people on Kitara's north coast, it is a city that is trying to make a name for itself. Just about an hour south of Istria, it is considered a 'new age' city- rapid population growth in recent years makes it a great hub for single young professionals in Banija. Its rapid rise to prominence in Banija will mean this is the second time that Sisonke has ever hosted games at a major tournaments(the first being Baptism of Fire 76), and fans within the city are excited for it. It is most well known for being home to former IFCF Champions League winners, the Kitara Athletic Association.

Orange Sky Park

Orange Sky Park has a capacity of 34,000, and is situated in Sisonke. A city that is home to a growing sporting scene with everything new, it is nice to have an old vintage stadium. Orange Sky Park used to serve as both a gridiron and soccer stadium, but was converted to a baseball stadium when the brand new Keystone Stadium was built to house the Kitara Athletic Association, the city's soccer team. With its history as a multi-purpose stadium, it will be used to host games here at the World Lacrosse Championships.

Matches Held Here
Group A Matchday 7: Great Orange(UR) v. Banija(2)
Group B Matchday 3
Group C Matchday 2
Group D Matchday 4
Two Round of 16 Matchups

Dodoma, Bunyoro
The Bunyoro Region is now primarily seen as a basketball region, as basketball is the region's highest rated sport in terms of attendance, youth participation, and TV ratings. Still, this being a sports mad country, soccer is still very popular here, even if it's been years since the region has had a team in Banija's top flight. That team is Bunyoro RSC- more internationally known for their lacrosse success than soccer, who play in Dodoma, a city with over 1.2 million people. Locals joke that while in the rest of Banija, there is dry season and wet season, in Bunyoro, there is wet and wetter season- it has some of the highest rates of rainfall in all of Atlantian Oceania.

Eagle's Club

This was built for World Cup 81 under a different name, Paa Nuepe, and is currently used by Bunyoro RSC. However, after the assassination of the Kabaka's father, Albert III, it was renamed after him. IT has featured in numerous tournaments. When Banija won Eagle's Cup VIII, however, this stadium would be renamed again, and designated the country's official Eagle's Club venue. With a stadium capacity of 48,600, and with revolutionary field drainage technology, thoughtful considering the amount of rain that this region gets, this will be some of Banijan engineering technology on full display. Due to the unique structure of the roof, the sound is made to go down onto the ground, and many expect this will be the tournament's loudest venue due to that stadium design.

Since this is the Eagle's Club venue, a number of amenities have been added for luxury suite holders. For those in luxury boxes, there is access to the actual 'Eagles Club', which hosts a fancy exclusive bar, a workout room, and even an indoor pool(that is not open on Matchday). FA executives for teams playing at this stadium will get access to those amenities.

Matches Held Here
Group A Matchday 5
Group A Matchday 7: Hannasea(40) v. The Cordian Isles(10)
Group B Matchday 7: Qasden(21) v. St. Saratoga(UR)
Group C Matchday 1
Group D Matchday 3
Two Quarterfinal Matchups

Jinja City, Hangaza
This city of 2 million people is Banija's largest inland city, and the second largest city in the entire country, in terms of population. This city is the economic center of the Hangaza region, even if its political capitol lies towards the East, in Aissa. Being an inland city, of course, it is not know for its diversity- nearly the entire city are native Banijans, even if many are from rural Hangaza. Historically, the city is known for being the spiritual home of one of Banija's minority ethnic groups- the Akamba. It is also sight of the first battle of the Kasanke conquest, when they moved from the Moravican coast to take over the entirety of what is now Banija.

BCEL Stadium

This stadium has a capacity of 52,400. Sponsored by the soft drink company BCEL from Baker Park. It was built to attract matches for the previous Baptism of Fire, and is considered one of Banija's premier stadiums. It is home to Banijan club Jinja City FC, one of Banija's Super 5 clubs. The stadium has consistently been known to host major matches at international soccer tournaments.

Matches Held Here
Group A Matchday 6
Group B Matchday 5
Group B Matchday 7: Natanians and Nosts(11) v. Baker Park(3)
Group C Matchday 4
Group D Matchday 1
Group D Matchday 7: Bollonich(14) v. Quebec & Shingoryeo(17)
Two Round of 16 Matchups

by **Kriegiersien** » Sun May 01, 2022 4:33 pm

The Kriegiersien Lacrosse Nationalteam

After being fourth the last time and the men winning silver at the Olympics (only beaten by Banija 6-4 in the final), the goal is to win a medal at the WLC this time.
The team is the same as at the last WLC, only the Top Scorer of the women's Olympic team, Alyx Dunlap, reinforces it.

The team consisted at first out of many Xvarts, locals from the recently conquered stolen lands, that have become very proficient in the sport. After a short dominance, other races and cultures found their way into the sport, who got a better funding over the years.
The team is now a good mix of Xvarts, Zombie Players, Orcs and Humans.

Jerseys:

Coaches:
Chieftain Umbalumba
Harry Gummibear (Assistant Coach)

Goalies
Barok Bridebreast
Lolen
Erlin

Defense
Warok Bonecrusher
Blu Smurf
Eiliroe
Daphikini
Lacrombie
Brian Brain

Midfield
Gale Astarion
Shadow Heart
Blaze
Dortix
Jorni
Wilzu

Forwards
Guy Hirn
Steven Sceletor
Sinros
Graston
Kelbis
Nestor
Alyx Dunlap

Medical:
Witch Doctor Doloroes

Home Stadium:
Vegan Swamp Stadium (9.999)
After a good offer from a contractor, the matches will be played in neighboring nation Zombiestan, the new home stadium of the Zombie Dudes, were most of the Zombies are coming from, having a dual citizenship. The stadium has been enlarged for 1.111 places since the last edition.

RP-Permissions: Everything allowed that doesn’t break the game. Go nuts.

by **Banija** » Wed May 04, 2022 10:35 am

Official Banijan National Lacrosse Team roster for the 40th World Lacrosse Championships

Head Coach: Allen Budaye. 70 years old. Former Assistant Coach at Bunyoro RSC. Sixth cycle coaching the national team.
Demonym: Banijan
Trigamme: BNJ
Governing Body: Olympic Committee of Banija(governing body for all professional sports in Banija besides soccer and ice hockey).

Silverware
Winner of the 4th AO Lacrosse Classic
Winner of the 1st Champions Challenge Cup
Winner of the Moravica Lacrosse Invitational(now considered the 1st AO Lacrosse Classic)
2nd place finish at the 21st World Lacrosse Championships(International Debut)
2nd place finish at the 34th World Lacrosse Championships
2nd place finish at the 38th World Lacrosse Championships
2nd place finish at the 39th World Lacrosse Championships
2nd place finish at the 2nd AO Lacrosse Classic
2nd place finish at the 5th AO Lacrosse Classic
3rd place finish at the 22nd World Lacrosse Championships
3rd place finish at the 25th World Lacrosse Championships
3rd place finish at the 31st World Lacrosse Championships
3rd place finish at the 36th World Lacrosse Championships
3rd place finish at the 37th World Lacrosse Championships
Host of the 28th World Lacrosse Championships
Co-Host of the 29th World Lacrosse Championships

Records & Statistics
WLC Group Stage Record: 83-24
WLC Knockout Stage Record: 27-17
Total WLC record: 110-41
Total Overall Record: 149-53
World Ranking: #2

Home jerseys: Orange
Away: White
Alternate: Green
Alternate #2: Black

Starters are underlined
Players who are receiving their first national team callups this cycle are italicized.
BLL is the Banijan Lacrosse League. All players are male unless otherwise specified.
Goalies
Samba Uster. #34, Age 25. Plays for Bunyoro RSC in the BLL. Second tournament on the roster; first as a starter.
Okoth Luwum. #35, age 23. Plays for the Hamilton Jackals in the BLL.
Joseph Omolo. #39, age 19. Plays for Northern Moravica University.

Defenders
The team had the same exact defensive depth chart for WLCs 35-38. However, they basically replaced their entire defensive depth chart at WLC 39.
Dembo Sonko. Left Side. #7, age 22. Plays for the Kitara Athletic Association in the BLL. Second tournament on the roster; first as a starter.
Alansana Gaye. Center. #2, age 25. Plays for the Jinja City Weasels in the BLL. Second tournament as a starter.
Bakary Ogoo. #13, age 30. Plays for the Herzegovina City Kings in the BLL. Second tournament as a starter.
Sidibeh Sesay. #4, age 27. Plays for Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club in the BLL. Second tournament on the roster.
Makang Ndiaye. #19, age 29. Plays for the Vidizi Bulls in the BLL. Second tournament on the roster.
Isaiah Akech. #5, age 24. Plays for the Luguyala Patriots in the BLL.
Rueben Aigo. #99, age 32. Play for the Herzegovina City Kings in the BLL.

Midfield
Entire midfield depth chart is returning, unchanged, from WLC 39.
Sanji Kairaba. #24, age 30. Plays for the Jinja City Weasels in the BLL. (Female). Third tournament on the roster, second cycle as a starter.
Bai Bah. #27, age 31. Center. Plays for Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club in the BLL. Third tournament on the roster, second cycle as a starter.
Birta Tiyana. #50, age 31. Plays for Vidizi Bulls in the BLL. (Female). Right side. Fourth cycle as a starter, fifth on roster. Captain.
Laity Dibba. #6, age 31. Plays for the West Istria White Wings in the BLL. Second tournament on the roster.
Kairaba Condé #21, age 24. Plays for the Taramazna Hawks in the BLL. Second tournament on the roster.
Aramata Sarr. #50. Age 25. Female. Plays for the Iziarad Wildcats in the BLL. Second tournament on the roster.
Alaji Soley. #1, age 29. Plays for the Mynda Knights in the BLL. Second tournament on the roster.

Attack
Israel Mesfin. #15. Age 29. Left Side. Plays for the Kosactus Hammerheads in the BLL. Second cycle on roster, first as a starter.
Lula Bullo. #16. Age 24. Center. Plays for Bunyoro RSC in the BLL. (Female). Second cycle on roster, first as a starter.
Bango Sene. #11, age 28. Right Side. Plays for the Hoima Gators in the BLL. Third cycle on roster, second cycle as a starter.
Pa Sonko. #9, age 31. Plays for the Herzegovina City Kings in the BLL. Third cycle on roster.
Yodit Neway Degife. #20. Age 27. Plays for the Busukuma Flyers in the BLL. (Female). Second cycle on roster.
Abihail Apiyo. #8, age 20. Plays college lacrosse at Loyola-Istria. (Female).
Mary Okongo. #23, age 27. Plays for the Istria Thunder in the BLL. (Female).

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes(please specify injury and its length- no deaths please!)
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes(please specify injury and its length- no deaths please!)
Suspend my players: Yes
Godmod suspension events: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes (Although no Banijan is allowed to catch a pandemic, nor can one be introduced into Banija).
Style Modifier: +3

After the failures of the 28th and 29th World Lacrosse Championships, and especially the 29th edition where Banija got eliminated in the group stages of the WLCs for the first time ever, everything was torn down. The Olympic Committee of Banija seized control, and voted the sport's independent governing body(a rarity in Banija) out of existence. Various reforms were introduced. Chief among them- rid themselves of those who failed. The entire coaching staff was purged, and with it, not a single player who was on the WLC 28 or 29 roster was invited back to form the WLC 30 roster. Those high up in Banija called the WLC 29 group stage elimination, on home soil, of a nation that considered themselves an international lacrosse powerhouse an 'absolute embarassment to the country' and vowed for deep reforms to ensure that this did not ever happen again.

This, of course, happened before the 30th WLCs, in Cassadaigua. The Banijans were able to escape the group stage, once again, but fell to an ancient power in this sport- Sarzonia, by a score of 10-9, in the Round of 16. It was followed by a disappointing entry at the Champions Challengers Cup, where they fell to both Baker Park and Sarzonia in West Guiana, to finish 0-2. In the 31st WLCs, the Banijans finally overcame recent struggles by geting back to where they felt they belonged, the semifinals, though they fell at that stage in Baker Park. While they regressed at WLC 32, only going .500 in the group stage and getting knocked out in the Round of 16 by the tournament's top seed, they've restructured the squad. While they kept the defense and goalies, they made big changes up top, replacing all 7 midfielders on the roster, as well as changing out a number of attacking players. The WLC 33 cycle began strongly, with the team winning the Moravica Lacrosse Invitational en route to going 6-0 in group play. However, they were downed by Sarzonia in the quarterfinals, once again giving the Banijans an early exit from lacrosse's premier tournament.

WLC 34 was the most success this team has had in quite a while. While the team only got 2nd place in their group, their 4-2 finish put them into the knockout stages. They hit their stride in the knockout stages, beating a trio of lacrosse giants- West Phoenicia, then Sarzonia, and then the Commonwealth of Baker Park, en route to their first final since WLC 21. While they were favored in the Final, HUElavia was one better, downing the Banijans by a score of 14-9, as they came out of nowhere, in their first ever WLCs, and found themselves crowned champions of the world. After a quarterfinal elimination WLC 35, Banija was back at it in WLC 36, going undefeated in the group stages, including an upset victory over longtime rival Abanhfleft, who have delivered Banija so much pain in this sport while we have failed to return the favor.

They reached the semifinals, before playing their dreaded Fleftic opponents. There was a sense of optimism in the camp brought to them by their AO championship that preceded this tournament. But an Abanhfleft team that looked down and out brought the high-flying Banijans down to Earth, reminding us exactly who was the boss in this sport as they eliminated us once again in the late stages of this tournament, en route to their record sixth title. To follow it up with more pain, we played our other chief rival in this sport, Sarzonia, in the WLC 37 Semifinal. Once again, a high-flying Banijan team was brought down to Earth by an archrival, and Banija simply watched from the sidelines as our fierce regional rivals won their sixth ever WLC title, while Banija went on to pick up our record fifth third place finish at this tournament.

The Banijans, particularly in recent years, have been on the brink of glory in this tournament. They have been to the WLC Semifinals for four consecutive tournaments- and despite finishing on the medal podium all four times, they have yet to lift the big one. The sport's dominant power, Sarzonia, has been a particular thorn in their side. In the last three consecutive WLCs, Banija has found themselves eliminated by the world champions, Sarzonia. WLC 37 Semifinals, Sarzonia rocked them by a score of 15-8. WLC 38 Final, Sarzonia rocked them again to win their second straight title. And in the re-match at WLC 39, a tournament where the Fleftic demons were excised, Sarzonia earned a close, 13-10 victory, to complete the threepeat and leave Banijans salivating.

Banijan fans have high expectations- and with four straight podium finishes, included in 9 podium finishes overall(Five 3rd place and Four 2nd place), and the goal is championship or bust on home soil. Can they finally take the last step, beat their archrivals Sarzonia, and win the world title that has so long eluded them?

Group A Schedule
Matchday 1: Banija(2) v. Sudilia(UR) @ Kizza I Field(cap. 33,000) in Herzegovina City, Moravica
Matchday 2: Vangaziland(26) v. Banija(2) @ Kabonero III Field in Istria, Moravica
Matchday 3: BYE
Matchday 4: Banija(2) v. The Cordian Isles(10) @ Mugisha III Memorial Stadium in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Matchday 5: Delaclava(16) v. Banija(2) @ The Eagle's Club in Dodoma, Bunyoro Region
Matchday 6: Banija(2) v. Hannasea(40) @ BCEL Stadium in Jinja City, Hangaza
Matchday 7: Great Orange(UR) v. Banija(2) @ Orange Sky Park in Sisonke, Kitara

by **Sarzonia** » Wed May 04, 2022 1:39 pm

Sarzonia Stars
If you RP first, you may/may not do the following:
You may choose my goalscorers/goalscoring events
Everything else (Godmoding/injuries/ejections, suspensions, violence/pandemics) is a no-go

Style: 0 (balanced between attack-minded and defensive)
Home grounds: Franz Braddock Stadium in Woodstock, capacity 35,000.
Please note: This team is renowned for its fair play. If you attack first, it will retaliate, but it will not initiate a fight.

Manager Jordan Helms, 48
Helms was a compromise choice as Stars manager after the Incorporated Lacrosse Federation couldn't come to terms with any of their prospective choices. Helms agreed to retain former manager Carter Whitlock's coaching staff and roster, saying he wanted to give the team a chance to become "[his] guys."

Defensive Coordinator: Makeeyah Brantley (43 years old)
Brantley is stepping in as defensive coordinator after the Stars fired longtime defensive boss Bill Harbour following his intemperate comments about Cassadaigua's national team. She served as a defensive coordinator at the collegiate and pro levels for eight years.
Offensive Coordinator: Tyler Pawlenty (51 years old)
Pawlenty helped mold offenses in college, in particular Rypien State College during a four-year period when that school won three collegiate national titles. His teams emphasise possession and patience, often including multiple passes before taking the perfect shot.
Assistant Coach: George Tomlin (35 years old)
Tomlin recently retired as a faceoff specialist after a collegiate career that saw him win 78 percent of his faceoffs. During his professional career in Sarzonia, he won 69 percent of his faceoffs. He can coach multiple styles of faceoffs, taking into account multiple fogos.
Assistant Coach: Bradley Morse (55 years old)
Serves as goalie coach. He helped several Sarzonian World Lacrosse Championship winning teams with goalies in an informal capacity. Now, he's coming out of retirement to provide assistance as a paid full-time coach after Whitlock convinced him to do so.

ROSTER (STARTERS IN BOLD)
GOALIES
1 Matt Henning (5-foot-11, 175 pounds), 26 years old
28 Sam Carson (6-foot-2, 210 pounds), 28
34 Will Vasquez (5-foot-9, 170 pounds), 24

DEFENDERS
2 Xander Beaucamp (6-foot, 215 pounds), 28, close defence
11 Joyce Conner (5-foot-8, 160 pounds), 25
18 Howie Kaplan (6-foot-3, 215 pounds, 32
5 Joanne Bryant (6-foot, 170 pounds), 37
7 Uriel Ahmed (5-foot-9, 190 pounds), 31
17 Pete Billingsley (6-foot, 218 pounds), 28
22 Zach Fairfax (5-foot-11, 225 pounds), 24
29 Tyler Anson (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), 27
38 Ian Taylor (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), 29

MIDFIELDERS
3 Carrie Quinlan (5-foot-9, 155 pounds), 25 (LSM)
10 Gio Guardio (5-foot-10, 180 pounds), 26
16 Harry Simon (6-foot-3, 210 pounds), 23
19 Trent Preston (5-foot-7, 175 pounds), 24
30 Joseph Lee (6-foot-5, 230 pounds), 30
35 Chad Andersen (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), 27
39 Jim Inmelt (6-foot, 190 pounds), 30
40 Kyle Christian (6-foot-3, 210 pounds), 25
46 Tom Vestal (5-foot-11, 190 pounds), 29

ATTACK
4 Colin Grassley (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), 27
8 Martin Page (5-foot-10, 170 pounds), 30
12 Nick Loewen (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), 22
15 David Treseguet (6-foot, 200 pounds), 34
23 Adam Lannister (5-foot-9, 200 pounds), 35
24 Owen Clancy (6-foot-5, 230 pounds), 26
25 Gabriel Dixon (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), 27
26 Erynn Spencer (5-foot-9, 170 pounds), 33*
27 D'Rell Felton (6-foot-1, 195 pounds), 27

FACEOFF SPECIALISTS
13 Noah Ryanson (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), 29
14 Jeremy Harper (5-foot-10, 185 pounds), 24
36 Stephane Rideau (6-foot, 200 pounds), 32

*Gender nonconforming

by **Sarzonia** » Wed May 04, 2022 1:52 pm

You'd think a team that's won three consecutive World Lacrosse Championships and 28 consecutive WLC matches, dating all the way back to the WLC 36 knockout rounds would have nothing left to play for.

Have something to prove? They've won three WLC titles consecutively, becoming the first nation to accomplish that feat in lacrosse. They've won eight titles overall, two more than second place Abanhfleft as the two nations have combined for over a third of the total number of titles ever awarded in the sport. Cement their legacy? In the eyes of nearly every lacrosse-playing nation in the multiverse, they've already done it. The only question is: Will Sarzonia win their fourth consecutive title and ninth overall?

To see the team practice every day at the facility near Franz Braddock Stadium in Woodstock, you'd think the team were still fighting for their first title in history. Practices as run by manager Jordan Helms are sharp, crisp affairs. There's a lot of intensity and passion between the two sides as Helms and defensive coordinator Makeeyah Brantley both continue to drive their charges harder and harder.

To hear goalkeeper Matt Henning tell it, it's exactly what the team want.

"We don't want to rest on our laurels," Henning said. "We feel like [the past] is all just the past. No one's gonna talk about winning streaks if we lose to Soldera [in the team's opening match."

Perhaps not, but three consecutive world titles do change the playing field for the rest of the competition. The WLC rankings have Sarzonia as the top ranked team. That much was always going to be a given considering just how dominant the team has been on the pitch three consecutive tournaments. The gap between Sarzonia and No. 2 Banija, the team the Stars vanquished in each of the last two finals and in the semifinals of WLC 37, is greater than the gap between Banija and No. 3 Baker Park, but that's to be expected. Just don't tell attack Colin Grassley the gap is that large.

"Any one of these teams can challenge you," he said. "Bollonich pushed us last time. Cordia did. And Banija's one of those rivalries where you throw out the tables. We're not taking anything for granted." As for the kind of legacy a fourth consecutive title would create in Woodstock, Helms said he was looking at a Banijan side from a different sport as competition.

"Their IBC team won four straight titles, a feat no one ever accomplished in that sport," he said. "You'd have to be hard-pressed to find out if that had ever been accomplished in a major sport. That's what we're gunning for." That, plus a decision by the new Lacrosse Hall of Fame in Woodstock as to whether or not to induct Helms before he hangs up his whistle.

"We haven't determined whether to induct still active players or managers," said a spokesperson for the Hall of Fame. Coach Helms is certainly meriting that discussion."

by **StrayaRoos** » Wed May 04, 2022 2:22 pm

RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers:Ya
Godmod scoring events:Ya
RP injuries to my players:Ya no Deaths
Godmod Injuries to my players:Ya
Suspend my players:Go Bezerk
Godmod suspension events:as above
Godmod other events:Ya
Goalies
01:Yujin Kiuba,21,Pale
02:Yuo Kiuba,18,Pale
Defenders
03:Yuka Kiuba,20,Pale
04:Yuro Kiuba,19,Pale
05:James Timoa,33,Panem
06:Jamie Timoa,19,Panem
07:Kim Aloa,27,Circunses
08:Jamelaj,21,Zeal
Midielders
77:Yuga Kiuba,17,Pale-Zeal aka the Blender
66:Yuro Kiuba,22,Pale
09:Kim Akaji,11,Richmond
10:Jamal Uyai,21,Eay
11:Jamie Uyai,33,Eay
12:Yamja Uyai,23,Eay
13;Luke Uyyuw,21,Menai
Forwards
14:Jake Reaqej,31,Circunses
15:Hamish Greanel,19,Pale
16:Luci Jamse,31,Circunses
17:Poaiawj,17,Pale
18:James Uhak,27,Circunses
19:Yula,31,Menai

by **The 14 Stars** » Thu May 05, 2022 4:19 am

Starsian Lacrosse Team

RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod Injuries to my players: N
Suspend my players: Y
Godmod suspension events: N
Godmod other events: Y

All Starsian players are amateurs, in fact they only have started playing Lacrosse since it was announced that for some weird reason our country would take part in the world cup at all.
Most of these people have normal everyday occupations and now want to see if they can actually make this sport a thing in the Starsian industry despite it being not even broadcasted on the national television at all.

ROSTER:
Name-age-occupation

GOALIES
Bryan Moss (25) Novelist
Wendy Salheim (31) Nurse
Louis Beaugarde (27) teacher

DEFENDERS
Jolene Arkenheim (21) student
Boris Nimetzev (34) construction worker
Gregory Kingsley (26) gym owner
Valerie Shiran (23) Hairdresser
Mickey Williams (29) Bus driver
Julian Gardner (24) Sergeant in the military (team captain)
Chris Nottingham (28) Zookeeper
Pamela Svensson (32) secretary
Lina Kainz (20) student

MIDFIELDERS
Bradley Miller (30) Doctor
Ronya Alkirk (22) student
Dylan Krueger (25) Lawyer
Helena Morrison (27) model
Deena Gomez (28) youtuber
Nils Kirillovic (22) farmer
Frederik Gunther (29) metal worker

ATTACK
Klara Manshofen (26) Therapist
Zirkai Alistar (27) Prisoner
Boyd Darren (26) Chef
Keith Helgason (35) construction worker
Millie Fenix (19) student
Keanu Timorov (28) Financial Analyst

Coach: Gordon Kolarov (61) retired sailor
Assistant coach: Roderick Bannings (58) retired soldier

by **Soldera** » Thu May 05, 2022 9:30 am

A note about this team: This is literally a collection of amateurs with little to no lacrosse experience and beer leaguers, many of whom are out of shape. I'm not talking about out of lacrosse shape. I mean out of shape PERIOD.

Also, I intend to fill in more depth attack shortly.

RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: N
Godmod Injuries to my players: N
Suspend my players: N
Godmod suspension events: N
Godmod other events: Y

Coach: Matt Chastain (43)
Assistants: Offensive coordinator: Harvey Westin (59); Defensive coordinator: Jana Hedgepath (49); Goalkeepers Coach: Micah Hawlings (50)

GOALIES:
1 Brad Nesbitt, 31, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds
30 Charles Knight, 24, 5-foot-9, 185 pounds
43 Josh Beaucamp, 37, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds

DEFENDERS
2 Billy Adair, 20, 5-foot-11, 200 pounds – close defense (CAPTAIN)
5 Rashid Davis, 34, 6-foot-2, 250 pounds
11 Kyle Courtnall, 29, 6-foot-1, 234 pounds
38 Ed Randall, 41, 5-foot-8, 200 pounds
40 Marcus Wilfork, 30, 5-foot-10, 190 pounds
47 Charlie Buckman, 22, 6-foot-3, 200 pounds

MIDFIELDERS
8 Mark Fleming, 21, 5-foot-10, 185 pounds – SSDM (Note: Unlike the overwhelming majority of the team, Fleming is a skilled, experienced lacrosse player. The rest of the team is pretty much literally beer leaguers)
16 Ed Fanning, 28, 6-foot, 205 pounds (also doubles as the faceoff specialist, so unlike FOGOs, he remains on the field)
14 David Madsen, 35, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds
10 Quentin Russell, 30, 6-foot, 195 pounds
12 Sam Hollings, 34, 6-foot, 215 pounds
13 Dave Herman, 30, 5-foot-9, 185 pounds
15 Bryan Tippett, 30, 6-foot, 230 pounds
29 Vince Wilson, 33, 6-foot, 240 pounds
31 Milton King, 20, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds
ATTACK
3 Tommy Douglas, 23, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds
7 Sam Quenton, 34, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds
19 Alex Hastings, 30, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds

by **Soldera** » Thu May 05, 2022 11:43 am

It's one thing to face a highly-regarded team during the group stage of any competition, but when your opening opponent is the three-time defending champions of the sport AND a team currently riding a 28-WLC match winning streak, the task is significantly more difficult. Just ask Solderan national lacrosse team coach Matt Chastain.

We're fucked, he thought when he realized the enormity of the task at hand. He had to try to whip his team into shape, let alone try to get the team to gel in the time that more experienced teams usually use to fine-tune themselves. He thought about his team, which was largely a collection of beer leaguers and amateurs who would have no business being on a national team, being tapped to face Sarzonia in their WLC opener in Banija.

He felt it was possible to spin his team's match against Kriegiersien, the next highest-ranked team in Group D, even though they were the seventh ranked team in the lacrosse multiverse. Hell, even Bollonich or Quebec and Shingoryeo might be teams the Snakes could possibly get if they could round into shape well enough by the time they face those two ranked sides.

But Sarzonia? We'll win that one when Hell freezes over, he thought. Still, he knew he had to say something that wasn't simply conceding any hope of pulling off what would be a gargantuan upset. He knew the task was nigh on impossible. Sarzonia weren't just the best team in lacrosse. They were the best team by a long shot. Chastain hadn't studied the WLC rankings that closely, but the gap in rankings points between top ranked Sarzonia and No. 2 Banija, the host nation, was the widest he'd seen between any two ranks. Such was the nature of the beast when one team not only wins three consecutive titles, but wins 28 consecutive WLC matches en route to the title.

"As far as playing Sarzonia, well we know they're an outstanding team," he said, "but we don't deal in the impossible. Stranger things have happened in the world of sport."

Normally, the kind of negative talk Chastain nearly allowed to slip from his lips might demoralize a team, in particular, an underdog that was beginning to assemble before the competition has even begun, but everyone on the team knew the odds. The idea that he could guarantee a victory, even though Sarzonia had surprisingly tough results during the group stage in WLC 39 when the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was a bit smaller was ridiculous. All the players knew that, even the ones who'd only just held a crosse for the first time in their lives. They knew no one was going to give them a chance to end Sarzonia's win streak. Not against a team that showed the level of focus and determination of this Sarzonia team.

The idea that Chastain could take his'n and beat Jordan Helms's players and outwit Helms himself was widely acknowledged as a pipe dream. Hell, the Sarzonian manager was considered so strong that he could probably take Chastain's boys and beat his own. Chastain didn't understand why Helms wasn't already in the Hall of Fame, especially since it overlooked Sarzonia's home pitch in Woodstock.

The odds were against the Snakes, going up against a team that was gunning for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, one that was shooting to possibly extend their streak to 38 consecutive WLC matches overall, one that carried a lifetime record of 157-47-3 in WLC play, including a 13-4 mark in the semifinals and a 9-1 record in finals matches. In fact, only one team ever defeated the Stars with a title on the line, and that was Mytannion in the WLC 10 final. The nine wins included a 2-0 sweep in the only best-of-three series in WLC history.

But still, Chastain had to believe his team had a chance. After all, they don't play the matches on paper. Even if he doubted himself and his team, he had to find a way to not convey the mission was an impossible one.

by **Delaclava** » Fri May 06, 2022 1:26 pm

Delaclava national lacrosse squad

Runners-up of World Lacrosse Championships 16, AO Lacrosse Championships 3.

Head Coach: Lachlan Morris, 59, Kalinin Winterwolves
Assistant Coach: Cooper Law, 48, Manakula Bulldogs
Offensive Assistant: Jackson Preston, 37, Kalinin Winterwolves
Defensive Assistant: Morgan Sweet, 37, Kitsuartat University
Goaltenders Coach: Connor Clarkson, 40, Kalinin Winterwolves
Strength/Conditioning Coach: Joe Richardson, 42, Orton City Oilers

RP Permissions: Go nuts.

#	Name	Position	Team	School	Age	Height	Weight
1	David Wallin	G	Kalinin Winterwolves	Columbia University	26	6-2	165
2	Jake Lilly	D	Carnstone Coyotes	Wicks College	32	6-3	185
3	Carlos Roby	D/LSM	Orton City Oilers	Southern University of Rextaria at Mersatha	25	6-3	180
4	Marcos Verona	D	Pussonne Serpents	Western University of Rextaria at Ojstiz	25	6-0	170
5	Julian Jacobs	M	Catherina LC	Sosuk University	31	5-10	175
6	Kyle Bachman	M	Manakula Bulldogs	Hatcher College	31	5-10	180
7	Patrice Vidal	M/A	Kalinin Winterwolves	Université technique du Pays de la Douche	24	6-3	185
8	Michael Querrey	A	Bosmond Stags	St. James University	31	6-3	190
9	Grigor Padun (C)	A	Kalinin Winterwolves	Valhalla University	28	5-11	160
10	Brian Vandevelde	A	Manakula Bulldogs	St. James University	22	5-10	180
12	Paddy Rogers	D/LSM	Manakula Bulldogs	University of Bane-Orton City	28	5-9	180
13	Gareth Stone	SSDM/M	Kalinin Winterwolves	Wicks College	29	5-10	160
14	Sireno Maul	LSM	Kalinin Winterwolves	Sosuk University	23	5-8	150
15	David Gaborov	M/A	Lindener Lions	Université technique du Pays de la Douche	27	6-1	170
16	Yan Makar	SSDM	Bosmond Stags	Valhalla University	23	6-4	180
17	Lauri Teunissen	FO	Pussonne Serpents	Université technique du Pays de la Douche	26	6-3	180
18	Ferguson White	M	Orton City Oilers	St. James University	22	6-6	210
20	Ryan Xang	G	Orton City Oilers	Kitsuartat University	21	5-11	155
21	Jesse Carlsen	D	Manakula Bulldogs	Valhalla University	23	6-1	170
22	Greg Rogers	D	Manakula Bulldogs	University of Bane-Orton City	28	6-1	185
24	Gino Martenot	M/A	Pussonne Serpents	Université technique du Pays de la Douche	20	5-9	130
25	Christian Ford	FO	Lindener Lions	Columbia University	24	5-7	150
26	Nathan Barker	M/A	Orton City Oilers	Dewitt University	26	5-9	160
28	Kelly Frisch	A	Carnstone Coyotes	Fanuk College	27	6-3	185
30	Trig Mercedes	D/LSM	Salem Seahawks	University of Cleopatrana	25	5-7	120
31	Otis Keller	M/A	Kalinin Winterwolves	Baxter University	20	5-8	145

Numbers 1-10 are regular starters. Numbers 12-18 are frequently used specialists. Numbers 20 and up are backups and reserves.

by **HUElavia** » Fri May 06, 2022 5:22 pm

HUElavia National Lacrosse Team

Coach: Eduardo Tenorio (40 Years Old)
Assistant Coach: Sara Lettman (37 Years Old) (1.72 m)
Style: +1.5

Goalkeepers:
#1: Vera Goff (31 Years Old) (1.78 m)
#13: Reginaldo Cunha Rezende (20 Years Old) (1.82 m)

Defenders:
#2: Mateus Mantovani de Lima (22 Years Old) (1.84 m)
#3: Lei Kang (23 Years Old) (1.78 m)
#4: Emilia Alda (23 Years Old) (1.75 m)
#5: Yulianna Federov (21 Years Old) (1.77 m)
#15: Yurak Cachi Maygua (19 Years Old) (1.78 m)
#18: Kelly Brito Branco (20 Years Old) (1.72 m)

Midfielders:
#6: Elmo Bohn (29 Years Old) (1.79 m)
#8: Chinasa Obi (30 Years Old) (1.66 m)
#10: Yasmin Gollancz-Schneider (29 Years Old) (1.63 m)
#12: Rita Moreira Higashi (17 Years Old) (1.68 m)
#14: Mamauqllu Guaman Pillpe (22 Years Old) (1.75 m)
#16: Jose Angel Mesonero (19 Years Old) (1.73 m)

Attackers:
#7: Shen Chan (19 Years Old) (1.70 m)
#9: Luciana Morales Branco (30 Years Old) (1.63 m)
#11: Breno Higashi Batista (24 Years Old) (1.77 m)
#17: Diego Valverde (21 Years Old) (1.72 m)
#19: Aleix Salazar (23 Years Old) (1.73 m)
#20: Sami Olaya Canchon (18 Years Old) (1.64 m)

Starting X:
Goff, Mantovani, Kang, Alda, Bohn, Obi, Gollancz-Schenider, Chan, Morales, Higashi

RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but nothing severe
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes, but nothing severe
Suspend my players: Yes, but be reasonable
Godmod suspension events: Yes, but be reasonable
Godmod other events: Yes

by **Geektopia** » Fri May 06, 2022 11:57 pm

G.K.T.A. // Nickname: The Netheads // Best Finish: Group Stage (WLCs 33 & 34) // Coach: Fotios Aanmjn'i (Born in Geektopia, Aimenan parents | Thorough, Messy, and Narrow-minded | Born at Homewood, Geektopia in April 11th, 4974 (2926 years old))

Code: Select all: STARTING #0 // Gapour // G // 5 ft 6 in // 186 lbs // Born in Marabou, Geektopia // 2099 years old // Tolerant, Self-sufficient, and Busy #2 // Loprevite // G // 5 ft 7 in // 205 lbs // Born in Guhernig, Geektopia // 4039 years old // Vacuous, Dirty, and Unimpressive #4 // Mahdvi // M // 6 ft 11 in // 150 lbs // Born in Mordecai, Geektopia // 3938 years old // Passive, Hardworking, and Provocative #5 // Yandouzi [C] // A // 5 ft 11 in // 259 lbs // Born in Mukladrue, Geektopoia // 3536 years old // Folksy, Casual, and Distractible #7 // Neythan Nuqlif // A // 7 ft 0 in // 160 lbs // Born in Tottoi, Geektopia // 1685 years old // Enthusiastic, Calm, and Appreciative #8 // Sparaco // A // 5 ft 9 in // 206 lbs // Born in Torah Ora, Geektopoia // 3968 years old // Malicious, Scrupulous, and Mellow #9 // Dlabajová // Fo // 6 ft 3 in // 240 lbs // Born in Bragremeightre, Geektopia // 2416 years old // Captivating, Critical, and Methodical #10 // Suitt // D // 6 ft 5 in // 232 lbs // Born in Murosinoe, Geektopia // 3472 years old // Phlegmatic, Unrestrained, and Repressed #11 // Romero Pizarro // M // 5 ft 4 in // 199 lbs // Born in Alyatju, Geektopia // 3769 years old // Mannerless, indecisive, and Invulnerable #13 // Jametra Thijae // D // 5 ft 10 in // 223 lbs // Born in Murosinoe, Geektopia // 1827 years old // Selfish, Fixed, and Nonauthoritarian #15 // de Nisco // SSDM // 6 ft 0 in // 222 lbs // Born in Nrina, Geektopia // 3409 years old // Small-thinking, Crazy, and Sloppy #18 // Prijden [Vc] // D // 5 ft 0 in // 153 lbs // Born in Isleshore, Geektopia // 3876 years old // Open, Attractive, and Self-reliant #31 // Monge Esquivel // D // 5 ft 5 in // 213 lbs // Born in Zune, Geektopia // 3413 years old // One-sided, Multi-leveled, Frightening #33 // Donatucci // A // 6 ft 2 in // 174 lbs // Born in Tale, Geektopia // 4089 years old // Dogmatic, Prim, and One-dimensional #34 // Otakar Ashud // M // 6 ft 7 in // 241 lbs // Born in Turinigre, Geektopia // 3970 years old // Amoral, Individualistic, and Repentant #40 // Tamalou // SSDM // 5 ft 7 in // 161 lbs // Born in Letter, Geektopia // 3317 years old // Bewildered, Tasteless, and Pugnacious #41 // Bettesone // A // 6 ft 5 in // 207 lbs // Born in Pushakui, Geektopia // 2041 years old // Arbitrary, Stubborn, and Ruined #43 // Jakuboszczak // A // 5 ft 10 in // 249 lbs // Born in Tale, Geektopia // 4103 years old // Easily Discouraged, Colorless, and Venomous

Code: Select all: SECONDARIES #5 // Jelaficija // SSDM // 6 ft 7 in // 173 lbs // Born in Mordecai, Geektopia // 2716 years old // Condemnatory, Zany, and Muddle-headed #1 // Arkee Dinalukatha [Vvc] // M // 6 ft 7 in // 176 lbs // Born in Etehokun, Geektopia // 3218 years old // Arrogant, Irreligious, and Old-fashioned #44 // Sulo // D // 5 ft 9 in // 238 lbs // Born in Rod Guafre, Geektopia // 3589 years old // Opinionated, Forceful, and Quiet #51 // Phenyx Tlukar // D // 6 ft 11 in // 156 lbs // Born in Letter, Geektopia // 3693 years old // Sordid, Unrealistic, and Cheerful #53 // Rekittke // A // 5 ft 1 in // 159 lbs // Born in Zumamai, Geektopia // 3766 years old // Aloof, Subtle, and Clean #77 // Jared // FO // 5 ft 4 in // 227 lbs // Born in Nyakitaa, Geektopia // 2812 years old // Fawning, Greedy, and Skeptical #81 // Kadagal // D // 5 ft 9 in // 232 lbs // Born in Fratozusk, Geektopia // 2457 years old // Insecure, Unhurried, and Flexible

Home Kits look like this
------------------------------

Away Kits look like this
------------------------------

RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes
Suspend my players: Yes
Godmod suspension events: No
Godmod other events: Yes

World Cup 81/82/83/84

BAKER PARK NATIONAL LACROSSE TEAM

World Lacrosse Championships
Third Place--38
Fourth Place--34
Quarterfinals--30/31/32/33/35/36/37/39
Hosts--31/37

Atlantian Oceania Lacrosse Championships
Third Place--AOLC 3 & 4

Champions Challenge Cup 2
Runner-up

Previously controlled by the Universities Athletics Coalition, the sport is now governed by the Baker Park Lacrosse Association (BPLA). Dawn Thornton, the BPLA Chairwoman is currently serving her second term as Vice President of the World Lacrosse Council.
Baker Park first entered a team in the 29th World Lacrosse Championship, co-hosted in Razenthuria & Banija; the all-female squad made up of college-aged players advanced from pool play to the knockout round.
The nation has hosted the 31st and 37th editions of the WLC, as well as the 2nd Atlantian Oceania Lacrosse Classic, prior to WLC 34.
While the sport in BP was traditionally a female pursuit, males participated in intramural or recreational level competition; with the expansion of game into official intercollegiate recognition, the National Team have adopted an all gender policy which has seen expansion of the player pool.

Current Ranking--3rd
All Time Record--83 wins, 41 losses (64-27 in WLC)
Nickname--a recent revival has brought the identification of many of the nation's sporting teams as "Elks" back into modern usage; the Elk (Wapiti) is the national animal of the Commonwealth.
Style Modifier--+1.2

Head Coach: Shannon Fries
Assistant Coaches: Megan Ostrander, Ted Yount, Victoria Grimshaw.

13	Darryl Dillion		27	MF
18	Jeremy Oliver		25	GK
 8	Sandra Jefferson	28	DF
 4	Penny Rosewater	        24	DF
10	Jacob Kohl		28	DF  Co-Captain
17	Cole Snyder		25	DF
14	Ellie Mendevlovich	25	AT
11	Tricia Vanderpool	24	AT			  
 6	Alex Nelson		24	AT
12	Scott Locksley		27	MF          
19	Darcie Switzer		24	MF
 3	Grace Greene		29	MF  Co-Captain
 2	Eric Lennox		27	MF
 9	Kerri Hubert		24	MF    
 7	Ben Appleman		27	AT
15	Cassie Hohman	        25	DF
 1	Clarissa Pohl		24 	MF
16	Lana Figueroa		26	DF
 5	Danielle Grimaldi	26	AT
20	Mackenzie Parker	27	GK

RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y (duration of the match only, please)
Godmod Injuries to my players: Y
Suspend my players: Y
Godmod suspension events: see below
Godmod other events: maybe--drop me a TG or a PM via Discord to pitch an idea

World Cup 81/82/83/84

BP, Vans to face off on Day One
by Jeff Wallace, Sports Desk
The Western Observer

Istria, Banija--Ahead of the opening match here in the 40th World Lacrosse Championship, Head Coach Shannon Fries was asked in her media conference what the differences between her second tournament as NT boss and her first one might be.
"Everything. We're in a different country, different region. Different opponents. Every game is a new problem to be solved, a new challenge to be faced. We're starting at zero, like everyone else."

If you thought Fries would be a bit nonplussed about the whole head coaching thing--all she did in her first year was sweep through the group with the best offense & defense to earn the top seed in the knockout round only to be upset by Abanhfleft in their quarterfinal matchup, the eighth time in ten trips that they've failed to advance.

Fries was part of the squad that advanced to the preliminary knockout stage in the nation's debut back in WLC 29, where they upset Qasden on the final day to move on, only to be matched up against the Vans a week later in Busukuma, suffering what is still the worst defeat in national team history, a 24-3 rout that Fries herself performed so poorly in that she asked to be benched at halftime.

The Elks enter their 12th WLC ranked third in the multiverse, the same ranking they held in Cassadigua and face an extremely tough gauntlet to earn another playoff berth; aside from Qasden, they will also take on the Fleftics and former World Champions St Saratoga who return after a lengthy hiatus from the competition, in addition to the always dangerous Natanians & Nosts side, ranked 11th.

Baker Park bring an unchanged roster from last time, as Fries was reluctant to bring in new players who would have to be integrated into a strong rotation; the starting lineup are nearly all hitting their prime as the tournament commences and the coach is confident that they will be able to pick up where they left off in the last edition.

The date with the fifth ranked Flefts will be on the penultimate group stage matchday, at the same Mugisha III Memorial Stadium where BP's Cinderella run came crashing to a halt. Fries waved off the coincidence, saying she had no worries returning to Busukuma for the first time since the defeated to the Qads.

"Like I say, it's a different time, I'm a different person than I was then. These players don't know anything about that other than what they've seen or heard or read. There's a lot of ground to cross before we got there and I'm only going to think about it when the time comes."

by **Cassadaigua** » Sun May 08, 2022 7:22 am

Team Cassadaigua- WLC 40

Team Nickname: Fillies and/or Dagans
Demonym: People from Cassadaigua are called Cassadagans, or simply, Dagans. However, if you call us something else like Cassadaiguans, I simply look at it as that is how your nation references us, and don’t get concerned about it.

Uniforms:
Home: Pink with black lettering and trim.
Away: Black with pink lettering and trim. (If clashes with an opponent- Will wear home uniform).

Roster:
(Regular Starters In Green)
(Bench Players In Red)

Goalkeepers:
#21- Stefanie Donaldson (31)
#20- Crystal Ogilvie (33)
#1- Brittany DiNovo (26)

Defense:
#6- Nicole Wohlers (28)
#7- Kristen Gratton (27)
#5- Hannah Tromblay (33) (Team Captain)
#2- Krystine Douglas (26)
#3- Adrienne Martinque (27)
#4- Maggie Suarez (26)

Midfield:
#13- Becca Landover (29)
#14- Brittney Tremont (28)
#16- Courtney Schulz (27)
#17- Brianna Quick (24)
#22- Jessica Chatfield (25)
#24- Meghan Hoglund (23)

Attack:
#19- Jenna Matthews (27)
#8- Gabby Kempster (27)
#18- Christina Phillips (26)
#10- Kimberly Munson (24)
#12- Sierra Pendleton (25)
#9- Brooke Williams (27)

#11 is retired in honor of Jessica Crockett

Coach: Jessica Crockett (44)
Asst Coach: Michelle Eastwood (43)

Team Notes:
- Team is neutral in focus, both offensively and defensively, but a high modifier is used due to the scoring ability of the the attack.
- Team is not looking to be excessively physical, and will shy away from any cheap actions. Physical play is kept within the rules. However, if others get cheap will us, they will respond accordingly. They are not afraid to throw punches (or receive them) from male players, but will only do so in response to an opponent's actions, they do not instigate it. Instigating something with Proctor is not advised unless your player is exceptionally good at fighting.

Style: +1.5

RP Permissions
Choose my goal scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but only say they were hurt. I will determine the severity.
Godmod Injuries to my players: No
Suspend my players: Yes, but no more then one more then you suspend of your own.
Godmod suspension events: No
Godmod other events: Doubtful, but TG me if you have something interesting you think I might like, and I may go along.

by **Banija** » Sun May 08, 2022 9:30 am

The first cutoff of the 40th WLCs! That's one less thing to worry about!

See the following Host Announcement as well.

Matchday 1

Group A
Banija 8–5 Sudilia
The Cordian Isles 5–9 Great Orange
Delaclava 5–4 Hannasea

Group A                       Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Great Orange                 1   1  0    9   5  +4
2 Banija                       1   1  0    8   5  +3
3 Delaclava                    1   1  0    5   4  +1
4 Hannasea                     1   0  1    4   5  −1
5 Sudilia                      1   0  1    5   8  −3
6 The Cordian Isles            1   0  1    5   9  −4

Group B
St. Saratoga 8–9 The 14 Stars
Baker Park 9–10 Qasden
Abanhfleft 14–9 Natanians and Nosts

Group B                       Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Abanhfleft                   1   1  0   14   9  +5
2 Qasden                       1   1  0   10   9  +1
3 The 14 Stars                 1   1  0    9   8  +1
4 Baker Park                   1   0  1    9  10  −1
5 St. Saratoga                 1   0  1    8   9  −1
6 Natanians and Nosts          1   0  1    9  14  −5

Group C
Republic of Ludwigsburg 14–15 South Jeolerina
HUElavia 14–10 Ranoria
Arjunnagar 18–14 Cassadaigua

Group C                       Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Arjunnagar                   1   1  0   18  14  +4
2 HUElavia                     1   1  0   14  10  +4
3 South Jeolerina              1   1  0   15  14  +1
4 Republic of Ludwigsburg      1   0  1   14  15  −1
5 Cassadaigua                  1   0  1   14  18  −4
6 Ranoria                      1   0  1   10  14  −4

Group D
Kyhun 17–12 Bollonich
Sarzonia 13–10 Soldera
Geektopia 3–13 Kriegiersien

Group D                       Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Kriegiersien                 1   1  0   13   3 +10
2 Kyhun                        1   1  0   17  12  +5
3 Sarzonia                     1   1  0   13  10  +3
4 Soldera                      1   0  1   10  13  −3
5 Bollonich                    1   0  1   12  17  −5
6 Geektopia                    1   0  1    3  13 −10

by **Delaclava** » Sun May 08, 2022 11:10 am

Rock Paper Scissors

Phoenixes to Banijan organizers: "Something's wrong with your balls"

It was the perfect setup to kick off a milestone 40th World Lacrosse Championship. In Banija, the second-ranked lacrosse team of a socially and economically robust nation, a beautiful historical metropolis like Herzegovina City, inside a shiny and stunning stadium that has hosted a myriad of important stick-and-ball battles.

But in the end, the Banijan organizers just didn't have the balls to pull it off.

The lacrosse balls, you sicko.

Complaints and suspicions arose throughout a day of play of Kizza I Field, where the scoring started low and got even lower. The six teams in action tallied just 36 goals, and by the time the Delaclava Phoenixes and the Hannasea Hannaseans took the field last, they were only able to muster nine goals total. Fortunately, the Phoenixes still took a majority of that low number, squeaking out a 5-4 victory to open the campaign.

The field was still nearly immaculate, the weather was beautiful - and so attention immediately fell on the lacrosse balls.

"They were nearly impossible to control," in the words of a relieved Grigor Padun, who led the game's scoring with two. "They felt light, like toys. They had no weight to them. Every shot we had, they floated instead of zipped."

Goaltender David Wallin added, "It got worse as the game went on. The surface of the balls looked all worn and nicked. I thought I played well, but there wasn't a ton I really needed to do." True to Wallin's word, the players entered halftime at a score of 3-3, with the Phoenixes winning the second half by a margin of just 2-1.

Michael Querrey, who added one goal, took a more diplomatic approach. "I know the balls were different than what we're accustomed to. I think the international standard is slightly different so that's on us. Add to that we're dealing with rust, frustration, and a tough opponent, and maybe there was a lot more going on... I thought something was weird with the balls too, but it might be something we just have to figure out. You work with what you've got, you know?"

ULTimate, the governing organization of Delaclav domestic and international lacrosse, and its president Dan Cressy clarified in a statement: "We understand and appreciate the concerns of our players who competed today in Herzegovina City. We neither endorse nor reject their claims at this time and look forward to an open dialogue with the tournament organizing committee on this matter."

Cressy noted that the scoring problems did not persist around the competition, with Group B scoring 59 goals in Istria, Group C racking up 85 in Dodoma, and Group D tallying 68 in Jinja City. "Those figures indicate, at worst, an anomaly for which we express only minimal and measured concern at this time." The Phoenixes, who have never exactly been an offensive powerhouse in this sport, were the third-lowest scoring team on Day 1 and the lowest-scoring winners. The three Group A winners were the lowest-scoring winners, and only one team in the other groups, win or lose, was outscored by any team in Group A. (Sorry Geektopia, you nerds.)

Above all, newly selected captain Padun expressed his gratitude to open the tournament with a win. "We've started our last few tournaments badly and tried, and failed, to play catchup. We haven't started with a win in a long time and it feels great no matter how it comes. Emotions of all kinds are running high for us. We'll revisit this game, regroup, and keep going."

Low scoring affairs are no fun, either for the participants or for the spectators. (Although, at least this isn't a sport where games are routinely nil-nil? Could you imagine?? Gross.) But in the end, size does matter, and the Phoenixes were fortunate to draw the short stick instead of the slightly shorter stick.

by **Ranoria** » Sun May 08, 2022 2:33 pm

The Ranorian Krauts of Lacrosse are one of the most mean, violent teams you're ever going to run into. Most of the stars of this team are on the defensive end, and honestly the three starters there are the best players on the team. Hell, the top 4 guys there are likely the best 4 on the squad, so don't expect a lot of shootouts.

In their first season, the Krauts surprisingly managed a winning record before their debutant season was highlighted by a 15-10 victory over the top-ranked Fleftics in the first round of the knockout stage. This go-round, they're hoping to build on that success and establish themselves as a consistent playoff contender.

Team Success:
Overall Record: 9-7
WLC 38 Group Stage Record: 4-3
Knockout Stage Record: 1-1
At Home: 2-1
Away: 2-2
Home Goals For/Against: 44/23
Away Goals For/Against: 31/47
Neutral Goals For/Against: 25/21
Total Goals For/Against: 95/91

WLC 39:
Group Stage: 4-2
Group Stage Goals For/Against: 70/49
Knockouts: 0-1
Knockout Goals For/Against: 13/14

Home Field: Smith Field in Richardson, Ranoria. Also used by the World Cup team, Smith Field features iconic red turf

Staff:
Head Coach: Valentino Samuel, 41 years old
Assistant Coach, Offense: Terrence Cannon, 34 years old
Assistant Coach, Defense: Nehamaiah Markus, 39 years old
Team Captains: Viggo Grayson, Sam Frodin

Key:

Name, age, gender, height/weight, standout trait (if any)

Attackers:

Name               Gender  Age      Size
Reoul Schmidt        M     31      6-2/200
Tony Klein           M     33      6-1/185
Billbert Kowanzigg   M     27       6/180
Mille Quiggins       F     35      5-11/175
Marcus Quark         M     34      6-3/185

Name               Gender  Age      Size
Jack Switzer         M     28      6-1/170
Curry Clank          M     27      6-1/190
Billbert Holmes      M     32      5-11/185
Arian Muller         M     31      6-3/190

Defenders

Name               Gender  Age      Size
Viggo Grayson        M     29      6-2/190
Sam Frodin           M     27      5-10/175
Miranda Blanchett    F     25       6/170
Orlando Rhys-Davies  M     26      6-1/190

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Elks drop group opener
by Jeff Wallace, Sports Desk
The Western Observer

Herzegovina City, Banija--The organizers of the 40th World Lacrosse Championship have devised a schedule that sees the four groups rotate among the host venues, ensuring three matches per day at each location.

The Group B circus has settled in here for the second round of matches following a trio of entertaining, competitive games in Istria; unfortunately for the Baker Park National Team, they came out on the short end of a 10-9 decision against Qasden in the second fixture of the day.

The loss snapped an 11 game winning streak in group stage play dating back to WLC 38, and was just the third over the last 25 round-robin pool fixtures over the last four tournaments.

The 14 Stars will be the opponent at the Kizza I Stadium, coming off their first WLC win over former World Champions St Saratoga, and will be the first of two unranked debutants that the NT will face, as Bendicion will be the next up on MD 3 in Sisokne.

The buzz in H-City after day 1 was largely about the quality of the balls used in the Group A games centered around Delaclava's players questioning whether those used in their 5-4 win over Hannsea were even legal standard, as they pointed out the dearth of scoring relative to the other matches played in the other three pools.

NT Head Coach Shannon Fries wouldn't be drawn into the discussion, saying that the balls themselves weren't a problem in the Vans game, but rather the lack of them finding the back of the Qasden net.
"There are always first game nerves for every team, and considering how we didn't have a regional (tournament) to shake off the rust, ours were a bit more pronounced. I'd like for us to show more discipline and purpose in transition into the offensive half than we did (against the Qads) last time. We were just far too sloppy at inopportune moments and we were made to pay for it."

Fries said she would stay with her plan to rotate the starting lineup heavily for the second game despite the 14 Stars result and wouldn't hesitate to change up the penalty units if there was a need to provide a spark.

by **Banija** » Mon May 09, 2022 7:35 am

The second cutoff of the 40th WLCs! Just Set Fire to the Rain Folks!

For the rest of the group stage, I will be offering a small prompt. These prompts are not required and there is no extra bonus for doing them compared with doing a match report or any other type of RP; they’re simply there because, with a long group stage format and many tournaments competing for attention, inspiration may be running thin. Feel free to respond in whatever format you like – or ignore them entirely.

Today's prompt is about Lacrosse fandom in your country. Where does lacrosse rank among the various sports in your country? How dedicated is the lacrosse fanbase in your nation?

Matchday 2

Group A
Great Orange 3–12 Delaclava
Sudilia 7–9 The Cordian Isles
Vangaziland 2–27 Banija

  Group A                     Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Banija                       2   2  0   35   7 +28
2 Delaclava                    2   2  0   17   7 +10
3 Great Orange                 2   1  1   12  17  −5
4 The Cordian Isles            2   1  1   14  16  −2
5 Hannasea                     1   0  1    4   5  −1
6 Sudilia                      2   0  2   12  17  −5
7 Vangaziland                  1   0  1    2  27 −25

Group B
Qasden 4–20 Abanhfleft
The 14 Stars 4–19 Baker Park
Bendicion 11–13 St. Saratoga

  Group B                     Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Abanhfleft                   2   2  0   34  13 +21
2 Qasden                       2   1  1   14  29 −15
3 Baker Park                   2   1  1   28  14 +14
4 The 14 Stars                 2   1  1   13  27 −14
5 St. Saratoga                 2   1  1   21  20  +1
6 Bendicion                    1   0  1   11  13  −2
7 Natanians and Nosts          1   0  1    9  14  −5

Group C
Ranoria 15–10 Arjunnagar
South Jeolerina 11–5 HUElavia
StrayaRoos 3–9 Republic of Ludwigsburg

  Group C                     Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 South Jeolerina              2   2  0   26  19  +7
2 HUElavia                     2   1  1   19  21  −2
3 Ranoria                      2   1  1   25  24  +1
4 Republic of Ludwigsburg      2   1  1   23  18  +5
5 Arjunnagar                   2   1  1   28  29  −1
6 Cassadaigua                  1   0  1   14  18  −4
7 StrayaRoos                   1   0  1    3   9  −6

Group D
Soldera 10–10 Geektopia (13–10 OT)
Bollonich 5–13 Sarzonia
Quebec & Shingoryeo 10–15 Kyhun

  Group D                     Pld  W  L   GF  GA  GD 
1 Sarzonia                     2   2  0   26  15 +11
2 Kyhun                        2   2  0   32  22 +10
3 Kriegiersien                 1   1  0   13   3 +10
4 Soldera                      2   1  1   23  23   0
5 Quebec & Shingoryeo          1   0  1   10  15  −5
6 Bollonich                    2   0  2   17  30 −13
7 Geektopia                    2   0  2   13  26 −13

by **Sarzonia** » Mon May 09, 2022 7:44 am

The game clock read 5:46 remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite looking over and seeing some of his opponent's players gasping for breath during a timeout, as the unit clearly demonstrated they were out of lacrosse shape, and in some cases, out of shape period, Jordan Helms looked up and saw his Sarzonian national lacrosse team, owners of 28 consecutive WLC match victories and the last three WLC titles all but dead even with massive underdogs Soldera.

The longer we let them hang around, the better chance we have of letting them beat us, Helms had told his charges at halftime as the score read level at seven goals each. The current score only saw the beer leaguers of Soldera trailing the three-time defending champions by one goal. It came down to the faceoff as Noah Ryanson jogged out to the X. Ryanson was having one of his worst matches, and Helms cycled through all three of his FOGOs during the match trying to find a hot enough hand to allow his team to gain possession and weather the unexpected storm. Ryanson looked across at Ed Fanning, who'd won 14 of 21 draws to that point in the match.

Fundamentals, Ryanson thought. Back to fundamentals. He flicked his wrist as soon as he heard the referee blow the whistle to start the sequence. Ryanson scooped up the ball that rolled three feet to his left and just behind him, then fired it to midfielder Gio Guardio and jogged off. Guardio for his part scanned the pitch and started staring down attack Colin Grassley. The defenders began to shade toward him and the defensive mids began to try to get in the lanes to take away the pass to Grassley. Little did the Solderan players realise that was exactly what Guardio wanted them to do, as he found Nick Loewen who had begun to shed his mark. Loewen fired a bouncer that slipped between the legs of goalie Brad Nesbitt to give the Stars a two-goal margin.

The Stars began a muted celebration on the sidelines, fully aware that four minutes and change remaining in the fourth quarter did not mean they'd won the match. They knew they had more work to do in order to overcome a spirited challenge from a tiring Soldera. Ryanson was back out there facing Fanning at the X, feeling the need to win another faceoff to ensure that momentum remained on Sarzonia's side. He felt the ball start to slip away in favour of Fanning, but then heard the whistle and saw the signal. Faceoff violation. Sarzonia possession. He started jogging off as Guardio again took possession of the ball. He then fired across to attack Martin Page, who decided to start milking the shot clock and looking for an opening.

In the early going, that strategy led to a couple of shot clock violations and poor attempts to get the ball on crease as time wore down. In the early going, the beer leaguers and amateurs were actually executing Matt Chastain's game plan to perfection and it kept the Snakes competitive. But now, with the match very much on the line and the older, less in-shape players on Soldera tiring fast, they began to make physical mistakes that gave Grassley the opening he would need to finally notch his second goal of the contest with 1:36 remaining. It would prove to be the final margin of victory as Sarzonia escaped the unranked Snakes with a 13-10 victory.

For Helms, the close result against a team some observers said didn't deserve to hold Sarzonia's jocks felt like a defeat, even though that same scoreline against world No. 2 in the previous WLC final brought elation to the Stars. The Stars hadn't rounded into their peak form just yet. They still had work to do to get to where they wanted to be. And they just barely squeaked by a team that had no business being competitive with the top ranked team in the multiverse. And yet, Helms knew one thing about the result. A win's a win. He's learned to appreciate the result for what it was: A win. A wake-up call for his troops ahead of their match against No. 14 Bollonich, who dropped their WLC 40 debut to another unranked side in Kyhun. Meanwhile, the second highest ranked team in the group, Kriegiersien demolished Geektopia, the third unranked team by a 13-3 scoreline.

If you believed the form, Sarzonia's streak might be in jeopardy, but the Stars have won close matches during the group stage before en route to the three consecutive world titles. And in hindsight, Helms felt that the close wins last time out helped them against Banija in the most recent final as that one finished 13-10. The Stars got where they are now by playing both close matches and blowouts. Helms also carried the understanding that losing the streak during the group stage wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but losing the streak during the knockout rounds would be devastating to a team seeking to claim its fourth consecutive title and ninth overall.

It's only one match, Helms knew. There's a lot more work to be done.

by **Soldera** » Mon May 09, 2022 8:46 am

Anyone predicting the first two matches for the Solderan national lacrosse team likely would have penciled in a defeat to Sarzonia. That much was expected to be a given.

After all, Sarzonia were riding a 28-WLC match winning streak and were owners of the last three World Lacrosse Championships. Not only that, but Sarzonia had eight titles overall, more than one fifth of the total number of WLCs that have been contested. They were No. 1 in the lacrosse multiverse by a country mile over No. 2 Banija. If there was one thing Sarzonia knew how to do, it was win the matches they were supposed to. Against a team that was one of the best in the sport, a bunch of beer leaguers and too-young amateurs had little chance to even stay within hailing distance.

And yet, they were within a goal of the Stars with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Stars, true to form, rallied to win the match 13-10. Sure, it might take the three-time defending champions to show their mettle, but once they did, the world was often fucked. Now, the Snakes were facing a Geektopia side that was coming off a blowout defeat to the other top 10-ranked team in Group D, Kriegiersien. The Snakes had worked hard in practice to not only get more acclimated with their system and each other, but also to round into lacrosse shape for the most fit players. For the other, out of shape beer leaguers, their basic task was to get into shape. And not, in the case of their biggest players, in the sense that round is a shape.

Matt Chastain felt a lump in his throat as two attempts by his attack to notch the match-winner in regulation whistled wide. A third attempt just before the final whistle of regulation sounded clanged off the crease and harmlessly away. They'd have a four-minute overtime period to determine the winner. Finally, after the four minutes that felt like an eternity, the Snakes emerged with a 13-10 victory that improved their standing in the group to 1-1. They were behind the Stars and fellow unranked sides Kyhun, which pulled off an upset in defeating Quebec and Shingoryeo 15-10.

However, the Snakes were too tired to celebrate their overtime win over Geektopia. Chastain saw the team amble slowly to the dressing room with scarcely a high-five punctuating the air of a team who were happy, but exhausted. He decided he would cancel the physical practice he'd scheduled and decided instead to focus on mental prep work for the match against Kriegiersien.

They had a bye, he thought about the seventh ranked team in the multiverse having extra time to prepare for his team. It's definitely not ideal for us.

Then again, neither is having a collection of players who were so desperately out of shape that canceling practice felt like the only choice Chastain had. He hoped that by the end of qualifying, his team would be able to play a match and not have to hobble around like a bunch of centenarians. He figured it might be a pipe dream, but perhaps his team would be in better shape by the time the group stage ended, whether his team remained in Banija or not.

by **Sarzonia** » Mon May 09, 2022 11:05 am

After he saw his Sarzonian national lacrosse team just barely escape from a battle against unranked and unheralded Soldera, Jordan Helms was quick to heap praise on his counterpart Matt Chastain. He was effusive in his praise of the hard work the Snakes put in to keep the match within a goal for nearly 55 minutes of match time.

Privately, he was furious. The fact that a team with the pedigree of his own couldn't blow out an unranked side with No. 14 Bollonich lurking afterward angered him. The team fought hard, but there was something a little bit off about the team's match against Soldera. Sure, they came up big at just the right time, but Helms knew his team's run as a three-time champion riding an unbelievable winning streak was about to end if they played the same way against Bollonich.

Bollonish had played the Stars tough in the previous edition's group stage, losing by one goal in both matches, including an overtime contest on Matchday 5. They were coming off a five-goal defeat to unranked Kyhun and potentially smelled Stars blood in the water. If there was a match that was ripe for a streak-ending upset, it was this one.

Or not.

Sarzonia controlled the match from the opening faceoff and dominated Bollonich en route to a 13-5 victory that gave the Stars a 2-0 record and top in the Group D table by a plus-one goal differential over Kyhun, which knocked off another ranked team in Quebec and Shingoryeo 15-10. Sarzonia will face Quebec and Shingoryeo on Matchday 3 as Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Tam Carter announced they were extending an invitation to their Quebecois counterpart to sit together and potentially open talks aimed at rapprochement between the two countries. Sarzonia continues to have frosty relations with countries that split from Atlantian Oceania to join the Anaian region, although discussions with Krytenia are "ongoing."

"That's completely out of my area of expertise," Helms said when asked about the geopolitical ramifications of the match with Quebec and Shingoryeo. "As far as I'm concerned, our focus is on their being the No. 17 team in the multiverse and coming off an upset loss."

A spokesperson for Carter said they were looking forward to both the match and the opportunity to discuss relations between the countries.

"We believe sport can be a terrific avenue to break the ice between nations," the spokesperson said, pointing to the success Carter's predecessor Bryan Conway had in helping to build ties with host nation Banija during WLC 37 in Baker Park. That tournament was highlighted by high-level talks between Conway and Omugabe Ttembo, or prince of Banija. The two countries also saw high level talks between the Banijan Kabaka, or king, and President Haffner during the college gridball match between then-Woodstock City College and Northern Moravica University at Ruwani Motor Speedway.

As for Soldera, the collection of too-young amateurs and too fat beer-leaguers pulled off an overtime victory over fellow unranked side Geektopia 13-10. They will face No. 7 Kriegiersien next.

by **Banija** » Mon May 09, 2022 1:00 pm

"The Balls are fine"- Banijans throw 27 past Vangaziland as they race ahead to their 2nd win in 2 tries at WLC 40

ISTRIA, MORAVICA- Banija moved south to Istria for our second game of the WLCs, the first on home soil in 36 years- since WLC 29. There are not so great memories of the last two WLCs that were on home soil. WLC 28? After an undefeated 3-0 group stage, a loss to 1-2 Juvencus in the round of 16, while being the top seed for the knockout stages, sent Banijan lacrosse into a spiral. And then when we came back to home soil at the very next tournament, only to suffer our first(and still our only) ever group stage elimination at this tournament? It sent us from a spiral into a tailspin. Of course, that was a long time ago, and Banijan lacrosse has long since recovered from those debacles. We've clearly established ourselves as the #2 team in international lacrosse, at least entering this tournament.

We opened the tournament against Sudilia at Kizza I Field, the unofficial largest lacrosse-specific stadium in the multiverse. With a ceremony worthy of the occasion, 33,000 packed Kizza I Field to see Banija open a WLCs on home soil for the first time since WLC 29. With back-to-back silver medal finishes, the team is eager to try and ride home field advantage to our first ever victory in this tournament. ANd it came in a close game against an unranked Sudilia side, who were making their tournament debut. It was a tight affair, as even a heavily favored Banijan squad struggled to seperate themselves from Sudilia. It was a theme for Matchday 1 for the teams in Group A, as Herzegovina City did not see a lot of goal action. But in a game that was tied just 4-4 at halftime, it was the Banijans who pulled ahead. While we've never won a title, it is not the group stage that has tripped us up. We were able to do what we could to find goals.

The lack of goal scoring on Matchday 1 was actually a theme for Group A, with the Delaclavs complaining about the balls. Banijan organizers said that they'd look into the claims, officially. "Banija is a country that loves this sport, and we take our duties as the tournament's host extremely seriously." Said a spokesman for the Olympic Committee of Banija. "We will make sure to take a good, hard look at the balls that are used for this tournament." On the other hand, there were some organizers that were dismissive, despite the distinct lack of goalscoring in all three games in Herzegovina City. 'No need to make a mountain out of a molehill'. Said another organizer, who asked to be left anonymous. 'Players have off-days, it happens. The balls are fine.'

And that seemed to be true when Group A moved to Istria. The goals were coming for Group A on Matchday 2, especially for Banija. Banija's offensive talent didn't really get a chance to assert itself on Matchday 1, as it was more of the team's grit that won the day. But Matchday 2 was the opposite. Banija simply starting scoring- and then, simply started piling it on. And we never stopped, either. We never stopped to the tune of 27 goals. When we led 9-0 after one, and 16-1 at halftime? Absolutely stunning. "One of the most dominant, all-around performances I've ever been a part of." Said Allen Budaye, the Head Coach. "Not even I can find anything critical to say of that performance. No matter, that's exactly what you want to see when you're going into a bye."

Maybe not, because don't you want to carry that momentum? But no matter, as all good vibes going into the break. Budaye said he's giving his players the Matchday off, and with the tournament in country, his players are going home for two days. "It is all about a balance at these international tournaments." Coach Budaye told reporters. "But the players, the coaching staff, etc... Let them see their families. Break their bubbles for a little bit. That can be done easily when the tournament is on home soil- why would we stop that?" We'll see if the day off can keep them fresh. The Cordian Isles are on Matchday 4, and a matchup with Delaclava looms on Matchday 5- one that could potentially be a table-decider within Group A.

40th World Lacrosse Championships- Everything Thread

40th World Lacrosse Championships- Everything Thread

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