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With the first sponsor in Falconfar sports - Polair if Polar Islandstates agreed to a five-year deal - and the Falconfar-Falconear merger looming on the horizon, let's take a look at the transactions that occurred and what can be reasonably expected from the twenty-four teams in the Falconfar Premier League.
A Gentle Reminder
A gentle reminder of what will happen to the league after this season. Falconfar and Falconear are merging to form the Unified Falcon League, and the changes will be thus:
1. The top twelve teams of the Falconfar Premier League after the next season will be in the Unified Falcon Premier Division.
2. The next eight teams, and the four teams that will be promoted in, will be in the Unified Falcon Secondary Division.
3. The four teams that are relegated, the rest of the B League, and the top four of the C League (the teams that will be promoted into the B League) will make up the Falconfar Champions' League.
4. The rest of the C League, and eight new teams will make up the Falconfar B League. The eight new teams will be: Pyria FC, Vititi United, Iriwati City FC, La Pinatra United, Wolfmann City FC, Hanszbrough United, Sandrali FC, and Baratoko United.
5. The Falconfar Cup will still be held, including the teams that will be in the UFL; however, the winner will not qualify for the Cygnus Cup.
6. Top four promoted, bottom four relegated - except for the Falconfar Champions' League, which will only promote two to the Unified Falcon Secondary Division.
Notable Transactions
International Transactions
Departures
Harold Nehafsaim, Striker, Vititi Paladins, to Royal Rumiatzi, Astograth
Jack Qaiso, Defender, Canesbrough Tornadoes, to Martime, Cotdelapoms
Arrivals
Sol Sjodin, Attacking Midfielder, Koppen Rig Force, Polar Islandstates, to Manvero Heroes
Laia Un'jeru'betcii, Centre Back, Andossa Se Metrin Vega National Team, Andossa Se Metrin Vega, to Iriwati Panthers
Shelley Elliot, Striker, Real Gilley, Saugeais, to Manvero Heroes
Domestic Transactions
Victor Myer, Defender, Lyron Lancers, to New Irswabi Red
Sharon Tundai, Defender, La Pinatra Crusaders, to Pyria Thunder
Team-By-Team Preview
Note: "Key Players" pertain to national team players and international players.
VITITI Paladins
Planet/Moon: Isildar
Manager: Johannes Barr
Key Players: DEF Ignacio Agosti (Erathore), MID Henri Toval, FOR Jared Yemar
Key Additions/Departures: Lost FOR Harold Nehafsaim to Royal Rumiatzi, Astograth
Finish Last Season: Champions of the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round of 16 to Vincevol Stars
Predicted Finish This Year: 2nd Place
Style Modifier: +3.5
Synopsis: Losing Harold Nehafsaim overseas was a devastating loss for the Paladins, but they have a star waiting in the wings in Jared Yemar. He, along with Henri Toval, will have a chance to right this ship, with the help of the rising Erathii star, Ignacio Agosti. The Paladins have the firepower to contend against anyone, and might even be able to edge the Thunder and the Panthers for the title yet again. Barr is too good of a manager to mess up what is already a stacked squad.
IRIWATI Panthers
Planet/Moon: Gyron
Manager: Hansen Tomelle
Key Players: CB Laia Un'jeru'betcii (Andossa Se Metrin Vega), MID Natasha Myavic, FOR Nigel Rayon
Key Additions/Departures: Gained CB Laia Un'jeru'betcii from the Andossa Se Metrin Vega National Squad
Finish Last Season: 2nd Place in the Falconfar Premier League; Globe Cup berth
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Finals to New Irswabi Red
Predicted Finish This Year: 3rd Place
Style Modifier: +1
Synopsis: The Panthers aren't a side to make too much noise or headlines, but they did make a splash in the market this season by signing Laia Un'jeru'betcii from the Andossa Se Metrin Vega National Squad. The Vegan is expected to help a side that has national team players Natasha Myavic and Nigel Rayon forget about the bitter taste of double defeat from last season. The Panthers had the lead with one game to go, but lost to the Bulldogs of Mara Kora to lose the title to Vititi. Then, they were humiliated in the Falconfar Cup Final by New Irswabi. There is a chip on the Panthers' shoulders as they head into this season... Can they win when it matters the most?
PYRIA Thunder
Planet/Moon: Gyron
Manager: Franklim Ordonez (Mangolana)
Key Players: DEF Sharon Tundai, DEF Patrick Stewart, DEF Mbadiwe Chinomoso, MID Vokka Jurok, FOR Loria Votmk
Key Additions/Departures: Gained DEF Sharon Tundai from La Pinatra Crusaders
Finish Last Season: 3rd in the Falconfar Premier League; Globe Cup berth
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Triora Wild
Predicted Finish This Year: Champions
Style Modifier: -4
Synopsis: Even with an unproven goalkeeper in Tyler Dawson, the star-studded defense should help the Thunder regain the title. Loria Votmk is the most influential non-human player in the league, and Vokka Jurok is a force to be reckoned with as well. Franklim Ordonez, or "The Mangolanan Wizard", has the pieces to make another deep run at the title, and there isn't much that other teams can do to stop them.
IONA SPACEPORT Defenders
Planet/Moon: Iona
Manager: Imara Newson
Key Players: GK John-Michel Errat, DEF Thaddeus Lewis, MID Irwin Garland-Hart (Civil Citizenry), FOR Jackson Bennet
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 4th in the Falconfar Premier League, Globe Cup berth
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Pikana Pirates
Predicted Finish This Year: 5th Place
Style Modifier: +2
Synopsis: Irwin Garland-Hart has given this team a superstar, a leader, and an icon. Behind him, the Defenders went from being recently promoted to reaching the Globe Cup. Can they handle success? John-Michel Errat is one of the top Goalkeepers in the league, and Thaddeus Lewis provides a very good backstop. Garland-Hart and Bennet will seek to score the goals for the Defenders. They will be a team to watch this season, and possibly challenge for the title, but they are probably a move or two away from making a serious push.
LA PINATRA Crusaders
Planet/Moon: Gyron
Manager: Karodin Myrka
Key Players: GK Jacques Didier, DEF Chieloka Choke (Zenega)
Key Additions/Departures: Lost DEF Sharon Tundai to Pyria Thunder
Finish Last Season: 5th in the Falconfar Premier League, Copa de Campeones berth
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Canesbrough Tornadoes
Predicted Finish This Year: 7th Place
Style Modifier: -5
Synopsis: They will have no problems stopping goals. Jacques Didier is the best goalkeeper in the Empire by far. However, even Jacques will have a hard time winning without goal support. This team needs a reliable offensive threat who can provide consistent offense for Didier to play behind. Without that, the Crusaders will fall behind in the race for the title, and more importantly, they may lose Didier's services when the all-star Goalkeeper's contract is over.
LYRON Lancers
Planet/Moon: Isildar
Manager: Yadeem Murok
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: Lost DEF Victor Myer to New Irswabi Red
Finish Last Season: 6th Place in the Falconfar Premier League, Copa de Campeones berth
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round of 16 to Canesbrough Tornadoes
Predicted Finish This Year: 12th Place
Style Modifier: +0.5
Synopsis: The Lancers stayed quiet this offseason with the hopes that it's young players will mature this season. However, with the level of talent that the other contenders have signed, it might not have been enough for Lyron to move up the standings this season. Lyron should still be entertaining to watch and have chances to win games, but it is unlikely that the Lancers will have the tenacity or the firepower to upset any of the big names and repeat in the top eight.
NEW IRSWABI Red
Planet/Moon: Darius
Manager: Martin Perchard
Key Players: DEF Victor Myer, FOR Jerôme Nasaic, FOR Sterne Reinen Kämper
Key Additions/Departures: Gained DEF Victor Myer from Lyron Lancers
Finish Last Season: 7th Place in the Falconfar Premier League, Copa de los Principes berth
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Champions
Projected Finish This Year: 6th Place
Style Modifier: +1.25
Synopsis: The Red are a team definitely on the upside of life. They stunned the Empire by taking the Cup, and have a budding star in Nasaic. Kämper also has unlimited potential. Martin Perchard has spent his time developing a squad, and the time for them to start playing highly has come. This team can turn a lot of heads this season, and maybe even catch a Globe Cup spot.
RALLION Guards
Planet/Moon: Misari
Manager: Saheem Broht
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 8th Place in the Falconfar Premier League, Copa de los Principes berth
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Jurion Champions
Projected Finish This Year: 8th Place
Style Modifier: +4
Synopsis: Surprised everyone by finishing in the top eight last year. Should surprise everyone again by staying in the top eight. There are some players, like forward Erik Bedard and midfielder Dean Smith, who should have breakthrough years and be recognized for being the amazing players that they are.
SOUTH IRSWABI Tigers
Planet/Moon: Falcon
Manager: Kandell Holmes
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 9th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Sandrali Dragoons
Projected Finish This Year: 11th Place
Style Modifier: -2
Synopsis: Just missed a postseason tournament. Also had a -2 goal differential. Due for a turn for the worse... Will have to step up their game just to stay in the top twelve and not be sent to the Unified Falcon Secondary Division. A tough time expected ahead for this crew...
CANESBROUGH Tornadoes
Planet/Moon: Gyron
Manager: Cody Reems
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: Lost DEF Jack Qaiso to Maritime, Cotdelapoms
Finish Last Season: 10th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Semifinals to Iriwati Panthers
Projected Finish This Year: 10th Place
Style Modifier: -3
Synopsis: The Tornadoes did lose an amazing defender in Jack Qaiso, who left for Cotdelapoms. They should still be somewhat relevant, but they are a side on the decline... Be lucky to stay in the top twelve, they will be... The fans want some big name to hang their hat around soon.
MANVERO Heroes
Planet/Moon: Gyron
Manager: Joshua Merrin
Key Players: AM Sol Sjodin (Polar Islandstates), ST Shelley Elliot (Saugeais), ST Zehatzen Indartsu bat Zaindari
Key Additions/Departures: Gained AM Sol Sjodin from Koppen Rig Force, Polar Islandstates; Gained ST Shelley Elliot from Real Gilley, Saugeais
Finish Last Season: 11th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to West Kassan Lions
Projected Finish This Year: 4th Place
Style Modifier: +5
Synopsis: A very good first year was followed by a disappointing second season. So, Manager Joshua Merrin went and spent a fortune in acquiring Sol Sjodin and Shelley Elliot. With them also is Zehatzen Indartsu bat Zaindari, a prodigy. The three should score plenty of goals, meaning that if the Heroes can play any semblance of a defense at all, they should be in good shape for a comeback. They need it, too - the fan market is demanding a better season than the one they just finished.
IONA JUNCTION Spiders
Planet/Moon: Iona
Manager: Ju-Iro Tanawasi
Key Players: CAM Sherrod Bishop (Civil Citizenry)
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 12th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Baskardo Storm
Projected Finish This Year: 9th Place
Style Modifier: +1.8
Synopsis: Ju-Iro Tanawasi lost his national job after a disappointing season with the Spiders. This year, things don't seem like it'll get any better for the Iona Junction squad. However, the emergence of Sherrod Bishop should give the Spiders one wild card to play. Expect them to be in the top ten, but not threaten the top. They still need some magic if they want to get far.
NORTH IRSWABI Comets
Planet/Moon: Falcon
Manager: Liam Dreesan
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 13th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Locido Force
Projected Finish This Year: 14th Place
Style Modifier: -4
Synopsis: Needs major offensive overhauls before they can be a major threat. The defense is solid but unspectacular. Has the potential to pull some upsets, but will be out of the running by mid-season. Should make the Irswabi derby interesting, though.
MARA KORA Bulldogs
Planet/Moon: Falcon
Manager: Isaac Tertan
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 14th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Vincevol Stars
Projected Finish This Year: 13th Place
Style Modifier: +1
Synopsis: Finished at a respectable place last season after being promoted. Relies on the youth of the squad rather than trying to sign a big name from other nations, which will take a few years, but should yield results sometime soon. Expect another mid-table finish, and maybe a top twelve finish so that they will be in the Unified Falcon Premier Division.
LOCIDO Force
Planet/Moon: Darius
Manager: James Nielson
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 15th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round of 16 to West Kassan Lions
Projected Finish This Year: 15th Place
Style Modifier: +5
Synopsis: The Force did finish in fifteenth place, but they had a goal differential of +13. Such a statistic is downright outrageous. They need some defenders who can help them take advantage of this offense. Unfortunately, Nielson had some funding issues with the board during the off-season, and no moves materialized. The Force seem to have relegated themselves to another season of offensive fireworks but not many wins.
PIKANA Pirates
Planet/Moon: Misari
Manager: Kevin Tolman
Key Players: ST Tito Madukaife (Zenega)
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 16th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round of 16 to Sandrali Dragoons
Projected Finish This Year: 22nd Place
Style Modifier: -3.3
Synopsis: Pikana is in a free-fall. The only thing they have going for them is Madukaife, and he will most likely be snatched by a big-name club by the halfway point of this season. Everyone wants Tolman fired. They will most likely get relegated the next season due to lack of competitive players.
TAKKEN CITY Bears
Planet/Moon: Isildar
Manager: Harry Reardan
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 17th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Io Tomar Blazers
Projected Finish This Year: 23rd Place
Style Modifier: +2.4
Synopsis: Will be a miracle to stave off relegation this year. So long, Takken City.
VINCEVOL Stars
Planet/Moon: Falcon
Manager: Kirea Tzan
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 18th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Quarterfinals to Iriwati Panthers
Predicted Finish This Year: 20th Place
Style Modifier: -3.6
Synopsis: Is this the same team that qualified for the Four Planets' Cup after the first season? No... This is a shell of who Vincevol used to be. Such a shame. Will barely stave off relegation, or be relegated itself.
LOREZA Racers
Planet/Moon: Isildar
Manager: Frank Vixen
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 19th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 3 to Manecar Hawks
Predicted Finish This Year: 19th
Style Modifier: +3.2
Synopsis: Barely escaped relegation last year, and this year, it'll take some luck to escape it as well.
NEW KINSI Cyborgs
Planet/Moon: Isildar
Manager: Iztan Baheel
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 20th Place in the Falconfar Premier League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 2 to Frauhofen Terror
Predicted Finish This Year: 21st Place
Style Modifier: -2.1
Synopsis: Another club about to be relegated. Should be a cupcake to most strong teams on the schedule.
JANESVILLE Kings
Planet/Moon: Gyron
Manager: Hakeem Mordok
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 1st Place in the Falconfar B League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 2 to Jurion Champions
Predicted Finish This Year: 16th Place
Style Modifier: +3.6
Synopsis: Second time the charm for the Kings? They should be strong enough to stay in the Premier League this time around, or so they hope.
TRIORA Wild
Planet/Moon: Falcon
Manager: Adam Nuñez
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 2nd Place in the Falconfar B League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round of 16 to Io Tomar Blazers
Predicted Finish This Year: 18th Place
Style Modifier: -4.9
Synopsis: Should be good enough to avoid relegation, but is still a weak side compared to the heavyweights.
WURLINGTON Dynamos
Planet/Moon: Gyron
Manager: Calvin Bobben
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 3rd Place in the Falconfar B League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Round 1 to Otoheinsbruk Sharks
Predicted Finish This Year: 17th Place
Style Modifier: -2.4
Synopsis: As long as the form they showed in their first round loss to the Sharks doesn't come out, they should be able to not get relegated.
BARATOKO Rebels
Planet/Moon: Isildar
Manager: Nigel Damon
Key Players: None
Key Additions/Departures: None
Finish Last Season: 4th Place in the Falconfar B League
Finish Last Season in the Falconfar Cup: Lost in Quarterfinals to Canesbrough Tornadoes
Predicted Finish This Year: 24th
Style Modifier: +0.1
Synopsis: Will not survive here, and will have to head back down...