Dantopian Domestic Sports Newswire [Closed]

[Dantopia]

Division 1 - Season X Match-days 10-17

Match-day 10
Season X
Apollo FC 0−1 Shoreline Sharks
Chester Chiefs 2−2 Team Valiant
Dartford City 4−0 Portland Pirates
Northridge Navigators 6−4 Dartford Oilers
Grenadiers 0−3 Lion City FC
Waiakea Warriors 2−1 Rockport Ravens

Match-day 11
Season X
Lion City FC 1−1 Chester Chiefs
Northridge Navigators 0−1 Grenadiers
Portland Pirates 1−1 Dartford Oilers
Rockport Ravens 3−2 Dartford City
Shoreline Sharks 0−1 Waiakea Warriors
Team Valiant 1−1 Apollo FC

Match-day 12
Season X
Chester Chiefs 1−1 Apollo FC
Northridge Navigators 1−4 Lion City FC
Portland Pirates 1−3 Grenadiers
Rockport Ravens 1−0 Dartford Oilers
Shoreline Sharks 1−0 Dartford City
Team Valiant 3−1 Waiakea Warriors

Match-day 13
Season X
Dartford City 1−2 Team Valiant
Dartford Oilers 4−0 Shoreline Sharks
Grenadiers 1−0 Rockport Ravens
Lion City FC 0−1 Portland Pirates
Northridge Navigators 1−1 Chester Chiefs
Waiakea Warriors 1−0 Apollo FC

Match-day 14
Season X
Apollo FC 3−1 Dartford City
Chester Chiefs 0−4 Waiakea Warriors
Portland Pirates 1−1 Northridge Navigators
Rockport Ravens 0−2 Lion City FC
Shoreline Sharks 2−1 Grenadiers
Team Valiant 2−5 Dartford Oilers

Match-day 15
Season X
Dartford City 2−2 Waiakea Warriors
Dartford Oilers 6−3 Apollo FC
Grenadiers 3−0 Team Valiant
Lion City FC 6−1 Shoreline Sharks
Northridge Navigators 1−4 Rockport Ravens
Portland Pirates 3−0 Chester Chiefs

Match-day 16
Season X
Apollo FC 0−1 Grenadiers
Chester Chiefs 0−1 Dartford City
Rockport Ravens 1−3 Portland Pirates
Shoreline Sharks 0−0 Northridge Navigators
Team Valiant 1−5 Lion City FC
Waiakea Warriors 1−3 Dartford Oilers

Match-day 17
Season X
Dartford Oilers 0−1 Dartford City
Grenadiers 1−0 Waiakea Warriors
Lion City FC 4−0 Apollo FC
Northridge Navigators 1−3 Team Valiant
Portland Pirates 2−0 Shoreline Sharks
Rockport Ravens 0−3 Chester Chiefs

Division 1 Following Match-day 17
Season X
POSTEAMPLDWDLGFGAGDPTS
1   Lion City FC            17   10   5   2   44   17   +27   35
2   Waiakea Warriors        17   11   2   4   29   16   +13   35
3   Dartford Oilers         17   10   2   5   46   28   +18   32
4   Portland Pirates        17   8   5   4   32   24   +8   29
5   Grenadiers              17   9   2   6   22   18   +4   29
6   Rockport Ravens         17   7   4   6   20   18   +2   25
7   Shoreline Sharks        17   6   4   7   17   27   −10   22
8   Chester Chiefs          17   4   8   5   16   21   −5   20
9   Team Valiant            17   6   2   9   32   41   −9   20
10   Dartford City           17   4   4   9   22   33   −11   16
11   Northridge Navigators   17   2   4   10   18   41   −23   10
12   Apollo FC               17   1   6   10   19   33   −14   9

[Dantopia]

DFA Cup Round of 16
Season X
Apollo FC 0−1 Oceanside Eleven
Corinthinians 3−0 Pacific FC
Dartford City 3−0 St. Joseph FC
Grenadiers 5−5 Team Valiant
5−5 AET
3−4 pen
Lion City FC 4−0 East Bay United

Northridge Navigators 2−1 Chester Chiefs

Portland Pirates 1−1 Forward Futuna
2−1 AET
Waiakea Warriors 3−0 Aberdeen A's

[Dantopia]

Division 1 - Season X Match-days 18-25

Match-day 18
Season X
Apollo FC 1−0 Northridge Navigators
Chester Chiefs 1−3 Dartford Oilers
Dartford City 1−1 Grenadiers
Shoreline Sharks 0−1 Rockport Ravens
Team Valiant 0−4 Portland Pirates
Waiakea Warriors 0−3 Lion City FC

Match-day 19
Season X
Grenadiers 1−4 Dartford Oilers
Lion City FC 2−2 Dartford City
Northridge Navigators 2−1 Waiakea Warriors
Portland Pirates 2−1 Apollo FC
Rockport Ravens 1−3 Team Valiant
Shoreline Sharks 1−3 Chester Chiefs

Match-day 20
Season X
Apollo FC 0−1 Rockport Ravens
Chester Chiefs 0−0 Grenadiers
Dartford City 0−0 Northridge Navigators
Dartford Oilers 0−3 Lion City FC
Team Valiant 1−2 Shoreline Sharks
Waiakea Warriors 1−4 Portland Pirates

Match-day 21
Season X
Lion City FC 4−1 Grenadiers
Northridge Navigators 2−2 Dartford Oilers
Portland Pirates 7−5 Dartford City
Rockport Ravens 2−3 Waiakea Warriors
Shoreline Sharks 0−1 Apollo FC
Team Valiant 4−0 Chester Chiefs

Match-day 22
Season X
Apollo FC 5−1 Team Valiant
Chester Chiefs 0−1 Lion City FC
Dartford City 3−1 Rockport Ravens
Dartford Oilers 1−3 Portland Pirates
Grenadiers 0−0 Northridge Navigators
Waiakea Warriors 2−0 Shoreline Sharks

Match-day 23
Season X
Apollo FC 1−2 Chester Chiefs
Dartford City 1−3 Shoreline Sharks
Dartford Oilers 1−0 Rockport Ravens
Grenadiers 1−3 Portland Pirates
Lion City FC 6−0 Northridge Navigators
Waiakea Warriors 2−2 Team Valiant

Match-day 24
Season X
Apollo FC 0−5 Waiakea Warriors
Chester Chiefs 2−1 Northridge Navigators
Portland Pirates 1−1 Lion City FC
Rockport Ravens 2−2 Grenadiers
Shoreline Sharks 1−4 Dartford Oilers
Team Valiant 0−3 Dartford City

Match-day 25
Season X
Dartford City 1−2 Apollo FC
Dartford Oilers 1−1 Team Valiant
Grenadiers 0−0 Shoreline Sharks
Rockport Ravens 1−1 Lion City FC
Northridge Navigators 2−4 Portland Pirates
Waiakea Warriors 1−0 Chester Chiefs

Division 1 Following Match-day 25
Season X
POSTEAMPLDWDLGFGAGDPTS
1   Lion City FC            25   15   8   2   65   22   +43   53
2   Portland Pirates        25   15   6   4   60   36   +24   51
3   Waiakea Warriors        25   15   3   7   44   29   +15   48
4   Dartford Oilers         25   14   4   7   62   40   +22   46
5   Grenadiers              25   9   7   9   28   32   −4   34
6   Rockport Ravens         25   9   6   10   29   31   −2   33
7   Chester Chiefs          25   7   9   9   24   33   −9   30
8   Shoreline Sharks        25   8   5   12   24   40   −16   29
9   Team Valiant            25   8   4   13   44   59   −15   28
10   Dartford City           25   6   7   12   38   49   −11   25
11   Apollo FC               25   5   6   14   30   45   −15   21
12   Northridge Navigators   25   3   7   15   25   57   −32   16

[Dantopia]

DFA Cup Quarter-Final
Season X
Dartford City 1−0 Northridge Navigators
Oceanside Eleven 1−2 Team Valiant
Portland Pirates 3−3 Corinthinians
3−5 AET
Waiakea Warriors 3−3 Lion City FC
3−4 AET

[Dantopia]

Division 1 - Season X Match-days 26-33

Match-day 26
Season X
Apollo FC 1−3 Dartford Oilers
Chester Chiefs 0−1 Portland Pirates
Rockport Ravens 0−0 Northridge Navigators
Shoreline Sharks 1−0 Lion City FC
Team Valiant 2−0 Grenadiers
Waiakea Warriors 0−4 Dartford City

Match-day 27
Season X
Dartford City 3−4 Chester Chiefs
Dartford Oilers 2−0 Waiakea Warriors
Grenadiers 3−1 Apollo FC
Lion City FC 3−5 Team Valiant
Northridge Navigators 1−0 Shoreline Sharks
Portland Pirates 0−0 Rockport Ravens

Match-day 28
Season X
Apollo FC 0−1 Lion City FC
Chester Chiefs 2−3 Rockport Ravens
Dartford City 0−3 Dartford Oilers
Shoreline Sharks 2−2 Portland Pirates
Team Valiant 3−1 Northridge Navigators
Waiakea Warriors 2−0 Grenadiers

Match-day 29
Season X
Dartford Oilers 0−4 Chester Chiefs	
Grenadiers 1−1 Dartford City	
Lion City FC 5−0 Waiakea Warriors	
Northridge Navigators 0−0 Apollo FC	
Portland Pirates 3−1 Team Valiant	
Rockport Ravens 1−0 Shoreline Sharks

Match-day 30
Season X
Apollo FC 2−1 Portland Pirates
Chester Chiefs 4−1 Shoreline Sharks
Dartford City 0−3 Lion City FC
Dartford Oilers 0−1 Grenadiers
Team Valiant 0−4 Rockport Ravens
Waiakea Warriors 1−0 Northridge Navigators

Match-day 31
Season X
Grenadiers 0−1 Chester Chiefs
Lion City FC 1−0 Dartford Oilers
Northridge Navigators 1−1 Dartford City
Portland Pirates 1−0 Waiakea Warriors
Rockport Ravens 1−0 Apollo FC
Shoreline Sharks 0−2 Team Valiant

Match-day 32
Season X
Apollo FC 3−1 Shoreline Sharks
Chester Chiefs 3−0 Team Valiant
Dartford City 1−3 Portland Pirates
Dartford Oilers 0−0 Northridge Navigators
Grenadiers 4−1 Lion City FC
Waiakea Warriors 1−1 Rockport Ravens

Match-day 33
Season X
Lion City FC 1−0 Waiakea Warriors
Northridge Navigators 1−2 Grenadiers
Portland Pirates 0−3 Dartford Oilers
Rockport Ravens 1−1 Dartford City
Shoreline Sharks 2−1 Chester Chiefs
Team Valiant 0−1 Apollo FC

Division 1 Following Match-day 33
Season X
POSTEAMPLDWDLGFGAGDPTS
1   Lion City FC            33   20   8   5   80   32   +48   68
2   Portland Pirates        33   19   8   6   71   45   +26   65
3   Dartford Oilers         33   18   5   10   73   47   +26   59
4   Waiakea Warriors        33   17   4   12   49   44   +5   55
5   Rockport Ravens         33   13   10   10   40   35   +5   49
6   Grenadiers              33   13   8   12   39   41   −2   47
7   Chester Chiefs          33   12   9   12   42   42    0    45
8   Team Valiant            33   12   4   17   57   74   −17   40
9   Shoreline Sharks        33   10   6   17   31   54   −23   36
10   Dartford City           33   7   10   16   49   65   −16   31
11   Apollo FC               33   8   7   18   38   55   −17   31
12   Northridge Navigators   33   4   11   18   29   64   −35   23

[Dantopia]

DFA Cup Semi-Final
Season X
Corinthinians 3−3 Team Valiant
3−3 AET
3−1 pen
Lion City FC 3−0 Dartford City

[Dantopia]

Division 1 - Season X Match-days 34-38

Match-day 34
Season X
Dartford Oilers 3−1 Waiakea Warriors
Lion City FC 2−0 Grenadiers
Portland Pirates 5−0 Rockport Ravens
Chester Chiefs 0−1 Northridge Navigators
Shoreline Sharks 1−2 Dartford City
Team Valiant 3−4 Apollo FC

Match-day 35
Season X
Grenadiers 5−0 Waiakea Warriors
Lion City FC 3−5 Portland Pirates
Rockport Ravens 0−3 Dartford Oilers
Apollo FC 2−2 Shoreline Sharks
Chester Chiefs 1−0 Team Valiant
Northridge Navigators 0−3 Dartford City

Match-day 36
Season X
Dartford Oilers 1−5 Lion City FC
Portland Pirates 3−1 Grenadiers
Waiakea Warriors 0−3 Rockport Ravens
Dartford City 1−1 Apollo FC
Shoreline Sharks 1−2 Chester Chiefs
Team Valiant 4−2 Northridge Navigators

Match-day 37
Season X
Grenadiers 0−1 Rockport Ravens
Lion City FC 0−0 Waiakea Warriors
Portland Pirates 3−1 Dartford Oilers
Chester Chiefs 1−4 Dartford City
Northridge Navigators 1−2 Apollo FC
Team Valiant 2−0 Shoreline Sharks

Match-day 38
Season X
Dartford Oilers 3−0 Grenadiers
Rockport Ravens 0−4 Lion City FC
Waiakea Warriors 4−1 Portland Pirates
Apollo FC 1−1 Chester Chiefs
Dartford City 1−1 Team Valiant
Shoreline Sharks 0−0 Northridge Navigators

[Dantopia]

Division 1 - Season X Review

Division 1
Season X
POSTEAMPLDWDLGFGAGDPTS
1   Lion City FC            38   23   9   6   94   38   +56   78   IFCF Champions League
2   Portland Pirates        38   23   8   7   88   54   +34   77   IFCF Challengers Cup
3   Dartford Oilers         38   21   5   12   84   56   +28   68   IFCF Challengers Cup
4   Waiakea Warriors        38   18   5   15   54   56   −2   59   IFCF Challengers Cup
5   Rockport Ravens         38   15   11   12   44   47   −3   55
6   Grenadiers              38   14   8   16   45   50   −5   50
7   Chester Chiefs          38   14   9   14   47   49   −2   52
8   Team Valiant            38   14   4   19   67   82   −15   47
9   Dartford City           38   10   11   16   60   69   −9   42
10   Apollo FC               38   10   9   18   48   63   −15   40
11   Shoreline Sharks        38   10   8   20   35   62   −27   38
12   Northridge Navigators   38   5   12   21   33   73   −40   27   Relegated to Division 2

DFA Cup Final
Season X
Lion City FC 3−3 Corinthinians
IFCF Cup Winners' Cup

3−3 AET
3−4 pen

Division 1 End of Season Awards
Season X
AWARDWINNERTEAM
Top Goalscorer                Bradini Brunson  (31)             Lion City FC
Top Assister                  Jeremiah Taramaia / (21)        Lion City FC
Player of the Season          Jeremiah Taramaia /             Lion City FC
Young Player of the Season    Bradley Bing                      Team Valiant
Manager of the Season         Gary McGoldrick                   Dartford Oilers

SEASON SUMMARY — By SAUL ARNSTEIN Chief Football Correspondent, The Lion City Leader
The tenth season of the DFA's Division 1 once again saw a fiendishly close race between the top sides. The title once again came down to a nail-biting final game of the season. It was surely the Portland Pirates' for the taking, should they win their final match, but unfortunately, they would slip at the final hurdle — losing 4-1 to the Waiakea Warriors. This allowed Lion City to cruise to their third straight title — and fourth overall — with a 4-0 win over the Rockport Ravens. The Lion City FC attack was once again the best in the league, allowing Bradini Brunson to walk away with the scoring title. Top assister of the season went to Jeremiah Taramaia, also of the Royals. The remainder of the top six was made up by; the aforementioned Portland Pirates; the Dartford Oilers; the Waiakea Warriors; the Rockport Ravens; and the Grenadiers. The Warriors had continued in their ascendency, and it was an impressive campaign from the recently taken-over Ravens. However, the standout managerial campaign was clearly Gary McGoldrick's, with the Dartford Oilers. The Oilers boss had steered them back into a top place finish, and IFCF Challengers Cup berth. In a break with tradition, the manager of the season prize was awarded to McGoldrick instead of the league champion Kepa Kaitiaki. Young player of the season went to the talented 17-year-old Bradley Bing of Team Valiant. Seasons to forget from both Dartford City and Apollo FC even had the pair of them fighting relegation at points in the season, but it was the Northridge Navigators who would ultimately go down, after spending the past 5 seasons in the top flight. They would be replaced by the Corinthinians from Division 2 for the next campaign. And what a season it was from the Division 2 outfit once more! Somehow, manager Derek ten Hogg was able to guide the plucky Lion City club to another unlikely DFA Cup victory, and a repeat at that! The run had absolutely everything, including massive upsets, epic comebacks, extra time and penalties. It remains to be seen if ten Hogg can keep up the momentum with his side in Division 1 next season.

[Dantopia]

Dantopian Division 1

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CountryDantopia
Regionthe South Pacific
Number of teams12
Level on pyramid1
Relegation toDantopian Division 2
Domestic cupDFA Cup
TV partnersPapaya TV
(live matches)
DTV Sport
(highlights)

Division 1 - Season XI Previews

This will be the eleventh season (XI) of Dantopia's Division 1, which is the highest level of the Dantopian football league system. Contested by twelve clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the only other division within the Dantopian Football Association's (DFA) league system — Division 2 (D2). This makes up the entirety of the DFA's two-tiered, closed league system. A four team expansion of this system was instituted in Season V, and further expansion is certainly possible in the future.

Division 1 is the most-watched sports league in Dantopia, and is hoping to grow its audience internationally. The league takes advantage of a lucrative television rights deal with Papaya, a Dantopian technology company, who have exclusive live match rights. Dantopian Television (DTV) have a license to show highlights, and also to sell those highlights to international broadcasters as well.

Competition format

A single season spans thirty-eight gameweeks in total, and is split into two phases. The first phase sees each team playing the other eleven sides a total of three times — either two home fixtures, and one away fixture, or vice-versa — which results in thirty-three matches played. In the second phase, the league is split in two, with the top six sides playing each other a further one time, and the bottom six sides doing the same. The discrepancy in balance between home and away fixtures is addressed in the second phase, so in all, every team plays a total of nineteen home fixtures and nineteen away fixtures across a season. At the end of the second phase, the team with the most points is crowned the league champion, and the team that finishes with the worst record is relegated to Division 2. The winner of Division 2 will then take the relegated team's place in the following campaign.

Teams are awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. Teams are then ranked by overall points. In the event of a tie on points, goal difference is first considered, followed by goals scored, then in descending order; head-to-head points; head-to-head goal difference, and head-to-head goals for. If still equal, a coin toss is used to determine position, except for in the situation when either the championship, or relegation position is tied. In that instance, a play-off match at a neutral venue decides the outcome.

Domestic Cup

The DFA also operates a domestic cup competition which involves every team in both Division 1 and Division 2 respectively. As this competition starts with twenty-four teams, a preliminary round is played where the top six placed teams from Division 1 the previous season, along with the cup winner, and runner-up from the previous season are given an automatic bye to the second round of the DFA Cup. In the event that one or both of the top six teams from the previous season are also the cup winner or runner-up, then the seventh and eighth placed teams from Division 1 are given byes respectively. All remaining teams are drawn matches against each other randomly, with no seeding or weighting given to the sixteen sides involved.

The DFA Cup then proceeds in a single-elimination knock-out format, with home and away matches determined at each successive random draw. The only match that has a designated stadium is the DFA Cup Final itself, which is hosted at a neutral ground — currently the National Team Stadium (NTS) in Lion City, the capital city of Dantopia. In the event of a tie, all matches proceed to extra-time and then to penalties if there is still no winner determined. No replays are played.

National Team Stadium (NTS)

Location: Lion City
Opened: Season X
Club Team: none (National Team Stadium)
Capacity: 100,480
Field Size: 105 by 68 metres (114.8 yd × 74.4 yd)
Surface: Hybrid Grass

IFCF Qualification

See International Domestic Soccer Newswires 2

Dantopian domestic teams are eligible to qualify for club tournaments held by the International Federation of Club Football (IFCF). The league champion of Division 1 is eligible for entry into the IFCF Champions League (CL) the following season. The next three clubs — positions two; three ; and four — are eligible for entry into the IFCF Challengers Cup (ChC). The winner of the DFA Cup is eligible for entry into the IFCF Cup Winners' Cup (CWC). If a side that finished within the top four places wins the DFA Cup, they are therefore eligible for entry into two IFCF tournaments.

This Season's Entrants to IFCF Competitions

Lion City FC — IFCF Champions League — 1st Place in Division 1
Portland Pirates — IFCF Challengers Cup — 2nd Place in Division 1
Dartford Oilers — IFCF Challengers Cup — 3rd Place in Division 1
Waiakea Warriors — IFCF Challengers Cup — 4th Place in Division 1
Corinthinians — IFCF Cup Winners' Cup — DFA Cup Winners

Squad Requirements

Every team in the Dantopian footballing pyramid is made up by twenty-three senior players, all numbered from 1-23. Of these twenty-three players, three players must be listed as goalkeepers, and the remaining twenty as outfield players. In place for Season XI, there is a limit of ten non-Dantopian-born players per squad. In the event that a player holds dual nationality, and one of those nationalities is Dantopian, they are considered as a home-grown player and do not count towards the foreign player limit.

Players are formally listed by the following positions in squad previews, though how and where they play on the pitch may, of course, vary...

POSPOSITIONALSO KNOWN AS
GK   Goalkeeper               Goalie, Keeper
RB   Right-Back               Right Fullback, Right Wingback
CB   Centre-Back              Central Defender, Centre-Half, Libero, Sweeper
LB   Left-Back                Left Fullback, Left Wingback
DM   Defensive Midfielder     Holding Midfielder, Deep-Lying Playmaker, Regista
CM   Central Midfielder       Box-to-Box Midfielder, Playmaker
AM   Attacking Midfielder     Offensive Midfielder, Trequartista, Number 10
RW   Right Winger             Right Midfielder, Right Forward, Right Inside Forward
LW   Left Winger              Left Midfielder, Left Forward, Left Inside Forward
CF   Centre-Forward           Striker, Attacker, Support Striker, False-9, Deep-lying Forward

Power Rankings

Henry Vinagre

RANKTEAMDIFFLAST SEASON
1st   Portland Pirates          2nd
2nd   Dartford Oilers           3rd
3rd   Lion City FC              1st
4th   Grenadiers                6th
5th   Waiakea Warriors          4th
6th   Rockport Ravens           5th
7th   Dartford City             9th
8th   Chester Chiefs            7th
9th   Shoreline Sharks          11th
10th   Team Valiant              8th
11th   Apollo FC                 10th
12th   Corinthinians             n/a

Henry Vinagre is a well-known and well-respected football journalist working for DTV Sport in Dantopia. He covers the Dantopian Football leagues and provides pre-season and mid-season Power Rankings throughout the course of a campaign.

In these power rankings, Vinagre makes his own assessment on how well a Division 1 team is doing, and orders them based on results, form, and a number of other factors. These rankings are typically posted on the social media platform Cicada, and, whilst not gospel, and only opinion pieces, are highly respected within Dantopian footballing circles.

Player Ageing

The Dantopian Footballing calendar lines up precisely with IFCF cycles, and therefore, Dantopian players age, accordingly, once per IFCF cycle. A special note is taken of players from nations that do not have their structure line up with that of the IFCF calendar, and player ages are recorded differently in those special cases. If an error is noticed in the ageing of players, a message to the relevant body might be required to fix these errors. There are a number of foreign players in Dantopia's Division 1 season this year, hailing from a total of 18 nations other than Dantopia. They are recorded below...

FLGNATIONTRIYEARS AGED PER CYCLE
   Auprussia                     AUP   1 per IFCF
   Biyambi                       BIY   Presumed 1 per IFCF
   Cardenao                      CAD   2/3 per WC*
   Chromatika                    CMT   1 per IFCF
   Corinthina                    CRT   1 per IFCF
   Evinea                        EVI   Presumed 1 per IFCF
   Saint Eleanor                 EXT   1 per IFCF
   Hebridea                      HEB   1 per IFCF
   Indusse                       INS   1 per IFCF
   Kanzlia                       KNZ   1 per IFCF
   Ko-oren                       KOR   1 per IFCF
   Kelssek                       KSK   1 per IFCF
   Macronesia                    MAC   1 per IFCF
   Snestar                       SNE   1 per calendar year
   Squornshelan Remnant States   SRS   1 per IFCF
   Tanirinthia                   TAN   1 per IFCF
   Tikariot                      TKT   1 per IFCF
   Tumbra                        TMB   1 per IFCF
* Presumed 1 per IFCF

[Dantopia]

Apollo FC

Full Name:Apollo Football Club
Location:New Greenwich, Lion City
Nickname:The Archers
Stadium:Quay Arena (55,000)
Manager:Quinton Clayton DAN
Major Honours:none
Rivals:Grenadiers (local),
Corinthinians (local),
Lion City FC (local)
Kits:

HomeAway

Apollo FC

Last Season:
Division 1 — 10th, 10 W; 9 D; 18 L; 48 GF; 63 GA; -15 GD
DFA Cup — Round of 16

Club Synopsis:
One of four Division 1 teams from the capital — Lion City — this season, Apollo FC are located on the southern shoreline of the Awa Nui river, which flows through the nation's capital, in the trendy neighbourhood of New Greenwich. New Greenwich was originally the heart of Lion City's docklands, before the shipping port was built further down the river and the old docks closed. Following this relocation, the old docklands fell derelict and into disrepute, but following decades of redevelopment, now stand, rejuvenated, as one of Lion City's most wealthy and attractive neighbourhoods. Tech industry giants and the nouveau riche now flock to the area.

Quay Arena

The club play at the state of the art Quay Arena — opened twelve years ago — notable for its giant dome structure and retractable roof. It is located right on the riverfront — in the Greenwich Quays, hence it's name. Unfortunately — because Quay Arena is a multi-sport venue — the distance between the seats and the pitch can sometimes lead to a slightly less vibrant atmosphere than other clubs on match-days, though the fans do try their best to make up for the disparity as much as possible.

Quinton Clayton

Following a torrid season last year, Daniel Martínez was relieved of his duties, and Quinton Clayton was appointed in his stead. The rookie head coach now has a difficult task trying steering the club away from the bottom of the table with a host of young signings and only one experienced player arriving. Defensive reinforcements have been acquired in the form of Ash Morgan — from Dartford City, Keoni Renguul — from the recently promoted Corinthinians, and the promising Logan Frye — signed from the Rockport Ravens. There are three, young, offensive-minded signings who have come in too — Daniel Sibande, from Biyambian side PZ Stars; Daniel Chiona from BT Sharks, also from Biyambi; and Frazier Earnshaw from the Kyethas Rivermen academy in Tikariot.

'The Archers' maintain competitive rivalries with all of Lion City's clubs, but the most heated of these rivalries is always with their local neighbours — the Grenadiers. 'The Greenwich derby', as the fixture has become to be known by, is fiercely contested between the two sides., with Apollo FC being generally regarded as the smaller and weaker of the two clubs historically. The majority of Apollo FC's fans come from the southern half of Lion City, though the neighbouring Grenadiers do attract slightly more of the fanbase south of the river, and have had greater success on the field over the years too. There is also the unofficial 'Lion City Cup' which has been affectionately created by fan groups of the top division teams from the capital. This season it will be four clubs — Apollo FC; Corinthinians; the Grenadiers; and Lion City FC — scored on their head-to-head records against each other — with a trophy presented to the official supporters' trust of whichever team is the winner come the end of the season.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Marty Gartner                        GK   28    DAN
2   Nacho Echevarria (vice-captain)        RB   30    CRT
3   Jean-Pierre Fournier                 LB   32    DAN
4   Tyson Chambers                       CB   33    DAN
5   Ash Morgan                           CB   28    DAN
6   Kobe Jones                           CB   32    DAN
7   Rooney Elimo                         RW/LW   25    DAN/ MCN
8   Moses Ramsdale                       CM/DM   29    DAN
9   Damian Green                         CF   28    DAN
10   Rokuchō Buliche                      LW   23    MCN
11   Daniel Sibande                       CF   18    BIY
12   Dyson Spencer                        RB   32    DAN
13   Tavish Morrison                      GK   24    HEB
14   Isaac Ramsdale (captain)              DM/CM   31    DAN
15   Jordan Whitaker                      CB   22    CRT
16   Leivur Mortensen                     CM/DM   22    HEB
17   Frazier Earnshaw                     RW   17    TKT
18   Keoni Renguul                        LB   20    MCN
19   Daniel Chiona                        CM   19    BIY
20   Ryan Christopher                     CM/AM   17    DAN
21   Logan Frye                           DM   21    CRT
22   Tristan Woodhouse                    LW   22    DAN
23   Patrick McGregor                     GK   32    DAN/ HEB
BOLD  denotes new signing
GREEN denotes academy promotion

Transfers:

In — ₵56.14M, NS$2.25M

Ash Morgan, CB (28) — Dartford City (DAN) — ₵18.71M, NS$0.75M
Logan Frye, DM (21) — Rockport Ravens (DAN) — ₵14.97M, NS$0.6M
Keoni Renguul, LB (20) — Corinthinians (DAN) — ₵12.48M, NS$0.5M
Daniel Sibande, CF (18) — PZ Stars (BIY) — ₵7.49M, NS$0.3M
Daniel Chiona, CM (19) — BT Sharks (BIY) — ₵2.5M, NS$0.1M
Frazier Earnshaw, RW (17) — Kyethas Rivermen FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵29.94M, NS$1.2M

Elleby Young, CM/AM (21) — Stein-los Turkish (PAS) — ₵24.95M, NS$1M
Jacob Long, CF (24) — Chester Chiefs (DAN) — ₵4.99M, NS$0.2M
Elliott Zambrano-Wade, CB (27) — East Bay United (DAN) — Free Transfer
Ruben Meijer, DM/CM (30) — Halifax Athletic (DAN) — Free Transfer
Thomas Wanimbo, LB (24) — Tānganui Town (DAN) — Free Transfer
Jake Beauchamp, RW (35) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Apollo FC — 11th

Despite the experience of new signing Ash Morgan, the Archers just don't quite have enough proven firepower for me to rank them any higher in my pre-season power rankings. They are saved by the inexperience of newly promoted Corinthinians. A huge season will be needed from Rokuchō Buliche, and new signings will need to hit the ground running for Apollo FC to expect a better season than one down near the bottom of the Division 1 table.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Chester Chiefs

Full Name:Chester Chiefs Athletic Club
Location:Chester
Nickname:The Green & Whites
Stadium:Pleasant Park (44,900)
Manager:Archie Patterson DAN
Major Honours:DFA Cup x3
Rivals:Waiakea Warriors (competitive),
Forward Futuna (local),
Northridge Navigators (competitive)
Kits:

HomeAway

Chester Chiefs

Last Season:
Division 1 — 7th, 14 W; 9 D; 14 L; 47 GF; 49 GA; -2 GD
DFA Cup — Round of 16

Club Synopsis:
The small city of Chester is situated on the easter side of Dantopia, in-between the cities of Portland and Waiakea, in a central valley. The Chiefs ate the city's only sports team, and despite not being from a big markety, have been a steady participant in Division 1 since the league's founding. What Chester lacks in size as a market, it more than makes up for in character. It's well-known for it's quirky, counter-cultural persona, and is home to a thriving arts scene, many museums, parks and coffee houses. The city's unofficial slogan of 'not normal' perhaps adequately summarises the mindset of its residents. The fans of the Chester Chiefs are fiercely loyal to their only sporting team, There is always a little extra spice in match-ups with teams from the big four cities — Lion City; Dartford; Portland; and Waiakea — because of the local fans adopting an underdog, or even siege mentality against what they perceive to be 'establishment' teams. The games against the Waiakea Warriors especially are always a feisty affair.

Pleasant Park

The Green & Whites — aptly nicknamed for their green and white stripes — have, however, struggled to keep up with these clubs from the larger cities over the years, but have certainly found their feet in the DFA Cup — Dantopia's domestic trophy — winning the tournament three times so far. Fans have affectionately named the act of winning the trophy 'wearing the Chief's hat', which has caused ire amongst local supporters when another team has occupied the title of cup winners in recent years. The Chiefs play their home matches at Pleasant Park, an eleven-year-old stadium that was built directly on the spot of its previous iteration of the same name. Its metalwork roof weighing well over 10,000 tons gives the stadium a larger appearance than its capacity suggests, and its façade and semi-translucent rooftop add and abundance of light and airiness.

Archie Patterson

The Chester Chiefs are managed by 67-year-old Archie Patterson, a pragmatic manager who has tended to favour experience over youth, but has recently introduced a few more youngsters into the fold. He typically constructs his team to take advantage of crossing opportunities, with overlapping fullbacks, playmaking wide players and target forwards. He has been a long-standing servant to both the club and the city of Chester, and is respected and admired by the fanbase, almost like a grandfather figure. There are rumours circulating into this season that he may be contemplating retirement, as this is the final year of his deal, though Patterson has always denied these rumours, never wanting to take the spotlight over his players or the club.

Last season's campaign saw the Chiefs top the bottom half of the table in Phase 2, and therefore the expectation from the fanbase is to push back into the top 6 if possible. Reinforcements have mostly come at the defensive end, with experience being sought by goalkeeper Pawan Das — from IFA Academy, and Rešimir Terrik — from Xaiv 1919. Introducing the young, but talented Charles Phiri — a Biyambian signed from Moyo Power Pack — will be a step away from the usual 'experience over youth' dynamic Patterson has set, but the 18-year-old has shown real promise and will looking to establish himself as a regular in Division 1. Another Biyambian joins from the BT Sharks in Joseph Bakali, a young, but versatile midfielder. Finally, some attacking signings in Edoardo Mirretti — from Snestar, and Jacob Long — from Apollo FC rounds out the transfers, with the latter most likely serving as a deputy to Ørn Ekara up top.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Pawan Das                            GK   30    INS
2   Rešimir Terrik                       RB   33    SRS
3   Jack Reeves                          LB   34    DAN
4   Max Collins                          CB   34    CRT
5   Ricky Andra                          CB   21    MCN
6   Seamus MacInnes                      CB   26    HEB
7   Anderson Graves                      LW   31    DAN
8   Levi Kamaka (captain)                 CM/DM   33    DAN
9   Ørn Ekara                            CF   27    DAN/ TKT
10   Carson Perry (vice-captain)            AM   30    DAN
11   Dan Bell                             RW   33    DAN
12   Ruairidh MacRury                     RB   20    HEB
13   Sander Veltman                       GK   28    CRT
14   Edoardo Mirretti                     RW   23    SNE
15   Cody Grimes                          CM   32    DAN
16   Dalton O’Higgins                     LB/RB   25    DAN
17   Hector Upson-Davis                   DM/CM   30    DAN/ CRT
18   Felix Tamworth                       AM/CM   26    DAN
19   Jacob Long                           CF   24    DAN
20   Paul Richardson                      LW   25    DAN
21   Charles Phiri                        CB   18    BIY
22   Joseph Bakali                        CM   17    BIY
23   Greg Matthews                        GK   32    DAN
BOLD  denotes new signing

Transfers:

In — ₵43.66M, NS$1.75M

Rešimir Terrik, RB (33) — Xaiv 1919 (SAT) — ₵18.71M, NS$0.75M
Pawan Das, GK (30) — IFA Academy (INS) — ₵12.48M, NS$0.5M
Jacob Long, CF (24) — Apollo FC (DAN) — ₵4.99M, NS$0.2M
Joseph Bakali, CM (17) — BT Sharks (BIY) — ₵2.5M, NS$0.1M
Edoardo Mirretti, RW (23) — Claminya (SNE) — ₵2.5M, NS$0.1M
Charles Phiri, CB (18) — Moyo Power Pack (BIY) — ₵2.5M, NS$0.1M

Out — ₵33.68M, NS$1.35M

Logan Hill, LB (27) — Shoreline Sharks (DAN) — ₵24.95M, NS$1M
James Harrington, CM/AM (25) — Portland Pirates (DAN) — ₵6.24M, NS$0.25M
Negan Nakoa, CF (19) — San Vanipola FC (DAN) — ₵2.5M, NS$0.1M
Travis Akamu, GK (31) — Aberdeen A's (DAN) — Free Transfer
Brett Horne, CB/RB (34) — Retired
Simeon Kamaka, RW/LW (34) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Chester Chiefs — 8th

Chester have recruited shrewdly, as they often do, but there isn't enough talent there, I feel, for them to be able to push into the top 6. The trio of Anderson Graves, Carson Perry and Edoardo Mirretti will be expected to create lots of opportunities, especially for either of the main forwards, Ekara or Long. They might prefer a run at the DFA Cup again, as it has been a number of years since the Chiefs have had their hat back!

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Corinthinians

Full Name:Corinthinians Athletic Club
Location:Kalihi, Lion City
Nickname:The Expats
Stadium:Community Stadium (28,723)
Manager:Derek ten Hogg CRT
Major Honours:Division 2 x2
DFA Cup x2
Rivals:Lion City FC (local),
Apollo FC (local),
Grenadiers (local)
Kits:

HomeAway

Corinthinians

Last Season:
Division 2 — 1st, Promoted to Division 1
DFA Cup — Winners

Club Synopsis:
The second of four Lion City based Division 1 clubs this season, Corinthinians find themselves back in the top flight after four seasons in Division 2. The club were originally formed on the outskirts of the capital city — in the neighbourhood of Kalihi — by Corinthinian migrants to Lion City as a sporting and social club, and have retained close ties to this expat community in the capital city over the years — often boasting Corinthinian talent amongst their squad, though they have always been overshadowed in size by the other Lion City clubs. They have also warmly welcomed other nations' diaspora supporters over the years too, notably a large Macronesian following.

Derek ten Hogg

However, whilst they have been languishing in the lower league for the past four seasons, they have certainly punched above their weight in the DFA Cup the last two, winning it twice against Division 1 opponents, in magical underdog-story scenes, under the tutelage of former Dartford Oilers manager Derek ten Hogg. Securing the services of ten Hogg was a real boon for the club, and he has elevated their performances during his tenure. His side have had a few of their talents poached prior to this season, but have replenished their side astutely and will be seeking to remain in the top flight come the end of the campaign.

Community Stadium

Corinthinians play their home matches at the 28,723-seater Community Stadium — located on the edge of the city — and it was constructed 29 years ago. The Expats will enjoy fierce battles this season against the other three Lion City based teams, competing in the unofficial 'Lion City Cup' led by the supporters' groups. All four teams will be measured on their head-to-head results against one another, and a winner crowned at the end of the season, with the supporters' group being awarded the trophy. Their biggest rival for 'the Expats' is Lion City FC — which has traditionally been judged as a David vs. Goliath match-up, but following their successive DFA Cup wins, the Chester Chiefs may enjoy a spirited battle against the side this season as well.

ten Hogg's philosophy utilises the counter-attacking exploits of his intrepid wingers, fast forwards and a number 10 playing very high up the pitch, orchestrating attacks practically as an auxiliary forward. The Expats will therefore be playing a bit of a low block this season, hoping to snatch goals — and crucially, points — on the counter-attack, which has served them well in the domestic cup against much mightier opponents. The experience of veteran Hayden Ellis will help shore up the defence, but ten Hogg has clearly targeted youth investment this campaign — with teenage full-backs Marcus Algottson and Nelson Rex, winger Susheel Gowda and midfielder Francesco Piccone in their early twenties, and 18-year-old Emmanuel Ganizani leading the line.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Danny Hekekia (captain)               GK   35    DAN
2   Alex Burton                          RB   29    CRT
3   Hayden Ellis                         CB   31    CRT
4   Charlie Howson                       CB   24    DAN
5   Orlando Smith (vice-captain)           DM/CM   31    DAN
6   Gilbert Goddard                      CB   27    DAN
7   Manny Māhoe                          LW   25    DAN
8   Callum Dyer                          CM   33    DAN
9   Karo Matcher                         CF   21    MCN
10   Quíni Quintana                       RW/LW   31    CRT
11   Quinn Parker                         RW   23    DAN/ CRT
12   Jackson MacInnes                     CB   20    DAN/ HEB
13   Liam MacRae                          GK   26    HEB
14   Keoni Parker                         DM/CM   24    DAN
15   Vincent Caballero                    CM/DM   28    DAN
16   Fletcher Morgan                      AM   26    DAN
17   Marcus Algotsson                     LB   18    TKT
18   Susheel Gowda                        LW   20    INS
19   Innes Brown                          LB   24    DAN
20   Francesco Piccone                    AM/CM   23    SNE
21   Emmanuel Ganizani                    CF   18    BIY
22   Nelson Rex                           RB   18    BIY
23   Kalani Richardson                    GK   21    DAN
BOLD  denotes new signing

Transfers:

In — ₵27.45M, NS$1.1M

Hayden Ellis, CB (31) — Northridge Navigators (DAN) — ₵12.48M, NS$0.5M
Emmanuel Ganizani, CF (18) — Moyo Power Pack (BIY) — ₵7.49M, NS$0.3M
Francesco Piccone, AM/CM (23) — Briganzo (SNE) — ₵4.99M, NS$0.2M
Nelson Rex, RB (18) — Western United (BIY) — ₵2.5M, NS$0.1M
Marcus Algotsson, LB (18) — Miruan City FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer
Susheel Gowda, LW (20) — IFA Academy (INS) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵24.95M, NS$1M

Keoni Renguul, LB (20) — Apollo FC (DAN) — ₵12.48M, NS$0.5M
Ronny Tewalt, CB (26) — Dartford City (DAN) — ₵12.48M, NS$0.5M
Joshua Whitiora, CM/DM (24) — Dartford City (DAN) — Free Transfer
Reese Forbes, RB/LB (27) — Oceanside Eleven (DAN) — Free Transfer
Giovanni Nelson, LW/RW (25) — Halifax Athletic (DAN) — Free Transfer
Randall Lokoa, CF (29) — Forward Futuna (DAN) — Free Transfer

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Corinthinians — 12th

Despite a stellar campaign last year in Division 2, and yet another unlikely DFA Cup win, Derek ten Hogg's Corinthinians have lost Renguul, Tewalt and Whitiora and only replaced them with youngsters in the form of Algotsson and Piccone, or like-for-like replacements from recently relegated Northridge in Hayden Ellis. It doesn't look like an inspired transfer window, and I can't see them remaining in Division 1 as it stands.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Dartford City

Full Name:Dartford City Football Club
Location:Dartford
Nickname:The Clippers
Stadium:Dartford City Stadium (44,667)
Manager:Gerard Pardo CRT
Major Honours:Division 1 x1
DFA Cup x1
Rivals:Dartford Oilers (local),
Pacific FC (cultural),
Portland Pirates (cultural)
Kits:

HomeAway

Dartford City

Last Season:
Division 1 — 9th, 10 W; 11 D; 16 L; 60 GF; 69 GA; -9 GD
DFA Cup — Semi-Final

Club Synopsis:
Dartford City is one of two clubs based in Dantopia's second city of Dartford — located on the southern, windward shore of the main island, about 130 km (80 mi) to the south east of Lion City. Dartford City feature a clipper on their badge, owing to the rich maritime history of the city of Dartford, as it has always been one of Dantopia's major ports. As such, the team are sometimes referred to as 'The Clippers'. Their stadium is located on the eastern side of the city of Dartford, with their crosstown rivals — the Dartford Oilers — occupying a space to the west of them. This has led to residents of Dartford often picking their club allegiance based on their geographical location — with fans in the east most often supporting Dartford City, and fans in the west choosing to support the Dartford Oilers.

Dartford City Stadium

The Dartford City Stadium was completed six years ago, and both Dartford teams now boast state of the art arenas. City's is the smaller of the two stadiums — on account of them having a slightly smaller fanbase — but is the marginally newer of the two grounds, having opened three years after the Oilers' Bank of Dantopia Stadium. The aforementioned Oilers are City's major rivals, with the 'Dartford derby' being hotly contested between the two sides. There has also been a competitive rivalry with the Portland Pirates in the past — one which they actually share with their neighbours to the west, and a lesser rivalry with Pacific FC, the Pirates' neighbours. The cities of Dartford and Portland — being only 55 km (34 mi) away from each other, and both being port cities — have always contended with each other, an animosity often shared by their sporting teams too.

Gerard Pardo

The Clippers are now a number of years removed from their title winning triumphs under former manager Kepa Kaitiaki — now plying his trade in Tikariot's top flight. Dartford City are under the helm of one of their old players, Gerard Pardo. The former centre-back has been tasked with trying to re-assert Dartford City as a major player in Division 1, but defensive frailties — that wouldn't have occurred when he was playing — have crept in, and City have begun to slip down the table in successive seasons. Injury issues plagued last season, but the club have given Pardo another year to steer the ship, hoping for a better result this season. He has tweaked his defensive back-line and also completely refreshed the attack too, hoping for a more positive season.

Ronny Tewalt and Joshua Whitiora have both been poached from the DFA Cup winning and recently promoted side Corinthinians. Then the attack has been rejuvinated with the signings of Oscar Doeple — from Passerine, Thayendanegea Yellowbird — from Saevaroy Town, and Dario Menestrelli — from Astrelya. The bench has also been strengthened by the arrival of the young Chase Donnelly from Team Valiant. The promotion of youth academy talent Beau Bonds has many City fans excited too, as he is showing some serious potential.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Ken Sakamoto                         GK   37    DAN
2   Levi Dickson                         RB   30    CRT
3   Austin Domínguez                     LB   24    DAN
4   Elijah Ngatai (vice-captain)           CB   34    DAN
5   Ronny Tewalt                         CB   26    MCN
6   Palikkun Petewon                     CM/LB   34    MCN
7   Oscar Doeple                         RW   28    KSK
8   Joshua Whitiora                      CM/DM   24    DAN
9   Kylx Rodríguez                       CF   32    DAN
10   Will Fodderingham (captain)           AM/RW   33    DAN
11   Asterio Alokoa                       LW   33    MCN
12   Cooper Haynes                        LB   22    DAN
13   Iain MacAskill                       DM/CM   20    HEB
14   Lucas Moreno                         RW   21    DAN/ CRT
15   Angus MacKinnon                      CB   22    HEB
16   Rigobert Moses                       GK   24    DAN
17   Dario Menestrelli                    CF   21    SNE
18   Dean Watson                          RB/LB   22    DAN
19   Thayendanegea Yellowbird             LW   19    TKT
20   Chase Donnelly                       AM   20    CRT
21   Beau Bonds                           DM/CM   17    DAN
22   Nathan Kaur                          CB   21    DAN
23   Tane Rangi                           GK   20    DAN/ MCN
BOLD  denotes new signing
GREEN denotes academy promotion

Transfers:

In — ₵71.11M, NS$2.85M

Oscar Doeple, RW (28) — Passerine (KSK) — ₵42.42M, NS$1.7M
Ronny Tewalt, CB (26) — Corinthinians (DAN) — ₵12.48M, NS$0.5M
Dario Menestrelli, CF (21) — Astrelya (SNE) — ₵9.98M, NS$0.4M
Chase Donnelly, AM (20) — Team Valiant (DAN) — ₵6.24M, NS$0.25M
Joshua Whitiora, CM/DM (24) — Corinthinians (DAN) — Free Transfer
Thayendanegea Yellowbird, LW (19) — Saevaroy Town FC (TKT) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵58.63M, NS$2.35M

Harry Lanai, CB (25) — Lion City FC (DAN) — ₵24.95M, NS$1M
Ash Morgan, CB (28) — Apollo FC (DAN) — ₵18.71M, NS$0.75M
Héctor Lozano, RW/LW (21) — Grenadiers (DAN) — ₵14.97M, NS$0.6M
Zavier Rollins, CM/DM (23) — Northridge Navigators (DAN) — Free Transfer
Yimmy Jajo, AM/CM (26) — Kailua Kraken (DAN) — Free Transfer
Ignacio Andrada, RW (35) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Dartford City — 7th

Gerard Pardo has a year under his belt now, but the struggles for Dartford City may continue into this season. The attacking signings will certainly net the side more goals this campaign, but the ageing players like Fodderingham, Petewon and Ngatai might lack the sharpness this Clippers squad will need in order to get back into the top 6. They probably won't be a potential relegation candidate like they almost were last year, however.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Dartford Oilers

Full Name:Dartford Oilers Football Club
Location:Dartford
Nickname:The Orange
Stadium:Bank of Dantopia Stadium (72,019)
Manager:Gary McGoldrick DAN
Major Honours:Division 1 x1
DFA Cup x1
Rivals:Dartford City (local),
Pacific FC (cultural),
Portland Pirates (cultural)
Kits:

HomeAway

Dartford Oilers

Last Season:
Division 1 — 3rd, 21 W; 5 D; 12 L; 84 GF; 56 GA; +28 GD
DFA Cup — Preliminary Round

Club Synopsis:
The Dartford Oilers are the other club from the city of Dartford — Dantopia's second city, situated 130 km (80 mi) south-east of the capital, on the windward side of the island. The Dartford Oilers are often simply called 'the Oilers' or even 'the Orange' when they play, and they are one of the more widely supported teams in Dantopia, not just within the city of Dartford. Their impressive stadium is located on the western side of the city, and their crosstown rivals — Dartford City — are located to the east. Citizens of Dartford can generally be split east vs. west over their footballing allegiances — with fans in the more populous west side most often supporting the Oilers, and fans in the less populated east choosing to follow Dartford City. The name of the club owes to the historic Dantopian Oil industry, which used to extract under-sea oil off the southern coast of the island nation. Dartford was a major hub for this industry, but the wealth extracted has since been invested into a sovereign wealth fund for Dantopian citizens, and oil drilling completely ceased.

Bank of Dantopia Stadium

As one of the most well-supported sides in Dantopia, the Oilers regularly meet capacity on match-days at the Bank of Dantopia Stadium, which was opened nine years ago and features a signature retractable roof design. The atmospheres created on match-days in the arena are some of best in all of Dantopia, and fans can be regularly heard chanting 'attack, attack, attack'. The Oilers have generally favoured fast, counter-attacking sides, and their current crop of stars best suit this style of play.

Dartford City are the Oilers' main rivals, and the two sides compete in the 'Dartford derby'. There is also a strong animosity towards the Portland Pirates — owing to the historic rivalry between the closely situated cities of Dartford and Portland. Though not rivals as such, the Oilers have usually enjoyed fiercely competitive matches against the larger Lion City teams — the Grenadiers and Lion City FC.

Gary McGoldrick

The Orange have always fielded sides that combine their youth academy talent with a number of star signings, and as such, typically recruit via the transfer market most off-seasons. Gary McGoldrick's spell as manager has seen a resurgence to the IFCF places, he's gotten the fans alonside him with his direct, attacking style of play. Therefore, the board have backed the third-year head coach once again, with some fresh new signings to continue the push for that elusive top spot in Division 1. The return of Michael Danchevy for his swan-song season combines the two squad dynamics — being a star signing and also a former academy product, this time returning to the club. The blockbuster sale of Maverick Johnson to Lion City FC has allowed the Oilers to invest heavily in other areas as well. Marvin Rousseaux has been brought in from 1899 Szbedansk in Kanzlia, goalkeeper Kenneth O'Mara has joined Danchevy in coming over from Tikariot City, and Torgny Vennberg looks like a promising young centre-back being poached from the Tovaca Thunder academy in Tikariot as well. Some other young signings include Nathan Park from East Bay United and Gunnar Tórsteinsson from Team Valiant. Finally, Zaïre Thomas and Alex Mendoza have been promoted from the academy, with the former looking to establish himself quickly as a starter. He has all the tools to succeed — pace, dynamism, directness. He will certainly be one to watch this season on that left side.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Anthony Gates                        GK   36    CRT
2   Roni Melon                           RB   22    MCN
3   Lucas Tanginoa                       LB   31    DAN
4   Jared King                           CB   35    CRT
5   Makaio Cruz-Richards                 CB   24    DAN
6   Logan Fischer                        CM/DM   25    DAN/ CRT
7   Marvin Rousseaux                     RW   26    KNZ
8   Hiroshi Tanaka                       RW/AM   22    DAN
9   Oskar Olsen                          CF   30    CRT
10   Michael Danchevy (captain)            CF/LW   35    DAN
11   Cole Harrington                      LW/RW   24    DAN
12   Raphael Lacroix                      RB/LB   28    DAN
13   Kenneth O'Mara                       GK   27    TKT
14   Maleko Anson                         CF   26    MCN
15   Evan Calder                          CB/LB   23    DAN/ MCN
16   Sam Hughes                           CM/DM   22    DAN
17   Nathan Park                          LB   21    DAN
18   Gunnar Tórsteinsson                  CF   21    HEB
19   Cliff Clamber (vice-captain)           CM/AM   34    DAN
20   Zaïre Thomas                         LW   19    DAN
21   Finn MacArthur                       GK   20    HEB
22   Torgny Vennberg                      CB   18    TKT
23   Alex Mendoza                         CM/AM   17    DAN
BOLD  denotes new signing
GREEN denotes academy promotion

Transfers:

In — ₵154.69M, NS$6.2M

Marvin Rousseaux, RW (26) — 1899 Szbedansk (KSK) — ₵74.85M, NS$3M
Kenneth O'Mara, GK (27) — Tikariot City FC (TKT) — ₵62.38M, NS$2.5M
Gunnar Tórsteinsson, CF (21) — Team Valiant (DAN) — ₵9.98M, NS$0.4M
Nathan Park, LB (21) — East Bay United (DAN) — ₵7.49M, NS$0.3M
Michael Danchevy, CF/LW (35) — Tikariot City FC (TKT) — Free Transfer
Torgny Vennberg, CB (18) — Tovaca Thunder FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵81.09M, NS$3.25M

Maverick Johnson, LW/AM (29) — Lion City FC (DAN) — ₵81.09M, NS$3.25M
Jason Sanchez, LW/RW (33) — Shoreline Sharks (DAN) — Free Transfer
Curtis Kawaloa, GK (22) — St. Joseph FC (DAN) — Free Transfer
Alexander Apeti, RW (18) — Mansanduni Union PFC (BIY) — Free Transfer
Axel Kebano, RB (35) — Retired
Jacob Reyes, RW (35) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Dartford Oilers — 2nd

McGoldrick has got the Oilers back into the IFCF places, and has the backing of the fans too. Selling Maverick Johnson high to Lion City FC and replacing him with Marvin Rousseaux is fantastic business, not to mention the upgrade at goalkeeper and the return of the prodigal son Michael Danchevy. I expect the Oilers to contend with the Pirates and Lion City FC this season, and still continue to blood in their talented youth players.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Grenadiers

Full Name:The Grenadiers N.G.L.C.
Location:New Greenwich, Lion City
Nickname:The Patriots
Stadium:Dantopian Airways Stadium (67,215)
Manager:Devin Gilmoon MCN
Major Honours:Division 1 x2
Rivals:Apollo FC (local),
Corinthinians (local),
Lion City FC (local & competitive)
Kits:

HomeAway

Grenadiers

Last Season:
Division 1 — 6th, 14 W; 8 D; 16 L; 45 GF; 50 GA; -5 GD
DFA Cup — Round of 16

Club Synopsis:
The third of the four clubs from the nation's capital — The Grenadiers are the most popular club from the New Greenwich district, beating out arch-rivals Apollo FC in terms of support — though falling behind Lion City FC overall — thus being the second most widely supported team from the capital. The Grenadiers' official name includes the initialism 'N.G.L.C.' in it. This simply stands for New Greenwich, Lion City — which is where the club are based. The Grenadiers have always liked their squad to be a mix of academy talent and star signings. Adebayo Adeyemi is one such academy prospect, now a wily veteran, and one of the leaders of the team. Others include Will Cross, Enzo Rossi and Eli Ngata, the first two important members of the squad, and the latter a veteran back-up at this point in his career. Dani Spaghetti serves as the team captain.

Dantopian Airways Stadium

The Grenadiers play their home games at the 67,215-seat Dantopian Airways Stadium, located just a stone's-throw away from their arch-rival's home ground, also on the Awa Nui riverfront in the Greenwich Quays. The stadium was completed seven years ago. The Koa wood façade has quickly become an iconic symbol of the New Greenwich skyline, and attendance at home matches is normally raucous and close to, if not at, maximum capacity. Like their sworn rivals Apollo FC, the Grenadiers also compete fiercely with the other Lion City Clubs, and participate in the unofficial 'Lion City Cup' every season. The Grenadiers, alongside Apollo FC, Corinthinians and Lion City FC will be scored on their head-to-head records against each other this year, and a trophy will be presented to the official supporters' trust of whichever team comes out on top.

Devin Gilmoon

The Patriots have consistently finished in the top four places for many seasons. The side have also twice been victors of Division 1, once under the stewardship of Tikariotian manager Danny Haverhead, and once under recently retired manager Simon Brazil, who, prior to his role at the Grenadiers, had a stint as assistant head coach to the Dantopian national team under Harold Northgate. Brazil's former assistant, Devin Gilmoon — also a former Grenadiers player — has ascended to the role of head coach for this campaign.

Last season's sixth place finish was viewed as a bit of a disaster in Simon Brazil's final season as manager. Therefore, there has been heavy investment into the first team for Season XI. Signings for this season include a new goalkeeper — Marvin Martina from Ulixes Kotr in Kanzlia, two new left wingers — Cinall Bexford and Hunter Devlin — to completely overhaul that side of the pitch, and some impressive youngsters from Biyambi — Simon Leinga and Wilson George — to help refresh the ageing attack. Both have promising futures ahead of them but might perhaps find themselves on a different timeline to the rest of the squad, who are mostly in their late twenties or early-mid thirties. Héctor Lozano also joins from Dartford City to serve as deputy to Adeyemi. It might be unfair to judge Gilmoon from this season alone with a squad clearly in transition, but expectations from the fanbase and the media will be high all the same for the second largest club from the capital.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Marvin Martina                       GK   28    KNZ
2   Will Cross                           RB/CB   29    DAN
3   Jamie Laurenson                      LB   27    HEB
4   Pako Simer                           CB/DM   25    MCN
5   Marco Blanco                         CB/RB   34    DAN
6   Dani Spaghetti (captain)              DM/CM   34    DAN
7   Adebayo Adeyemi (vice-captain)         RW   31    DAN
8   Enzo Rossi                           DM/CM   28    DAN
9   Eli Ngata                            CF   33    DAN
10   Cinall Bexford                       LW   29    KOR
11   Hunter Devlin                        LW   29    DAN
12   Matt Posner                          CB   30    DAN
13   Alec Kerr                            LB   21    HEB
14   Héctor Lozano                        RW/LW   21    CRT
15   Joshua Te Rito                       CB   26    DAN/ MCN
16   Tedrik Bweil                         GK   24    MCN
17   Elliot Ryerson                       AM   32    DAN
18   Ellison Waititi                      CM/DM   30    DAN/ MCN
19   Cole Davenport                       CM/DM   22    CRT
20   Daniel Robertson                     RB/LB   23    DAN
21   Richard Eckhart                      GK   35    DAN
22   Simon Leinga                         AM   19    BIY
23   Wilson George                        CF   18    BIY
BOLD  denotes new signing

Transfers:

In — ₵87.33M, NS$3.5M

Marvin Martina, GK (28) — Ulixes Kotr (KNZ) — ₵37.43M, NS$1.5M
Héctor Lozano, RW/LW (21) — Dartford City (DAN) — ₵14.97M, NS$0.6M
Cinall Bexford, LW (29) — Red Stars (KSK) — ₵12.48M, NS$0.5M
Hunter Devlin, LW (29) — Northridge Navigators (DAN) — ₵9.98M, NS$0.4M
Wilson George, CF (18) — Western United (BIY) — ₵7.49M, NS$0.3M
Simon Leinga, AM (19) — Western United (BIY) — ₵4.99M, NS$0.2M

Out — ₵23.70M, NS$0.95M

Josiah Green, LW (23) — Pacific FC (DAN) — ₵9.98M, NS$0.4M
Daley Damme, GK (25) — San Vanipola FC (DAN) — ₵6.24M, NS$0.25M
Tondrick Ingalls, LW/RW (24) — Tānganui Town (DAN) — ₵4.99M, NS$0.2M
Cameron Ferguson, CF/LW (19) — Torrance Titans (DAN) — ₵2.5M, NS$0.1M
Malik Mooney, CM/DM (18) — Mansanduni Union PFC (BIY) — Free Transfer
Julian Rowe, CB/LB (35) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Grenadiers — 4th

Simon Brazil's last season was one to forget for the Grenadiers. There isn't any data to show whether his former assistant Devin Gilmoon will be able to deliver or not, but the signings so far have been promising, and the core of Cross, Spaghetti, and Adeyemi is still solid. Bexford and Adeyemi will need to be electric on the wings for the Patriots this season, and young striker Wilson George will need to bag lots of goals.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Lion City FC

Full Name:Lion City Football Club
Location:Lion City
Nickname:The Royals
Stadium:Gēcko Arena (80,000)
Manager:Barry Paine DAN
Major Honours:Division 1 x4
DFA Cup x3
Rivals:Grenadiers (local & competitive),
Apollo FC (local),
Portland Pirates (competitive)
Kits:

HomeAway

Lion City FC

Last Season:
Division 1 — 1st, 23 W; 9 D; 6 L; 94 GF; 38 GA; +56 GD
DFA Cup — Runners Up

Club Synopsis:
The premier club in Lion City — the wealthiest, most successful, and most widely supported in all of Dantopia actually — Lion City FC would be the flagship football club for Dantopia if there ever were such a thing. As a result of this, they are widely despised by opposition fans — seen as the establishment that must be brought down. Lion City FC's fans love to refer to the club as 'The Football Club', something which doesn't go over too well with other team's supporters, who find the attitude of the fans a little elitist at times.

The Royals, as they are sometimes also called — on account of their royal blue shirts with a lone red diagonal stripe — boast an impressive squad; one of the league's top strikers — Bradini Brunson; and the most expensive signing this transfer window — Maverick Johnson from the Dartford Oilers. The side play an attractive, attacking brand of football, which has seen records broken with goals scored. Lion City FC are currently three-peat reigning champions of Division 1 — the first three-peat winners in it's history. They also won the DFA Cup two seasons prior to become the first double winners in Dantopian football history as well. Their recent success has been almost unmatched, save for the Portland Pirates, who have been going toe-to-toe with them in the league.

Gēcko Arena

Lion City FC play their home matches at Gēcko Arena, built nineteen years ago, but expanded and modernised seven years ago. The stadium is designed like a concert hall with good acoustics in mind so as to optimise the atmosphere on a match-day. The corners of the stadium are enclosed and the stands are placed close to the pitch, with fans generating a 'wall of sound' that can reverberate around the ground. The stadium is a multi-purpose venue and also serves as host to concerts and other live performances too. The club have strong rivalries with the other Lion City sides, the fiercest of these being with the Grenadiers. However, it has been their competitive rivalry with the Portland Pirates in recent seasons which has seen the most tension, and attention from fans. There is of course the 'Lion City Cup', created by fan groups of Lion City-based clubs. The Royals will be up against Apollo FC, Corinthinians and the Grenadiers this season — scored on their head-to-head records — with a trophy being presented to the official supporters' trust of the victor at the end of the campaign.

Barry Paine

The Royals have been hugely successful in recent years, but might find themselves in flux this season. They have a rookie head coach for this campaign, former striker Barry Paine, after the legendary Iokepa 'Kepa' Kaitiaki opted for the challenge and glamour of the Tikariotian Premier League. Whilst Kepa operated in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, his successor is seemingly married to a 3-4-2-1 system, that utilises very high wingbacks and split number 10s behind the striker. The unorthodox formation of the new manager may give Paine some stick from the fans and the press, but the true test will always be if he can deliver results on the pitch — and if he does that, the criticisms will die down. To compliment this change of system, an extra centre-back has been recruited — Harry Lanai from Dartford City, and young, promising, attacking wingbacks from Tikariot — Raymond Zuglin and Grant Cavalier have been brought in too, as well as midfielder Max Humphreys-Dixon from the Parakleion Firebirds to help add much need energy and relentlessness to the midfield pivot. To replace the outgoing Winston Akana — who has followed Kepa Kaitiaki to the Vna-Chuhul Ravens, a true mountain of a goalkeeper, 6'11" Iisak Räsänen has been signed. Finally, the aforementioned blockbuster transfer of Maverick Johnson from the Oilers, which was ratified before the new manager was announced, means that Paine will have to shoehorn a natural winger into one of his wide 10 positions. If he can get a tune out of Johnson in this new position, he will be hailed as a genius. If it doesn't work, there might not be much rope for the new manager. The expectations at Lion City FC are always painfully sky high, not least because of who Paine is replacing — a four time Division 1 champion, three in a row with the Royals.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Jonny Miller                         GK   32    HEB
2   Rhys Tuiloma-John (captain)           CB/RB   33    DAN
3   Liam Cole                            CB/LB   29    DAN
4   Jackson Bender                       DM/CM   31    CRT
5   Anthony DeLuca                       CB/RB   28    DAN
6   Bukayo Yesterdi                      CB   35    DAN
7   Jeremiah Taramaia                    AM/RW   27    DAN/ TMB
8   Mason Mahelona                       AM/CM   28    DAN
9   Bradini Brunson                      CF   27    DAN
10   Ben Sigrah (vice-captain)              CM/AM   35    MCN
11   Maverick Johnson                     LW/AM   29    DAN
12   Matthew Rosen                        CB   20    DAN
13   Connor Whitman                       GK   34    DAN
14   Max Humphreys-Dixon                  CM/DM   23    TKT
15   Ihaka Wallace                        RB   21    DAN/ MCN
16   Harry Lanai                          CB   25    MCN
17   Jake Flamingo                        CM/DM   23    DAN
18   Miles Hargrove                       LB/LW   25    CRT
19   Marcus Lee                           CF   26    DAN
20   Ewan Abernathy                       RW/AM   24    HEB
21   Raymond Zuglin                       LB   18    TKT
22   Grant Cavalier                       RB/RW   19    TKT
23   Iisak Räsänen                        GK   23    CMT
BOLD  denotes new signing

Transfers:

In — ₵168.41M, NS$6.75M

Maverick Johnson, LW/AM (29) — Dartford Oilers (DAN) — ₵81.09M, NS$3.25M
Max Humphreys-Dixon, CM/DM (23) — Parakleion Firebirds FC (TKT) — ₵62.38M, NS$2.5M
Harry Lanai, CB (25) — Dartford City (DAN) — ₵24.95M, NS$1M
Iisak Räsänen, GK (23) — Mountain District University (CMT) — Free Transfer
Grant Cavalier, RB/RW (19) — Eivora Athletic FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer
Raymond Zuglin, LB (18) — Ceramadhion Lynx FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵93.56M, NS$3.75M

Winston Akana, GK (27) / — Vna-Chuhul Ravens FC (TKT) — ₵43.66M, NS$1.75M
Jeremiah Jackson Jr., LW/CF (29) — Rockport Ravens (DAN) — ₵31.19M, NS$1.25M
Frederick Frimpong, CF (18) — Real Alegria (CAD) — ₵18.71M, NS$0.75M
David Langidrik, CM (20) — Oceanside Eleven (DAN) — Free Transfer
Adrian Rankin, RB (36) — Retired
Glen Warmwell, LB (36) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Lion City FC — 3rd

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Lion City FC have been a dominant force under Kepa Kaitiaki, but with his departure, I just don't see the appeal of switching to a brand new back three system. It won't get the better out of star signing Maverick Johnson, who thrives in the wide spaces, not the half-spaces. They would have been better off signing another attacking midfielder instead.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Portland Pirates

Full Name:Portland Pirates Football Club
Location:Portland
Nickname:The All-blacks
Stadium:DT Centre (64,045)
Manager:Geoff Hendrickson DAN
Major Honours:Division 1 x2
Rivals:Pacific FC (local),
Dartford Oilers (cultural),
Lion City FC (competitive)
Kits:

HomeAway

Portland Pirates

Last Season:
Division 1 — 2nd, 23 W; 8 D; 7 L; 88 GF; 54 GA; +34 GD
DFA Cup — Quarter-Final

Club Synopsis:
The Portland Pirates are the sole club from the city of Portland in Division 1 this season. The Pirates are the largest club in the city — in terms of financial might and fan-base. They lay their claim to the central and eastern parts of Portland, a city which is situated along the southern, windward shore of the main island, approximately 185 km (115 mi) to the east of the capital, and only 55 km (34 mi) away from the city of Dartford. Portland was a major port historically, just like its neighbouring city of Dartford. As a result, the two cities are always looking for the competitive edge over one-another, especially when it comes to football. The Pirates therefore maintain rivalries with both Dartford City and the Dartford Oilers, as well as with other local sides too. Their main derby is with Pacific FC — currently in the second division — but over the last few years have developed a fiercely competitive rivalry with Lion City FC at the top of the table in Division 1.

Following the national team's matches against Evinea in the South Pacific Cup many years ago, the Portland Pirates were able to acquire the services of the, then young, Evinean forward Raphael Kwaku — and he has become a club legend, and a talisman striker in Dantopia's top-flight. Two seasons ago now, Kwaku broke the individual scoring record — with 36 league goals — as his side also broke the team scoring record, netting 106 and also boasted the best defence in the league. However, it was — unfortunately — somehow not enough to claim the league title off Lion City FC, who won it on the final match-day, sinking the hearts of many Portland Pirates fans. To add insult to injury, the Royals bested the Pirates again on the final day of the season last year too. Still, the 'All-blacks' — named so for their all black kits — have won Division 1 twice, and remain, as ever, strong contenders this year.

DT Centre

The Pirates play their home games at the DT Centre in downtown Portland. The venue first opened over forty years ago but was extensively renovated fifteen years ago — the centrepiece of which was replacing the inflatable roof with a retractable roof, supported by cables. The stadium is owned and operated by the City of Portland which leases it out to the Pirates. Fans of the Pirates are some of the rowdiest and loudest in all of Dantopia, and frequently pack out the DT Centre when the team are playing at home. During a home match against the Dartford Oilers back in Season III, a national record was set for the loudest ever crowd noise during a game — registering 125 decibels, equivalent to a pneumatic chipper, or nearby jet engine, and representing the threshold where physical pain begins. The acoustics of the DT Centre, particularly when the roof is closed, aid the intense and hostile atmosphere home fans like to create to spurs the 'All-blacks' on.

Geoff Hendrickson

Former team captain, now manager, Geoff Hendrickson had a blistering start to his coaching career, winning the title in his first season, and then again in his third. In the last few years he has focussed his attention on keeping up with an increasingly dominant Lion City FC, providing some of the only true competition to the Royals the league has offered. With Iokepa Kaitiaki's move to the Tikariotian Premier League, Hendrickson and his men might stand a chance at reclaiming the title off that Lion City FC side, who are now coached by former national team forward Barry Paine. With Raphael Kwaku potentially nearing the end of his prime, and team captain Brent Bartholomew-Barnham entering his mid-thirties, reinforcements have been sorely needed for the Pirates. A pair of Tikariotian defenders come in — the experienced centre-half Christopher Hobbs, and the youthful but promising full-back Stephen Goldrick. A trio of midfielders have also been purchased — Erèbon Guldeaxe from Prus Sassenlan, James Harrington from the Chester Chiefs, and Dylan Brooks from the Aberdeen A's, a Division 2 outfit. Brooks was playing well above that level last season, but will likely deputise for Guldeaxe, Bartholomew-Barnham and Kai Watanabe. Frederik Chiumbo has also been signed from Sporting Club November City in Cardenao, with the youthful wide player eager to make his mark in Division 1. With the six signings already mentioned, there are also five youth academy promotions to mention as well, with this being the biggest intake ever recorded in one season for a Division 1 club. The 'class of XI' — as the quintet are being dubbed — are made up of promising central defender Isaac MacArthur, a pair of full-backs — Norman Kabua and Billy Boateng, and two wingers — Daniel Okafor and Pedro Peralta. Finding them all enough game time to develop, whilst remaining competitive in the league will certainly be a fine balancing act for Hendrickson this season.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Noah Fleming                         GK   30    CRT
2   Devon Lojkar                         CB   32    MCN
3   Dwight Krol                          LB/CB   27    DAN/ TMB
4   Christopher Hobbs                    CB   31    TKT
5   Stuart Nightingale                   CB   26    DAN
6   Kai Watanabe                         DM/CM   25    DAN
7   Ebèron Guldeaxe                      CM   26    AUP
8   Brent Bartholomew-Barnham (captain)   CM/RB   34    DAN
9   Ben Cartwright                       CF/AM   20    DAN
10   Raphael Kwaku (vice-captain)           CF   30    EVI
11   Frederik Chiumbo                     LW/CF   21    CAD
12   Stephen Goldrick                     RB   17    TKT
13   Tristan Nakamura                     GK   23    DAN
14   James Harrington                     CM/AM   25    DAN
15   Fraser Tulloch                       CM/DM   26    HEB
16   Dylan Brooks                         DM   24    DAN
17   Nico Hollins                         RW   27    DAN/ TMB
18   Isaac MacArthur                      CB   18    DAN
19   Billy Boateng                        LB   18    DAN
20   Norman Kabua                         RB   19    MCN
21   Pedro Peralta                        LW   17    CRT
22   Daniel Okafor                        RW/LW   18    DAN
23   Tim Flitwick                         GK   31    DAN
BOLD  denotes new signing
GREEN denotes academy promotion

Transfers:

In — ₵98.55M, NS$3.95M

Frederick Chiumbo, LW/CF (21) — Sporting Club November City (CAD) — ₵37.43M, NS$1.5M
Christopher Hobbs, CB (31) — Dhun Lagarr FC (TKT) — ₵32.44M, NS$1.3M
Erèbon Guldeaxe, CM (26) — Prus Sassenlan (AUP) — ₵22.46M, NS$0.9M
James Harrington, CM/AM (25) — Chester Chiefs (DAN) — ₵6.24M, NS$0.25M
Stephen Goldrick, RB (17) — Dhun Lagarr FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer
Dylan Brooks, DM (24) — Aberdeen A's (DAN) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵28.69M, NS$1.15M

Negan Manuokafoa, LW (30) — Northridge Navigators (DAN) — ₵9.98M, NS$0.4M
Christian Blake, RW (30) — East Bay United (DAN) — ₵7.49M, NS$0.3M
Andrew Ladd, LB (30) — Halifax Athletic (DAN) — ₵6.24M, NS$0.25M
Aaron Buckley, RB (30) — Aberdeen A's (DAN) — ₵4.99M, NS$0.2M
Andrés Armenteros, CB/LB (34) — Retired
Rolinson Kofot, RW/LW (36) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Portland Pirates — 1st

With Lion City losing Kepa Kaitiaki, this could be the season for the Pirates to reclaim top spot. Kwaku looks as dangerous as ever in front of goal, and the additions of Guldeaxe and Hobbs really strengthen the core. Goldrick will be inexperienced but up for the challenge at right-back, but Brent Bartholomew-Barnhan can always deputise at his original position, before he was converted to a midfielder.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Rockport Ravens

Full Name:Rockport Ravens Football Club
Location:Rockport
Nickname:The Stripes
Stadium:BRT Arena (31,876)
Manager:Taylor Winter CRT
Major Honours:Division 2 x1
Rivals:Torrance Titans (local),
East Bay United (cultural),
Waiakea Warriors (cultural)
Kits:

HomeAway

Rockport Ravens

Last Season:
Division 1 — 5th, 15 W; 11 D; 12 L; 44 GF; 47 GA; -3 GD
DFA Cup — Preliminary Round

Club Synopsis:
The Rockport Ravens hail from the north-east corner of the main island of Dantopia. The relatively small city of Rockport was established on the northern, leeward coast because of its excellent natural harbour, and soon thriving fishing and ship building industries took root in the area. To this day, the city of Rockport maintains a strong bond with its maritime heritage. The Ravens used to be called the Rockport Rovers, but recent investment from Black Raven Technologies — a Chromatik company — has seen a rebrand and revitalising of the club.

The Ravens don't share the city of Rockport with another club, but do contest derbies with neighbouring teams — with the second division Torrance Titans being perhaps their biggest rival. Other rivalries include those against teams from the east coast — including against fellow top-flight side, the Waiakea Warriors. Due to the remoteness of Rockport from other major hubs like Portland, Dartford and Lion City, the nearest major city of Waiakea has often served as a cultural rival to the small city of Rockport. As such, matches against the Warriors — and second division East Bay United — can sometimes get quite heated.

BRT Arena

The newly developed BRT Arena has just opened last year. The ground is located at the centre of the mixed-use Columbia Park development adjacent to the downtown district. Noise in the arena can potentially reach deafening levels thanks to the spirited support from the Rockport Ravens' fans. The ground is one of the smaller ones in the top-flight but the city of Rockport is a relatively small city, and the fan-base is not all that large. Still, the ground is regularly filled to capacity on match-days, such is the fierce support of local fans. The stadium also incorporates a banqueting and conference facility, 750 square metres of teaching space for the University of Rockport, 1,200 square metres of office space for the club, a club shop for tickets and merchandise, and above it the 250 capacity bar/lounge.

Taylor Winter

Despite their small stature, the Ravens have perhaps overachieved in relation to their size as a club — with a rich history of developing local youth talent firmly on the agenda. Rockport's most famous academy success story was none other than Ezra Cunningham — a star midfielder for the Dantopian national team, and currently playing overseas in Valanora for Club ESF. His younger brother Nehemiah is still on the books for the Ravens, and he is a key player in the squad. 'The Stripes', as they are known, have a number of experienced veterans — alongside their youth — including team captain Sam Bradman. The Saint Eleanor defender has been a stalwart for Rockport over the years, and has also been a successful entrepreneur in his off-time — He has established a national chain of ice-cream parlours called 'Gelatogol', which does very well across all of Dantopia, owing to the island nation's idilic, tropical climate, and abundance of tourists.

The fifth placed finish under Taylor Winter last season was a positive achievement the club would like to continue building on. With a number of outgoing veterans this season comes the space to add some more youngsters into the fold. Karel Verkerk — a 19-year-old Kanzlian striker — joins from 1899 Szbedansk, two Chromatik university alumni join — midfielder Kaiden McCarthy-Johnson and left-back Dorian Graves. The right hand side of the pitch has been overhauled with the signings of Tikariotian duo Theophilus Barnes and Windsor Greenslade, and 17-year-old defender Sam Hargreaves also joins from the academy ranks. A more experienced player has also been added, Jeremiah Jackson Jr. joining from Lion City FC. The mix of young talent, fitting alongside the stable core of Brandman, Morgan, Cunningham and St. James should provide head coach Winter with an adequate squad to challenge for a top six place once again this season — showing that a well-managed small club can absolutely punch above their weight in Division 1. However, the bigger market clubs likes of Dartford City and Apollo FC will be fighting to claw their way back to the top half of the table, and so match-ups against these sides will prove crucial for the Ravens this season.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Trevor Collings                      GK   35    CRT
2   Bryce Jacobs                         RB   29    DAN
3   Ben Wilson                           LB   31    DAN
4   Sam Bradman (captain)                 CB   32    EXT
5   Flint Morgan                         CB   33    DAN
6   Nathan Hughes                        CB   23    DAN
7   Nehemiah Cunningham (vice-captain)     CM/DM   27    DAN
8   Alex St. James                       AM/CM   28    DAN
9   Manny Moses                          CF   35    DAN
10   Curtis Drake                         LW   31    DAN
11   Hayden Henderson                     RW   29    CRT
12   Noa Kalani                           GK   25    DAN
13   Karel Verkerk                        CF   19    KNZ
14   Jeremiah Jackson Jr.                 LW/CF   29    DAN
15   Kaiden McCarthy-Johnson              CM/DM   23    TMB/ CMT
16   Luca Russo                           CM/DM   25    DAN
17   Nikoa Tadao                          DM   28    MCN
18   Javen Yosup                          AM   22    MCN
19   Dorian Graves                        LB   22    TKT/ CMT
20   Theophilus Barnes                    RB   19    TKT
21   Sam Hargreaves                       CB   17    DAN
22   Windsor Greenslade                   RW   17    TKT
23   Matthew Caldwell                     GK   36    DAN
BOLD  denotes new signing
GREEN denotes academy promotion

Transfers:

In — ₵31.19M, NS$1.25M

Jeremiah Jackson Jr., LW/CF (29) — Lion City FC (DAN) — ₵31.19M, NS$1.25M
Theophilus Barnes, RB (19) — Port Rhovanyon AFC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer
Dorian Graves, LB (22) — Lanar University (CMT) — Free Transfer
Kaiden McCarthy-Johnson, CM/DM (23) — Alnio University of the Arts (CMT) — Free Transfer
Windsor Greenslade, RW (17) — Carathyr Emeralds FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer
Karel Verkerk, CF (19) — 1899 Szbedansk (KNZ) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵14.97M, NS$0.6M

Logan Frye, DM (21) — Apollo FC (DAN) — ₵14.97M, NS$0.6M
Sounin Nethon, CB (19) — Forward Futuna (DAN) — Free Transfer
Einar Calum Jónsson, LW (20) — Kailua Kraken (DAN) — Free Transfer
Travis Noah, RB/CM (35) — Retired
Sam Walker, LB/CM (36) — Retired
Omari Westbrook, CF (36) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Rockport Ravens — 6th

The Ravens have added firepower to their front line with the signings of Verkerk and Jackson Jr., and have maintained a stable core in midfield and defence. However, the leeward coastal side still lack the necessary star power to help push them into places higher than perhaps fifth or sixth. They still fall short in terms of talent compared to many of the larger market squads. I, therefore, can't put them higher than sixth place.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Shoreline Sharks

Full Name:Shoreline Sharks Football Club
Location:Shoreline
Nickname:The Cruisers
Stadium:Shoreline Municipal Arena (30,646)
Manager:Anthony Fernfield DAN
Major Honours:Division 2 x1
Rivals:Oceanside Eleven (local),
Aberdeen A's (local),
Tānganui Town (local)
Kits:

HomeAway

Shoreline Sharks

Last Season:
Division 1 — 11th, 10 W; 8 D; 20 L; 35 GF; 62 GA; -27 GD
DFA Cup — Preliminary Round

Club Synopsis:
The Shoreline Sharks come from the city of Shoreline — a coastal beach town just a short distance east, down the coast from the capital of Lion City. Shoreline neighbours the other coastal resort hub of Oceanside, both prime locations for Dantopia's thriving tourism industry. Cruise ships routinely chart up and down the horizon, bringing visitors from all over the world to Dantopia's renowned beaches. Neither Shoreline nor Oceanside are huge cities — in fact, they are relatively small, but a fierce rivalry has developed between the two, all over who has the better beaches and tourist traps. Therefore, the Sharks maintain a sense of hostility towards the neighbouring Oceanside Eleven — currently playing in Division 2. Other local rivalries include ones against the Aberdeen A's, and Tānganui Town, both just north from the coast, and both also playing in Division 2.

Shoreline Municipal Arena

'The Cruisers' are not that far removed from Division 2 themselves, having been promoted for the first time to the top-flight in Season X, and narrowly surviving the drop. It is going to be another uphill battle to establish a foothold in the league, but serious investment into the front line will bolster the fans' hope that they can stave off the threat of relegation. The Sharks play their home games at Shoreline Municipal Arena, located in the heart of Shoreline's downtown. It's not the largest stadium, but it's an attractive ground, that lets in plenty of light on a match-day to keep fans' prospects cheery and sunny. There are talks about expanding the much smaller East stand, though fans in the taller, northern, 'Gill Stand' — named after Walter Gill, the club's first chairman, though perhaps an apt name for a shark-themed team as well — might then lose their view of the ocean on match-days.

Anthony Fernfield

Manager Anthony Fernfield has a huge wealth of experience from the second tier of Dantopian football — he had bounced around a number of clubs down there over the years. However, his promotion to Division 1 with Sharks, and first season survival has been his best achievement to date. Trying to set up his side so they don't ship bags of goals to the contending teams will require resoluteness from his centre-back trio; the strong and experienced Joe Vunipola; and the young but promising, pair of Xavier Woods and Tyson Taylor. For Taylor — especially, as a youth academy product for the Sharks, and now having also been called up by the national team — his emergence into the fray has been a bright spark for the club, not known for producing local talent, but potentially succeeding in this instance. The question will be how long the Sharks can hold onto the precocious defender.

The investment into the front line this transfer window has been the talk of the town. A star-calibre free agent signing of Jason Sanchez — now 33, but still with some gas left in the tank, along with two Chromatik University signings — Hatake Azumi from Wirr Tsi and Everett Jackon III from SCU, means last season's goal tally of just 35 — an average of less than a goal per game — will hopefully be eclipsed. The wingback positions have also been strengthened, with Logan Hill joining from the Chester Chiefs, and Frederick Wolstenholme signing from the Carathyr Emeralds Academy in Tikariot. Finally, young Auprussian goalkeeper Emmerdoun Sorin-Martiney joins from Cyflymder CP to replace retiring Paliksu Serious, who's injury issues have unfortunately overcome him late into his career.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Mikael Semes                         GK   29    MCN
2   Joe Vunipola (captain)                CB/RB   33    DAN
3   Logan Hill                           LB   27    DAN
4   Tyson Taylor                         CB   19    DAN
5   Tom Bradshaw                         CB   27    DAN
6   Gregor MacLeod                       CB   36    HEB
7   Jason Sanchez                        LW/RW   33    DAN
8   Stephen Morley                       DM/CM   36    DAN
9   Cam Targett                          CF   30    DAN
10   Mikey Andhon                         LW   20    DAN/ MCN
11   Luke Jennings                        RW   31    CRT
12   Connor McBride                       CB/LB   21    DAN/ HEB
13   Noato Rechlu                         LB   24    MCN
14   Hatake Azumi                         RW   23    CMT
15   Xavier Woods                         CB   22    DAN
16   Theo Wainwright                      CM/DM   22    DAN
17   Harrison Edwards                     CM/AM   29    DAN
18   Valentino Bloom (vice-captain)         CM/DM   30    CRT
19   Magnus Morrison                      RB/RW   27    HEB
20   Everett Jackson III                  CF   23    CMT
21   Emmerdoun Sorin-Martiney             GK   19    AUP
22   Frederick Wolstenholme               RB   19    TKT
23   Peter Hollis                         GK   35    DAN
BOLD  denotes new signing

Transfers:

In — ₵24.95M, NS$1M

Logan Hill, LB (27) — Chester Chiefs (DAN) — ₵24.95M, NS$1M
Jason Sanchez, LW/RW (33) — Dartford Oilers (DAN) — Free Transfer
Hatake Azumi, RW (23) — University of Wirr Tsi (CMT) — Fre Transfer
Everett Jackson III, CF (23) — Southern Chromatik University (CMT) — Free Transfer
Emmerdoun Sorin-Martiney, GK (19) — Cyflymder CP (ZEN) — Free Transfer
Frederick Wolstenholme, RB (19) — Carathyr Emeralds FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵14.97M, NS$0.6M

Mateo Taylor, RB (26) — Team Valiant (DAN) — ₵14.97M, NS$0.6M
Maxwell Jefferson, LB (20) — Pacific FC (DAN) — Free Transfer
Liam van Doren, RW (23) — St. Joseph FC (DAN) — Free Transfer
Jalen Taito, LW (26) — East Bay United (DAN) — Free Transfer
Hamish Sinclair, CF (28) HEB — St. Joseph FC (DAN) — Free Transfer
Paliksu Serious, GK (35) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Shoreline Sharks — 9th

The newly formed attacking trio of Azumi, Sanchez and Jackson III should help with the low scoring problems the Sharks faced last season. The stability of the back 3 or 5 (depending on how you look at it) should be improved with wingback signings and another year under the belt from Woods and Taylor. I don't think the Sharks will be completely out of the deep water, but they should be far better swimmers this season.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Team Valiant

Full Name:Team Valiant Sports Club
Location:Venice
Nickname:The Villains
Stadium:The Valiant Dome (47,800)
Manager:Otis Glazier DAN
Major Honours:Division 2 x2
Rivals:Halifax Athletic (local),
Kailua Kraken (local),
Torrance Titans (cultural)
Kits:

HomeAway

Team Valiant

Last Season:
Division 1 — 8th, 14 W; 4 D; 19 L; 67 GF; 82 GA; −15 GD
DFA Cup — Semi-Final

Club Synopsis:
Billionaire internet tycoon Maximilian Prosper may yet be succeeding into turning his little pet project, Team Valiant, into an established Division 1 side. 'The Villains' — as they were formerly the Venice Villains before Prosper's take-over — have managed to survive for two successive seasons in Dantopia's top flight now, and the emergence of 18-year-old sensation Bradley Bing has helped propel the side forward, not only in the league, but also towards a decent domestic cup run last year as well. The spirited and well meaning, though perhaps, excessive enthusiasm of team owner Prosper can irk opposition fans and football pundits alike. His initial fortune was made off the back of various dot-com bubble ventures, and now his investment portfolio is extensively diversified. He has established 'Team Valiant' as his multi-sport brand, and it competes on a variety of fronts, though football remains Prosper's chief obsession.

Otis Glazier

Offering a stark contrast to the team owner's exuberant nature, manager Otis Glazier is a calm and collected individual, who thinks very hard before he speaks. His careful management of the side in last season's campaign led to an 8th placed finish and a semi-final in the DFA cup. The aforementioned Bradley Bing is now very clearly the star of the side, already at 18, and a national team call-up will be a dead certainty for the teenage starlet — the son of former Dantopian national team defender Tyrell Bing. Last season's acquisition of Kai Gilchrist also helped the squad, and has allowed the 27-year-old to re-energise his career. Strategic investments in defence, midfield and attack this season may yet bolster the team further, as they aim to push for a top half finish, though keeping hold of Bradley Bing beyond this year may prove extremely challenging for Team Valiant, as a host of suitors will be ready to offer the midfielder a new challenge.

The signing of Jordan Stone from the Waiakea Warriors will certainly help stabilise the midfield. Two right-back replacements come in the form of Mateo Taylor from the Shoreline Sharks, and Lucas Garranberre from Laar City Cross. The 19-year-old Garranberre will likely start ahead of Taylor, but the 26-year-old Dantopian will certainly give the youngster good competition at the spot. Another Auprussian joins at left-back too — 18 year-old Martin Strevaux from Alexia Academie, and there is yet more youth up top — Graham Stafford signing from the Emerald Coast Raiders academy. The experience of incoming 28-year-old Lucio Vardi at centre-back will, therefore, be of the upmost importance for Glazier and his squad this season, along with other veterans already at the club, the likes of Wesley Burch, Jabari Wood and Tom Fakahokotau.

The Valiant Dome

Team Valiant play at the Valiant Dome which is just on the outskirts of Venice, not too far from the WGP track. The stadium's bowl shape means fans on some sides of the pitch are further from the action than others, and there has been talk of upgrading the arena if team performances improve to the point where the side are fighting nearer the top of the table. However, there doesn't come much better transportation links to the ground than having the monorail station attach directly to the stadium itself.

With Venice not too far away from Lion City, up the leeward coast, and easily accessible via the MagLev high speed rail line, there has been a recent focus from the club to try and attract a more widespread fanbase than from just the city of Venice itself. The Villains enjoy local rivalries with; Halifax Athletic — who are just south of them; the Kailua Kraken — who are just up the coast; and the Torrance Titans — who are further up still. Due to their owner's vibrant personality, however — and even sometimes impulsive comments, matches against the traditional powerhouses of Lion City FC; the Portland Pirates; the Grenadiers; etc. will very likely prove feisty affairs.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Jack Willow                          GK   29    DAN
2   Mateo Taylor                         RB   26    DAN
3   Lucio Vardi                          CB   28    SNE
4   Struan MacIver                       CB   32    HEB
5   Tom Fakahokotau (vice-captain)         DM   29    DAN
6   Wesley Burch (captain)                CB   33    CRT
7   Jabari Wood                          CM/AM   32    CRT
8   Jordan Stone                         DM/CM   27    DAN/ TKT
9   Roddy Campbell                       CF   23    HEB
10   Clay Johnson                         CM/DM   31    DAN
11   Kai Gilchrist                        AM/LW   27    DAN
12   Anthony Zimmerman                    LB   32    DAN
13   Logan Jetnil                         GK   24    MCN
14   Yorkie Jones                         CB   26    DAN
15   Elijah Brown                         CB   20    DAN
16   Sebastian Thompson                   CB   22    DAN
17   Ethan Miller                         RW/AM   21    DAN/ HEB
18   Lucas Garranberre                    RB   19    AUP
19   Graham Stafford                      CF   19    TKT
20   Bradley Bing                         AM/CM   18    DAN
21   Jakari Malone                        GK   30    DAN
22   Renzo Ioanis                         LW/AM   19    MCN
23   Martin Strevaux                      LB   18    AUP
BOLD  denotes new signing
GREEN denotes academy promotion

Transfers:

In — ₵34.93M, NS$1.4M

Jordan Stone, DM/CM (27) / — Waiakea Warriors (DAN) — ₵19.96M, NS$0.8M
Mateo Taylor, RB (26) — Shoreline Sharks (DAN) — ₵14.97M, NS$0.6M
Lucio Vardi, CB (28) — Salindese (SNE) — Free Transfer
Lucas Garranberre, RB (19) — Laar City Cross (ZEN) — Free Transfer
Martin Strevaux, RW (18) — Alexia Academie (AUP) — Free Transfer
Graham Stafford, CF (19) — Emerald Coast Raiders FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵16.22M, NS$0.65M

Gunnar Tórsteinsson, CF (21) — Team Valiant (DAN) — ₵9.98M, NS$0.4M
Chase Donnelly, AM (20) — Team Valiant (DAN) — ₵6.24M, NS$0.25M
Javon Mitchell, RB (21) — Northridge Navigators (DAN) — Free Transfer
Oliver Janssen, CB (24) — Pacific FC (DAN) — Free Transfer
Terell Brooks, LB (27) — Aberdeen A's (DAN) — Free Transfer
Troy Kamakawiwo'ole, DM/CM (36) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Team Valiant — 10th

Bradley Bing is certainly on his way to becoming a star within Dantopian football, and Kai Gilchrist also had a solid campaign last season. However, these two were perhaps Team Valiant's only bright sparks last year, and I'm not sure if they have recruited well enough to even match last season, let alone improve upon it, much to the annoyance of their eccentric billionaire owner. I expect them to be in or near the relegation scrap.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Waiakea Warriors

Full Name:Waiakea Warriors Athletic Club
Location:Waiakea
Nickname:The Dubs
Stadium:The Kava Bowl (90,024)
Manager:Mitcher Johnny MCN
Major Honours:Division 2 x1
Rivals:East Bay United (local),
Chester Chiefs (competitive),
Rockport Ravens (cultural)
Kits:

HomeAway

Waiakea Warriors

Last Season:
Division 1 — 4th, 18 W; 5 D; 15 L; 54 GF; 56 GA; -2 GD
DFA Cup — Quarter-Final

Club Synopsis:
The Waiakea Warriors have recently emerged as one of the top clubs in Dantopia's top flight. A second successive fourth placed finish for 'the Dubs' last season have earned Macronesian head coach Mitcher Johnny's side an IFCF birth — and a crop of young talents have been recruited in this season to help bolster the squad ahead of an important campaign for the Warriors. The core being developed is clearly with a view of employing younger players for longer-term success, but the experience of players like Shea, Matinpalo and Opetaia cannot be overlooked.

The Kava Bowl

The Warriors play at the 90,024 seat Kava Bowl — an absolutely gargantuan stadium, one currently too large for the club. However, attendance at matches has increased year on year, as the Warriors slowly establish themselves as the premier eastern Dantopian club, and the trend suggests that the Warriors could be close to max capacity within the next five seasons or so. The stadium has been named after and designed to look like a traditional 'kava bowl', which serves a drink made from the root of the plant of the same name, and known for its psychoactive, sedative, and anaesthetic effects. It has been used for centuries in traditional Dantopian culture for social bonding and ceremonies.

'The Dubs' enjoy spirited rivalries with the Chester Chiefs and Rockport Ravens — all three of the sides would like to assert themselves as the top dog in the east. Even closer to home, their across-the-bay rivals, East Bay United, have slumped down to Division 2 after reluctantly relinquishing their own academy prospects — now stars — to other clubs. This is a mistake the Warriors do not want to make too often themselves, and cash flow isn't a problem for the well-financed club. However, The loss of academy product Sam Robinson-Tate to Hondo FC in Valanora was a bittersweet pill for Warriors fans, who are pleased to see one of their own able to expand and develop his game abroad, but his replacement, Omar Malik, looks a promising young player in his own right.

Mitcher Johnny

Expectations for Tanirinthian forward Avery Collins are high, as the Warriors shift to a front two — Collins accompanying Edwards up top. Edwards will be eager to assert himself as one of the top strikers in the division this season — with his height and power, mixed with his pace, quickly becoming problematic for opposition defenders. The Biyambian wingers Mana and Chimenya will be equally willing to impress out wide in what is shaping up to be a very front-footed approach from Mitcher Johnny's men. Opetaia will look to orchestrate as always from the middle, and is now accompanied by the precocious Johnson Sutcliffe, after Jordan Stone transferred to Team Valiant. Promoted from the academy this season is young left-back Nathanial Robinson-Grimes — no relation to the departing Sam Robinson-Tate — who looks to have a very promising future too. For the 41-year-old Johnny, this season will be about continuing to build upon his youth-led project and cement himself as one of the top coaches in the league. If they can have a promising run in the IFCF Challengers Cup, that certainly wouldn't harm the club's status or momentum either. Johnny employed a 4-3-3 last season, but the switch to 4-4-2 — though with how attacking the wingers are may look more like a 4-2-4 — will add another attacker at the expense of a third central midfielder. Opetaia has often looked to have the ability and energy of two players anyway, and it seems like the plan with Avery Collins is to operate him in a bit of a false 9 role anyhow, having Collins drop into the pocket to allow Edwards the occupy the opposition centre backs in the more physical battles. It's a bit of a throw-back to the old 'big man, little man' forward partnerships, not that Collins is little, just that Edwards towers above most at 6'5", and Collins seems to possess the playmaking skills that allow him to drop a little deeper.

---

Formation & Depth Chart:

Team Roster:

NUMPLAYERPOSAGENATION
1   Phillip Shea (captain)                GK   29    CRT
2   DeAnthony Moorhouse                  RB   25    DAN
3   Levi Pasil                           LB   33    DAN/ MCN
4   Jason Falime                         CB   35    MCN
5   Santeri Matinpalo                    CB   33    DAN
6   Oliver Saxon                         CB   30    DAN
7   Rodrigo Poncé                        CF   31    CRT
8   Omari Opetaia (vice-captain)           CM/DM   27    DAN
9   Zeke Edwards                         CF   20    DAN
10   Victor Thrill                        CF/LW   30    DAN/ CRT
11   Ryan Cornwallis                      LW   32    DAN
12   James Martin                         RB   25    DAN
13   Wilfred Cobb                         GK   26    DAN
14   Gabriel Martínez                     RW/CF   25    DAN
15   Hasan Khan                           DM/CM   34    DAN
16   Ross MacDonald                       CM   28    HEB
17   Avery Collins                        CF   20    TAN
18   Pat Jeffries                         GK   36    DAN
19   Omar Malik                           CB   20    INS
20   Nathaniel Robinson-Grimes            LB   18    DAN
21   Timothy Mana                         RW   18    BIY
22   Johnson Sutcliffe                    CM   17    TKT
23   Gift Chimenya                        LW   19    BIY
BOLD  denotes new signing
GREEN denotes academy promotion

Transfers:

In — ₵82.34M, NS$3.3M

Santeri Matinpalo, CB (33) — Vantanoch FC (TKT) — ₵27.45M, NS$1.1M
Avery Collins, CF (20) — Ashcombe (TAN) — ₵24.95M, NS$1M
Omar Malik, CB (20) — IFA Academy (INS) — ₵19.96M, NS$0.8M
Timothy Mana, RW (18) — Western United (BIY) — ₵7.49M, NS$0.3M
Gift Chimenya, LW (19) — BT Sharks (BIY) — ₵2.5M, NS$0.1M
Johnson Sutcliffe, CM (17) — Oriannor Mountaineers FC Academy (TKT) — Free Transfer

Out — ₵44.91M, NS$1.8M

Sam Robinson-Tate, CB/RB (23) — Hondo FC (DAN) — ₵24.95M, NS$1M
Jordan Stone, DM/CM (27) / — Team Valiant (DAN) — ₵19.96M, NS$0.8M
Miles West, LW/CF (18) — Mansanduni Union PFC (BIY) — Free Transfer
Micah Aliki, LB (22) — Oceanside Eleven (DAN) — Free Transfer
Finlay Cameron, RW (25) — Torrance Titans (DAN) — Free Transfer
Mitchell Magloire, LW (35) — Retired

Power Rankings:

henry.vinagre

Feb 22

Pre-Season Power Rankings: Waiakea Warriors — 5th

It's not to say that I don't like the youth-led focus of Waiakea's transfer strategy, but I just don't think it will be enough to beat their fourth placed finish last year. Collins looks to be an ideal partner for Edwards up front, and the pace and exuberance of the Biyambian wingers will keep this team on the front-foot. However, losing the promising Sam Robinson-Tate to Hondo FC in Valanora will hurt the club's defensive line.

#PowerRankings #DFA #Division1 #SeasonXI

[Dantopia]

Match-day 1

Quay Arena

Pleasant Park

---

Dartford City Stadium

Dantopian Airways Stadium

---

Gēcko Arena

The Kava Bowl

[Dantopia]

Match-day 2

Bank of Dantopia Stadium

DT Centre

---

BRT Arena

Shoreline Municipal Arena

---

The Valiant Dome

The Kava Bowl

[Dantopia]

Match-day 3

Quay Arena

Pleasant Park

---

Community Stadium

Dartford City Stadium

---

Dantopian Airways Stadium

Gēcko Arena

[Dantopia]

Match-day 4

Bank of Dantopia Stadium

Dantopian Airways Stadium

---

DT Centre

BRT Arena

---

Shoreline Municipal Arena

The Kava Bowl