World Lacrosse Championships 44 - Everything Thread

[TJUN-ia]

After the First Battle of of the Brief Flutter, the Little War Jagaurs were 1-0 and coming off the bye refreshed and ready to get to work in Group A. That is a testament to Ty Halftown and his team, who have certainly come into this WLC mentally prepared and ready to play the game they love to the very best of their abilities. So in this special edition double-header episode of this story, what did they do?

Up first would be debutants New Umoja over at Otongo Field in Kaledi. This game was expected to be the start of the really testing time where our true abilities would be revealed...and we beat them, fair and square. They did manage 4 goals in this game, 3 from Zaire Shepherd and 1 from Kairo Patterson, but we were simply were too powerful for them on the day with 12 goals to our name. Shonwahnonkon Sundown got 4, Nadin Qaraqra and Nayu Ueno got 3 each and both Ri Un-jong and Rachael Kwas came off the bench to get us up to 12. 12-4. Brutal.

Then we went to Angokulo Park to face #21 Quebec and Shingoryeo in what was expected to be the toughest Battle so far...only for it to be a complete destruction of the #21 team in the sport. They got three goals...but we got 14. FOURTEEN! Naylea Monterroso, Nayu Ueno, Shonwahnonkon Sundown and Nadin Qaraqra all got hatricks in this game while the final 2 goals went to Ri Bin-yong and Jak Hardy respectively. We made the #21 team look like THAT! 14-3. Holy fuck.

So yeah...we are 3-0, and in convincing fashion at that. We may not keep this momentum up but for the moment, we are indeed cooking. The biggest test yet is next, facing #5 Sarzonia over at O'Hara House in Dansville, in what is expected to be a clash of titans in the WLC. FIGHT ON, LITTLE WAR JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group A)
MD1: vs Tero al Disco (UR) - Nyibombo Stadium, Nyibombo W 10-1 (1st)
MD2: BYE (2nd)
MD3: vs New Umoja (UR) - Otongo Field, Kaledi W 12-4 (1st)
MD4: vs Quebec and Shingoryeo (21) - Angokulo Park, Angokulo W 14-3 (1st)
MD5: vs Sarzonia (5) - O'Hara House, Dansville
MD6: vs Banija (4) - O'Hara House, Dansville
MD7: vs Captina Island (11) - Kingdom Field, Zansasi

[Natanians and Nosts]

Technicals:
Coach: Frans Mihai Carolus Sousa
--Goalkeeper Assistant: François Ápius Souza
--Deffense and Midfield Assistant: Mihai Foslio Tibiriçá
--Attackers Assistant: Ion Bruno da Silva

Starters:

# 	Name	position	 	age
12	 Victor Júnio Constantinescu	goalkeeper	35
14	Nacto Notoário Pompílio	 	deffense	42
4 	Mihai Carolus Priscus	 	deffense	44
5 	Carolus Ion Ionescu	 	deffense	29
13	 Mihai Ion Dmitrievitch  	deffense	38
7 	José Túpac Tupsiak	 	midfield	42
8	Carolus Ioannis Cherokee	midfield	34
15	 Cláudio Júlio Pompeu	 	midfield	44
9 	Gabriel Martin Moura	 	attacker	39
11	Carolus Juscelino Gomes	 	attacker	21

*Captain's name is in blue

Bench

# 	Name                         	position      	age
2 	Carolus Públius Ubillinski	deffense	36
3 	Mihai Juan Morales           	deffense	37
6 	Carolus Mihai Porto        	midfield	33
10	 Gheorghe Ion Mihailescu	midfield	28
21	 Pierre Cláudius North        	attacker	45
22	 João Victor Ospina           	goalkeeper	39
23	 Caio Júnio Bijelo      	attacker	40
24	Mihai Ion Ionescu	 	goalkeeper	28

If my opponent RPs first, he/she may:
Chose my goal scorers: Yes 
godmod scoring events: Yes
Suspended my players: Yes(only one per match,not the capitain or the goalkeeper)
godmod suspension events: No
godmod other events: No

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonia's national lacrosse team supporters were getting anxious about the team's last four matches. Granted, they had a bronze medal in the inaugural Hui Kai Arrosian regional lacrosse competition to show for their pre-qualifying exploits, but a team with nine World Lacrosse Championships has higher standards.

A 1-1 record in their first two matches in the group stage of the 44th World Lacrosse Championships certainly doesn't meet the absurdly high standards set by the Stars. Being outscored by six goals in two matches did not calm the tides of concern in Woodstock.

They finally resembled the Sarzonian teams of old in their third match, walloping Tero al Disco 18-4, getting hat tricks from each of their primary attackmen and a dominant performance at the faceoff X by specialist Noah Ryanson.

The vintage performance doesn't completely turn the tide on a roughly beginning to the cycle, but it does hint that Sarzonia may be closer to returning to its rightful position atop the lacrosse world.

[Banija]

Banija improves to 2-1 at the WLCs with last second win over the Captina Island

ZANSASI, BET NJAZA- We are back here at the World Lacrosse Championships, where after a fairly shocking opening upset loss to Quebec, the Banijans have been tasked with righting the ship here in the group stages- and have done so. After a win in an electric atmosphere over their biggest rivals, the 9-time world champions, Sarzonia, we were tasked with taking on the previous hosts of this tournament, the 11th ranked team in the world, Captina Island. A team that has had a tough opening schedule- also having a one goal loss to Sarzonia in the early part of these group stages, they are a team that has shown that they can go toe to toe with the multiverse's very best.

So after an off-day on MD3, the Banijans played against Captina Island on MD4. And the match was tight- as tight as any match that has been played here at the tournament. Neither team could really gain an advantage, with the largest lead for either team being just two goals in this game. And with just two and a half minutes left, Captina Island led, by a score of 10-9. A slim lead, yes, but if they could hold on- yet another upset win over a host nation, Captina Island possibly declaring themselves contenders to win the whole thing, and send the fans of the host nation into panic mode.

Instead of panic mode, however- ecstasy. With just more than 2 minutes left, it was Sonya Mboob who scored what was the match's game-tying goal. After that, a mad scramble- neither team wanted overtime, both teams wanted a chance to win this bad boy in regulation. Captina Island had a great chance to do so with about a minute left, but an insane stick save by Hope Ssematu kept us, somehow, tied at 10. "Save of the tournament, so far." Many commentators said. But with just 15 seconds left, the team would look towards their captain- and Wassa Jassey, the team's captain, would score the winning goal that would give the Banijans all three points, and their second win of the tournament- and deliver a second consecutive devastating loss for Captina Island.

"There's a lot we need to work on, a lot to improve on- if we want to win in the KO stages, we have a long way to go before we're ready to do that." Said Banija's head coach. "First, we've got to get there- and as this group has shown us, it will be a war for the top 4 spots in Group A. However, sitting at 2-1, we are in a good spot- we just keep having to build on our success." The schedule lightens up, briefly- Banija will face the last place team in Group A, Tero al Disco, in our next match, but all eyes are on the following match- Banija will take on the group leaders, and group A's last undefeated team, TJUN-ia, on MD6- in a match that may very well decide who wins group A, and who is forced to fight for their lives to even reach the KO stages in the group stage's final matchday. But don't look ahead yet- Banija already has one loss to a 1-3 team, don't want to add a second one.

[Banija]

The fourth cutoff for the fifth Matchday of these WLCs.... Did you know that she's in love with the boy?

Matchday 5 Scores

Key
Blue means they clinched a top 4 spot in their group and will advance to the knockout stages
Red means they cannot finish top 4 in their group and therefore will not advance to the knockout stages

Group A
Tero al Disco 6–9 Banija
TJUN-ia 10–12 Sarzonia
New Umoja 14–8 Quebec & Shingoryeo

  Group A                     Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Banija                        4   3  1   46  40  +6    9
2 Sarzonia                      4   3  1   51  41 +10    9
3 TJUN-ia                       4   3  1   46  20 +26    9
4 New Umoja                     4   3  1   39  34  +5    9
5 Captina Island                4   1  3   36  39  −3    3
6 Quebec & Shingoryeo           5   1  4   37  53 −16    3
7 Tero al Disco                 5   1  4   25  53 −28    3

Group B
Natanians & Nosts 13–12 Panay Islands & Guimaras
Baker Park 6–6 HUElavia (8–7 OT)
Natkr 16–5 Crpostran

  Group B                     Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Baker Park                    4   4  0   52  25 +27   12
2 Abanhfleft                    4   3  1   44  27 +17    9
3 HUElavia                      4   2  2   41  48  −7    6
4 Panay Islands & Guimaras      4   2  2   47  38  +9    6
5 Natanians & Nosts             5   2  3   56  58  −2    6
6 Natkr                         4   1  3   39  44  −5    3
7 Crpostran                     5   1  4   36  75 −39    3

[TJUN-ia]

After the Second and Third Battle of Domination, the Little War Jaguars of TJUN-ia were 3-0 and looking good in their quest to get back to the knockouts of the WLC. Ty Halftown was certainly cooking so far in this tournament so far but the stronger tests were still to come and everyone knew it. So in these uncertain times, who would prevail - the "norm" or the "norm"?

This Fourth battle, our first at O'Hara House in Dansville, would be played against #5 Sarzonia. Jaguars and Stars have certainly had a sporting history over the years, but not really in this game...which changed today. This game ended up being a war, one that swung one way and the next despite what anyone else wanted and it certainly was a scrap the neutral could enjoy. We ended up scoring 10 points in this game, 5 of Shonwahnonkon Sundown with the others going to Nayu Ueno, Nadin Qaraqra, Naylea Monterroso, Jak Hardy and Rachael Kwas. But on the occasion, the Stars were simply too bright for us and it showed - Martin Page and Nick Loewen combining for 10 goals alone to help seal our fate 12-10. Finally, we fall. But lessons were certainly learned.

Can we afford another mistake? Probably. But we still don't want to risk it at this stage. Banija is next, another super tough game...but one we must face in order to reach our destiny. FIGHT ON, LITTLE WAR JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group A)
MD1: vs Tero al Disco (UR) - Nyibombo Stadium, Nyibombo W 10-1 (1st)
MD2: BYE (2nd)
MD3: vs New Umoja (UR) - Otongo Field, Kaledi W 12-4 (1st)
MD4: vs Quebec and Shingoryeo (21) - Angokulo Park, Angokulo W 14-3 (1st)
MD5: vs Sarzonia (5) - O'Hara House, Dansville L 10-12 (3rd)
MD6: vs Banija (4) - O'Hara House, Dansville
MD7: vs Captina Island (11) - Kingdom Field, Zansasi

[Sarzonia]

Colin Grassley is usually the one who leads the Sarzonian national lacrosse team's offence. If there's an alpha on the attack line, it's typically the large, powerful attackman who scores the most goals.

TJUN-ia understood that heading into their matchup on the fifth Matchday of the 44th World Lacrosse Championships. Their defence chose to assign their best man-marker to Grassley and double-team him whenever the ball was in his crosse.

The Little War Jaguars managed to keep Grassley in check, holding him to one goal, but Sarzonia has three men on their attack. Nick Loewen and Martin Page benefited from the openings created by the TJUN-ian focus on stopping Grassley, scoring five goals each en route to Sarzonia's 12-10 victory over TJUN-ia.

Makeeyah Brantley credited the players with making the necessary adjustments, saying offensive coordinator Tyler Pawlenty gave them the leeway to exploit the openings on the pitch as they saw fit.

"Tyler and I didn't have anything to do with it," she said. "Marty and Nick have eyes and they can see the openings themselves. They've been doing this for a long time and they've been champions. You kinda just get out of the way."

Brantley initially blew off a question about Jaguars manager Ty Halftown not adjusting to Sarzonia's attack using Grassley as a decoy to open up the shooting lanes for Page and Loewen, but another question led her back to it.

"I think the players did a great job of recognising what the Jags did out there and adjusting to it. Lacrosse is a game of adjustments. Really, you make adjustments in just about every sport, but, and I guess this goes to what you asked me earlier, I thought the Jaguars were going to adapt to Martin and Nick scoring more and they seemed obsessed with making sure Colin didn't beat them.

"When you identify one player on another team as the biggest threat to you succeeding, you want to force their other players to beat you. In this case, we did. When that happens, sometimes you just got to tip your hat to the other team and ho from there."

Sarzonia (3-1) are in a logjam in Group A, level with three other teams at 3-1 for a berth into the knockout rounds. They would lose the head-to-head tiebreaker against host nation Banija, but the Stars defeated Captina Island and TJUN-ia. Sarzonia will face an unranked New Emoja side, but Brantley warned the media against taking them lightly.

This is one sport where an unranked side can make a run," she said. "If we're not ready, we're going to be in a heap of trouble."

[Panay Islands and Guimaras]

---

WON OVER ABANHLEFT, BUT LOST TO NATANIANS AND NOSTS
Zansasi, Banija

The Firehawks off to a great start when defeating the sporting powerhouses Abanhleft with a close win, 3-4. It was both Choo and Tecsón led the team to victory with Tecsón scored the hattrick meanwhile Dizón scored his own first goal. The team was having a good time until facing Natanians and Nosts. The team got easily obliterated in first and the first half of the second periods, but Tecsón, the star player, scored a goal from the halfway line as the Panayense fans are enjoying the moment as Tecsón would go out and score 4 more goals, followed by 3 goals from Quiambao, and a goal each from Choo, Dizón, Chua, and Mahilum. But the Natanians didn't let slide when they scored a penalty goal against Meñez. "It was an okay match for us.", says Salazar. "But I hope we could win against Baker Park, they're too powerful against us, but I hope that we could win in this mess." The Firehawks will face against Baker Park in Kaledi, and they hope that they would qualify to the next round in the top 4.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

The Commonwealth National Lacrosse Team clinched their spot in the knockout stage at the World Lacrosse Championships in Njaza, the Banija Esportivan Territories, with an 8-7 overtime victory against sixth ranked HUElavia.

BP remain the only undefeated side in the 14 nation competition and will face Panay Islands & Guimaras in their penultimate Group B fixture before finishing off against second ranked Abanhfleft; the Firehawks are 2-2 with a chance to make the top four advancing to the quarterfinals having already defeated the Amazons but dropping a pair of overtime heartbreakers against HUElavia and Natanians & Nosts.

The Elk Laxxers have allowed the second fewest goals (25) thus far while having the highest goal per game average at 13.0 and the second most goals scored as N&N have played an extra match; the win against HUElavia was the 24th in the last 25 matches for the side including the three matches in Banija for the Arrosia Hui Kai Championships.

Head Coach Eric Pearson stressed the importance of keeping up the intensity in the remaining two fixtures.
"Just because we've secured a sport in the knockouts we haven't clinched the top spot in the group, which will come down to the Fleftic match. We owe it to ourselves as well as the rest of the competition to maintain a standard of play befitting our ranking."

[Banija]

Banija continues slogging forward at the WLCs, with a slim 9-6 over Tero al Disco to put them at the top of Group A

ANGOKULO, JAYUNGA DISTRICT, BET NJAZA- How impressive have the Banijans been at these World Lacrosse Championships? Obviously, they had a fairly shocking opening loss to Quebec- and then they recovered nicely, having a strong win over their archrivals, and 9 time world champions, Sarzonia. Since then? Well... They've probably more slogged through this than anything. A tight win over a Captina Island side who has been competitive all tournament, but has not been able to find a way to win their close matches. And then, against a bottom of the table Tero al Disco, they were expected for a nice, easy win over the unranked side before entering a huge match with TJUN-ia on MD6. They didn't get that nice easy win- once again, struggling their way to a 9-6 victory.

While the win wasn't that impressive, the head coach wasn't all that negative about it. "Winning games at this tournament is a tough ask- a major tournament, and when you are the host and favorite, you have a target on your back. You are going to get everybody's best shot- and the Quebecois showed us just a few days ago that absolutely nothing is guaranteed in this sport. Ultimately, when it comes to the group stage table, they don't ask how- they ask how many, and this third win is an important win in our quest to not only reach the knockout stages, but as we continue to strive forward in our attempt to win this group."

The table is as tight as ever in Group A. While not mathematically clear just yet, with four 3-1 teams in this group, paired with three 1 win teams, we probably know who's getting out of this group- barring an epic collapse by one of the three win teams, and Captina Island catching fire on their final two matchdays. So while we will probably get to the next stages, it is all about standings. Those are important- if you're playing the unbeaten team from Baker Park, or the one loss Fleftic team, in the quarterfinals, well- your tournament is probably going to end there. "We want to win this group, as it will give us the best chance to win this tournament as a whole." The head coach said. "That's why this match against the Jags is so important- it will put us in pole position with just one game remaining."

The Jags, of course, are thinking the same thing. It'll be a huge game- and truly, anybody's ball game. A win for either side punches their ticket mathematically to the next round, and gets them likely a top two slot in this group- critical when you are talking about making the KO stages. The Banijans will be amped for this one- and if the focus there, hopefully win #4 of this tournament is there right alongside it.

[Banija]

The penultimate group stage cutoff of these WLCs.... Let's rock a Glee mashup!

Reminder that the next cutoff is in 24 hours(ish) as opposed to the usual 48. Due to scheduling messups on my end from earlier in the tournament. Tomorrow's cutoff will certainly be towards the end of the window, to give people maximum time to RP.

Matchday 6 Scores

Key
Blue means they clinched a top 4 spot in their group and will advance to the knockout stages
Red means they cannot finish top 4 in their group and therefore will not advance to the knockout stages

Group A
Sarzonia 17–9 New Umoja
Banija 8–5 TJUN-ia
Captina Island 9–10 Tero al Disco

  Group A                     Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Banija                        5   4  1   54  45  +9   12
2 Sarzonia                      5   4  1   68  50 +18   12
3 TJUN-ia                       5   3  2   51  28 +23    9
4 New Umoja                     5   3  2   48  51  −3    9
5 Tero al Disco                 6   2  4   35  62 −27    6
6 Captina Island                5   1  4   45  49  −4    3
7 Quebec & Shingoryeo           5   1  4   37  53 −16    3

Group B
HUElavia 10–10 Natkr (13–10 OT)
Panay Islands & Guimaras 5–12 Baker Park
Abanhfleft 12–12 Natanians & Nosts (14–12 OT)

  Group B                     Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Baker Park                    5   5  0   64  30 +34   15
2 Abanhfleft                    5   4  1   58  39 +19   12
3 HUElavia                      5   3  2   54  58  −4    9
4 Panay Islands & Guimaras      5   2  3   52  50  +2    6
5 Natanians & Nosts             6   2  4   68  72  −4    6
6 Natkr                         5   1  4   49  57  −8    3
7 Crpostran                     5   1  4   36  75 −39    3

[Panay Islands and Guimaras]

---

ANOTHER LOSS FOR THE FIREHAWKS AS THE COMMONWEALTH TEAM BLOW THEM OUT
Otongo Field, Kaledi, Banija

The powerhouses Baker Park showed why they're the best as the Firehawks lost over the Commonwealth team, in the first period, the Panayense defense were in shambles thank to the Commonwealth's star player, who scored some goals with his hattrick. But Tecsón, the leading scorer of the national team, scored his own hattrick, even though the Baker Park players take turns to score more goals. Even though they're down on 7 points, Choo and Dizón scored their own goals against the "unstoppable" goalie from Baker Park. "We're still holding on to our top 4 chances.", says Reyes, the national team coach. "But the hope we got is to take a big lead against Natkr." The Firehawks will face against Natkr in Zansasi.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Heading into the final day of group play, the World Lacrosse Championships have been mostly a form competition as seven of the quarterfinalists have been determined and all but one--the debutants from New Umoja--are ranked in the top 10.

Despite their 12-5 defeat to Baker Park, Panay Islands and Guimaras sit in the driver's seat for the final berth in Group. , as they currently are ahead of Natanians & Nosts on goal difference and still have a match to play as N&N have completed their fixtures.

Abanhfleft and the Elks are playing for top spot in the group as well as the probable overall top seed in the knockout stage, but there is also the edge psychologically that having already defeated the opponent brings; as the top two ranked sides it should be a game worthy of a championship final.

[TJUN-ia]

After the Forth Battle of School, things were already looking shaky for the Little War Jaguars of TJUN-ia.
This Fifth Battle would make things even worse.

#4 Banija was on the slate and this one was another that went very close.
Shonwahnonkon Sundown scored all 5 of our goals in this game but in the end, that wasn't enough as we lost 8-5.
We're in the playoffs, but in what state will we be in at that time?

Only Captina Island remains on the schedule.
Let us end on a high.
FIGHT ON, LITTLE WAR JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group A)
MD1: vs Tero al Disco (UR) - Nyibombo Stadium, Nyibombo W 10-1 (1st)
MD2: BYE (2nd)
MD3: vs New Umoja (UR) - Otongo Field, Kaledi W 12-4 (1st)
MD4: vs Quebec and Shingoryeo (21) - Angokulo Park, Angokulo W 14-3 (1st)
MD5: vs Sarzonia (5) - O'Hara House, Dansville L 10-12 (3rd)
MD6: vs Banija (4) - O'Hara House, Dansville L 5-8 (3rd)
MD7: vs Captina Island (11) - Kingdom Field, Zansasi

[Banija]

Banija triumphes in top of the table clash with TJUN-ia to put themselves in pole position to win Group A

DANSVILLE, BET NJAZA- THe Banijans and TJUN-ia were always going to have one hell of a battle at the O'Hara House, as the stakes were supremely important. Earlier in the day, of course, Tero al Disco's upset win over Captina Island punched both teams through to the knockout stages- and took probably any sincerely deep drama out of any potential final day shenanigans in group play. But who cares about final day shenanigans- even though both had punched their ticket to the next round, both teams were expected to do so- so that was not surprising by any means.

Both teams have far grander dreams than simply advancing to the knockout stages of this tournament, far grander dreams than being somewhere among the top 4 of a 7 team group here. Both teams sincerely believe that they can win it all- Banija, having done so at WLC 41, and TJUN-ia, seeking their first world title in this sport. What helps that? Seeding. So plenty at stake, even if a little bit of the jeopardy was sucked out of it. And the two teams battled at the O'Hara House with the full knowledge of what was at stake. Look at how brilliantly Sundown played for the Little War Jags- 5 goals in this game, brilliant.

But- while they had the best player on the field today, Banija battled through. Once again, not exactly particularly impressive- but teams like TJUN-ia are pretty damn good. Banija, as a former champion and the host, is always going to be facing the best of the best. Not lighting up the scoreboard, but consistency. The third period was dominated by TJUN-ia- reversing a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 lead, entering the final frame. Sundown in particularly dominant form, and the Banijans, seemingly, having no answer. But there was no panic, no calm. The coach trusted his veterans. 35 year old Abihail Apiyo, the oldest player on the roster, came off the bench and took 25 seconds to score the opening goal of the final period.

You don't always need your stars- sometimes, you just need guys to step up. That's what happened for the Banija, and another well-worn victory. Banija is the favorites to win the group- a win over New Umoja, and no matter what happens elsewhere, and the Banijans finsih on top of Group A. If they lose to New Umoja, they could potentially end up in a three-way tie for second place at 4-2, which... A scenario we don't want to contemplate. "We know the stakes- just go out and win." Said the HC. "Put ourselves in pole position to advance during the Quarterfinals."

Today is when 14 gets chopped down to 8. We will find out very shortly where exactly among those last 8 Banija will land.

[Banija]

The last group stage cutoff.... Hoist your Colours High!!

We are back to 48 hours between cutoffs. So see you guys on Wednesday for the Round of 8.

Host Note: While I did not see Sarz's RP before I cutoff, and ergo did not grade before generating these scores, it will be applied to the MD7 RP bonus.

Matchday 7 Scores

No color coding in the final tables. Remember, the top 4 in each group advance to the KO stages- and the bottom 3 in each group are eliminated.

As a reminder... Here are our tiebreakers

1) H-2-H Wins
2) Overall Goal Differential
3) Total Wins
4) IC coin toss (OOC RP bonus only scorination- take out rank, but include roster & RP bonus)

Group A
TJUN-ia 13–9 Captina Island
New Umoja 9–14 Banija
Quebec & Shingoryeo 2–12 Sarzonia

  Group A                     Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Banija                        6   5  1   68  54 +14   15
2 Sarzonia                      6   5  1   80  52 +28   15
3 TJUN-ia                       6   4  2   64  37 +27   12
4 New Umoja                     6   3  3   57  65  −8    9
5 Tero al Disco                 6   2  4   35  62 −27    6
6 Captina Island                6   1  5   54  62  −8    3
7 Quebec & Shingoryeo           6   1  5   39  65 −26    3

Group B
Baker Park 10–4 Abanhfleft
Natkr 1–27 Panay Islands & Guimaras
Crpostran 6–20 HUElavia

  Group B                     Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Baker Park                    6   6  0   74  34 +40   18
2 Abanhfleft                    6   4  2   62  49 +13   12
3 HUElavia                      6   4  2   74  64 +10   12
4 Panay Islands & Guimaras      6   3  3   79  51 +28    9
5 Natanians & Nosts             6   2  4   68  72  −4    6
6 Natkr                         6   1  5   50  84 −34    3
7 Crpostran                     6   1  5   42  95 −53    3

Knockout Stage Bracket

It's going to look a little bit odd... But look like a WC bracket, as opposed to a seeded bracket (like most North American sports do on the server), due to there only being two groups. A1vB4 and B2vA3 on one side of the bracket, and B1vA4 and A2vB3 on the other side of the bracket.

Banija v. Panay Islands & Guimaras @ Otongo Field(cap. 18,900) in Kaledi, Mugishaland, BET Njaza

Abanhfleft v. TJUN-ia @ Angokulo Park(cap. 9,345) in Jayunga, BET Njaza

Above two winners will meet in the WLC Semifinals

Baker Park v. New Umoja @ The O'Hara House(cap. 15,602) in Dansville, Zelland, BET Njaza

Sarzonia v. HUElavia @ Nyibombo Stadium(cap. 17,600) in Nyibmbo, Nakaseke, BET Njaza

Above two winners will meet in the WLC Semifinals

[Sarzonia]

Makeeyah Brantley may be the Sarzonian national lacrosse team's manager, but she was taking notes about the goings-on in other sports.

After Sarzonia's 17-9 victory over New Umoja in the 44th World Lacrosse Championships, the Stars officially clinched a spot in the knockout rounds. They will face one more matchup with scarcely anything to play for as they take on Quebec and Shingoryeo.

Try telling Brantley that match against Quebec and Shingoryeo is meaningless.

"We don't think that way," she said. "They're a regional rival, and they're one of the more intriguing multi-sport rivalries we've got." With respect to the now long-ago animosity between Sarzonia and Anaia, Brantley shook her head when asked if that played any role in the match.

"None," she said. "I'm no political expert," she added, "but the Anaia split became much less of a big deal when we moved to Arrosia. Not to mention Quebec and Shingoryeo were pretty much always the exception to whatever else was going on."

Brantley was right. Relations between Woodstock and Cathair, or Jhanna or Emberton may not have recovered, but Joongyeong never faced the ire of Sarzonian foreign policy. A rider attached to a recalculation of property tax thresholds rescinded any penalties associated with Anaia for the Quebecois. The law and the rider were both approved via voice vote.

As for the lacrosse, Brantley pointed to the Sarzonian women's national football team and manager Jill Jensen's decision to rest her starters against The 14 Stars in the group stage finale when discussing her own decision.

"Jill knows her team, but I don't think that would work here," Brantley said. "I know the 'rest vs. rust' debate doesn't apply here since all the teams are advancing directly to the quarterfinals, but even if it did, I don't like the notion of resting everyone."

Sarzonia's women's footballers had already clinched a spot directly into the quarterfinals before that matchup against The 14 Stars. Brantley said she figured that the bye into the quarterfinals would've give the team enough rest.

"With one exception, there aren't too many old players who'd need to rest," Brantley said. "Same here. We wanna get back out there."

[Panay Islands and Guimaras]

---

A BIG PANAYENSE THRASHING OF NATKR
PetroBan Stadium, Zansasi, Banija

Alot of the Panayense community came here to show support for the Panayenses as they gave Natkr a big beating starting with Tecsón's 17 goals against a Natkr goalkeeper. The crowd was loving it and keeps on singing for more goals. But that's wasn't only Tecsón getting alot of goals, there's Dizón with 4, Quiambao with 3, and 3 goals per one each from the captain, Salazar, Choo, and Chua. "It was satisfying to watch!", says a Panayense fan. "With this goal, we're qualified to the knockout stages!".
Even the players themselves are happy about it. "It was a great time for the boys as we are going for a victory.", says Reyes. "But I hope we could win the whole tournament and hoping that we could respectively upset Banija, they are not an easy opponent, as shown in our first match against them." The Firehawks will face familiar rivals, Banija in Otongo Field at Kaledi and we'll hope that the Panayenses will take the crown.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

The Baker Park National Team will harken back to their own beginnings against one of the two newcomers to the World Lacrosse Championship knockout stage when they face New Umoja in the quarterfinals at The O'Hara House in Dansville.

The Elks shocked the establishment in their debut in WLC 29 in Razenthuria and Banija, advancing to the playoff round where they lost to Qasden after having defeated the Vans in the group stage matchup.

Assistant Coach Megan Ostrander played on that team and had a word of warning for the squad ahead of the match.
“We opened the tournament against the runners-up from the previous edition, Wrexwic and nearly beat them straight away. I can't really believe that here we are all this time later as the number one ranked team looking for a second title in three tries. I've made sure to stress the importance that we keep our heads and remember why we're here. New Umoja's had enough time to get their feet under them but this is win or go home and it's a different world than group play.

Should BP win, they will be matched against the winner of Sarzonia and HUElavia, the Stars having finished as Group A runner up on the basis of their 21-14 defeat to Banija on matchday 2. Banija and Abanhfleft are poised to potentially face one another in the other semi-final should both get past their opponents, Panay Islands & Guimaras and TJUN-ia respectively; the Firehawks are the other first time nation that made it through the group stage, putting an exclamation point on the berth with a 27-1 win over Natkr.

[Banija]

Banijans have 'worrisome' matchup awaiting them as tough QF matchup looms

KALEDI, BET NJAZA- The primary goal in the group stages of a competition- of any sporting competition, really- is to advance to the knockout stages. That's the ultimate, #1 goal- survive and move on. There is no glory in getting elminated during group play- you move on, and you give yourself a chance to win the tournament. Fairly simple. But of course, many teams have goals beyond simply reaching the next round of competition. Many teams want to do much more than that- the Banijans, in particular, are looking to win this tournament outright. So the secondary goal in the group stage, alongside the primary, is to win your group. You get that boost from being a group winner, and that requires you to be successful in head to head matchups against the best teams in your group.

That was Banija's goal entering this tournament- particularly when you understand that we were a Pot 1 side here, virtue of being the tournament hosts. And we got off to a rough start- the return of the World Lacrosse Championships, faced a fairly hefty loss to our Commonwealth rivals, Quebec- in a match that ended up being their only win of the tournament. Getting into an 0-1 hole in any tournament is not good news, although not catastrophic. But worse- when you've got a 9-time world champion in your second match. Panic mode reached among fans, but the team stayed calm- righting the ship against Sarzonia, a strong win against an excellent Stars side. Since then, we've rattled off more wins, leading us into our final group stage match, against New Umoja.

Both teams already through. New Umoja, frankly, probably happy to be here. Banija, on the other hand, with a simple task in mind. Win, and we are in as a top seed to the KO stages. Take a loss? And well... the path to the final in Zansasi just got a whole lot trickier. As has been the case since their MD2 victory over Sarzonia, the Banijans did just enough to win against New Umoja- not exaclty blitzing their opponents, but comfortably taking the win here. A 14-9 victory put the Banijans on top of Group A, and earned the team a match against debutants Panay Islands & Guimaras in the round of 8- a team who just won by the biggest score anyone has won by this cycle, a 27-1 win over Natkr to punch their ticket to the Quarterfinals.

"Panay Islands have some dudes, and they've got a hell of a team over there." The Banijan HC said. "We are very familiar with how well debutants can do at this tournament- on both ends." The head coach made a double reference there- first, to Banija's run at WLC 21, our first international sporting tournament of any kind, where we came from literal nowhere to reach the Final. And secondly, WLC 34- Banija's next trip to the WLC Final, after many painstaking losses (mostly to Abanhfleft). We played against another debutant at the WLCs, HUElavia, in what would prove to be our best chance to win our first lax title- and the debutants triumphed on the day.

"We cannot underestimate them- their takedown of Natkr in what was essentially a do-or-die game for them showed the lacrosse world how they are capable of rising to the moment." Said the Banijan team captain. "But we've got the crowd behind us- we have to come out here and play our game. Reaching the semifinals of a major tourament is never easy- but we believe firmly in our gameplan to get there. Now, we have to go and execute it. It's sure to be a spectacular game." It sure is. Banijan fans are nervous- they showcased their top level just once, against Sarzonia- their other wins have not exactly been very confidence inspiring. But consdering they did beat the Stars- there are no world beaters at this tournament. It's anybody's game, ain't it?

The prize is valuable- 8 will become 4, and you want to be a part of it. Become part of that 4- and you've got a real, legitimate shot at silverware. Lose here- and you'll rue the day, thinking of what might have been. We will predict a tight win for Banija- 10 goals for the hosts will be enough, as the visitors should only score 7. As always, go Banija!

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonia and their sporting teams could easily be accused of myopia. To a person, the players, managers, support personnel, executives and supporters who wear Sarzonia kit or support the team seldom examine a forest, choosing instead to focus their attention squarely on the tree directly in front of them.

That's certainly true of the Sarzonian national lacrosse team that assembled in Banija for the 44th World Lacrosse Championships in the hopes of bringing home the country's 10th championship trophy. A 1-2 showing and a bronze medal in the Hui Kai, the inaugural unofficial Arrosian regional lacrosse championship might be cause for at least some minor celebration for many programmes, but not one that won 11 total trophies including nine WLC titles, an Atlantian Oceania trophy and what amounted to lacrosse's answer to the Cup of Harmony. Instead, a 1-2 beginning is a source of consternation. Add to that a 21-14 defeat to archrivals Banija in the team's debut in this WLC and the beginnings of panic began bubbling under the surface.

However, Sarzonia are nothing if not resilient. They bounced back from their loss to Banija and the 1-3 record across all competitions they were saddled with and won their next five matches to finish the group stage at 5-1, second to Banija in Group A by the unfortunate result on Matchday 2, Sarzonia's first match of this tournament. They would, therefore, face HUElavia in the quarterfinals after Los Armarillos finished their group stage 4-2 with a 20-6 blowout of bottom of table Crporstran in their finale. That result might have turned a few heads if not for debutants Panay Islands & Guimaras winning their finale against Crpostran's cellar dweller flatmates Natkr by a confounding 27-1 scoreline.

If that goalscoring total looks familiar to Sarzonia supporters, they'll be reminded that it was the number of goals the Stars tallied against Abanhfleft in their 27-10 victory over the Fleftics in the WLC 37 final that prevented the Amazons from further separating themselves as the winningest championship programme in WLC history. The victory not only stopped Abanhfleft from making further history in becoming the first nation to win three consecutive WLC finals, Sarzonia's victory briefly drew the teams level at six trophies apiece and started Sarzonia's fourpeat. That would result in former Stars manager Jordan Helms retiring and going directly into the WLC Hall of Fame in Woodstock.

But now, his successor and former defensive coordinator Makiyyah Brantley has her team focused on something much simpler.

"We've got to win this match," she said. "HUElavia are a team we've got to prepare well for. They're a former world champion, and those are always dangerous opponents."

Top seeded Banija will face off against the 27-goal scoring Panay Islands & Guimaras at Otongo Field. The winner of that match face the winner of Abanhfleft v. TJUN-ia whilst the winner of Sarzonia-HUElavia will battle the winner of the Baker Park-New Umoja fixture. Regardless of outcome, attack Colin Grassley knows the battle is on.

"We've got to get to work," he said.

[TJUN-ia]

After the Fifth Battle of Detention, the Little War Jaguars of TJUN-ia were now in a bit of a crisis.
Back to back defeats against two Top 5 teams didn't dent their progression into the knockout phase, but a dent to morale was certainly felt.
Ty Halftown knew that they had to restore order before the big one began, to restore confidence in this programme.
But could we?

Captina Island was the final team we had to face and against the #11 ranked team at Kingdom Field in Zansasi, we played a duel with with this company. Quique Etheridge would get the most for the opposition with 5, but we were determined to get a final win on the board and that is what we did. Shonwahnonkon Sundown got 6, Nayu Ueno and Nadin Qaraqra got 2 each and it would be 1 each for Ryland Leclaire, Luke Teo'o and Douglas Higgins. 13-9 it finish and with that, we end this group stage 3rd in this group at 4-2.

And so, it is back to Angokulo to start this playoff journey. The first test is a massive one: #2 Abanhfleft, runners-up in the other group. This team may be the modern bridesmaids of this sport, but they are a threat of epic proportions no matter what measurement system you use. We will be the underdogs, that is for certain. But our blood refuses to give up.
This sport is our livelihood...and we will defend it until the very end.
FIGHT ON, LITTLE WAR JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group A)
MD1: vs Tero al Disco (UR) - Nyibombo Stadium, Nyibombo W 10-1 (1st)
MD2: BYE (2nd)
MD3: vs New Umoja (UR) - Otongo Field, Kaledi W 12-4 (1st)
MD4: vs Quebec and Shingoryeo (21) - Angokulo Park, Angokulo W 14-3 (1st)
MD5: vs Sarzonia (5) - O'Hara House, Dansville L 10-12 (3rd)
MD6: vs Banija (4) - O'Hara House, Dansville L 5-8 (3rd)
MD7: vs Captina Island (11) - Kingdom Field, Zansasi W 13-9 (3rd)
QF: vs Abanhfleft (2) - Angokulo Park, Angokulo

[Banija]

The Quarterfinal Cutoff... 8 will turn into 4. Who will advance to the final four? And who will listen to the World's Smallest Violin?

Quarterfinal Matchups

Banija v. Panay Islands & Guimaras @ Otongo Field(cap. 18,900) in Kaledi, Mugishaland, BET Njaza

Abanhfleft v. TJUN-ia @ Angokulo Park(cap. 9,345) in Jayunga, BET Njaza

Above two winners will meet in the WLC Semifinals

Baker Park v. New Umoja @ The O'Hara House(cap. 15,602) in Dansville, Zelland, BET Njaza

Sarzonia v. HUElavia @ Nyibombo Stadium(cap. 17,600) in Nyibmbo, Nakaseke, BET Njaza

Above two winners will meet in the WLC Semifinals

We are back to 48 hours between cutoffs. So see you guys on Friday for the Semifinals.

Host Note: While I did not see Sarz's RP before I cutoff, and ergo did not grade before generating these scores, it will be applied to the MD7 RP bonus.

Quarterfinal Scores

Banija 24–5 Panay Islands and Guimaras*
Abanhfleft 4–9 TJUN-ia
Baker Park 17–5 New Umoja
Sarzonia 9–4 HUElavia

*= Banija's match guest scorinated by Quebec. Banija's RP also graded by Quebec.

---

Semifinal Matchups

Banija v. TJUN-ia @ PetroBan Stadium(cap. 22,000) in Zansasi, Mugishaland/District 1, BET Njaza

Baker Park v. Sarzonia @ Kingdom Field(cap. 29,000) in Zansasi, Mugishaland/District 1, BET Njaza

[Panay Islands and Guimaras]

---

A QUARTERFINAL FAREWELL TO THE FIREHAWKS
Otongo Field, Kaledi, Banija

It was the last day when the Panayense community in Banija cheer for the Firehawks as the Banijans absolutely thrashed them where a Banijan scorer opens it with a backhand goal. Then came along with some insufficiencies about Severino Meñez, who is now getting replaced by Romualdo Herrera, which he got also rained by the Banijan goals, but he does alot of saves. Even though the Banijans scored 24, in the 2nd period, Tecsón made his hattrick of his own., then Quiambao scored the 2 ones. And that's over for the Firehawks. "I just wanna thank all the Panayenses who supported us.", says Reyes. "And I wanna thank the Banijan people for having a good game." Then the players are cleaning up their lockers and put a message that says, "Gracias por todo" (Thank you for everything) both in Spanish, English, and a Banijan language they know about. Will the Firehawks bounce back and win the crown next WLC?

[Sarzonia]

It's not every time that a lacrosse matchup, even one in the knockout stages of a World Lacrosse Championship, will feature 10 WLC titles between the two opponents.

And yet, that's exactly what happened in the quarterfinals battle between WLC 34 champions HUElavia and nine-time WLC winners Sarzonia at Nyibombo Stadium in Nyibombo. Sarzonia may have gotten there on the strength of the No. 1 scoring offence in the 44th edition of the WLC, but a defence that got off to a shaky beginning in a seven-point defeat to host nation Banija stepped up and led Sarzonia to a 9-4 victory over HUElavia.

The result sends the Stars (now 6-1) to the semifinals where they guaranteed themselves two more matches. They will face regional rivals Baker Park at Kingdom Field in Zansasi after the Commonwealth defeated New Umpja 17-5. Banija put all the hype and hoopla over Panay Islands and Guimaras' group stage finale to bed once and for all, destroying the debutants 24-5 in that quarterfinal result. Meanwhile, TJUN-ia pulled off the mild 3 v. 2 upset and beat six-time champions Abanhfleft 9-4. Banija will face TJUN-ia in a rematch of the Matchday 6 contest won by Banija 8-5.

Colin Grassley scored three goals, including a leaping, sweeping shot that he muscled past Los Armarillos goalkeeper Atuq Cuya Cahua to give Sarzonia a 5-1 lead at the halftime break. He then lowered the boom on HUElavian defender Roberto Lobo Pimentel when the smaller defender tried a scoop-and-score off a Sarzonian turnover. The resulting hit saw short stick defensive midfielder Gio Guardio employ the same tactic, this time resulting in Saronia taking an 8-3 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

The physicality was part of the tactics manager Makiyyah Brantley wanted for her Stars team.

"Yes, absolutely. If we've got an advantage somewhere, and we had it in the size department, I want us to exploit it," she said. "We were able to win at the X and then get into our offence the way we wanted. The result may not show it in terms of the total number of goals scored, but I'm comfortable that we came out ready to play tonight."

Sarzonia will face Baker Park for the second time in this cycle, as Baker Park made the Stars a loser in their inaugural match of the Hui Kai, the unofficial Arrosian regional lacrosse championship. Baker Park won the match 14-6, and only a 9-4 victory over Quebec and Shingoryeo prevented the Stars from finishing dead last in the tournament. That contest still weighs on the minds of Brantley and the Sarzonian players as they embark on training.

"You're damn right we're motivated," Guardio said of the contest with Baker Park. "They won a championship. We came in third. We started off this cycle 1-3, and it was a real wake-up call for us."

As for other considerations, well...

"We're not thinking about that," Brantley said when asked about that incident. "If we are, we risk being the 'loser' ourselves."