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AO Forum :: > AOCAF - The AO Regional Soccer Tournament > A. O. C. A. F. I I I - Scores/ R P Thread


Posted by: Pedriana Sep 18 2004, 11:47 AM
Welcome to the third running of AOCAF, hosted by Pedriana. Twenty nations from all over Atlantian Oceania have come to our northern nation to take part in the spirit of friendly competition.

The groups for the group stage were drawn on Saturday, September 18 at 16:16 GMT in #sport on irc.esper.net in the presence of several other AO nations, including our regional founder Vilita. The groups are as follows:

GROUP A
Vilita
Turori
Aquiliana
Druida
Balaal

GROUP B
Crystilakere
Starblaydia
Abattoir
Chacor
New Manhattan

GROUP C
Sarzonia
Xile
Pedriana
Wapahkoneta
Triangunation

GROUP D
NEWI Cefn Druids
Nojika
Lamoni
Psytroxia
Nova Britannicus

More information to come...

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 18 2004, 12:14 PM
The match schedule:

Matchday 1
2 v 5
3 v 4

Matchday 2
1 v 3
4 v 5

Matchday 3
1 v 5
2 v 4

Matchday 4
1 v 2
3 v 5

Matchday 5
1 v 4
2 v 3

Matchdays 6-10 are the reverse of 1-5.

Venues:

Group A - The Zone, Chash (capacity 31,084)
Group B - Southeast Stadium, Itechton (capacity 30,961)
Group C - Beachside Field, Garorshy (capacity 35,910)
Group D - Babylon Road, Etuskight (capacity 27,609)

The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals:
1. 1st in Group A v 2nd in Group B - The Zone, Chash
2. 1st in Group B v 2nd in Group C - Southeast Stadium, Itechton
3. 1st in Group C v 2nd in Group D - Beachside Field, Garorshy
4. 1st in Group D v 2nd in Group A - Babylon Road, Etuskight

Semifinals:
1. Winner of QF1 v Winner of QF2 - The Zone, Chash
2. Winner of QF3 v Winner of QF4 - Beachside Field, Garorshy

Third Place Playoff:
Loser of SF1 v Loser of SF2 - Beachside Field, Garorshy

Final:
Winner of SF1 v Winner of SF2 - Athtai National Stadium, Athtai (capacity 48,900)

Scores will be posted nightly shortly after 23:00 GMT, starting Sunday, September 19.

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 18 2004, 05:06 PM
The Jhanna Chronicle Sports Supplement
AOCAF 3 Preview: Special Edition
The full guide to every team

So as Atlantian Oceania comes back around for the third Regional Tournament, there are many questions to be asked. Can the Druids make it an unprecedented three in a row? Will Vilita make it third time lucky? Can Crystilakere go one better than last time? What will Sarzonia, Xile, Starblaydia and Turori manage? Will there be any surprises from the rest?

Find out with our patented, light-hearted guide to all twenty teams.

GROUP A
Vilita
AOCAF Honours: Hosts (AOCAF2) 2nd (AOCAF1) 3rd (AOCAF2)
As the first nation to lay down their boreders in the Region, Vilitans are always at the forefront of everything sporting within Atlantian Oceania. Twice they have been unlucky in this competition but they will be looking to set that record straight by going one better than their best. The added bonus of not having to play in the World Cup Qualifiers will mean some very fit players who will be wanting to prove their worth before the finals start.
Prediction: Group 1st, Semi-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Yanky Doodle Pigeon. Everyone wants a pop at them, but they always get away with the goods
user posted image

Turori
AOCAF Honours: None
Along with their Colonial seniors Vilita, Turori will be looking to run away with this group from the less experienced nations. Playing just across the water from Pedriana the Turorians will consider this almost home turf.
Prediction: Group 2nd, Quarter-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Bart Simpson. Tend to keep putting one over on their so-called 'betters'
user posted image

Aquiliana
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
After a great Baptism of Fire run they ended up losing in the Semi-Finals to Estryck. The Aquilianans will have to cause a major upset to break into the top 2 come the final cut, but with their drive, who knows?
Prediction: Group 3rd
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Roger Ramjet. Good enough when the opposition are kids but tend to lose against the big-boys
user posted image

Druida
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
They'll be hoping that they get some innate footballing ability from the NEWI part of their heritage rather than the Flexsys part. In their first Competitive Tournament I wouldn't expect very much from them, though they may climb as high as third.
Prediction: Group 4th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Scooby Doo. They never quite know where they are, and they speak funny, too
user posted image

Balaal
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
A completely new nation that has just begun to set down its borders in Atlantian Oceania, Balaal will probably be trashed by most of the teams in this group. Qualification: Impossible.
Prediction: Group 5th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Bambi. Ripe for the slaughter. Mint Sauce anyone?
user posted image



GROUP B
Crystilakere
AOCAF Honours: 2nd (AOCAF2)
Their best ever result last time saw them narrowly lose to defending Champions NEWI Cefn Druids. They would expect to be the class of this group but may face a tough challenge from Starblaydia and Abattoir. Expect qualification for the Crystil nation.
Prediction: Group 2nd, Quarter-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Wile E. Coyote. Finally, a plan that will succeed, they think: Headers off corners.
user posted image

Starblaydia
AOCAF Honours: None
Perennial Dark Horses, Starblaydia aquitted themselves well in the last AOCAF, being vanquished by group-favourites at the Quarter-final Stage. With a good run this team of players who didnt quite make the World Cup squad will be looking to make it into the end stages.
Prediction: Group 1st, Semi-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Jessica Rabbit. Plenty of good-looking promise. But seriously, can we have some action now, please?
user posted image

Abattoir
AOCAF Honours: None
Situated across the bay from Pedriana, Abattoir will be trying their best to break the Crystilakere/Starblaydia monopoly on Qualification though will face some strong challenges.
Prediction: Group 4th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Hank Hill. Decent but plodding along slowly
user posted image

Chacor
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Will the colonists from Liverpool England and Oddslavo manage to sneak into the final stages? Don't count on it, as they're just not experienced enough at this level, despite a Baptism of Fire under their belt. If they can lose 3-1 to Nova Britannicus in the Colony Cup, Starblaydia can thrash them.
Prediction: Group 3rd
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Daffy Duck. If it doesn't go their way, they'll start to get tetchy
user posted image

New ManhattanAOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Immigrants mostly from the nation of Commerce Heights, whom Starblaydia are very familiar with, New Manhattan's economic muscle may be able to buy nice facilites and the best coaches, but can't buy natural talent.
Prediction: Group 5th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Mr Burns. Steadfast in the belief that money can buy them anything
user posted image


GROUP C
Sarzonia
AOCAF Honours: 3rd (AOCAF1)
Surely the class of this group, the Sarzonia 'Stars' should run away with this Group and sail through to at least the Semis.
Prediction: Group 1st, Semi Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Homer Simpson. Much enjoyed by the masses, but always destined to fall at some point
user posted image

Xile
AOCAF Honours: None
Techinically ranked higher than even Starbladyia in this competition, Xile will be hoping that home advantage for their rivals does not lead to Xile missing out on a qualifying spot.
Prediction: Group 3rd
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Cruela De Ville. Just because they're a little nasty, everyone loves to hate them
user posted image

Pedriana
AOCAF Honours: None
The home nation, Pedriana will be sure to be bouyed on by the wave of national support to feats beyond their wildest dreams. Whether their wildest dreams include qualification or not remains to be seen.
Prediction: Group 2nd, Quarter Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Top Cat. They may not live in the nicest area put not too many will get the better of them
user posted image

Wapahkoneta
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Taking a battering in the World Cup Qualifiers, the braves of Wapakhoneta should eb taking their experience and moulding it into a winning mentality.
Prediction: Group 4th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Mowgli. It's a jungle out there, but they're a little naive at the moment
user posted image

Triangunation
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Colonists from the highly respected sporting nation of Kaze Progessa, Triangunation will still expect to finish bottom of the group unless they can pull off something special.
Prediction: Group 5th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Road Runner. Perpetually in Mortal Danger
user posted image


GROUP D
NEWI Cefn Druids
AOCAF Honours: 1st (AOCAF1) 1st (AOCAF2)
Champions twice in a row and the only Atlantian Oceania nation ranked in the top Ten in the World, this set of Druids are surely the best team in the compeition and if all goes well for them don't bet against them lifting a third Cup at a third successive attempt.
Prediction: Group 1st, Semi-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Simba, the Lion King. The Master of all they survey. At least for now...
user posted image

Nojika
AOCAF Honours: None
Their rank suggests they're the on-paper favourites for the spot behind the Druids, Nojika's general silence on the matter may not help their team's performances.
Prediction: Group 3rd
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Deputy Dawg. Slow and plodding, but you don't get much from them
user posted image

Lamoni
AOCAF Honours: None
After a solid performance in their first ever competition last time, Lamoni will be looking to build on that and maybe even sneak a qualifying spot from Nojika.
Prediction: Group 2nd, Quarter-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - The Jetsons. They just don't catch the public imagination, do they?
user posted image

Psytroxia
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
With many of their players playing for and against the Nova Britannicus teams in the Starblaydi Leagues, Psytroxia should have the measure of their nearest opponents.
Prediction: Group 4th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Lisa Simpson. Small and plain but very smart
user posted image

Nova Britannicus
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Pledging their allegiance to the Protectorate of Starblaydia, NB's Wizards of the Wing will be trying to show the world that old-time amateur football can still be successful. Expect the Bekkside Derby with NEWI Cefn Druids to be a lesson in football for them.
Prediction: Group 5th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Batfink. Jerky and outdated but with wings of steel
user posted image

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 18 2004, 06:18 PM
"...the crocodile could be killed before leaving sewage system through a toilet. And now Skengi Majik with the sport news." (of course, Mr Juka is subtitled in three languages, we are in the psytroxian state television)

(the Jtengishi Ngvarate Alnginge/medijakasit tani/state television sports jingle was heard in the background. Fortunately, Psytroxia has not the money for well-made and in the end still annoying graphical interjections)

"Thank you, Mr Juka, hejida viewers. " (the young, black woman pauses a bit, an image of two fighting men is shown in the top corner of the screen) "The 5th national Taku fighting competition will be delayed due to the late end of the monsoon season. Ltini Xeru expects the competition to start within the next week." (the image is replaced by the picture of a naked foot kicking a ball) "The groups for the third AOCAF soccer competition were drawn. Psytroxia is participating for the first time in this tournament. This is following the establishment of the Psytroxi First Division/Liik Hist'da Psytroxijji/Heven mje'het Hsytiroksi. Our group will be: "
(the image of the speaker disappears, on a simple blue background, the white text "group D/divisasi D/hjenlaki Di" is displayed.)

"NEWI Cefn Druids" (the rejistanian and psyran translation is ommited in this transcript.)(the simple text appears without any of the special effects, you are used to, if watching news on other TV stations)
"Nojika" (while she is speaking, the text appears)
"Lamoni, Psytroxia and Nova Britannicus" (we realize that some text formatting is used: Psytroxia is displayed in bold letters)

"The matches of the psytroxi national team will be: " (a new blue background with absulutely noting on it)
"Lamoni vs Psytroxia, Psytroxia vs Nova Britannicus, Nojika vs Psytroxia, one bye and NEWI Cefn Druids vs Psytroxia." (while she speaks, the fixtures are displayed on the left half of the screen)
"After that, the order of the matches will be reversed" (the new fixtures appear en bloc on the right side of the screen)
"Lshura Mbenda, coach of the Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/Psytroxian national team comments the draw as following:"
(We see Lshura Mbenda in front of a blurred background, but since we see green as dominating color and violet spots moving on it, we assume that he is at training with the national team)
"I see our chances and I see our problems, we are in a group with the strongest team of the AOCAF, we are a new team without any experience... Our aim has to be to get international experience first. Qualification is far"
(the studio is shown again, Skengi Majik continues speaking)
"Kvinge Tikti was deprived of his title of winner of the Linux Kali race because he pushed his car over the finish line..."

(err, better switch to another channel)

Posted by: Vilita Sep 18 2004, 06:26 PM
3rd Times a Charm?


Alikki-Corra, Vilita -- For the third consecutive AOCAF Championships, The Vilita Regional Cats have been first out of the hat, in Group A. The Jungle Cats have finished top of their group in each previous competition, despite facing NEWI Cefn Druids and Crystilakere along the way. In AOCAF I, The Jungle Cats opened up by squeeking by newcomers Xile, before thrashing regional neighbors Turori by a team record 6-1 scoreline. The goalless draw with NEWI Cefn Druids was enough to see them through atop the group, earning them a first ever meeting with Sarzonia, where Serge DuPont sent Vilita through to the first ever AOCAF Final. However, a NEWI-Cefn Druid rematch would go in favor of the Druids.

Vilita were drawn first out of the hat again in the build-up to AOCAF II, before an opening match loss to former regional delegate Crystilakere. Vilita fought back with 4 straight group wins over Krytenia, Xile, Pedriana and Lamoni, before disposing of Lamoni again in the Quarter Finals. a Crystilakere rematch was on cards in the semis, where Vilita dissapointingly crashed out on home turf on penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw. They were able to easily take control of the third-placed playoff, relegating Sarzonia to 4th place.

AOCAF III marks the first time Vilita have not been drawn in the same group as Xile, meaning that in order for their string of 2-1 victories over the Bullet Wounds to continue, it would have to be in the knockout stages. They will however be pitted once again against neighboring colony island Turori, who will be much stronger than in their debutant AOCAF and unlucky to go down by the same 5-goal gap. The 3 debutant teams might suffer such a fate, with the threat of a full-strength Vilitan lineup up against Baptism of Fire Cup runners-up Aquiliana, and NEWI Cefn Druids breakoff nation Druida looking like certain victories, then preperation will begin for an all out drubbing against newcomers Balaal, a team made up entirely of unskilled local players that will be learning the rules of the game as they go.

Posted by: Nova Britannicus Sep 19 2004, 01:09 PM
With all Nova Britannicus players based in the Starblaydi Leagues, there's something of a culture clash for them playing for the national team. Used to a more regular set of formations, the Nova Britannicus Style of playing around a super-attacking 4-2-4 is much removed from the more restrained forms of football formations.

Captain and Right-Back John Bowman said of his team: "I think we're a long way behind many of these teams, though our Quarter-Final in the Colony Cup was only a narrow Loss to Turori, so we'll be looking to upset a few nations along the way."


CODE

MD00 Home/Away  Team                Predicition
MD01     A      Nojika                  Loss
MD02     A      Psytroxia               Draw
MD03     A      NEWI Cefn Druids        Loss
MD04     A      Lamoni                  Loss
MD05     -      Rest
MD06     H      Nojika                  Draw
MD07     H      Psytroxia                Win
MD08     H      NEWI Cefn Druids        Loss
MD09     H      Lamoni                  Draw
MD10     -      Rest

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 19 2004, 05:15 PM
Hosts to Perform in AOCAF?
Team spirit provides hope

GARORSHY -- The Pedriana Llamas are certainly underdogs when it comes to AOCAF. The Llamas weren't around for the first running of the competition, and in the second they boasted the worst overall record of 0-1-4.

Yet Pedriana's national team seems to be improving. In fact, they made it all the way to the semifinals of the Colony Cup, ultimately finishing third after suprisingly defeating Turori in the consolation match. And while they certainly aren't blowing away World Cup XVII Qualifying Group 10, they still theoretically have a chance at making the qualification playoffs. The question is: can they continue this success in their second try at AOCAF?

The squad this time around is almost completely changed from the AOCAF II squad. All the AOCAF II players are still on the Pedrian national team, but they're playing in the World Cup qualifiers and the AOCAF squad consists mainly of younger players from the more mediocre Pedrian clubs (and even a few lower-end Bedistani clubs, who tend to buy a lot of players from Pedriana). Most experts see this as a good thing, though. But what is surely even better is the fact that they will be playing at home the whole way through. Fan involvement has been shown to be key in many international matches, and it will surely be no exception here.

Pedriana plays the group stage in Group C along with Sarzonia, Xile, Wapahkoneta, and Triangunation. Both Sarzonia and Xile have been AO members longer than Pedriana has, and on paper these two should take the group. We have as yet had no interaction with Wapahkoneta or Triangunation, but those nations have political ties to other nations that are well known by our own parent nation. Most pundits show Pedriana as finishing either second or third in the group, but it is doubtful that the Llamas will get past the quarterfinals even at home. We will see, though.

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 19 2004, 06:56 PM
Matchday 1 Scores

Sorry for the delay, there were a few issues with the scorinator that had to be worked out. The scores before this looked like just about the opposite of what they should've been.

GROUP A
Turori 2-1 Balaal
Aquiliana 0-1 Druida

GROUP B
Starblaydia 3-0 New Manhattan
Abattoir 0-1 Chacor

GROUP C
Xile 2-2 Triangunation
Pedriana 1-2 Wapahkoneta

GROUP D
Nojika 3-1 Nova Brittanicus
Lamoni 3-0 Psytroxia

CODE
Group A
Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Turori                      1   1   0   0    2    1    1    3
  2  Druida                      1   1   0   0    1    0    1    3
  3  Vilita                      0   0   0   0    0    0    0    0
  4  Balaal                      1   0   0   1    1    2   -1    0
  5  Aquiliana                   1   0   0   1    0    1   -1    0


CODE
Group B
Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Starblaydia                 1   1   0   0    3    0    3    3
  2  Chacor                      1   1   0   0    1    0    1    3
  3  Crystilakere                0   0   0   0    0    0    0    0
  4  Abattoir                    1   0   0   1    0    1   -1    0
  5  New Manhattan               1   0   0   1    0    3   -3    0


CODE
Group C
Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Wapahkoneta                 1   1   0   0    2    1    1    3
  2  Xile                        1   0   1   0    2    2    0    1
  3  Triangunation               1   0   1   0    2    2    0    1
  4  Sarzonia                    0   0   0   0    0    0    0    0
  5  Pedriana                    1   0   0   1    1    2   -1    0


CODE
Group D
Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Lamoni                      1   1   0   0    3    0    3    3
  2  Nojika                      1   1   0   0    3    1    2    3
  3  NEWI Cefn Druids            0   0   0   0    0    0    0    0
  4  Nova Brittanicus            1   0   0   1    1    3   -2    0
  5  Psytroxia                   1   0   0   1    0    3   -3    0

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 19 2004, 09:31 PM
Lamoni 3-0 Psytroxia (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

The new Lamoni Hawks have defeated the Psytoxian team in their first match in the 3rd AOCAF today.

Defenseman Ryan Luke had this to say after the game: "We weren't really suprised by the outcome of this match. I know that we tied with Pedriana in our own first AOCAF match, but that was because we were playing against another newcomer. We want Psytroxia to know that we think that they are a good team, but could use some experience. Thank you."

With this win, the Hawks are number 1 in Group D standings. Let's hope that it stays that way.

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 20 2004, 12:38 AM
Stars prepare for hosts, AOCAF

In the midst of a break from the World Cup, the Sarzonian national team is preparing for the third installment of the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football. Coach Bryan Marshall is bringing the same roster of players that are currently leading the Stars' efforts toward qualifying in the World Cup, except for the addition of two Under 21 national team stars.

Forward Kenny Cooper, easily the all time leading scorer in Sarzonia's history at any level, will likely start the tournament on the substitute's bench, but Marshall said he would likely see playing time.

"You can't keep a guy with a nose for the goal like he has down for very long," Marshall said. "He's done really well in the U21 competitions, so we think he'll eventually turn out to be a good fit for this team."

Midfielder Valentin Kienzl also steps up from the U21 team to join the senior national team. His play distributing the ball for Cooper and other Junior Stars offensive players was key to the team's dominance of the group stage in the fifth U21 Cup.

"[U21 Coach] Terry [Mangione] really likes this kid," assistant coach Barry Owens said. One training session and you'll see why."

Kienzl would also start the tournament on the bench, but Marshall said he's considering starting the youngster later in the tournament.

The Stars have advanced to the knockout stages of every tournament they've been in except for their first World Cup competition, in which they needed one win in the final two matches to secure a bid and fell short. Marshall dismissed notions that another trip to the knockout stages was assured.

"There are some good teams in Group C," Marshall said. "There's also Xile, and you know heated that match will be. Throw any [won-loss] records out. That's going to be a bloodbath."

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 20 2004, 07:09 AM

Group-Toppers After the First Match
Starbladyia win 18th International Game and 3rd Win in the AOCAF

One of Starblaydia's unsung heroes in their footballing history today declared that Itechton was his new favourite place in all the world as the 35 year-old winger bagged his first ever goal for Starblaydia, in what could well be his final tournament. After going to two consecutive World Cup Qualifiers and a Cup of Harmony, Aiden Matranga finally got himself on a Starblaydia scoresheet.

After Giannis Berisha had latched onto a low Matranga cross and fired into the back of the net early on, all the commentators were wondering if Starblaydia had been missing his presence on the left-wing recently. With just minutes to go before half time, the old warhorse went on a rampaging run down the right-wing, of all places. Having out-foxed the right-backs he had turned his attention to the right-backs for the last few minutes in the first period.

After nut-megging a midfielder he surged down the right-hand side and shook off the challenge of the right-back like he wasnt even there. He then broke into the penalty area and fired across the New Manhattan 'keeper, the ball shaving the inside of the post and the spin sent it rolling around inside the net as the referee blew the whistle. Never has a Starblaydi crowd cheered more for a player's first international goal, and never has a player celebrated it more. Aiden was made Captain for this match, as the most veteran player in the team. His drive, skill and goal has surely cemented his position in this competition of attrition.

As New Manhattan were completely shut down by Starblaydia throughout both halves, they looked good for the three-nil win, especially after substitute Jakkinho's tap-in from close range after a lovely passing move.

Starblaydia now sit atop the Group B table, with Chacor narrowly behind them after their win over Abattoir. Crystilakere and Chacor will have the oppurtunity to make up some ground on Starblaydia on the next Match-day as Starblaydia take a rest, before facing both Chacor and Crystilakere.

Final Score:
Starblaydia 3 - 0 New Manhattan
(Berisha 13, Matranga 43, Jakkinho 68) - (None)

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 1:
Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
*1* Starblaydia                 1   1   0   0    3    0    3    3
 2  Chacor                      1   1   0   0    1    0    1    3
 3  Crystilakere                0   0   0   0    0    0    0    0
 4  Abattoir                    1   0   0   1    0    1   -1    0
 5  New Manhattan               1   0   0   1    0    3   -3    0



CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
G. Berisha          1          3
Jakkinho            1          3
A. Matranga         1          1

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 20 2004, 09:53 AM
Stars guarded for Pedriana

On paper, it looks like a mismatch.

The Sarzonian national team is currently in third place Group 9 in World Cup qualifying and is only two points out of an automatic berth in the World Cup Finals. The Stars are also 49th ranked in the world. They have competed in each of the first two AOCAF tournaments and are expected by many to win Group C easily.
Pedriana is in sixth in Group 10 and is four points behind for a berth in the World Cup play-in match and they are number 130.

However, Coach Bryan Marshall is unconvinced that the match will be a walkover.

"We're not a team that can afford to just sit back and play passive football," Marshall said. "We're opening with the host nation and history shows that it's tough to go into a host nation and play against them."

The Stars said they would stay with the starting 11 they have been using in the World Cup.

"That lineup has had tremendous success for us," Marshall said. "It'd be risky to break the momentum now."

Marshall said defender William Jackson is "110 percent ready" to start after suffering an injury during World Cup qualifying, but he would remain on the bench while defenders Emacio and Lance Alcina were playing well.

"They're playing very well, partly because they play together on Hallad Reavers," goalkeeper Troy Perkins said. "They're very familiar with each other and they know Corey [Hemby, the center back] well. That's a big help back there."

For his part, Perkins is also playing well, posting a 0.89 goals against average in his nine matches in the World Cup, along with three shutouts. The Stars had conceded five goals in their first three matches, but have only allowed four in the seven since.

"We've seen that results can turn in a hurry," midfielder and captain Bobby Convey said. "We can't sleepwalk and expect to win. We think we'll get a good match from Pedriana."

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 20 2004, 03:48 PM
Lamoni prepares for NEWI Cefn Druids (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

Watching the Lamoni national team practice today, you would think that the coach was grilling them after a huge loss, instead of preparing them to take on the best team in the region. The team studied numerous videos of the Druid team, ran through their tactics mercilessly, and played numerous practice games at a facility designated for the purpose.

Team Captain and Forward Matthew Bostock promised us that while this will be a tough match for the Hawks, the Hawks will not roll over and play dead. "We know that NEWI Cefn Druids have won the last two AOCAF's, but we also know that they are not invincible. They will not find this to be an easy match."

Time will tell.

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 20 2004, 05:38 PM
At the press conference after the match:
Lshura Mbenda: I am satisfied with the performance of my team (reporters laugh) No, really, we were defeated, we were defeated 0:3 but we played for the first time. Our team came from three different countries and even more ethnical groups, so it is a start to see them play together this well. We had good chances in the match, we were neither trashed nore demoralised. Against our next opponent, Nova Britannicus, we will play better. No one assumed that we'd start winning it all. Nova Britannicus is also new. Maybe that will make things more levelled, more equal. Psytroxia has chance to win. Questions?
Reporter1: Ntkinjasalanda mbe Ntidejin Ihju?
Lshura Mbenda: Eha-ndii! (Mbenda nods into the crowd, this question is answered)
Reporter2: Will you trust Ihju'he for the next match?
Lshura Mbenda: As I said before: I will!
Reporter3: I have heard the schedule in the Starblaydian league is very tight so the players had too less time for training for the national team, is that true?
Lshura Mbenda: Not that is. But we had difficult task: We had Itngi Daslela and Itngei Mlarka, we had Psyra, tiroksi and nerds. We needed one team. That takes time, much time. Yes, I would have liked more time. But not possible and no one to blame.
Reporter4: How would you rate how the referee did?
Lshura Mbenda: Misdecisions happen. Nkia Xteni was not offside in our biggest chance in 83rd minute. If offside, passive. Wouldn't have changed a thing for result.
Reporter5: iln'ki'milhan'ja Nova-britannicus sunreja?
Lshura Mbenda: viki'reja! (reporters laugh)
("How will you play against Nova Britannicus?" - "victorious!")
Reporter6: Mvedesingehe! ("tell us really!")
Lshura Mbenda: nmi! ("no")
Reporter7: Are the rumours about your affair with Kansu Jalil true?
Lshura Mbenda: Anymore questions? No? ok then!

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 20 2004, 05:38 PM
Llamas Fall to Braves at Home
Pedriana 1 - 2 Wapahkoneta

GARORSHY -- Something went wrong in Pedriana's first match of AOCAF III.

The crowd was supportive -- every seat was filled, and an estimated 79% of the crowd was Pedrian rather than Wapahkonee. Beachside Field was a familiar venue to most of the players, with nearly all having played at least two matches there last year in the PPL (all except those abroad in Bedistan).

Yet something went wrong.

Was it the lack of international experience? Less than half a dozen players on Pedriana's AOCAF team have played in the World Cup, and only one or two are regular starters. And since the World Cup squad is identical to the AOCAF II squad, with the addition of Bob the Giant Evil Spider, that means that the vast majority also have never participated in AOCAF either.

Pedriana started off well, with Paris Canetta, who was rested in Pedriana's World Cup qualifier against Rejistania, taking an early shot on goal that the Wapahkonee keeper was only just able to fist away from the goal. After that, though, Wapahkoneta pretty much dominated the first half, with first-time goalkeeper Renio Gertan (Otha Woelfle was at the Rejistania match over in Athtai) being forced to concede two goals before halftime.

After the half, the Llamas finally started to get it together, perhaps due to a pep talk from assistant coach Idiro Geruna (again, Coach Retaguma was at the other match). Skelrod United's Relé Adona really showed his stuff in the second half, making no fewer than four successful and clean tackles on the Wapahkonee offense. Canetta finally got the ball again and took another shot, and this time the keeper couldn't handle it, making the score 2-1. Several more chances would come later in the half, but unfortunately Pedriana's momentum just wasn't quite enough to save the draw. The fans left gravely disappointed with Pedriana's failure to beat an even less experienced Wapahkoneta team.

Next up on the list is Sarzonia, who on paper should beat the tar out of the Llamas. As usual, coach Olé Retaguma was upbeat when we called him at his Athtai office. "We just need to get warmed up, that's all," he said. "I think we can pull off a draw against Sarzonia, and that would be a big confidence-booster."

Final score:
Pedriana 1 (Canetta 57)
Wapahkoneta 2 (24, 38)

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 20 2004, 05:52 PM
The Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team prepares against northbank like they did against no ther team before. that is partly, because the Psytroxis played only one match until now and partly because Northbank is known on international level already, so that Lshura Mbenda knew how they play and hopefully knows how to defeat them. The team is top motivated for the match. Midfielder Frank Rise said to reporters: "We lost 100% of our matches and conceded 3 goals per average, if there ever was a need to improve, it is now!"

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 20 2004, 06:19 PM
Matchday 2 Scores

GROUP A
Vilita 5-1 Aquiliana
Druida 0-1 Balaal

GROUP B
Crystilakere 5-1 Abattoir
Chacor 3-3 New Manhattan

GROUP C
Sarzonia 1-2 Pedriana
Wapahkoneta 0-1 Triangunation

GROUP D
NEWI Cefn Druids 1-3 Lamoni
Psytroxia 0-1 Nova Brittanicus

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      1   1   0   0    5    1    4    3
  2  Turori                      1   1   0   0    2    1    1    3
  3  Balaal                      2   1   0   1    2    2    0    3
  4  Druida                      2   1   0   1    1    1    0    3
  5  Aquiliana                   2   0   0   2    1    6   -5    0


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Chacor                      2   1   1   0    4    3    1    4
  2  Starblaydia                 1   1   0   0    3    0    3    3
  3  Crystilakere                1   1   0   0    5    1    4    3
  4  New Manhattan               2   0   1   1    3    6   -3    1
  5  Abattoir                    2   0   0   2    1    6   -5    0


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Triangunation               2   1   1   0    3    2    1    4
  2  Pedriana                    2   1   0   1    3    3    0    3
  3  Wapahkoneta                 2   1   0   1    2    2    0    3
  4  Xile                        1   0   1   0    2    2    0    1
  5  Sarzonia                    1   0   0   1    1    2   -1    0


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Lamoni                      2   2   0   0    6    1    5    6
  2  Nojika                      1   1   0   0    3    1    2    3
  3  Nova Brittanicus            2   1   0   1    2    3   -1    3
  4  NEWI Cefn Druids            1   0   0   1    1    3   -2    0
  5  Psytroxia                   2   0   0   2    0    4   -4    0

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Sep 21 2004, 07:39 AM
President Geraint Griffiths calls the suite shared by Druids managers Trevor Kallins and Simon Greaves to congratulate them on their opening result at the AOCAF Cup...

GG: "Is that Trevor Kallins there?"

TK: "Yes it is, Mr. President."

GG: "Good good. Well done on the match today."

TK: "Er... thanks... um, did you actually watch it?"

GG: "Well, no, but they showed me the result, and well done, a 3-1 win against Lamoni is a good way to start off."

TK: "Er, sir..."

GG: "Of course, my aides told me that you'd lost 3-1, but I thought that sounds ridiculous, they must have got it the wrong way round."

TK: "Er, sir..."

GG: "Of course, if you had lost to Lamoni, you can't imagine the reaction you'd get when you got home."

TK: "Er, Mr. President..."

GG: "I mean, there'd be all kinds of things thrown at you when you get back. Eggs, rotten fruit."

TK: "We lost, sir."

GG: "In fact, it'd be one of the biggest disasters in... you lost?!?!?!?"

TK: "Yes sir."

GG: "But... how?"

TK: "Well, the referee was a Druida sympathiser, sir. In fact, he might have been one of them."

GG: "But... they can't do that!"

TK: "Apparently they can."

GG: "So what you're saying is that you lost because the referee didn't like me?"

TK: "More or less."

GG: "So you're blaming me for your defeat?"

TK: "Well, not exactly, sir..."

GG: "Well you can stuff your poxy little team, I hope you lose every match! Ever!"

*the phone goes dead*

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 21 2004, 08:40 AM
Stars crash vs. Pedriana, 2-1

The postgame scene in the Sarzonian locker room after the Stars' 2-1 loss in the team's Group C opener in the third AOCAF tournament was a rare sight. Coach Bryan Marshall closed the door and was reportedly yelling "at top volume," at his players. Marshall declined to comment after the match.

"We lost to a team that we should have no business losing to," midfielder Darwin Russell said. "They're a team we should have beaten with our second choice side."

Instead, the favored Stars (0-1) sit in last place in the group after two matchdays, two points behind second place. The team was idle for Matchday 1.

The Stars were stunned from the outset when Pedriana got two goals from its top striker almost before the fans had a chance to find their seats. The third and seventh minute tallies forced Marshall to change tactics almost immediately. Defender Mike Coyle was sent to the bench after the second goal in place of midfielder Valentin Kienzl, who was making his senior national team debut after a successful run with the Under 21 national team.

"Those goals weren't Mike's fault, but I think Coach Marshall wanted to send the team a message," assistant coach Barry Owens said. "It also threw Valle into the fire, so to speak."

Marshall also sent in forward Kenny Cooper, the U21 team's alltime leading goalscorer, into the match after the Stars had gone into the locker room down 2-0. Cooper didn't take long to make his presence felt, putting home a diving header after a Kienzl cross in the 51st minute to bring the Stars back into the match momentarily.

However, the Stars could generate little pressure after that and goalkeeper Kerry Tanner, who replaced starter Troy Perkins after the second Pedriana goal, was tested often, making nine saves in his 83 minutes of work.

"We have to play a lot better from here on out. The kind of play we had today is not going to get anything accomplished."

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 21 2004, 10:05 AM

Matchday Two Review
Starblaydia Rest as Rivals Play

Though Starblaydia would have preferred to try and keep up their momentum after the training seesion-like run out against New Manhattan, Starblaydia were given a Bye Matchday to allow others to catch up with them.

After unexpectedly drawing with Chacor, Abbatoir were ruthlessly crushed 5-1 by the Crystils of Crystilakere, leaving them at the foot of the table with no points. Chacor and New Manhattan fought to a standstill in an electric 3-3 game, giving Chacor the extra point to climb above Starblaydia and Crystilakere, who have both played a match less.

Starblaydia now go into a run of four straight games before their next bye. First up are Chacor, who have surprised the Group slightly by leading at this early stage. Any slip-ups here will be very costly for Starblaydia. Then comes Starblaydia's Toughest Match-ups with Crystilakere and Abattoir. The high-scoring Crystils have a good record agaisnt Starblaydia, with the following scorelines in the three meetings between the two nations.

Cup of Harmony 15, MD4:
Starblaydia 0 - 4 Crystilakere

Under-21 World Cup 4, MD2:
Starblaydia 1 - 1 Crystilakere

AOCAF2, Quarter-Final:
Crystilakere 2 - 1 Starblaydia

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 2:
Pos Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
 1  Chacor                      2   1   1   0    4    3    1    4
 2  Crystilakere                1   1   0   0    5    1    4    3
*3* Starblaydia                 1   1   0   0    3    0    3    3
 4  New Manhattan               2   0   1   1    3    6   -3    1
 5  Abattoir                    2   0   0   2    1    6   -5    0



Elsewhere, Lamoni produced the shock result of the tournament so far, felling Defending Champions NEWI Cefn Druids by three goals to one, surely their greatest ever victory in the short footballing history of that nation. Hosts Pedriana also upset the betting by defeating Sarzonia, of all people, 2-1. For many Starblaydi fans, seeing the Sarzonia 'Stars' at the bottom of Group C will be a rewarding, but probably fleeting, experience.

As well as the crunch Crystilakere-Starblaydia match, Vilita will also be playing their colony Turori on Match-day Three, with both sides hoping for bragging rights until their next match-up.

That's all for today from Pedriana, catch up with us tomorrow to see how Starblaydia fared against Crystilakere, along with all the other results from Pedriana.


[OOC: With a better goal tally and goal difference, shouldn't Crystilakere be above Starblaydia in the table you posted, Pedriana?]

Posted by: Nova Britannicus Sep 21 2004, 10:11 AM
Psytroxians Defeated

In their second game of the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football, Nova Britannicus scored their first win and first clean sheet of the tournament.

Though the Group Second-favourites Nojika defeated the Britannicans by three goals to one in the opening match in Group D of the Cup, John McDonald scored the only goal in a one-nil win over nearby Psytroxia. Substitute Charles 'Charlie' French scored Nova Britannicus' consolation goal against the Nojikans.

The Psytroxia match, which saw many players on both sides coming from the Starblaydi Leagues, was played out at the Babylon Road ground in nearby Pedriana, jsut a single train-ride away from Nova Britannicus. Nova Britannicus and Tuncastle Rovers Captain John Bowman lined up against his club team-mate Xtai Ltasi as the two full-backs came together in the middle of the pitch quite often during the game.

With much tension and competitiveness from both sides, it was Nova Britannicus that emerged victorious. Well done, Chaps!

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 21 2004, 04:23 PM
Lamoni 3 - NEWI Cefn Druids 1! (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

In an amazing display of football talent, the Lamoni Hawks have defeated AOCAF favorite NEWI Cefn Druids 3 to 1. When the Druids scored in the first few minutes of the game, the crowd seemed to think that it was all over for Lamoni. However, the Druid goal only seemed to light the spark that allowed Lamoni to score three goals, and produce the shock upset of the entire tournament. It has been rumored that when President Matt heard the result, a loud 'W00T!!' could be heard in the Presidential Palace. Ordinary Lamoni citizens could be seen dancing in the streets.

With this win, Lamoni seems positioned to remain in the number one spot of Group D until the end of regular play in AOCAF.

Lamoni goals: Al Smith (20), Mark Savage (30), Jason Pier (109)

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 21 2004, 04:37 PM
Lamoni using bye time wisely (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

After defeating NEWI Cefn Druids 3 to 1 in their last AOCAF match, the Lamoni Hawks have taken the day after that match off to celebrate their win, but after that, it's back to the training schedule. Lamoni faces Nova Britannicus after their bye, and Lamoni's wise use of time is intended to show other teams that Lamoni regards no game as too small.

Team member Al Smith had this to say, "If Nova Britannicus thinks that we will slack off after defeating NEWI Cefn Druids, they better think again. We also feel that with our victory, teams like Sarzonia and Vilita will take notice of us as a serious AOCAF competitor."

After making his statement, he rejoined the other members of the team, who were busy signing autographs for their fans.

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 21 2004, 05:41 PM
Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team lost against Nova Britannicus

The match against Nova Britannicus was a loss and it was one of the bitter ones. Goalie Tsede Ihju used a not too poetic description of his mood: "I could bite in my own ass! I reacted wrongly in that 74th minute..." Other players also declared to be partly responsible for the unfortunate goal. In that way it might be a good sign: the Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team slowly becomes one team and no bunch of oddballs, who happen to play together.

The match started well: the psytroxi 5-4-1 could handle the attacks of the britannian 4-2-4 (that is no typo: four defenders, two midfielders and four strikers) a tactic commonly known as 'kamikaze'. Syku Vela was the additional defender and Guruki Halasi the lone forward. The violets (as the Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team is sometimes nicknamed) had some good chances, especially in counter-attacks. Guruki Halasi had a good chance in the 35th minute, when britannian defender Joe Fletcher made a horrible mis-pass. Unfortunately Gurukis shot flew into the pedrianan sky instead of going past Henry Tuckworth. another big chance was in the 84th minute, when Billie Saddler cleared an attack of Nkia Xteni and Hajir Letasi's corner kick was headed a bit too high so that the ball fell on the goal. Before the 74th minute, the biggest chance for the Nova Britannica was in the 12th minute, when Charlie Bowman was not marked and Xtai Ltasicould clear in the last second. The goal in the 74th minute resulted from a counter attack. Tsede Ihju reached the ball with his fingertips but could not prevent it from going in.

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 21 2004, 07:26 PM
We...Won?
Pedriana unexpectedly defeats Sarzonia

GARORSHY -- As the "class" of Group C, Sarzonia were expected to have their way with the poor Pedriana Llamas. However, Pedriana had a few strengths this time around that they didn't have in the Wapahkoneta match, including having all their starters present now that World Cup qualifying has taken a break.

Striker Sol Svedine earned his Man of the Match honors early on by somehow sneaking not one, but two goals past the Sarzonian defense in the first seven minutes. After this shock that nearly caused thousands of heart attacks due to excitement, Sarzonia made two quick defensive substitutions that brought the game back to a more equal level. Even so, the Stars were held off for the rest of the half, and against all odds Pedriana went into the locker room at halftime two-nil up.

Forward Kenny Cooper went in for Sarzonia at halftime, and it looked like he was going to pull another Svedine as he reduced the lead by one six minutes in. He couldn't quite come up with the second one, though, and there were in fact more Pedrian shots on goal than Sarzonian ones between then and the end of the match, and the final whistle blew on a totally unexpected 2-1 home win.

Once again, manager/coach Olé Retaguma could not be reached for comment due to his tendency to get very intoxicated after upset wins like this one.

Pedriana has a bye for Matchday 3, but will follow that up with a match against Atlantian Oceania newcomers Triangunation.

Final score:
Pedriana 2 (Svedine 3, 7)
Sarzonia 1 (Cooper 51)

QUOTE (Starblaydia)
[OOC: With a better goal tally and goal difference, shouldn't Crystilakere be above Starblaydia in the table you posted, Pedriana?]


Yes, they should. It'll be fixed in the post-MD3 table.

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 21 2004, 08:06 PM
Matchday 3 Scores

GROUP A
Vilita 6-0 Balaal
Turori 2-0 Druida

GROUP B
Crystilakere 3-0 New Manhattan
Starblaydia 4-1 Chacor

GROUP C
Sarzonia 5-2 Triangunation
Xile 2-0 Wapahkoneta

GROUP D
NEWI Cefn Druids 2-1 Nova Brittanicus
Nojika 3-0 Psytroxia

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      2   2   0   0   11    1   10    6
  2  Turori                      2   2   0   0    4    1    3    6
  3  Druida                      3   1   0   2    1    3   -2    3
  4  Balaal                      3   1   0   2    2    8   -6    3
  5  Aquiliana                   2   0   0   2    1    6   -5    0


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Crystilakere                2   2   0   0    8    1    7    6
  2  Starblaydia                 2   2   0   0    7    1    6    6
  3  Chacor                      3   1   1   1    5    7   -2    4
  4  New Manhattan               3   0   1   2    3    9   -6    1
  5  Abattoir                    2   0   0   2    1    6   -5    0


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Xile                        2   1   1   0    4    2    2    4
  2  Triangunation               3   1   1   1    5    7   -2    4
  3  Sarzonia                    2   1   0   1    6    4    2    3
  4  Pedriana                    2   1   0   1    3    3    0    3
  5  Wapahkoneta                 3   1   0   2    2    4   -2    3


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Nojika                      2   2   0   0    6    1    5    6
  2  Lamoni                      2   2   0   0    6    1    5    6
  3  NEWI Cefn Druids            2   1   0   1    3    4   -1    3
  4  Nova Brittanicus            3   1   0   2    3    5   -2    3
  5  Psytroxia                   3   0   0   3    0    7   -7    0

Posted by: Vilita Sep 21 2004, 08:16 PM
w00t

Posted by: Aquiliana Sep 21 2004, 09:23 PM
I leave for a few days and end up being destroyed.

Posted by: Chacor Sep 22 2004, 01:41 AM
OOC: I did not realise this had started. RPs will come.

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Sep 22 2004, 04:47 AM
The Daily Druid

MUST DO BETTER
Bjorn-Trevor Frederiksson on NEWI Cefn Druids 2 Nova Brittanicus 1

As defending AOCAF champions, the Druids are supposed to be one of the best teams in the region. OK, cup by cup, everyone is getting better, but so far, the Druids don't look like they want to win as they have in the past.

OK, last time out, Lamoni worked their asses off, but they still shouldn't have had too much for the Druids, especially considering that the Druids played a full-strength side.

This time out, things were not much better. While the team the Druids class as their main rivals in the competition, Vilita, are winning their group and thrashing all comers, the Druids look less than impressive. The victory here, against some place near Starblaydia, was like the Druids of old. It was only in the second half, when Trevor Trevor came on as a substitute, that they actually looked like a team. But let's get this straight - so far here in Pedriana, the Druids absolutely suck!

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 22 2004, 06:02 AM

Starblaydia Turn on the Style
Chacor felled from top of table

As nearest group rivals Crystilakere humbled New Manhattan by the same score as Starblaydia did, 3-0, Starblaydia destroyed Chacor with a 4-1 win that really should have been a clean sheet. Which is something New Manhattan haven't managed as they've conceded three goals in each of their three games so far.

With Karl Robertson smashing one in inside of ten minutes, then a Berisha brace either side of half-time, rounded off by a David Benson free-kick, Starblaydia looked good for the win with fluid passing moves. Their conceded goal came after Semi-Starblaydi-Semi-Turorian Duncan Jacob won his first international cap, effectively rendering him a Starblaydia player forever more. It was his mistake, unfortunately, that led to the goal as his first challenge was a foul on a Chacor stiker, which the referee harshly gave a penalty for.

Poor, unlucky Duncan.

A few Records were broken in this match. Starblaydia's nmber of victories has now hit twenty-one, while David Benson won his record-number of Caps as he took the field in his eighth tournament for his country, making the thirty-one year old the most experienced player in Starblaydi History. Speaking of experience, thirty-seven year old Elliot Ward became the oldest player ever to play for Starblaydia as he came on in the second half as a substitute for young Jerome Montefalcon as Starblaydia switched to a more usual 4-4-2.

Starblaydia will now be looking forward to meeting Crystilakere in the next game, with both sides hoping to take the three points and gain an outright lead, as well as bragging rights until the next match.


Final Score:
Starblaydia 4 - 1 Chacor
(Robertson 8, Berisha 23 + 75, Benson 63) - (Striker#2, 85)

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 1:
Pos Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Crystilakere                2   2   0   0    8    1    7    6
*2* Starblaydia                 2   2   0   0    7    1    6    6
 3  Chacor                      3   1   1   1    5    7   -2    4
 4  New Manhattan               3   0   1   2    3    9   -6    1
 5  Abattoir                    2   0   0   2    1    6   -5    0



CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
G. Berisha          3          5
K. Robertson        1          4
D. Benson           1          3
Jakkinho            1          3
A. Matranga         1          1

Posted by: Nova Britannicus Sep 22 2004, 06:07 AM
Unlucky, Chaps!

With President Geraint Griffiths publicly showing his displeasure at the performances of his team, the NEWI Cefn Druids took to the pitch with trepidation against Nova Britanniucs, the vanquishers of Psytroxia.

The game started well for Nova Britannicus, and the nervous Druids continually gave the ball to the men in navy blue. Though many people called Trevor came close in the first half, it was a man named Bowman who scored the opening goal, as Nova Britannicus went into dreamland by taking the lead against the defending champions. Charlie Bowman, top scorer in Britannican history with six goals. Perhaps the Bekkside derby wasn't going to be a training match for the Druids, as earlier predicted.

In the second-half, however, the Druid team came back to life as Trevor Trevor came on to solidify the team. Both he and other Druid substitute Trevor Collins scored the goals that took NEWI Cefn Druids into the lead, one which they kept until the final whistle.

Thankfully, Nova Britannicus' Manager Jean-Paul Georges-Ringeaux decided not to break the world record for the number of players named 'Trevor' on the pitch at one time, as Hernsworth Cubs striker Trevor Neville stayed firmly on the sunstitutes bench.

Well played, Chaps, and unlucky!

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 22 2004, 09:13 AM
Stars step up, drop Triangunation 5-2

The Sarzonian national team could be forgiven for a little lapse in concentration with the team's World Cup qualifying admittedly considered a higher priority than a regional football tournament. However, the Stars "humiliating" loss to Pedriana angered the team and they took it out on Triangunation, winning 5-2.

"Losing that first match was humiliating," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "We just let ourselves get pushed around out there against a team that lower in the world rankings than we are. We had to start playing Sarzonian football."

The Stars made sure to end the suspense early, putting four goals past the hapless Triangunation goalkeeper before the half hour mark. Forward Kenny Cooper got the start for Anton Gregor, who was suspended for violating team rules, and scored two goals.

Midfielder Valentin Kienzl came in as a substitute for fellow midfielder Darwin Russell after the veteran turned his ankle slightly. Kienzl scored his first goal with the senior national team and assisted on both of Cooper's goals.

"Taking Darwin out was a precaution," Marshall said. "If it had been a late stage match, we would have left him in. As it was, we're getting Valle a chance to get some experience."

Cooper didn't look like he needed the experience. The young striker looks to have picked up right where he left off with the Under 21 national team, and his chemistry with Kienzl, the playmaking midfielder for that team, has been a major factor in his play, midfielder and team captain Bobby Convey said.

"Those two play together, so they know each other well," Convey said. "Kenny just has a natural touch near the goal."

Defender Emacio and forward Brian Wilson added the other goals, with Wilson's coming in the 84th minute after a counter following Triangunation's second goal.

"Our defense has to get better," defender Corey Hemby said. "We've allowed four goals in the last two matches against teams we should be able to shut down. We've gotten clean sheets against teams like Iansisle and Giant Zucchini and we're giving up two goals to teams that are much lower in the rankings than we are. We have to do a better job of focusing."

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 22 2004, 09:21 AM
Stars ready to face hated rivals

Perhaps the Sarzonian national team needs a match against a hated rival to snap out of its self-described funk. The Stars will get just that when they face Xile, a team they defeated 2-1 in the quarterfinal round of the last AOCAF tournament.

"I don't think I have to tell you how important this match is," forward Brian Wilson said. "We hate them, they hate us. That's all we have to say about that."

Before that knockout stage match, the two teams refused to engage in the traditional pregame handshake ritual, or the shirt exchange following the match. Instead, the referees had to separate the two teams to prevent an all-out brawl.

"My momma told me 'if you don't got nothin' nice to say, don't say nothin'," defender Emacio said. He declined to elaborate.

Tensions between the two countries began when rumors about a possible invasion by Xile circulated in the Sarzonian press. Even when those rumors proved to be unfounded, the animosity between the two countries remained. The Sarzonian government declared immigration by Xile citizens to be illegal and the External Affairs Office established a policy of denying passage by any Sarzonian citizen to Xile. Violating the ban on travel to Xile is punishable by fines and a 10 year prison sentence. The two countries have never traded, nor had diplomatic relations.

"These two matches are the only ones we care about," President Mike Sarzo said. "We could be eliminated from the AOCAF, but we'd be happy if we just beat Xile twice."

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 22 2004, 06:01 PM
Another match, another loss
The Violet of Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team seems to become a sign. A sign for desperation, the painful revelation that it does not suffice to be as good as one can be, to play stellar in psytroxi measures. Coach Lshura Mbenda had similar things to say: "I can not say, I was disappointed with the team. Every player did as good as he could. International standards higher, much higher psytroxi standards."

The disaster started when Frank Rise lost the duel with a Nojikan striker. The psytroxi defense tried their best, but the player outsmarted 3 psytroxi players before feinting Tsede Ihju and scoring the 1:0, that was in the 2nd minute. Also later, the nojikans scored at will (ooc: how can you RP a match without having the roster or any idea how the opponent plays). The mood among Psytroxi fans changed from fierce 'somewhen we'll score, maybe even win' over desperation to fatalism. One fan decided to end this day by jumping from a high building into the nothing of the next world, others used alcohol.

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 22 2004, 06:08 PM
Matchday 4 Scores

GROUP A
Vilita 2-1 Turori
Aquiliana 2-2 Balaal

GROUP B
Crystilakere 2-0 Starblaydia
Abattoir 0-1 New Manhattan

GROUP C
Sarzonia 0-0 Xile
Pedriana 4-1 Triangunation

GROUP D
NEWI Cefn Druids 5-1 Nojika
Lamoni 1-0 Nova Brittanicus

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      3   3   0   0   13    2   11    9
  2  Turori                      3   2   0   1    5    3    2    6
  3  Balaal                      4   1   1   2    4   10   -6    4
  4  Druida                      3   1   0   2    1    3   -2    3
  5  Aquiliana                   3   0   1   2    3    8   -5    1


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Crystilakere                3   3   0   0   10    1    9    9
  2  Starblaydia                 3   2   0   1    7    3    4    6
  3  Chacor                      3   1   1   1    5    7   -2    4
  4  New Manhattan               4   1   1   2    4    9   -5    4
  5  Abattoir                    3   0   0   3    1    7   -6    0


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Pedriana                    3   2   0   1    7    4    3    6
  2  Xile                        3   1   2   0    4    2    2    5
  3  Sarzonia                    3   1   1   1    6    4    2    4
  4  Triangunation               4   1   1   2    6   11   -5    4
  5  Wapahkoneta                 3   1   0   2    2    4   -2    3


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Lamoni                      3   3   0   0    7    1    6    9
  2  NEWI Cefn Druids            3   2   0   1    8    5    3    6
  3  Nojika                      3   2   0   1    7    6    1    6
  4  Nova Brittanicus            4   1   0   3    3    6   -3    3
  5  Psytroxia                   3   0   0   3    0    7   -7    0

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 22 2004, 06:36 PM
Lamoni 1-0 Nova Brittanicus (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

Lamoni came prepared for a tough game today against Nova Brittanicus. There was only one goal in the game, which came at the 100th minute. The rest of the game was the heated defensive battle that Lamoni fans have come to know and love from the last AOCAF tournament. With this win, the Hawks seem poised to come away with a number one ranking in group D if they can tie or win against NEWI Cefn Druids, and win the remaining games against their other opponents in the group.

Lamoni goals: Al Smith (100)

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 22 2004, 06:48 PM
Lamoni plays Nojika next (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

In what is expected to be a great game, the Lamoni Hawks will face off against Nojika for the first time. Hoping to continue their winning streak, Lamoni can't afford to treat the game as trivial. If I had to pick a match to watch on matchday 5, it would be this one.

Posted by: Vilita Sep 22 2004, 09:52 PM
Jungle Cats win Cove Clash

2-1

For the second time the Turori Eels squared off against Vilita, and for the second time the master trained it's puppet. However, the scoreline was not as harsh as AOCAF I's 6-1 drubbing, the colony falling just 1 goal short of it's masters.

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 22 2004, 09:57 PM
Stars, 'Bullet Wounds' Misfire in 0-0 draw

The Sarzonian national team and Xile's national team played a match that befit a gridball [OOC: the Sarzonian name for American football] game rather than football with both teams combining for 47 fouls and eight cautions. However, neither team dented the back of the net and the Stars played their first scoreless draw in 47 matches.

Besides the fouls and yellow cards, the match was remarkable for the play of the goalkeepers. Sarzonia's Troy Perkins made a national record 11 saves, while Xile's goalkeeper was nearly as strong, stopping eight shots.

"We just couldn't get anything done offensively," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "It was a combination of stout defense and lack of execution on our parts. We're going to go back to the drawing board to make sure we get more consistency from our offense."

"We're disappointed, that's for damn sure," forward Anton Gregor said. "We don't want draws, we want wins. Especially against those comemierdas."

The Stars (1-1-1) didn't play forward Kenny Cooper or midfielder Valentin Kienzl at all in this match, preferring instead to let the veterans handle the physical pounding they expected. However, Marshall said not at least putting Cooper in as a substitute was "a mistake.

"He's really got a nose for the goal and we missed that out there, especially when [forward Brian Wilson] went out at halftime." Wilson hobbled slightly on his ankle but said he would be ready for Wapahkoneta. However, Marshall said Cooper would start against Wapahkoneta.

"We want to make sure Willsie's healthy for the second leg of qualifying and for the World Cup," Marshall said. "We don't need to take senseless risks with one of our most decorated players."

The Stars remain in third place in the group, one point behind surprising Pedriana and Xile for one of the two knockout round berths from Group C.

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Sep 23 2004, 06:43 AM
The Daily Druid

BACK TO WHAT WE KNOW
Bjorn-Trevor Frederiksson on NEWI Cefn Druids 5 Nojika 1

After two utterly dreadful performances against Lamoni and Nova Brittanicus, there was relief all around the Druidish support here in Pedriana, as they put five past a somewhat helpless Nojika side.

After two poor performances, the usual strike partnership of Gessemschmitthaagen-Po and Law were replaced by Rhys Owens and Trevor Trevor, and it was this pair who inspired the display. Owens got them off the mark with an early goal from a corner which unsettled Nojika, and they just took it from there. By half time, both strikers had two each, the pick of which being Owens' second just before half time, which finished a move involving all eleven Druids players in the build up.

Nojika looked the more awake of the teams after half time, though, and this showed, as they made the Druids defence look shaky. This lead to a Nojika goal, as Ron Lambealle tried to cut out a through ball that wasn't going to anyone in particular, and diverted it past the onrushing keeper.

It gave the Druids the kick up the backside they needed, and soon Bill Posters restored the four goal advantage with an excellent free-kick. They came close a few other times after this as well, but 5-1 was enough, and the Druids looked pleased, if not a little relieved, as they came off.

However, the convincing result hasn't helped the relationship between President Griffiths and manager Trevor Kallins. Griffiths remains completely ignorant to the Druids' cause, even though they are often what keeps the nation going. While his managerial partner Simon Greaves doesn't give two hoots what the President thinks ("We have a President? I thought a group of gnomes ran the country."), Kallins has taken issue with Griffiths. Already stating that he is no fan of the Presidents largely pro-business policies, Kallins said after the match, "That wasn't to try to get the President to like us. On the contrary, that was to show him that we're not a bunch of no hopers. He must be living twenty years in the past to think like he does."

Final score:
NEWI Cefn Druids 5 [Owens 4, 44, Trevor 19, 23, Posters 56]
Nojika 1 [Lambealle o.g. 52]

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 23 2004, 04:20 PM

Crystils Sink Starblaydia
Second Place still within grasp

Despite trying their hardest, trying was just not good enough as Starblaydia were felled by two goals to none by a dominant Crystilakere side.

They missed a host of chances including more than one empty net, with the ball blasted high over the bar by Ricky Torino. All in all Starblaydia will want to forget this match as soon as possible.

The only type of highlight for any Starblaydi-League fans on Matchday Four was the two goals scored by nineteen year-old Rhys Owens for NEWI Cefn Druids. Owens, the Tuncastle Rovers Strike-Partner of Karl Robertson, bagged a first half brace, scoring the first and fourth Druidish goals in a 4-1 Rout of Nojika.

Final Score:
Crystilakere 2 - 0 Starblaydia
(Crys1 36, Crys2 59) - (None)

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 1:
Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
 1  Crystilakere                3   3   0   0   10    1    9    9
*2* Starblaydia                 3   2   0   1    7    3    4    6
 3  Chacor                      3   1   1   1    5    7   -2    4
 4  New Manhattan               4   1   1   2    4    9   -5    4
 5  Abattoir                    3   0   0   3    1    7   -6    0



Starblaydia Goal Tally:
CODE
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
G. Berisha          3          5
K. Robertson        1          4
D. Benson           1          3
Jakkinho            1          3
A. Matranga         1          1

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 23 2004, 05:52 PM
Llamas Forge Ahead
Convincing win over Triangunation

GARORSHY -- Fittingly enough, Pedriana would manage a three-goal victory over Triangunation last night at Beachside Field. The big names of the night were Sol Svedine and Miguel Cavalaris, who each managed two goals against the green Triangunation side. The Progressan colony would retaliate with one goal, with Phil Layer catching Otha Woelfle wrong-footed to dirty his clean sheet.

This surprisingly moves Pedriana to the top of the Group C table as Sarzonia and Xile fought to a nil-all draw. But will it last?

Pedriana's next match is against Xile. As has been the case for all of Xile's matches in AOCAF III, extra security will be on hand at Beachside Field for the match.

Final score:
Pedriana 4 (Svedine 26, 74; Cavalaris 28, 48)
Triangunation 1 (Layer 80)

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 23 2004, 06:05 PM
Matchday 5 Scores

GROUP A
Vilita 4-1 Druida
Turori 1-0 Aquiliana

GROUP B
Crystilakere 4-0 Chacor
Starblaydia 3-1 Abattoir

GROUP C
Sarzonia 3-1 Wapahkoneta
Xile 3-1 Pedriana

GROUP D
NEWI Cefn Druids 3-0 Psytroxia
Nojika 3-1 Lamoni

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      4   4   0   0   17    3   14   12
  2  Turori                      4   3   0   1    6    3    3    9
  3  Balaal                      4   1   1   2    4   10   -6    4
  4  Druida                      4   1   0   3    2    7   -5    3
  5  Aquiliana                   4   0   1   3    3    9   -6    1


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Crystilakere                4   4   0   0   14    1   13   12
  2  Starblaydia                 4   3   0   1   10    4    6    9
  3  New Manhattan               4   1   1   2    4    9   -5    4
  4  Chacor                      4   1   1   2    5   11   -6    4
  5  Abattoir                    4   0   0   4    2   10   -8    0


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Xile                        4   2   2   0    7    3    4    8
  2  Sarzonia                    4   2   1   1    9    5    4    7
  3  Pedriana                    4   2   0   2    8    7    1    6
  4  Triangunation               4   1   1   2    6   11   -5    4
  5  Wapahkoneta                 4   1   0   3    3    7   -4    3


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  NEWI Cefn Druids            4   3   0   1   11    5    6    9
  2  Lamoni                      4   3   0   1    8    4    4    9
  3  Nojika                      4   3   0   1   10    7    3    9
  4  Nova Brittanicus            4   1   0   3    3    6   -3    3
  5  Psytroxia                   4   0   0   4    0   10  -10    0

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 23 2004, 06:44 PM
Nojika 3-1 Lamoni (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

Lamoni lost against Nojika today, ending the Hawks winning streak.

Ryan Luke had this to say for the team: "We just didn't bring our normal level of competitiveness to the field today. We were getting used to winning, and we needed a wake-up call. We got that today."

The loss drops Lamoni to second place in Group D, but Lamoni is still right on the coat tails of NEWI Cefn Druids.

Lamoni Goals: Al Smith (27)

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 23 2004, 06:58 PM
Lamoni faces Psytroxia again (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

After handily defeating Psytroxia once, Lamoni comes off their loss preparing to face them again. While not underestimating the Psytroxian team, Lamoni is looking to win more games, and this is as good a match as any to do so.

The coach has the team working harder than they have likely worked before; or so says the coach, who is mad that Lamoni has lost to Nojika.

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 23 2004, 11:09 PM
Stars roll into break with win

The Sarzonian national team came into their match against Wapahkoneta having won only one match of the three they played, but responded to a challenge by rookie forward Kenny Cooper, who scored two goals and assisted on another and easily defeated Wapahkoneta 3-1.

"We didn't play our best game," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "Kenny did well with his touches, but the rest of the team didn't play the way we expected them to. We're going to need much better than that to assure ourselves a spot in the knockout round."

Cooper made sure the Sarzonian goalscoring drought would end early. He made a skillful run through the Wapahkoneta defense and lifted a shot over the goalkeeper to give the Stars a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute.

"I just tried to put a good touch on the ball and I hoped I could get it on goal and let something good happen," Cooper said. "If I thought about it, I'd probably [mess] it up."

Cooper struck again for the Stars just nine minutes later when he headed a cross home from midfielder Darwin Russell after a short corner kick by midfielder Valentin Kienzl. Cooper then assisted on Kienzl's goal in the second minute of first half stoppage time to send the Stars into the locker room up 3-0.

Wapahkoneta got one goal back in the 89th minute as goalkeeper Troy Perkins slipped on the wet grass while trying to punch a cross clear. The match ended with a desperate scramble in front of the Sarzonian goalline, but the Stars came away with three points and currently sit in second place, one point behind Xile.

"We wanted the shutout for Troy, but it wasn't in the cards for us," defender Mike Coyle said. "We'll get one for him sooner or later."

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 24 2004, 03:46 PM

Naoki becomes Record-Breaker
The Youngest Senior Scorer for Starblaydia Ever

Scoring the third Starblaydi goal of the game that consigned Abattoir to a fourth straight defeat, Tetsuo Naoki not only confirmed his status as a Starblaydi, he became the youngest ever scorer for the full international side.

Naoki, who is half-Dance 2 Revolutionary, scored three times for the Under-21s, but has now registered his first cap and first goal for Starblaydia, making him ours to keep. Strike-Partnership Torino and Robertson scored either side of half time to put Starblaydia 2-0 up. As Abattoir's best striker scored only their second goal in four matches, that drove Guylain N'Dumbu-Nsungu to bring on the sixteen year-old.

He isn't Starblaydia's youngest ever player, that record belongs to other Sixteen year-old Defensive-Midfielder Jerome Montefalcon, who lines up alongside Daniel Scott. Tetsuo, at fourty-three days older, became the youngest scorer ever as he took on two defenders and beat them, plus the keeper from fifteen yards, to crown an incredible first cap.

A Hat-trick against New Manhattan later on tonight? I wouldn't bet against it.

Final Score:
Starblaydia 3 - 1 Abattoir
(Torino 43, Robertson 51, Naoki 72) - (#9, 68)

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 1:
Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
 1  Crystilakere                4   4   0   0   14    1   13   12
*2* Starblaydia                 4   3   0   1   10    4    6    9
 3  New Manhattan               4   1   1   2    4    9   -5    4
 4  Chacor                      4   1   1   2    5   11   -6    4
 5  Abattoir                    4   0   0   4    2   10   -8    0



CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
G. Berisha          3          5
K. Robertson        2          5
T. Naoki            1          4
D. Benson           1          3
Jakkinho            1          3
R. Torino           1          3
A. Matranga         1          1

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 24 2004, 03:56 PM
Now it's NEWI

The Psytroxi slowly get used to their unpleasent statistics: No won, no draw, no goals scored - ever. This time, NEWI dispatched Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team, also known as the violets, 3:0. The fans celebrated this loss like a win. A fan, clad in violet and light orange told 'The Kernel' after the match: "At least our defense did work! We had no midfield, no attacks, but hey, we only conceded thrice." It was the best description of the match: Lshura Mbenda wanted a highly defensive match, he wanted Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team not to go down 5:1 like Nojika but to 'make the win expensive'. Expensive was the match also for the violets: Sean Greatland saw his second yellow card after a foul on Druid forward Trevor Trevor (only known as 'Trevor'). The following free kick caused the 1:0, the Druids had numerous chances, but the Psytroxi defense handled hem all (well, all but 2).

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 24 2004, 04:10 PM
Scoreless against Lamoni

The next match of the 'violets' is against Lamoni. Coach Lshura Mbenda sees the chances for a win 'low but present'. The bookkeepers in Linux have another story to tell. Various odds at BSD Bets:
Violets are eliminated without scoring a goal: 5:2
Violets are eliminated with a GD of 25 or higher: 1:4
Violets are eliminated without gaining one point: 7:1
Lshura Mbenda gets sacked during the cup: 1:7
Violets lose every single match in this cup: 1:12

Violets earn 3 points or more: 1:1800
Violets qualify: 1:1000,000

In that sense: Violet Ahead!

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 24 2004, 04:49 PM
Matchday 6 Scores

GROUP A
Balaal 1-4 Turori
Druida 3-2 Aquiliana

GROUP B
New Manhattan 1-4 Starblaydia
Chacor 1-3 Abattoir

GROUP C
Triangunation 2-2 Xile
Wapahkoneta 2-1 Pedriana

GROUP D
Nova Brittanicus 1-2 Nojika
Psytroxia 1-3 Lamoni

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      4   4   0   0   17    3   14   12
  2  Turori                      5   4   0   1   10    4    6   12
  3  Druida                      5   2   0   3    5    9   -4    6
  4  Balaal                      5   1   1   3    5   14   -9    4
  5  Aquiliana                   5   0   1   4    5   12   -7    1


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Crystilakere                4   4   0   0   14    1   13   12
  2  Starblaydia                 5   4   0   1   14    5    9   12
  3  Chacor                      5   1   1   3    6   14   -8    4
  4  New Manhattan               5   1   1   3    5   13   -8    4
  5  Abattoir                    5   1   0   4    5   11   -6    3


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Xile                        5   2   3   0    9    5    4    9
  2  Sarzonia                    4   2   1   1    9    5    4    7
  3  Pedriana                    5   2   0   3    9    9    0    6
  4  Wapahkoneta                 5   2   0   3    5    8   -3    6
  5  Triangunation               5   1   2   2    8   13   -5    5


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Lamoni                      5   4   0   1   11    5    6   12
  2  Nojika                      5   4   0   1   12    8    4   12
  3  NEWI Cefn Druids            4   3   0   1   11    5    6    9
  4  Nova Brittanicus            5   1   0   4    4    8   -4    3
  5  Psytroxia                   5   0   0   5    1   13  -12    0

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 24 2004, 05:33 PM

Youngster Denied Hat-trick
Naoki Grabs brace, but not good enough for Three, says Referee

Young Tetsuo Naoki put the ball in the New Manhattan net three times in this game, though the referee only acknowledged two of his efforts, despite the third being blatantly legal thatnks to the unused magic of TV replays.

Naoki scored his first in the fifth minute as he lobbed the until-then untested goalie from nearly thirty yards. The second, 13 minutes later, was more conventional as he latched onto a Giannis Berisha pass to drill the ball into the corner. For the discounted third, Naoki bravely dived into a crowd of goalkeeper and defenders after half-an-hour, prodding the ball home but receiving a game-ending injury. The referee ruled it out for a 'foul', though what Naoki was supposed to have committed was beyond any of the commentators.

Naoki was replaced by Olaf Vikerman, the youngster receiving a standing ovation from the travelling Starblaydi fans. Not two minutes after Naoki went off, Berisha scored his own with a well-taken volley from inside the area. Substitute Boomer Moore finished the rout with a fourth, though Starblaydia wasted a clean sheet for the fourth match in sucession, their only clean sheet so far being against New Manhattan on Matchday One.

Final Score:
New Manhattan 1 - 4 Starblaydia
(#1337, 67) - (Naoki 5 + 18, Berisha 32, Moore 64)

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 1:
Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
 1  Crystilakere                4   4   0   0   14    1   13   12
*2* Starblaydia                 5   4   0   1   14    5    9   12
 3  Chacor                      5   1   1   3    6   14   -8    4
 4  New Manhattan               5   1   1   3    5   13   -8    4
 5  Abattoir                    5   1   0   4    5   11   -6    3


CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
G. Berisha          4          6
T. Naoki            3          6
K. Robertson        2          5
D. Benson           1          3
Jakkinho            1          3
R. Torino           1          3
B. Moore            1          2
A. Matranga         1          1

Posted by: Xile Sep 24 2004, 06:34 PM
"Well guys, we just recieved a telegram from President Lauir," yelled coach Cy Maxelli enthusiastically.

The team moaned. They were quite tired of the death-threats of the last season, and were feeling quite well not having any thus far in this tournament. 'All good things must come to an end' was on the minds of many of the players.

Coach Maxelli read the letter aloud...

QUOTE

We here in New Babylonia are pleased with your performance in the AOCAF III tournament so far.  We hope that you can continue this streak of staying at the top of your bracket, and that you can develop more of a killer instinct to finish these teams off. 

We are all rooting for you, and good luck!

-President Adonis Lauir.



"Talk about a pleasant suprise..." muttered captain Ida Kylia.

"You notice he still mentioned the word 'kill' don't you?" laughed Eurie Adams.

"Well he is right you know!" coach Maxelli yelled excitedly. "What we need to do is..."

A steady stream of strategy and enthusiasm oozed out of the coach for the remainder of the night.

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 24 2004, 07:34 PM
Psytroxia 1-3 Lamoni, Hawks back on top (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

The team still mad from the loss to Nojika, the Lamoni Hawks came at Psytroxia with a vengence. Scoring all three goals within the first ten minutes, it seemed all but over for Psytroxia. They managed to score one goal on a kick that barely made it in; but that was all. Lamoni dominated the rest of the game with it's defense. The win propelled the Hawks back upon the number 1 spot in group D. Are the Hawks back to their winning ways? We can only hope so, and see what they do next.

Lamoni goals: Al Smith (3), Mike Samson (5,6)

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 24 2004, 07:43 PM
Lamoni prepares for rematch against NEWI Cefn Druids (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

Hoping to reproduce the shocking upset of matchday 2, Lamoni is preparing mercilessly for the match. The Hawks know that the match won't be easy, but they feel that the last match between the two teams proves that it can be done.

Team member Ryan Luke had this to say: "We know that we have the eyes of many of the other teams on us because of our win against the Druids, and our record, so we will not treat any game as trivial. Our objective is to get as far into the playoffs as we can. Nojika may have defeated us, but we won't let that slow us down."

In this reporter's opinion, lots of interested nations will be watching this match.

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 24 2004, 09:39 PM
Stars prepare for 'grudge' match vs. hosts

The Sarzonian national team is just two standings points away from clinching a berth in the World Cup play in match and need two World Cup wins and help to clinch an automatic bid. But first, the Stars are looking for something simpler. Revenge.

The Stars lost the opener of the AOCAF III tournament to host nation Pedriana 2-1, momentarily putting the Stars in last place in Group C. The Stars (2-1-1, seven points) are in second place behind arch rivals Xile and are looking for wins in the second stage of AOCAF qualifying.

"We've got a job we have to do and it begins with tomorrow's match," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "Pedriana caught us by surprise last match. We can't afford to let that happen again."

The Stars said they would start their normal starting 11, including forward Brian Wilson. Wilson had been hobbled by an ankle injury, but Marshall said he looked fit at the team's last practice.

"I think he's going to be itching to get out there anyway," Marshall said.

Wilson will be fitted with an ankle brace for the match against Pedriana.

"I can't go in there and think about it," Wilson said. "If I think about it, I'll be tentative and that won't help the club win."

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 25 2004, 06:13 PM
Matchday 7 Scores

GROUP A
Aquiliana 1-6 Vilita
Balaal 2-3 Druida

GROUP B
Abattoir 0-5 Crystilakere
New Manhattan 0-3 Chacor

GROUP C
Pedriana 0-1 Sarzonia
Triangunation 0-1 Wapahkoneta

GROUP D
Lamoni 0-2 NEWI Cefn Druids
Nova Britannicus 1-3 Psytroxia

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      5   5   0   0   23    4   19   15
  2  Turori                      5   4   0   1   10    4    6   12
  3  Druida                      6   3   0   3    8   11   -3    9
  4  Balaal                      6   1   1   4    7   17  -10    4  E
  5  Aquiliana                   6   0   1   5    6   18  -12    1  E


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Crystilakere                5   5   0   0   19    1   18   15  Q
  2  Starblaydia                 5   4   0   1   14    5    9   12
  3  Chacor                      6   2   1   3    9   14   -5    7
  4  New Manhattan               6   1   1   4    5   16  -11    4  E
  5  Abattoir                    6   1   0   5    5   16  -11    3  E


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Sarzonia                    5   3   1   1   10    5    5   10
  2  Xile                        5   2   3   0    9    5    4    9
  3  Wapahkoneta                 6   3   0   3    6    8   -2    9
  4  Pedriana                    6   2   0   4    9   10   -1    6
  5  Triangunation               6   1   2   3    8   14   -6    5


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  NEWI Cefn Druids            5   4   0   1   13    5    8   12
  2  Nojika                      5   4   0   1   12    8    4   12
  3  Lamoni                      6   4   0   2   11    7    4   12
  4  Nova Britannicus            6   1   0   5    5   11   -6    3  E
  5  Psytroxia                   6   1   0   5    4   14  -10    3  E

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 25 2004, 06:15 PM
Guruki Halasi writes history

The violets lost another match, this time against Lamoni. So much everything was as expected, what was not expected was that the Starblaydian Itngi Daslela (well, players in other countries then Starblaydia are not really Itngi Daslelas, but to make things more clear, a tautologic expresion was used) Guruki Halasi ended the goalless series of Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team. Lamoni apparently wanted to end the trouble fast and so ten minutes of fierce attacks cause the 0:3 trailing for the violets. Al Smith and Mike Samson could be to blame that the score was not higher. After ten minutes, Lamoni changed to a Catenaccio tactic since they thought their lead would stand. Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team attacked, but only had one good chance: In the 64th minute, Jari Dali and Frank Rise could not get past the strong defense. Jari Dali passed back to Guruki Halasi, who tried a shot from the distance. Goalie Matt Fernandez was unable to parry the shot and the violets suddently had a name and a number higher than 0 on the scoreboard. All later attacks were unsuccessfull.

Psytroxia 1 : Lamoni 3
(Halasi 64) (Al Smith 3, Mike Samson 5 6)

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 26 2004, 12:45 PM
Stars earn revenge against hosts, 1-0

The Sarzonian national team could be forgiven for being tight in their match against Pedriana. The host nation upset the Group C top seeds in the Stars' first match of the AOCAF tournament after a one match bye. The Stars played a shaky match and nearly trailed just nine minutes in but for a spectactular save by goalkeeper Troy Perkins, but forward Kenny Cooper scored another goal in the AOCAF tournament and the Stars held on for a 1-0 win.

The Stars (3-1-1, 10 points) moved into first place in Group C ahead of Xile and surprising Wapahkoneta.

"We needed this win, no question," midfielder Darwin Russell said. "If we lose this match, we're in a dogfight for the berth in the knockout stages. We're still in that fight, but we're in a better spot now."

With time running out in the first half, Russell sent a ball into the 18 yard box where the closely cropped Cooper found a hole in the Pedriana marking and skied for a header that banged off the crossbar and off the goalkeeper into the net. The goal gave the Stars the lead two minutes into first half injury time.

Pedriana tried to equalize but their best chance went for naught when forward Miguel Cavalaris's 59th minute bid was deflected wide by Perkins. The Stars defense tightened considerably after that and Pedriana never threatened again.

"We need to be able to keep the intensity going," forward Brian Wilson said. "We're in a dogfight for the knockout stages and that's not going to end until the last match of qualifying."

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 26 2004, 05:31 PM
Violets Win

Nothing can unite a nation in the way soccer can do it. Psytroxia experienced this after Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team or simply 'the violets' won their first match against newcomer Nova Britannicus. John McDonald archieved the lead for the Brits in the 30th minute despite many attacks from both sides. But in the second half, the violets could capitalise the better stamina. Henry Tuckworth could not parry the shots of Jari Dali in the 76th minute and the header of Idkiri Jiji in the 85th minute. When everyone expected the match to end 2:1 (and many Psytroxi already started partying). The violets were awarded a free kick after a bad foul against Nkia Xteni. Nkia Xteni decided to take the free kick himself, only hit the crossbar, the ball bounced back on the head of goalie Tuckworth and into the goal. The 3:1 win made every Psytroxi mad with joy. Celebrations are still going on in every major city (and numerous minor cities too). Only bookkeppers see no reason to celebrate: Many expect a severe financial loss.

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 26 2004, 05:37 PM
Matchday 8 Scores

GROUP A
Balaal 0-6 Vilita
Druida 1-4 Turori

GROUP B
New Manhattan 3-2 Crystilakere
Chacor 1-2 Starblaydia

GROUP C
Triangunation 0-1 Sarzonia
Wapahkoneta 1-4 Xile

GROUP D
Nova Britannicus 1-1 NEWI Cefn Druids
Psytroxia 2-2 Nojika

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      6   6   0   0   29    4   25   18  Q
  2  Turori                      6   5   0   1   14    5    9   15  Q
  3  Druida                      7   3   0   4    9   15   -6    9  E
  4  Balaal                      7   1   1   5    7   23  -16    4  E
  5  Aquiliana                   6   0   1   5    6   18  -12    1  E


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Crystilakere                6   5   0   1   21    4   17   15  Q
  2  Starblaydia                 6   5   0   1   16    6   10   15  Q
  3  Chacor                      7   2   1   4   10   16   -6    7  E
  4  New Manhattan               7   2   1   4    8   18  -10    7  E
  5  Abattoir                    6   1   0   5    5   16  -11    3  E


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Sarzonia                    6   4   1   1   11    5    6   13  Q
  2  Xile                        6   3   3   0   13    6    7   12
  3  Wapahkoneta                 7   3   0   4    7   12   -5    9
  4  Pedriana                    6   2   0   4    9   10   -1    6
  5  Triangunation               7   1   2   4    8   15   -7    5  E


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  NEWI Cefn Druids            6   4   1   1   14    6    8   13
  2  Nojika                      6   4   1   1   14   10    4   13
  3  Lamoni                      6   4   0   2   11    7    4   12
  4  Nova Britannicus            7   1   1   5    6   12   -6    4  E
  5  Psytroxia                   7   1   1   5    6   16  -10    4  E

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 26 2004, 08:49 PM
QUOTE (Pedriana @ Sep 26 2004, 05:37 PM)
Matchday 8 Scores

GROUP C
Triangunation 0-1 Sarzonia
Wapahkoneta 1-4 Xile

CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Sarzonia                    6   4   1   1   11    5    6   13  Q
  2  Xile                        6   3   3   0   13    6    7   12
  3  Wapahkoneta                 7   3   0   4    7   12   -5    9
  4  Pedriana                    6   2   0   4    9   10   -1    6
  5  Triangunation               7   1   2   4    8   15   -7    5  E

Stars trip Triangunation, 1-0

The Sarzonian national team didn't play its sharpest match of the AOCAF tournament, but got a goal from midfielder Darwin Russell in the 54th minute and made the goal hold up, defeating Triangunation 1-0 to give the Stars a leg up in their efforts to qualify for the knock-out stages.

"We played a bit tentatively out there," Coach Bryan Marshall said, "but we played well when we had to. "We're going to have to turn things up a notch for Xile, that's for sure."

The Stars (4-1-1) have been told they officially qualified for the knockout stages, but they are approaching the match against their hated rivals Xile with all the intensity of a do-or-die match.

"I don't think anyone in this locker room needs any motivation to beat Xile," midfielder and team captain Bobby Convey said. "We hate them. That's all the reason we need to play our best football against them."

Marshall didn't say any changes to the starting 11 were forthcoming, but Marshall hinted the team would be playing more of an attacking style. [Secret IC: they are taking defender Lance Alcina out and putting Cooper in to play a 3-4-3 formation.] The team also announced that a special ops security force would be at the match.

"We still remember what happened at the AOlympics," Marshall said. "We won't let Xile do that to us."

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 26 2004, 08:52 PM
Lamoni 0 - 2 NEWI Cefn Druids (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

With a very dissapointing performance on the field, the Lamoni Hawks fell 0-2 to the Druids. The loss slips Lamoni to third place in Group D, so that Lamoni will have to win it's next two games in order to qualify for the playoffs. Nova Brittanicus will test the Hawks, but the real grudge match will be against Nojika.

If Lamoni defeates NB and Nojika, it will knock Nojika out of the playoffs, and considering Lamoni's previous defeat at the hands of Nojika, that is extra incentive to defeat them.

Lamoni will be using it's bye to prepare.

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 26 2004, 09:03 PM
Lamoni uses bye to prepare for Nova Brittanicus (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

With the coach busy 'motivating' the team after their loss to NEWI Cefn Druids, Lamoni's Assistant Coach came out to give his opinion of the coming match.

"Whether we make it to the playoffs or not is on the shoulders of the entire team. No one can deny that we have been playing well in this AOCAF, but we need to kick it up a notch from now on. We are going to play each game like it's our last. The boys have said that they want to make the playoffs; now we'll see just how much they want it."

Lamoni will start proving itself against Nova Brittanicus, in what is expected to be a big game.

Posted by: Xile Sep 27 2004, 08:00 AM
Xile Rejuvenated after Dominating Wapahkoneta

Coach Maxelli characterized the feeling of the team as, "It's been a while since we've had such a decisive victory in our favor. Now the team is really amped for the next match against Sarzonia. Ever since that one announcer and his damn big trap there has..."

Maxelli went on to praise the Sarzonian team for their efforts to make this more exciting, if you could delve this out of the mountain of curses and insults. He then went on to talk nearly an hour about his strategy for the game, which we have cut for time purposes. However, he seems certain that his veteran squad can turn things around and give Sarzonia the beating it is widely believed in New Babylonia they deserve.

Captain Ida Kylia also had a lot to say about the upcoming match, but due to new public decency laws, we are unable to air them at this time. If you would like to hear these interviews in their entirity, just go the XNN website and click the AOCAF link.

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 27 2004, 09:35 AM

Group wrapped up as Chacor defeated
Starblaydia and Crystalikere to qualify

With this victory, Starblaydia ensured that they will join Vilita, Crystilakere, Sarzonia and Turori in the next round, consigning Chacor, New Manhattan and Abattoir to Elimination in the process.

The main concern for Starblaydia at the moment is their slightly leaky defence, who have conceded, on average, a goal a game. Scoring is high, though not on a par with Vilita or Crystilakere, is still the third-highest in the competition so far with sixteen in six matches.

Who will Starblaydia play in the next round? Well, unfortunately, high-scoring Vilita, who are dominating Group A like an uber-dominating thing, look to be the likely candidates at the moment. Should Starblaydia snatch the 1st Place in Group B from Crystilakere, however, Xile would be the likely opponents, which on paper looks like a much easier game.

If Starblaydia can overcome near-silent Crystilakere and defeat the totally-silent Abattoir, 'Group B Winners' would be the perfect title to take into the match against Turori.

Final Score:
Chacor 1 - 2 Starblaydia
(#9 52) - (Jakkinho 23, Robertson 61)

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 8:
Pos Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
 1  Crystilakere                6   5   0   1   21    4   17   15  Q
*2* Starblaydia                 6   5   0   1   16    6   10   15  Q
 3  Chacor                      7   2   1   4   10   16   -6    7  E
 4  New Manhattan               7   2   1   4    8   18  -10    7  E
 5  Abattoir                    6   1   0   5    5   16  -11    3  E



CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
G. Berisha          4          6
T. Naoki            3          6
K. Robertson        3          6
Jakkinho            2          4
D. Benson           1          3
R. Torino           1          3
B. Moore            1          2
A. Matranga         1          1

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 27 2004, 10:08 AM
Stars to 'go to war' vs. Xile

As soon as the Sarzonian national team crossed onto the training grounds for the final training session before the second match against arch rivals Xile, Coach Bryan Marshall took one look at the faces of the assembled Stars players and his eyes widened.

"I saw that look in their eyes," Marshall said.

That look was one of intense determination, one that rarely came about on the training grounds for the Stars, whose practice sessions are usually lighter than the control-freak coach would like. This time, Marshall considered ending the practice session early to preserve his players for the match against Xile.

"I was afraid someone like [midfielder and team captain Bobby] Convey would get hurt by friendly fire," Marshall said. "It was really intense out there. Almost more than the matches themselves."

The Stars are coming off back to back 1-0 wins, but they said they would try to ensure that they score more than one goal.

"We're going to need every goal we can get," forward Brian Wilson said. "One goal is likely not going to be enough."

A team source said the team would don battle fatigues to enter the stadium.

"We're going to go to war in this match," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The source also confirmed the team would play a 3-4-3 formation in this match, removing defender Lance Alcina from the lineup and inserting forward Kenny Cooper.

"We've only scored 11 goals. Compared to the other teams in this tournament, that's not very good," forward Brian Wilson said. "We want to be able to dominate possession and put the ball in the back of the net.

"We want their goalkeeper to run crying for his blankie after we're done with him."

The Stars also noted Xile Coach Maxelli's profanity-laced press conference about the match between the two heated rivals, but Marshall refused to "drag myself down to his level.

"All I'm going to say is that when this match is done, the game will do the talking."

Considering the amount of hostility between the two teams and the two countries, that may be the only talking that will take place.

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 27 2004, 02:57 PM
In the Lamoni practice facility...

Coach Sergeyevich watched his team as they played a practice game; trying to determine how fine the edge with which the Hawks were playing was. While the team would not need so fine an edge in their next game, he was preparing them for the grudge match against Nojika. It was rumored that President Matt himself would attend the match, so the team was pushing itself as hard as it could, and then some.

His thoughts ran something like this: "I know that we have to win against Nova Brittanicus, but Nojika is the better team by far. Training them against Nojika should have the effect of allowing them to defeat NB, but i'll add some things to make certain of it."

Acting on his thoughts, he made some notations on his clipboard (notations of known NB moves), and called the team in to study the moves.

One of the practice teams would act like NB, while the other would act like... Lamoni, of course.

As the practice wore on, the coach was starting to get satisfied with the intensity of the team as the practice match continued.

Posted by: Psytroxia Sep 27 2004, 05:24 PM
Draw against Nojika

Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/The Psytroxian national team archieved another point by archieving a draw aganst Nojika in a 4 goal-thriller. Nojikan fans left the stadium in gloom, whil the violet fans celebrated one point in a way, other nations would only celebrate the victory in a very important tournament. Guruki Halasi scored the lead in the 4th minute, according to his own comments 'by nothing but sheer luck', Nojika however equalized in the 10th minute and in the 24th minute, took the lead. The Violets fought the nojikan defense, but the score remained 1:2 despite many chances for the 2:2 or the 1:3. Lshura Mbenda decided to make his first tactical substitution: Defender Imin Sira left the field for Dnalo Lux, changing the 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3. In the 81st minute, that caused the 2:2. It was the first international goal for Dnalo Lux. Lshura Mbenda explained his substitution after the match to reporters like this: "We last in table. Nothing to lose here. We not gain from low loss, but draw, we gain from. That's I decided, more attacking we play!" The last seconds of the match had a 100% chance for Nojika, but Tsede Ihju could parry the ball. Seconds after that, the referee blew his whistle and ended the match.

On the next matchday, the violets will have a bye. On the last matchday, they will meet NEWI Cefn Druids, the former winners. Lshura Mbenda's prediction: "Nothing impossible, even winning!"

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 27 2004, 05:54 PM
Nearly Out
Team Pedriana disappointing in their own tournament

GARORSHY -- After last night's bye, the Pedriana Llamas are ready for their penultimate match against Triangunation. But most experts believe all hope of progressing to the knockout stages is lost. The only way the Llamas could get in now is to win both remaining matches and have Xile lose both remaining matches, while also making up a goal difference difference of 8. Yet some think this may not be as hard as it seems. Xile play hated enemies Sarzonia tonight, and if the Stars can pull off the win, it will make the Llamas' jobs a little bit easier. Most believe Pedriana should defeat Triangunation without much trouble. If these both go as expected, Pedriana and Xile face off in a winner-takes-all bout on the final matchday, where admittedly Xile is favored, but one cannot discount the home crowd at Beachside Field.

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 27 2004, 06:11 PM
Matchday 9 Scores

GROUP A
Turori 0-3 Vilita
Balaal 2-2 Aquiliana

GROUP B
Starblaydia 1-1 Crystilakere
New Manhattan 0-0 Abattoir

GROUP C
Xile 2-3 Sarzonia
Triangunation 3-1 Pedriana

GROUP D
Nojika 2-3 NEWI Cefn Druids
Nova Britannicus 0-1 Lamoni

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      7   7   0   0   32    4   28   21  Q
  2  Turori                      7   5   0   2   14    8    6   15  Q
  3  Druida                      7   3   0   4    9   15   -6    9  E
  4  Balaal                      8   1   2   5    9   25  -16    5  E
  5  Aquiliana                   7   0   2   5    8   20  -12    2  E


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Crystilakere                7   5   1   1   22    5   17   16  Q
  2  Starblaydia                 7   5   1   1   17    7   10   16  Q
  3  New Manhattan               8   2   2   4    8   18  -10    8  E
  4  Chacor                      7   2   1   4   10   16   -6    7  E
  5  Abattoir                    7   1   1   5    5   16  -11    4  E


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Sarzonia                    7   5   1   1   14    7    7   16  Q
  2  Xile                        7   3   3   1   15    9    6   12
  3  Wapahkoneta                 7   3   0   4    7   12   -5    9
  4  Triangunation               8   2   2   4   11   16   -5    8  E
  5  Pedriana                    7   2   0   5   10   13   -3    6  E


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  NEWI Cefn Druids            7   5   1   1   17    8    9   16
  2  Lamoni                      7   5   0   2   12    7    5   15
  3  Nojika                      7   4   1   2   16   13    3   13
  4  Nova Britannicus            8   1   1   6    6   13   -7    4  E
  5  Psytroxia                   7   1   1   5    6   16  -10    4  E

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 27 2004, 09:08 PM
Stars win 'war,' beat Xile 3-2

Despite having already clinched a berth in the knockout stages, the Sarzonian national team clearly played like a team on a mission against arch rival Xile. The Stars offense fired on all cylinders, as each of the Stars front runners scored goals to lead the Stars to a 3-2 win over hated Xile.

"We had everything to play for in that match," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "It's no secret we hate their guts and we played like that. Both good and bad."

The Stars and Xile combined for 37 fouls, 21 by Xile, and both teams had three yellow cards each. Stars defender Corey Hemby got two, including one for dissent and the Stars played a man down for the final 26 minutes. Both Xile goals came in that span.

"We just need to play smart football," Hemby said. "It's real emotional out there, especially against those guys."

The Stars jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Xile, with forward Anton Gregor drawing first blood 11 minutes in with a volley that trickled into the net. Brian Wilson skied for a header on a corner kick from midfielder Bobby Convey just six minutes later, then Kenny Cooper banged in a rebound of a Convey shot in the 71st minute.

"When we're just focusing on football, there's no way that team can beat us," midfielder Darwin Russell said. Indeed, the Stars won two of the three meetings between the clubs with the other match being a goalless draw in the first leg of this AOCAF tournament.

The Stars play their final match of the AOCAF qualifying stage against Wapahkoneta. That team is still mathmatically alive for a berth in the knockout stages but would need to beat Sarzonia by 12 goals or more and have Xile lose their match to host Pedriana. Meanwhile, the Stars may have the knockout stages on their mind. The Stars clinched the Group C title with the win over second place Xile.

"We'll probably make some lineup changes," Marshall said. "We need to get some guys a chance to play."

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 27 2004, 11:39 PM
Stars make changes for group stage finale

Sarzonian national team coach Bryan Marshall announced that the team would give its reserve players a chance to play in the group stage finale against Wapahkoneta.

"We need to get some of these guys some playing time," Marshall said. "That's more important to us than worrying about which team we'll be playing in the knockout stages."

The Stars lineup for the Wapahkoneta match would be the team's defacto "B" team, with reserve goalkeeper Kerry Tanner playing in what could be his last international match. With central defender Corey Hemby suspended one match for a red card against Xile, Emacio shifts to sweeper, but will be expected to push the offense forward from that position.

"We're going to give Emacio the chance to freelance back there like he would at fullback," assistant coach Dave Wilson said. "It'd be a shame not to use that kind of talent."

Defender Taylor Williams will earn his first cap for the Stars and play right back, while William Jackson steps in to play left back. The midfield will have Bronson Adelsen make his international debut alongside Martin Overton at defensive mid, while Valentin Kienzl join Darwin Russell and Bobby Convey in the offensive midfield positions.

"We're going to give Darwin and Valle a chance to play some playmaking mid to see if we can develop them if we need to put someone else back there," Wilson said. He added that the team's reserve strikers, Barry Alphonso and Bruce Badger also would start up front.

"Barry's gotten us a couple of important goals in the World Cup," Marshall said. "He's been the odd man out with Anton Gregor and Brian Wilson in there, and with Kenny Cooper really adding a spark, it's tough to give Barry some playing time. We're going to make a concerted effort to ensure that we can give him the time so he'll be sharp if we need him. Bruce needs to get a chance to play, too. We haven't played him and it's a shame. He really can score some goals."

The Stars said they would return to their usual starting 11 for the knockout stages, emphasizing that this lineup was only for the Wapahkoneta match.

"This is about the only chance we'll have to play a match with nothing at stake," Dave Wilson said. "We need to get some of these guys some playing time."

When asked if the fact that Xile hasn't mathematically clinched the second qualifying spot played a role in the lineup, Marshall flatly denied it.

"I don't give a [damn] what those sons of bitches do," Marshall snapped. "They and we would have to lose by [a total of 12] goals for Wapahkoneta to eliminate them from the spot. I don't think the Under 21 team would lose to Wapahkoneta by 12 goals."

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 28 2004, 07:38 AM

Crystils held by Starblaydi Hero
Better than another loss, at least

In a rather tense match, with neither side trying too hard to win or run the risk of losing, it wasnt' until the final minutes of the game that it really kicked off.

Though the Crystilakere Crystils thought they might be able to hold out for a scrappy 1-0 win with twelve minutes to go, they hadn't counted on Fabricio de Souza Lima to come off the bench and score a fabulous equaliser.

Fabricio received the ball thirty yards out, then danced around one player, rode the tackle of another and dug the ball out from under his feet to scoop a shot into the top corner, perfectly placed to avoid the Crysilakere goalies' fingertips.

Starblaydia will hope to better whatever result Crystilakere get in their next match to take the Group. The prospect of Xile is much more inviting than that of super-scoring Vilita in the next round.

Final Score:
Starblaydia 1 - 1 Crystilakere
(de Souza Lima 81) - (#17 78)

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 8:
Pos Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
 1  Crystilakere                7   5   1   1   22    5   17   16  Q
*2* Starblaydia                 7   5   1   1   17    7   10   16  Q
 3  New Manhattan               8   2   2   4    8   18  -10    8  E
 4  Chacor                      7   2   1   4   10   16   -6    7  E
 5  Abattoir                    7   1   1   5    5   16  -11    4  E



CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
G. Berisha          4          6
T. Naoki            3          6
K. Robertson        3          6
Jakkinho            2          4
F. de Souza Lima    1          5
D. Benson           1          3
R. Torino           1          3
B. Moore            1          2
A. Matranga         1          1

Posted by: Nova Britannicus Sep 28 2004, 03:53 PM
CODE

MD00 Home/Away  Team                Predicition   Result
MD01     A      Nojika                  Loss       Loss
MD02     A      Psytroxia               Draw        Win
MD03     A      NEWI Cefn Druids        Loss       Loss
MD04     A      Lamoni                  Loss       Loss
MD05     -      Rest
MD06     H      Nojika                  Draw       Loss
MD07     H      Psytroxia                Win       Loss
MD08     H      NEWI Cefn Druids        Loss       Draw
MD09     H      Lamoni                  Draw       Loss
MD10     -      Rest


As you can see, Nova Britannicus predicted themselves 6 whole points, though they over-estimated and only won four, plus they may even finish bottom of Group D if Psytroxia gain anything from their match with NEWI Cefn Druids.

The one realy bonus for Nova Britannicus was their incredible draw with two-time defending Champions NEWI Cefn Druids, with a stunning goal from Wilbert Willis, the Iskara Daii defending midfielder.

See you next time, fellow Atlantian Oceaniers!

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 28 2004, 04:52 PM
Nova Britannicus 0-1 Lamoni (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

Lamoni defeated Nova Britannicus, leaving only Nojika as an obstacle in their race for the playoffs.

The Hawks concentrated on putting this game away more than they did on scoring a lot of goals, and they only needed one to come away with the win.

Coach Sergeyevich read from a statement: "We did a good job in putting NB away, but if we are to defeat Nojika, we are going to have to score more goals. The team is taking the upcoming game against Nojika as a grudge match, and they are going to need that attitude to win."

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 28 2004, 05:04 PM
In the Lamoni locker room

After his statement to the press, Coach Sergeyevich returned to the locker room to be with his team.

He then said: "Guys, we did a good job against NB, but we will most definately need to score more goals against Nojika. We..."

Before he could finish what he was saying, the coach heard the unmistakeable sound of his team booing.

"Are we ready to take on Nojika?," he asked.

From the whole team, came a cry of "YES!," and then "Bring it on!"

The coach surveyed his team, and figured that they just might pull this one off.

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 28 2004, 06:10 PM
Matchday 10 Results

GROUP A
Druida 1-4 Vilita
Aquiliana 0-3 Turori

GROUP B
Chacor 1-5 Crystilakere
Abattoir 1-2 Starblaydia

GROUP C
Wapahkoneta 0-4 Sarzonia
Pedriana 2-2 Xile

GROUP D
Psytroxia 0-3 NEWI Cefn Druids
Lamoni 1-1 Nojika

Top two in each group advance to the quarterfinals:

CODE
Group A

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Vilita                      8   8   0   0   36    5   31   24
  2  Turori                      8   6   0   2   17    8    9   18
  3  Druida                      8   3   0   5   10   19   -9    9
  4  Balaal                      8   1   2   5    9   25  -16    5
  5  Aquiliana                   8   0   2   6    8   23  -15    2


CODE
Group B

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Crystilakere                8   6   1   1   27    6   21   19
  2  Starblaydia                 8   6   1   1   19    8   11   19
  3  New Manhattan               8   2   2   4    8   18  -10    8
  4  Chacor                      8   2   1   5   11   21  -10    7
  5  Abattoir                    8   1   1   6    6   18  -12    4


CODE
Group C

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Sarzonia                    8   6   1   1   18    7   11   19
  2  Xile                        8   3   4   1   17   11    6   13
  3  Wapahkoneta                 8   3   0   5    7   16   -9    9
  4  Triangunation               8   2   2   4   11   16   -5    8
  5  Pedriana                    8   2   1   5   12   15   -3    7


CODE
Group D

Pos  Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  NEWI Cefn Druids            8   6   1   1   20    8   12   19
  2  Lamoni                      8   5   1   2   13    8    5   16
  3  Nojika                      8   4   2   2   17   14    3   14
  4  Nova Britannicus            8   1   1   6    6   13   -7    4
  5  Psytroxia                   8   1   1   6    6   19  -13    4


Quarterfinal Matchups

Vilita v Starblaydia - The Zone, Chash
Crystilakere v Xile - Southeast Stadium, Itechton
Sarzonia v Lamoni - Beachside Field, Garorshy
NEWI Cefn Druids v Turori - Babylon Road, Etuskight

Schedule

Wed, 9.29 - Break
Thu, 9.30 - Quarterfinals
Fri, 10.1 - Semifinals
Sat, 10.2 - 3rd Place and Final

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 28 2004, 06:28 PM
Lamoni 1-1 Nojika! Hawks make playoffs! (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times

With a tie against Nojika, the Lamoni Hawks have made it to the AOCAF playoffs for the second straight AOCAF.

The Hawks allowed Nojika to score only once near the end of the game, but that was enough to secure the tie; as well as the playoff berth.

When the match ended, the Lamoni players stormed the field, and celebrated their victory. Even President Matt, who was watching the game; came down and congratulated the players, almost giving his security people heart attacks.

He later said, "I am very proud of our team. They faced adversity, and didn't flinch. They fought back, and now are on their way to the playoffs. All that I can say is that Sarzonia better watch out, because here we come!"

After President Matt made his announcement, he joined the team for a picture that President Matt has hinted that he'll put in a place of honor in his office.

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 28 2004, 09:23 PM
Stars tune up reserves, win 4-0

The Sarzonian national team already clinched a berth in the knockout stages of the third AOCAF tournament. The only thing left for the Stars was to play a meaningless match against Wapahkoneta and tune up for the playoffs.

Thanks to a Barry Alphonso hat trick and a goal from Bruce Badger, the Stars hit all the right notes en route to a 4-0 walkover.

Stars Coach Bryan Marshall started mostly substitutes against Wapahkoneta in an effort to give players experience and rest most of the starting 11 for the later stages. The new lineup paid dividends early, as Alphonso headed in a cross from young midfielder Valentin Kienzl in the 17th minute to give the Stars a lead they would never see threatened.

"Valle put it right there," Alphonso said, motioning just inches above his forehead. "All I had to do was put it through."

Kienzl teamed up with Alphonso again just nine minutes later, this time sending a through ball to Alphonso who juked the Wapahkoneta goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net easily. Badger scored his first international goal in his debut match with the national team, firing a volley into the net just as first half injury time began.

With 10 minutes left in the match, the only suspense was whether Marshall would let his sudden star forward stay in to go for the hat trick. Two minutes later, Alphonso ended the suspense with a bicycle kick past the backup goalkeeper and the Stars celebrated the easy win.

"It felt good to contribute like that," Alphonso said. "This was a big win, no doubt, but the Starblaydia win [in the second World Cup match] was bigger."

The Stars face Lamoni in the quarterfinals of the tournament at Beachside Field in Garorshy. Lamoni's President Matt already found himself on the lockerroom walls just minutes after the Stars put the finishing touches on Wapahkoneta by saying, "Sarzonia better watch out, because here we come."

"We'll see," midfielder and team captain Bobby Convey said when told of Matt's comments. "They won't get our "B" team in this match."

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 29 2004, 05:58 AM

Starblaydia to Face Vilita
Crytilakere Victory sends Starblaydia to play top-scorers

Starblaydia were happy at the result, though again their defence proved leaky against a below-par Abattoir side.

Karl Robertson made amends for an earlier miss when he took a neat pass from Ricky Torino to thunder a low left-foot shot past the Abattoir 'keeper. Abattoir equalised when their right-winger darted through score from 20 yards, leaving the Starblaydi defence standing, accusing each other of not doing their job. Vecchio Victors' Jakkinho then passed to club team-mate Tetsuo Naoki, who crashed a 20-yard shot in off the crossbar.

Now Vilita await with their 100% record and just 5 goals conceded. Starblaydia's defence still has problems, though this is explained by the youth of the squad, who just aren't experienced enough yet.

"No," said Head Coach Guylain N'Dumbu Nsungu, "we are not getting our excuses in first. Vilita have demonstrated they are the best team in this competition, while we are merely 'one of the best'. If we can beat Vilita I think we can beat anybody."

Final Score:
Abattoir 1 - 2 Starblaydia
(#10 58) - (Robertson 23, Naoki 63)

CODE
Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 8:
Pos Team                        P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
 1  Crystilakere                8   6   1   1   27    6   21   19  Q
*2* Starblaydia                 8   6   1   1   19    8   11   19  Q
 3  New Manhattan               8   2   2   4    8   18  -10    8  E
 4  Chacor                      8   2   1   5   11   21  -10    7  E
 5  Abattoir                    8   1   1   6    6   18  -12    4  E



CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
T. Naoki            4          9
K. Robertson        4          7
G. Berisha          4          6
Jakkinho            2          4
F. de Souza Lima    1          5
D. Benson           1          3
R. Torino           1          3
B. Moore            1          2
A. Matranga         1          1

Posted by: Vilita Sep 29 2004, 09:18 AM

Vilita 5-1 Aquiliana
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Vilita Goalscorers::
40' Jonathon Stott
52' Jan Christiansen
71' Jaloey Afrikka
74' Jan Christiansen
79' Malovar Stokks

12' Rämï Pumiliö

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Vilita Regional Cats Report::The Vilita Regional Cats opened up the 3rd AOCAF tournament in Pedriana with a resounding 5-1 victory over newcomers Aquiliana. The Aquilians were playing with a tired team, hit by the run they were making in the World Cup 17 Qualifiers, where they were in competition for a playoff place and hopes of a visit to Vilita for the World Cup Finals. Aquiliana took a surprising early lead through 21 year old Rämï Pumiliö, but trusty veteran Jonathon Stott scored late in the first half to send the Vilitan team, lacking competitive practice, into a dissapointing 1-1 draw at the half. Thing began to look up shortly after the restart when Jan Christiansen re-opened his international goalscoring account after a long hiatus from the starting lineup. Vilita would begin to take control of the game, and the floodgates finally opened after Malovar Stokks came on to the Left Wing position 67 minutes in. His corner kick was headed home by tall defender Jaloey Afrikka, before Jan Christiansen scored again after stealing a poor Aquilian back pass, putting the game out of reach of the AOCAF debutants. Stokks himself scores with 10 minutes remaining to finalize the scoreline and send the Jungle Cats to the top of the table.


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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Jimmy Kater, [D] Jaloey Afrikka, [D] Ricky Ezis, [D] Emarka Laniora, [DM] Antonis Ratuva, [M] Calaesa Mitaroka, [M] Jonathon Stott, [M] Alexander Östling, [M] Santo Kecker, [F] Serge DuPont, [F] Jan Christiansen
BENCH::
[F] Hluali Mijatos, [F] Carmine Mbidzo, [M] Umberto Melli, [M] Malovar Stokks, [U] Musa Nikiema, [D] David Leacock, [GK] Massimo Corsi

Vilita Substitutions::
(67) - Malovar Stokks >>> Alexander Östling

Posted by: Vilita Sep 29 2004, 09:38 AM
Vilita 6-0 Balaal
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Vilita Goalscorers::
5' Serge DuPont
9' Esemar Aliana
11' Serge DuPont
53' Malovar Stokks
62' Calaesa Mitaroka
82' Germán Salomón

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Vilita Regional Cats Report::The Vilita Regional Cats bettered their all time record Victory, a 6-1 Thrashing from AOCAF I, with their resounding un-answered 6 goal mauling of the nation of Balaal. Balaal is brand new to the sport and was only approved for AOCAF entry minutes before the group draw, due to the poor state of play in the country. Newly announced National Team starter Serge DuPont took quick advantage of this by scoring twice inside 10 minutes. Esemar Aliana added a goal between DuPont's to give Vilita a 3-0 lead after just 11 minutes, in what had the makings of a double digit victory. Vilita stepped back however, and controlled the ball, working more on their passing game while Serge DuPont and Jan Christiansen looked to be having some kind of sprinting competition, running from sideline to sideline while asking one of the fans to scream "3-2-1 Go!" each time they set up for a new race. They made a deal that the winner would get to come off at halftime and take the others car for a drive, and the obvious winner was Serge DuPont, who sprinted off the field at the half with Christiansen's keys, to be replaced by midfielder Calaesa Mitaroka.

The second half was not much different, however instead of passing, Vilitan looked to work on set pieces. Balaal was not aggressive enough to concede any set pieces, so newly introduced Mitaroka played a bit of hard to get while the rest of the side moved into position. He would then back track and introduce the ball from a set position. One set play, Mitaroka delivered from the right and his effort was headed out to Malovar Stokks, who decided to blast an effort into the right hand corner of the net, extending the advantage to 4-0. Mitaroka, wanting to get in on the action, soon decided he wanted to practice a penalty kick, just for the heck of it, and easily dribbled in on the right. He then dished the ball out to Stokks, who waited for Mitaroka to take his place at the top of the penalty box. He then made a quick pass to Christiansen, who with nothing to do now sat unmarked 12 yards out. Christiansen put his foot on the ball, then quickly backed away as Mitaroka easily converted his effort. Christiansen was getting bored however, and requested another Forward be sent on. His wish was granted when Germán Salomón was introduced with 10 minutes to play. While the two were sprinting, Goalkeeper Jimmy Kater and delivered a long ball up the field. It struck a darting Salomón square in the head, with the remaining momentum looping it high, out of reach of the Balaal "Goalkeeper." It would be the last conversion for Vilita, with the match ending 6-0.

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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Jimmy Kater, [D] Esemar Aliana, [D] Ricky Ezis, [D] Jaloey Afrikka, [DM] Lai Otieno, [M] Umberto Melli, [M] Marasent Sioane, [M] Malovar Stokks, [M] Jonathon Stott, [F] Serge DuPont, [F] Jan Christiansen
BENCH::
[F] Callum Banda, [F] Germán Salomón, [M] Calaesa Mitaroka, [M] Inaki Soler, [U] Santo Kecker, [D] Emarka Laniora, [GK] Massimo Corsi

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Serge DuPont >>> Calaesa Mitaroka
(78) - Malovar Stokks >>> Germán Salomón

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 29 2004, 11:42 AM
Stars look to clip Hawks

For the third consecutive year, the Sarzonian national team advanced to the knockout stages of the AOCAF tournament. The Stars easily claimed Group C with 19 points and a 6-1-1 record, earning a plus-11 goal differential in a group where their toughest competition was arch nemesis Xile. The Stars have fallen in the semi-finals each of the last two competitions, falling 1-0 to their highly ranked opponents.

"We're not even thinking about that right now," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "Our focus has to be on Lamoni or we'll never get [to the semifinals]."

The Stars have watched extensive tapes on Lamoni's run to second place in Group D and have determined that stopping forward Al Smith is their top priority.

"He has almost a third of their goals," defender Corey Hemby said. "We'll have to shut him down if we want to go through to the next round."

The Stars bristled at comments from Lamoni's President Matt that could be described by some as over exuberant.

"Sarzonia better watch out," Matt said.

"We're going to be preparing for this match like we would any match with a lot at stake," midfielder Darwin Russell said. "I think our experience is absolutely going to be a big factor. We've played in big matches against some of the best footballers in the world. That's going to be huge if the game's tight in the later stages."

The Stars have an overall record of 33 wins, nine draws, and 14 losses coming into this match and the one game playoff at Hendrix Stadium in Woodstock against Europa Brittania, the world's fifth ranked team.

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 29 2004, 04:34 PM
Hawks look to take on Sarzonia

When all of the players of the Lamoni squad had gathered in the conference room of their hotel, Coach Sergeyevich started the meeting by saying, "Sarzonia has already said that they will send their 'A' squad to meet us when we play against them. They also know that Al has scored over a third of our goals, so we can expect that they will be focusing a lot of attention on him. That will leave their defense weak elsewhere. It's our job to get where they are weak, and score. Sarzonia has a world class team, so we will need to score early and often. Use your heads, and whatever they do, don't let it get to you. Understand?"

That earned the coach a round of, "Yes, Sir!"

The coach then had them watch videos taken of recent Sarzonia matches; the better to learn how to stop them. While the videos were playing, Coach Sergeyevich took Al Smith aside and told him, "Al, we know that they are going to swarm all over you. What I want you to do is to make yourself very visible to the other side through any legal means that you can think of. That way, they will be more likely to focus on you and that will leave us openings. We will NEED those openings. Got it?"

"Yes. You're going to use me as bait.," Al said.

"Quite so, Al.," came the response from the coach as he sent Al back to watch the vidoes.

When the video study session was over, Coach Sergeyevich held practice matches where half of the team used known Sarzonia moves, and the other half learned how to stop them.




Posted by: Vilita Sep 29 2004, 04:49 PM
** Vilita & Turori **


Vilita 2-1 Turori
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Vilita Goalscorers::
17' Santo Kecker
48' Callum Banda

Turori Goalscorers::
78' Kaboafo Iobabao

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Vilita Regional Cats Report::The Vilita Jungle Cats and Turori Eels squared off in a highly publicized rematch of their AOCAF I meeting that ended in a severe Eel-Mauling by their Vilitan neighbors. The bets were rampant and the crowd was full, with everyone expecting the newly crowned Eagle's Cup champions and World Cup Finalists to challenge the World Cup 17 hosts and perennial Atlantian Oceania power house.

The Vilitan side looked marginally better from the outset, and got on the scoresheet first through a Santo Kecker free kick, after Callum Banda was brought down 25 yards out. The score would remain 1-0 at the half, but Vilita was weakened as Danilo Liguori had to come off just before halftime after suffering a blow to the left shin. Youngster Musa Nikiema came on in a rare appearance.

Vilita extended their lead early in the second half when Banda beat the offside trap and squeezed the ball into the far post to the delight of the Vilitan support. Prospect striker Carmine Mbidzo came on with 20 minutes to play, and had a quick shot on goal that was turned away by Turori's Jared Dreka of Vecchio Victors in Starblaydia. The save would prove crucial as Kaboafo Iobabao pulled one back for the Eels. That was as close as Turori would get however, as Vilita preserved their 100% record and marched towards the AOCAF knockout round.



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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Jimmy Kater, [D] Danilo Liguori, [D] Jaloey Afrikka, [D] Esemar Aliana, [DM] Antonis Ratuva, [M] Jonathon Stott, [M] Umberto Melli, [M] Marasent Sioane, [M] Alexander Östling, [F] Callum Banda, [F] Serge DuPont
BENCH::
[F] Germán Salomón, [F] Jan Christiansen, [M] Santo Kecker, [M] Calaesa Mitaroka, [U] Carmine Mbidzo, [D] Sibusiso Azaïez, [GK] Massimo Corsi

Vilita Substitutions::
(40) - Danilo Liguori >>> Musa Nikiema
(68) - Calaesa Mitaroka >>> Carmine Mbidzo



Turori Eels (4-4-2) ::
[GK] Jarod Dreka, [D] Maratima Tareak, [D] Arturo Bengali, [D] Moiba Linaian, [D] Rocky Siregar, [M] Ugo Doohan, [M] Boaibou Houabou, [M] Mika Sakatorra, [M] Rikko Ambama, [F] Kaboafo Iobabao, [F] Nikki Inostraza
BENCH::
[F] Martiia Rawaii, [F] Izzitra Bomai, [M] Makaus Likao, [M] Tika Poloni, [U] Hong Knapko, [D] Oswaldo Alegre, [GK] Trevor Ugnata

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Sep 30 2004, 08:38 AM
The Daily Druid

KALLINS QUITS FOR DRUIDA
Björn-Trevor Frederiksson comments on the shock news.

After helping steer the nation he has been helping since their first World Cup campaign 24 years ago, Druids Joint Manager Trevor Kallins has sensationally quit his post to take over as manager of the Rogue Nation of Druida. Kallins has fallen out with Druidish President Geraint Griffiths over the last few months, and the final straw came on matchday twelve, when the Druids lost in The Lowland Clans, but still managed to qualify on the day due to results elsewhere.

"No matter how I tried explaining it to him, the idiot couldn't understand," was Kallins response after he had announced his decision yesterday. "I thought like so many people across the country do, that this guy doesn't represent me in the way I want him to. So I am now a member of Druida, and as a member of their nation, it is only fair that I leave my post with the FANCD and take up a similar position at the DFA, managing their team."

The news will be a shock to many a Druids fan, as Kallins was generally well thought of by the people for his sensible approach not only to football, but to life as a whole. The fact that such a well respected public figure as Kallins has joined the Druidans will also bring pressure on President Griffiths, as many people will consider the Druidan challenge more seriously. It will be a blow to the NEWI Cefn Druids national team, the Druids, as they must complete the AOCAF Cup, then prepare for the World Cup with only Simon Greaves at the helm.

The main problem for the Druids' immediately will be that they have Turori in the AOCAF quarter finals this week. Greaves has a full squad to choose from, but the last time he was left in sole control of the team, he decided to play all kinds of different formations to confuse opponents, and ended up bringing the AOCAF Cup home with him. To do it again would be some feat, but bookmakers across NEWI Cefn Druids do not fancy them, as they are currently only second favourites behind Vilita with top bookies CefnBet.

AOCAF ODDS IN FULL (Supplied by CefnBet)

5/2 Vilita
11/2 NEWI Cefn Druids
8/1 Crystilakere, Starblaydia
9/1 Sarzonia
12/1 Turori, Lamoni
25/1 Xile

Posted by: Vilita Sep 30 2004, 06:08 PM
Vilita 4-1 Druida
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Vilita Goalscorers::
21' Hluali Mijatos
29' Hluali Mijatos
43' Hluali Mijatos
75' Esemar Aliana

52' Jestun Drevor

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Vilita Regional Cats Report::Hluali Mijatos took advantage of a dream partnership with All-Time Vilita top scorer Callum Banda to notch his first career hattrick in the first half against the former republic of Flexys Cefn Druids, now known as Druida. His first came on 21 minutes when his long range effort was mis handled by the Druid keeper and floated into the back of the net. The second, 8 minutes later, was delivered by partner in attack Callum Banda who's crafty effort was again mishandled by the less than spectactular Druida keeper, spilling the Crosaibi natives effort to the feet of Mijatos who cleaned up for his second goal of the game. The young Tivali City striker then completed his memorable hattrick just minutes from half time in a highlight worthy individual run through the center, cooly beating the Druida keeper when presented with the one on one chance, faking him right than rounding opposite him and placing the ball in the back of the net.

Druida got their first chance of the game from a Corner Kick, and the inexperienced defensive pairing of Antonis Ratuva and Ricky Ezis was unable to clear the high looping corner, Druidan phenom Jestun Drevor collecting and beating Homeless goalkeeper Massimo Corsi. However, This would be the last opportunity for Druida, as Vilita would maintain a 70% posession rate, capped off with Marasent Sioane's 30 yard wonder strike 15 minutes from time. Halfway through qualifying, Vilita stood high atop Group A with an impressive 4-0-0 record with just two goals conceded.



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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Massimo Corsi, [D] Esemar Aliana, [D] Jaloey Afrikka, [D] Ricky Ezis, [DM] Antonis Ratuva, [M] Jonathon Stott, [M] Marasent Sioane, [M] Santo Kecker, [M] Calaesa Mitaroka, [F] Callum Banda, [F] Hluali Mijatos
BENCH::
[F] Serge DuPont, [F] Jan Christiansen, [M] Malovar Stokks, [M] Alexander Östling, [U] Germán Salomón, [D] Danilo Liguori, [GK] Jimmy Kater


Vilita Substitutions::
(22) - Marasent Sioane >>> Alexander Östling

Posted by: Vilita Sep 30 2004, 06:16 PM

Aquiliana 1-6 Vilita
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Vilita Goalscorers::
18' Germán Salomón
20' Germán Salomón
27' Serge DuPont
60' Santo Kecker
67' Hluali Mijatos
70' Esemar Aliana

50' Resupo Cornix

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Vilita Regional Cats Report::



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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Massimo Corsi, [D] Esemar Aliana, [D] Jaloey Afrikka, [D] Danilo Liguori, [DM] Antonis Ratuva, [M] Santo Kecker, [M] Tanner Nerni, [M] Marasent Sioane, [M] Malovar Stokks, [F] Germán Salomón, [F] Hluali Mijatos
BENCH::
[F] Serge DuPont, [F] Callum Banda, [M] Umberto Melli, [M] Calaesa Mitaroka, [U] Jonathon Stott, [D] Ricky Ezis, [GK] Jimmy Kater

Vilita Substitutions::
(26) - Germán Salomón >>> Serge DuPont



Balaal 0-6 Vilita
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Vilita Goalscorers::
8' Jonathon Stott
38' Ricky Ezis
42' Serge DuPont
44' Jan Christiansen
63' Serge DuPont
90' Malovar Stokks

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Vilita Regional Cats Report::



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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Jimmy Kater, [D] Danilo Liguori, [D] Sibusiso Azaïez, [D] Ricky Ezis, [DM] Lai Otieno, [M] Santo Kecker, [M] Jonathon Stott, [M] Tanner Nerni, [M] Inaki Soler, [F] Jan Christiansen, [F] Serge DuPont
BENCH::
[F] Germán Salomón, [F] Callum Banda, [M] Alexander Östling, [M] Malovar Stokks, [U] Hluali Mijatos, [D] David Leacock, [GK] Bryan 'Pop' Duiker


Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Jan Christiansen >>> Germán Salomón
(45) - Jonathon Stott >>> Alexander Östling



Turori 0-3 Vilita
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Vilita Goalscorers::
5' Germán Salomón
8' Serge DuPont
31' Germán Salomón

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Vilita Regional Cats Report::



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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Jimmy Kater, [D] Danilo Liguori, [D] Jaloey Afrikka, [D] Sibusiso Azaïez, [DM] Antonis Ratuva, [M] Alexander Östling, [M] Marasent Sioane, [M] Malovar Stokks, [M] Umberto Melli, [F] Germán Salomón, [F] Serge DuPont
BENCH::
[F] Hluali Mijatos, [F] Callum Banda, [M] Jonathon Stott, [M] Santo Kecker, [U] Jan Christiansen, [D] Ricky Ezis, [GK] Massimo Corsi




Druida 1-4 Vilita
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Vilita Goalscorers::
67' Jonathon Stott
76' Hluali Mijatos
88' Antonis Ratuva
89' David Leacock

22' Malvin Duria

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Vilita Regional Cats Report::



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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Jimmy Kater, [D] Danilo Liguori, [D] David Leacock, [D] Jaloey Afrikka, [DM] Antonis Ratuva, [M] Jonathon Stott, [M] Santo Kecker, [M] Umberto Melli, [M] Marasent Sioane, [F] Germán Salomón, [F] Hluali Mijatos
BENCH::
[F] Serge DuPont, [F] Callum Banda, [M] Calaesa Mitaroka, [M] Alexander Östling, [U] Tanner Nerni, [D] Esemar Aliana, [GK] Massimo Corsi

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Germán Salomón >>> Callum Banda

Posted by: Pedriana Sep 30 2004, 07:00 PM
Quarterfinal Scores

Vilita 1-6 Starblaydia

Crystilakere 0-0 Xile
0-1 AET

Sarzonia 2-1 Lamoni

NEWI Cefn Druids 6-1 Turori

[NOTE: After scorination, we embarked on a big statistical analysis in #sport regarding whether that Vilita-Starblaydia score was valid. After an hour's work, we decided that it was possible enough for the score to stand.]

Semifinal matchups:
Starblaydia v Xile
Sarzonia v NEWI Cefn Druids

Posted by: Sarzonia Sep 30 2004, 10:10 PM
QUOTE (Pedriana @ Sep 30 2004, 07:00 PM)
Quarterfinal Scores
Vilita 1-6 Starblaydia

[OOC: Holy sh!t! 6-1 Starblaydia?!]

Stars clip Hawks, 2-1
Blades stab toothless Jungle Cats, 6-1

The Sarzonian national team came in still crushed from their loss to Europa Brittania in the World Cup playoff at Hendrix Stadium, and started out sluggishly against a neophyte Lamoni side. The team gave up an 11th minute goal to forward Al Smith, who found an opening in spite of Sarzonian efforts to shut him down.

But the quick goal by Hawks woke the Stars up from their doldrums and forward Brian Wilson scored two goals to send the Stars on to a rematch of their semi-final match against NEWI Cefn Druids with a 2-1 win.

"We had to get over that hangover a bit," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "It was important that we overcome our feelings a bit and play our way out of our pain. We did that."

After the Smith goal, a determined Corey Hemby shut him down the rest of the match, only allowing him two touches from then on out, with none of them being dangerous to the Stars.

"I had to shut him down and keep him from getting a clear look at goal. It didn't work out on that goal but we got the better of them today.

Midfielder and team captain Bobby Convey told the team not to gloat over the win, saying they had more pressing matters to attend to, namely a game plan against a team they'd never beaten.

In another AOCAF quarterfinal match, Starblaydia pulled off the upset of the tournament by shocking Vilita 6-1. The Jungle Cats dominated the field, winning all eight matches in the group stage and dominating goal differential 36-5. But Starblaydia made the Cats look like toothless kittens in the knockout stage match and they will face Xile, who beat Sarzonian southern neighbor Crystilakere 1-0 in extra time.

The Druids destroyed the Turori Eels 6-1 but saw their co-manager Trevor Kallins resign to coach for Druida after a falling out with his government.

"They were really focused against Turori," Convey said. "We can't let that affect our tactics at all."

Posted by: Starblaydia Oct 1 2004, 05:47 AM

Vilita Thrashed (and how often can we say that?)
Bullet Wounds Beckon As Starblaydia clock up Six

Starblaydia's 'second' team had the weight of expectation on their shoulders after the 'first' team secured qualification for the World Cup with a late-late Simeone Di Bradini penalty against Tanah Burung in Eauz. That weight was increased somewhat when the Vilitan team sheet was announced. Two players pushing forty and only two others over the age of nineteen. There were raised eyebrows even in the Vilitan Commentary box as the starting eleven lined up for the national anthems.

It took just eight minutes for Starblaydia to open up the Jungle Cat defence as a chipped ball through from Jeromoe Montefalcon found the head of Karl Robertson, who managed to loop a header into the net, over the 'keeper who was too far out.

Ricky Torino went close a few minutes later after some good work by David Benson. Already people were whispering that 'Starblaydia could cruise to victory here'. These whispers were confirmed as an Aiden Matranga shot rebounded off the bar which Tetsuo Naoki slotted for 2-0 past a stranded 'keeper after only seventeen minutes and four individual shots.

The Viltian defence then held out for nearly twenty minutes as they tried to get back into the match, but that didnt last long. A Fabricio de Souza Lima twenty-five yarder and a Aiden Matranga tap-in both occurred in a five-minute, two-goal spell for Starblaydia as they were dumbfounded by the Vilita 0-4 Starblaydia scoreline, which stayed resolutely on the scoreboard for the fifteen minutes of the half-time break.

Vilita made two substitutions at half-time, giving fifteen year-old Inaki Soler a shot at a defence that had conceded a goal a game. After just three minutes, Soler scored his first ever goal for Vilita as he threw himself into a diving header that squeezed past the hands of Markus Cragg,a whole six years older at the age of 21. Soler, to his credit, was more concerned about picking up the ball and getting back to the centre circle than he was celebrating, he knew this match wasn't quite over yet.

Unfortunately for Soler and his team, Starblaydi Captain Aiden Matranga got his second goal, third of the tournament and Starblaydia's fifth of the match, with half an hour to go. The same type of shot that had hit the bar earlier was again attempted. This was in as soon as it left his boot. Smashing in off the crossbar, Matranga made it five-one.

Twenty minutes later Jerome Montefalcon sealed argueably Starblaydia's best ever win. Better, so much better than the 6-0 training match demolition of Pure Evil.

Six-One.

Most goals ever in a Starblaydia match. Joint-equal most goals by Starblaydia in a single match. Second-highest winning margin ever. What a day for Starblaydia as the progress to meet Xile in the Semi-Finals, a step closer to the title than last time.

Final Score:
Vilita 1 - 6 Starblaydia
(Soler 48) - (Robertson 8, Naoki 17, de Souza Lima 34, Matranga 39 + 61, Montefalcon 78)


CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
T. Naoki            5         10
K. Robertson        5          9
G. Berisha          4          6
A. Matranga         3          3
F. de Souza Lima    2          6
Jakkinho            2          4
D. Benson           1          3
R. Torino           1          3
B. Moore            1          2
J. Montefalcon      1          1

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Oct 1 2004, 09:22 AM
The Daily Druid

TURORI FURORE
Björn-Trevor Frederiksson on NEWI Cefn Druids 6 Turori 1

In his first game in official sole charge of the Druids, Simon Greaves played in a typical Simon Greaves style - score as many goals as you can.

The partnership of Greaves and Kallins was believed to be Kallins on the defensive side and Greaves on the attacking. Today seemed to prove how correct this presumption was, with midfielder Trevor Rodgers dropped to the bench in favour of Rhys Owens. changing to 4-3-3 from 4-4-2 was a good move, for this match at least, as the Druids record against Turori before this match was 4-0-1.

It worked, though not without an early scare. Rikko Ambama, a face well known to Druidish football fans, scored a belter of a shot from distance after Lee Bell could only punch a corner straight to him. But from then on, it was all Druids.

Minutes later, Owens flicked a long ball on for Gessemschmitthaagen-Po, who had no trouble finishing. By half time it was four-one, with further goals from Law, Posters and Leicester, with further goals from Owens and another by Gessemschmitthaagen-Po to finish off. The Druids had never scored six in a single match before, and it was all very pleasing for their manager.

"I think people were doubting that I could do the job on my own after they scored early on, but we proved that we can defend as well as attack today," was Greaves' view of things. However, on the circumstances in which his partner left, he would only say, "That's up to him. I'm staying here until the time comes that the FANCD don't want me here. If they want to bring someone else in to help with the defensive side of things, then I'd welcome that. I know I'm not the best in that department, and I think that our opponents will know that too. However, we feel we're good enough in all departmants to take this cup home with us."

After favourites Vilita were thrashed 6-1 by Starblaydia, it is their victors who are now favourites to take the cup home with them. Here's the odds from CefnBet:

9/4 Starblaydia
7/2 NEWI Cefn Druids
9/2 Sarzonia
11/1 Xile

Final Score:
NEWI Cefn Druids 6 [Gessemschmitthaagen-Po 12, 85, Law 22, Posters 34, Leicester 37, Owens 61]
Turori 1 [Ambama 9]

Posted by: Sarzonia Oct 1 2004, 11:42 AM
Stars prospects not too bright

The opponent is not new to the Sarzonian national team, as it's two-time AOCAF champions NEWI Cefn Druids. Neither is the stage, the AOCAF tournament semi-finals, which the Stars have advanced to each time the tournament has been played.

But for the Stars to buck their trend of falling short one match away from the cup finals, the team will need to do something they have never done: Beat their Druidish opponents.

"This match will be a very tall order, that's for sure," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "We just played a very tough match against Europa Brittania at home and we've now got two matches out of our last three against teams in the top 10 in the world. This will definitely test us."

The Stars dropped a 2-0 decision to NEWI Cefn Druids in the opener of group play in the second AOCAF tournament then lost 1-0 in the semifinal round before losing to Vilita in the third place match 3-0. The team tried to call "Trevor," at random moments during the opening match, but the move backfired when Druidish spies bugged a Sarzonian training session and found out the plan.

The team is non-committal about any plans against their Druidish rivals, but defender Corey Hemby said the team would focus on tightening up their defense.

"They're known for their attack," Hemby said. "We have to make sure to stay with our marks and look for opportunities to counter. Hopefully, we can get one or two past them like that."

Hemby laughed when asked if the team would yell out "Trevor" again.

NEWI Cefn Druids will be playing their second match with Simon Greaves as the sole coach after co-coach Trevor Callens resigned. Still, Marshall said the Druids were "the team to beat" in the tournament now that fellow Atlantian Oceania football superpowers Vilita lost to Starblaydia.

"No disrespect intended to Starblaydia, but you have to look at the Druids as the favorites to hoist the cup again," Marshall said. "With Vilita sent packing, they're the highest-ranked side in the world that's still competing here." Marshall said if anything, the Stars faced the longest odds of hoisting the cup.

"For us to win, we've got to beat the Druids. After that is either Starblaydia, who would be out for blood after losing two World Cup qualifying matches to us, or Xile, who is itching to beat us after losing two and drawing one against us lifetime. All those teams are going to be tall orders to beat," midfielder and team captain Bobby Convey said. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves here."

Posted by: Starblaydia Oct 1 2004, 02:48 PM

Starblaydia are Favourites?
We're the what-now?

"You beat a great nation by five clear goals and all of a sudden we're more likely to win a tournament than a team in the top-ten in the world who've won the thing two times out of two. I've seen it a million times before."

Er yes, quite. Despite the random ramblings of that anonymous radio sport phone-in show, Starblaydia have been quoted by CefnBet at Favourite odds of 9/4 to take the AOCAF Title at their second attempt.

Starblaydia would be looking, at this point, to overcome Xile, the first time these two sides have met, and to progress to the final. There, assuming they make it that far, they will meet either Sarzonia or NEWI Cefn Druids, either of which would make an excellent opponent and an excellent Final.

Starblaydia for the Title, in fact their first title since 'IRC Wooden Spoon Winners/Losers?'

Don't bet against it.

Posted by: Pedriana Oct 1 2004, 05:14 PM
Semifinal Scores

Starblaydia 4-0 Xile
Sarzonia 1-4 NEWI Cefn Druids

Third Place Match
Xile v Sarzonia
Beachside Field, Garorshy

FINAL
Starblaydia v NEWI Cefn Druids
Athtai National Stadium, Athtai

Both matches to take place tomorrow night at 7:00 PM EDT.

Posted by: Starblaydia Oct 1 2004, 05:51 PM

Athtai National Stadium Awaits
Bekkside Derby In Pedrianan Captial for AOCAF Final

So it has come to pass the Starblaydia will face reigning and two-time champions NEWI Cefn Druids in the Final of the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football.

Both teams swept into the final with a total of nine goals in the two Semi Final matches. After the incredible result against Vilita, slipping up against Xile would have been a rather embarrassing situation. As it was, Starblaydia cruised through with a 4-0 win, with Robert Cole, the veteran Left-Back opening the scoring. Tetsuo Naoki doubled the lead ten minutes later, with Ricky Torino wrapping up the game before half-time had even begun.

All it took was Steve Owens to make it four ten minutes before the end of the match and Starblaydi fans were chanting 'Ole!' at every one of the passes in the last minutes.

Now comes the real test. If we can beat NEWI Cefn Druids, we can beat anybody. The fact we're in their Groupo for World Cup 17 Finals in Kaze Progressa means we'll need the practice at getting the better of the Druids.

Final Score:
Starblaydia 4 - 0 Xile
(Cole 34, Naoki 44, Torino 51, Owens 79) - (None)


CODE
Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
T. Naoki            6         11
K. Robertson        5          9
G. Berisha          4          6
A. Matranga         3          3
F. de Souza Lima    2          6
Jakkinho            2          4
R. Torino           2          4
D. Benson           1          3
S. Owens            1          3
B. Moore            1          2
P. Cole             1          2
J. Montefalcon      1          1

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Oct 2 2004, 11:16 AM
The Daily Druid

DRUIDS MAKE AOCAF FINAL
STARBLAYDIA FANCIED TO WIN
Björn-Trevor Frederiksson on Sarzonia 1 NEWI Cefn Druids 4

Another AOCAF semi-final, another Druids win, but this time, the style in which they did it was completely that of their sole manager Simon Greaves.

Attacking flair was the key to this Druids win, as they humbled poor Sarzonia. The Druids just ran at the heart of the Stars, who just crumbled under the pressure. The Druids team was unchanged from the one that faced Turori, though Loam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po used all of his experience by playing just behind Law and Owens. It worked wonders, as first he latched onto a poor tackle by midfielder Darwin Russell to curl the ball around the stationary Sarzonian goalkeeper Troy Perkins. They followed that up shortly afterwards with two goals that left you mesmerised. The interplay between the front three, the midfield and even the defence at some points was a delight to watch. First Law, then Owens rounded off moves that the best in the world would be jealous of.

Of course, in amongst all this attacking, the defending should not be forgotten about, and it wasn't. Lambealle and captain Hinton were man-mountains at the back stopping everything that came their way. Except one Bobby Convey free kick, but then when set pieces are taken of such high quality, it's probably best just to watch it fly in. But anything Convey can do, Bill Posters can do to, as he proved by doing the same at the other end late on.

Attacking with flair seems to be scaring all comers under Greaves' reign. Whether or not the same style would work against the very best in the world, as Starblaydia seem to be becoming if you consider recent form, is open to question. But for now the Druids are beating everything put before them, and doing it all in style.

However, this is the third AOCAF tournament, and the third time the Druids have made the final. It means that the entire region will probably be cheering Starblaydia on to beat the footballing bullies who always seem to come out on top. Hell, I expect that there's even some Druids fans out there who want their side to lose an AOCAF final, just because they're not selfish people at heart. But here's to a close and exciting final. Though hopefully not as close as last time, huh?

Final score:
Sarzonia 1 [Convey 57]
NEWI Cefn Druids 4 [Gessemschmitthaagen-Po 11, Law 29, Owens 34, Posters 89]

Posted by: Sarzonia Oct 2 2004, 11:20 AM
Stars crash vs. Druids 4-1; Gregor injured

The Sarzonian national team came into the AOCAF semifinal match against the NEWI Cefn Druids a team going through "an emotional ringer," according to Coach Bryan Marshall. The team fought gamely but just fell short 1-0 against the world's fifth ranked team Europa Brittania during a one-match playoff to advance to the World Cup and just beat Lamoni in the quarterfinal round to face a Druidish team they never defeated.

The Stars played like a team that ran out of petrol, giving up four goals in the first half before losing 4-1 to send the team to the third place match against their hated rivals in Xile.

To add injury to insult, the Stars lost forward Anton Gregor to a severe knee injury. Team doctors are still working on a full diagnosis, but they fear that Gregor tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

"That's the least of what we think happened to Gregor," the team's trainer said. "It looks awful. He'll likely be out a while."

"We've been through an emotional ringer the last few days," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "We were just exhausted and it showed out there tonight. But give the Druids credit. They're an outstanding team and they should be the favorites to lift the Cup yet again."

Goalkeeper Troy Perkins had his first bad match of the tournament since the opener where he allowed two Pedriana goals in seven minutes, giving up four goals in 38 minutes. Midfielder Bill Posters scored two of the four goals, and forward Trevor Law added a third goal just four minutes after Posters' second tally. Midfielder Maurice Leicester wrapped up the scoring in the 38th minute, chasing Perkins and sending in veteran Kerry Tanner. Marshall said that Tanner would get the start in the third place match.

"Troy has been overworked," defender Lance Alcina said. "It will be Kerry's last match with the national team and he's going to get a chance to help us win a third place match against those bastards [Xile]."

The Stars say they will be motivated enough to play the third place match since it's the third time in this tournament they will be facing the Bullet Wounds. The hatred the teams and the two countries feel toward each other has been well-documented in the media. The referee for the third place match said he wouldn't even bother trying to get the two captains to shake hands before the match, as is the usual custom.

"It's like trying to force oil and water together. I'll just give each captain instructions and signal to them to start play."

Stars reserve forward Bruce Badger scored the lone goal for the stars in the 74th minute to salvage at least a little pride for the Stars. He came on Gregor after Gregor's knee injury in the 43rd minute. Marshall said forward Barry Alphonso would start in Gregor's place and defender Lance Alcina would sit in place of forward Kenny Cooper as the Stars play a 3-4-3 formation in an attempt to sharpen their attack.

Posted by: Pedriana Oct 2 2004, 06:04 PM
Third Place Playoff

Xile 0-3 Sarzonia

AOCAF III FINAL

Starblaydia 3-4 NEWI Cefn Druids

Congratulations to NEWI Cefn Druids for winning their third consecutive AOCAF championship!

Posted by: Starblaydia Oct 2 2004, 07:01 PM

Starblaydia Shattered in Seven Goal Thriller
Congratulations to NEWI Cefn Druids... Againl

Starblaydia had earlier won the Home/Away coin toss and came out in their 'Home' White with purple trim, while the NEW Cefn Druids, denied their very-similar White and Black trim, were in their Yellow with Red Trim.

With the National Anthems of 'Starblaydia Triumphant' and something Druidish (probably about pies, we couldn't tell), the customary Fair-Play Handshakes and coin toss for the kick-off went ahead as usual, with the Druids winning this one, Amos Hinton electing to kick from right-to-left as the TV cameras saw it.

As Gessemschmitthaagen-Po rolled the ball to Trevor Law, the crowd of both sides went absolutely mental in th Athtai National Stadium, cheering every tackle and neat pass in the first few minutes. We hand you over to Starblaydia's foremost Commentator, Sven Motsonsson, for the match higlights...

0 minutes:
"And what a grand occasion in Pedriana's captial city for the 3rd AOCAF Final between first-time finalists Starblaydia and Third-Time, Twice-winning Finalists and defending Champions NEWI Cefn Druids. The game gets underway, and here we go, hold onto your hats for the next ninety minutes, or more, if dreaded Extra Time and Penalties ensue, but let's hope that doesn't happen...

12 Minutes:
"Starblaydia down the right flank now, they've had a good share of possession in these opening ten minutes. Benson, oh, he's nutmegged Clinton Nutting, down the near side, with the cross... Beaten away by Bell, in a crowd of player.... Naoki! Goal!! Tetsuo Naoki with the opening goal!

"'Keeper Lee Bell was caught up in a tangle with Karl Robertson and the defender Lambeale, it bobbled to the outside of the area and there was young Tetsuo Naoki with his seventh goal, on the outside of his right foot to smash it into the net. One-Nil Starblaydia!"

20 Minutes:
"Here's Leicester, or 'Mo' as they call him, trotting through the middle, no-one's challenging him. And that's a lovely through-ball to Law... he's out wide, with the shot... great goal by Trevor Law, his first touch took him wide and free of defenders, but on his left foot he's fired it across the body of Markus Cragg and into the inside of the net. One-all and game on!

35 Minutes:
"Maddison going for the long ball, and Lucas Palmer has had to put that one out for a throw. No, wait, it's a corner on this near side. Everyone's up for this, in it comes.. and... nodded in! Ron Lambeale! He's risen above the tall sweeper of Jean-Pierre Durand and he's headed it onto the ground, and it's found it's way in past Aiden Matranga on the goal line. NEWI Cefn Druids lead by two goals to one, with thirty-five minutes played."

44 Minutes:
"Possibly the last goalscoring chance left in the half. Starblaydia have the ball now, Scott, he won it from Gessemschmitthaagen-Po in the midfield. Scott with the Shot!... great save from Bell but there's Robertson for the equaliser! Karl Robertson has ensured that Starblaydia go in at half-time with an even score of two-two, as he side-foots it past the grounded Bell, who'd just pulled off a great save from Daniel Scott from thirty yards or more."

65 Minutes:
"Twenty minutes gone in this second half of the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Footba... and here's substitute Rhys Owns, he's played through, rounds the keeper and yes! It's tapped in from close range! A wonderful piece of counter-attacking football, finished off by the nineteen year-old Tuncastle Rovers Striker! His team-mate, strike partner and opponent in this game, Karl Robertson, has already scored and now Owens has given the Druids the lead, by three goals to two!"

67 Minutes:
"Can Starblaydia come back from this, the first time they've been behind in the game? It's Montefalcon, out right to Benson, back to Naoki in the middle, laid off for Matranga, the Captain and... WHAT A STRIKE! It's AIDEN MATRANGA, Starblaydia's CAPTAIN, with what MUST be the GOAL of the TOURNAMENT!

"I apologise for the shouting, but I'm struggling to hear myself think above the roars of the Starblaydi crowd, the equaliser just two minutes after Starblaydia went behind. It's Three-Three, thanks to a wonder-strike by veteran left-winger Aiden Matranga, Captain for Starblaydia in what must be his last tournament for his nation, as he's already thirty-five years old. He'd drifted into the middle and has connected, left-footed, with a thirty... thirty-seven yard strike, according to our computer, moving the ball at close to seventy miles per hour. It had power, accuracy, dip and even some swerve, and he was celebrating even before Lee Bell landed on the ground with his dive. What. A. Goal!"

87 Minutes:
"Please tell me that Extra-Time is coming, I'm just enjoying this game too much. Cym, the subsitute, with the pass out wide to Maddison. Crossed in, Owens, laid of to 'Po in acres of space, all the time he needs to score! What could be the winning goal, from Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po! Its NEWI Cefn Druids Four, Starblaydia Three."

90+3 Minutes:
"And there it is! The Final whistle! NEWI Cefn Druids have retained their title yet again, three times out of three for the Druidish Team, as they emerge victorious in the Bekkside Derby in Pedriana, and it's heartbreak for Starblaydia.

"Oh my, look at Matranga, he's lost it, the tears are streaming down his face. You can see how much this tournament has meant to him, he's been on a real rollercoaster as Captain of Starblaydia for the AOCAF, and I'm sure that's an image that will stay with all of us."

So Amos Hinton held aloft the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football, for a Regional Record of 3 wins from 3. The yellow and red ticker tape streamed down, and the fireworks went off, as Starblaydia were left to cheer their valiant heroes, unlucky at the hands of what might be a legendary side in AO. This is SCB Sports saying 'Goddnight' and 'Thanks for watching'

Final Score:
Starblaydia 3 - 4 NEWI Cefn Druids
(Naoki 13, Robertson 44, Matranga 68) - (Law 21, Lambeale 36, Owens 66, Gessemschmitthaagen-Po 89)


CODE
Starblaydia Final AOCAF3 Goal Tally:
Player            Goals   Total Goals
-------------------------------------
T. Naoki            7         12
K. Robertson        6         10
G. Berisha          4          6
A. Matranga         4          4
F. de Souza Lima    2          6
Jakkinho            2          4
R. Torino           2          4
D. Benson           1          3
S. Owens            1          3
B. Moore            1          2
P. Cole             1          2
J. Montefalcon      1          1

Posted by: Sarzonia Oct 3 2004, 12:33 PM
[OOC: Sorry about the semis RP... I didn't see the NEWI Cefn Druids RP.]

Stars take third place match, 3-0

The Sarzonian national team had to overcome two disappointing losses in the previous three matches, including a 4-1 flattening against the NEWI Cefn Druids. The team responded to a third straight third place match in the AOCAF tournament by throttling hated Xile, 3-0.

Forward Barry Alphonso scored two goals in his first match as the full-time starter in place of the injured Anton Gregor, and forward Kenny Cooper added an insurance marker in the 89th minute to send the Stars to their most lopsided win against Xile in the four matches. Goalkeeper Kerry Tanner left international football with a bang by making five saves for a clean sheet.

"We want to play in the final sometime, but if we're not in there, we have to make the best of things," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "At least we've gotten something to show for the tournament."

The Stars controlled the match from the opening kickoff, dominating possession 54 minutes to 36, shots 24 to 11, shots on goal 9-5, and, most importantly, the score sheet.

"We wanted to have a dominating performance against those guys and we finally did it," midfielder and team captain Bobby Convey said. Convey assisted on all three goals for the Stars.

GOALS:
Xile: NONE
Sarzonia: Alphonso 39, 58; Cooper 89

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Oct 4 2004, 07:22 AM
The Daily Druid

CRIKEY!!!
GREAT GAME, BUT CAN'T WE LET SOMEONE ELSE WIN?
Björn-Trevor Frederiksson on Starblaydia 3 NEWI Cefn Druids 4

The build up was there - two teams from either side of the water, one in their best form ever the other the team everyone wants to beat. And, just to make it that extra bit special, it was only a cup final as well.

The match was great. I would describe it again, but you must have seen it so many times over the last few hours that there really isn't any need. If you haven't seen it yet, you will do. The way that the lead kept changing hands, the momentum shifts that were a joy to watch, goals that left spectators staring in awe.

There was just one problem: The way the game finished was just like the game against Vilita eight years ago, or indeed Crystilakere just four years ago - a late Druids goal, impossible to come back from, being too much for Starblaydia to come back from. A fantastic show with the biggest anti-climax of all.

So, we'll see you all at AOCAF IV, wherever it may be. We'll see the Vilitans look like the world beaters that they are before forgetting how to play halfway through the tournament, we'll see Starblaydia's ever improving side better than ever, we'll see Sarzonia just fall short of the final again, we'll see everybody disliking the Xile team, and we'll see the Druids win the final with a goal in the last five minutes. And if all that happens again, then I'd be happy, my country will have won again. But it can't happen again. It won't happen again.

Or will it?

Posted by: Pedriana Oct 4 2004, 07:50 AM
QUOTE (NEWI Cefn Druids @ Oct 4 2004, 08:22 AM)
So, we'll see you all at AOCAF IV, wherever it may be. We'll see the Vilitans look like the world beaters that they are before forgetting how to play halfway through the tournament, we'll see Starblaydia's ever improving side better than ever, we'll see Sarzonia just fall short of the final again, we'll see everybody disliking the Xile team, and we'll see the Druids win the final with a goal in the last five minutes.

Um, you forgot..."we'll see Pedriana finish bottom of the table yet again."

wink.gif

Posted by: Starblaydia Oct 6 2004, 05:15 PM
Revenge! Revenge in the World Cup, I say!

Starblaydia 3 - 0 NEWI Cefn Druids

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