|
 |
|
|
|
Inexperience Proves Fatal
D&S new that this squad would struggle a bit when they were put together for the AOCAF. The luck that had followed the main Mystical Unicorns in WC27 qualifying could not really be expected to strike twice for the second squad. So it was an untested group of unknowns that had the pleasure of trying to compete here.
MD 3 brought another newcomer as the opponents. The Dryads from Myrtannia were predicted by most to finish below even us in the final standings. The first two matchdays only confirmed this line of thought as the Dryads showed absolutely no offensive threat. But anything is possible when two winless squads with no experience face off, and Myrtannia showed some flair today as they won easily 3-1
The loss for D&S can be attributed to many factors. Inexperience and complete lack of teamwork undid what the Unicorns had been trying to build. Attackers missed opportunities, Midfielders seemed slow to the ball, and defenders were constantly out of position. Confusion seemed to reign for D&S.
Then you must look at intensity. Myrtannia had tons of it. The Dryad players were everywhere, fighting for every ball and outplaying D&S on every level. D&S rather seemed bored and nonchalant. They showed no focus and little desire to even play. Most looked homesick.
The third factor was Deeann Massetti. The former reserve earned the right to be the Dryad superstar today, scoring all 3 Myrtannia goals. Of course part of that can be contributed to one of our own players. Horacio Wais (RB) was given the job to shut her down. He seemed more smitten by her and constantly forgot to play defense when she was near. He even sent her flowers following the match.
The squad will now face a brutal practice that is designed to restore their focus before the next match against Pacitalia. If we play like this again, we might as well should have just stayed home. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
, |
 |
|
|
|
Master Plan Backfires!
ASMV decided that it would send the WC roster to compete in AOCAF XIII. That plan was a good one as ASMV cruised to an easy win over Bazalonia on MD2. The age of some of the normal starters had shown up a bit at the end of that match as players like Unami Banta-N'bai, Malachi James, and others seemed tired and in need of a break. So squad officials decided that the Spruitland match was a great opportunity to play some of the reserves and give the normal starters a break. Bad idea.
With Micah Swift and the older Banta-N'bai not playing, the defense failed to prove as dominant. Genesis Galluccio and Fidal Vianal show promise, but proved they are not ready to play full time. Anika Milosavic and Jenni Ulrich performed much better in the midfield, but the inexperience did show up at times. Leena Draghi and Ali Devincenti showed promise at forward as well, but neither showed Porche Alexander or Pablo Iglesias' flair for finding the net.
The biggest issue was at keeper, where young Jenna Jaffray proved to be no match for Spruitland attackers. She gave up 3 goals in the 65 minutes she played. The young players will improve and soon be ready to take over leading roles for the Sea Dragons, just not in this tourney.
Next up - Hypocria. We really hate to face these guys right now, even though they are one of our closest footballing friends. 1 - They are the best ranked side in the group. They will begin to show that, probably starting against us. 2 - Two matches have equalled two losses for them. No one in their right mind wants to be the third opponent in that situation. 3 - They recieved a horrid draw in our own tourney, The Draggonni Inviyatii. They will be looking to pound us after that. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Aroras Make Cats Feel Blue
Bettia 2 (York 17, Alasanne 76)
Vilita 0
After some disappointing showings in their opening two games, the Aroras knew they had to be on top form against group favourites Vilita to come away with any sort of positive result, but the travelling hordes of 'Rora Boyz couldn't have wished for a better scoreline here in the New City Stadium, as Bettia put their faltering AOCAF campaign back on track with this fine victory.
Looking resplendant in their change kit of blue-and-white quarters, the Aroras were quickly out of the blocks, playing the fluid attacking football that has receently seen other nations sit up and take notice. The front three of York, Hutton and Hunter soon got into their stride, and it was Latif Hunter who created their first opportunity after four minutes, turning well just outside the penalty area and setting up Chris Hutton for the shot, which just grazed the wrong side of the crossbar.
That shot slapped the Jungle Cats into life and they forced a succession of corners that Roberto DiTorino did extremely well to keep out. It was from one of these corners that he set Ieuan Swain off on a blistering run up the left wing before finding Judson York in space with a well-placed diagonal ball. The Hypocria-based striker made no mistake, slotting the ball past the advancing keeper to put Bettia in front.
DiTorino was forced to make a number of fine saves as Vilita showed a great degree of attacking prowess of their own, as the first half ascended into an intriguing display of end-to-end football. Hutton struck the crossbar after half-an-hour, with Warlow also coming tantalisingly close from a free kick.
Thankfully for the neutral (but not for any Bettian with a heart condition) the second half served up more of the same fare, with both sides ripping into each other's defence (and also playing some football). A second half double substitution saw Alasanne and Stankovic introduced into the foray to replace York and Hunter, and the pair soon settled alongside their Vilitan-based comrade Chris Hutton.
In the 76th minute, Hutton unleashed a seemingly unstoppable 30-yard piledriver. However, the Vilitan keeper was just about to fingertip his effort onto the undersde of the crossbar - thankfully for Bettia, Brennan Alasanne was the quickest to pounce on the rebound to double the Aroras' advantage. That was the cue for some wild celebrations, followed by a quarter-hour of constant Jungle Cat pressure as Vilita searched in vain for any way back into the tie. Thankfully for Bettia the defence, which in most cases seem to prefer to leak goals just to keep things interesting, managed to withstand this onslaught, and so Bettia were able to claim a vital win.
This result has left Group 2 looking very open indeed, with any one of the top five still in with a real chance of claiming top spot with two matches left to play. The Aroras' next matchup is against group leaders The Lowland Clans who have looked very solid so far in this championship. The Green-and-Gold army will have to carry on from today's fine result in order to get past the B-Stars. |
 |
 |
|
Bettia |
|
We don't do defence |
 |
|
|
|
Posts: 956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Lamoni still undefeated, but didn't score
In what seemed to be one of the most boring AOCAF matches yet, Lamoni and Bedistan couldn't score during the whole match. The 0-0 draw moves Lamoni to second place due to goal difference with Starblaydia. That won't matter though; as Lamoni is very secure in the second spot, even if they lose their final group match against Starblaydia.
While the Lamoni-Starblaydia AOCAF ledger is heavily in favor of the Purple Peril, Lamoni would finish first in the group if they were to defeat Starblaydia. If Lamoni were to win, we suspect that Starblayde would be publicly unconcerned about it; but that the Starblaydi AOCAF team would lose their lives once they got back home. Especially if Lamoni were to defeat Starblaydia in a knockout match. Still, we shall see what we shall see when the score comes around.
Lamoni - 0
Bedistan - 0 |
|
|
 |
|
Lamoni |
|
Democratic Maniac |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 1952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Sea Dragons And Hyppos Batlle To 2-2 Draw
The Sea Dragons faced Hypocria today in a match they desperately needed to take at least a point from if they wanted to hold down the third position. And the Hyppos definitely had other ideas.
The Hyppos came out on fire and the right side of the defense buckled under the assault. Micah Swift and MalachI James could do little to stop the raging Hyppo attack and Hypocria found halftime up by a massive 2-0 score.
But every match has two halves and the second one in this match would belong to the Sea Dragons. ASMV was out to prove the flexibility of its Tidal Surge style and did just that with flying colors. Evan Evans and MalachI James both moved from the midfield to serve a more attacking role. Their void in the midfield was filled by Allyson Shade and Tomas Carrington essentially transforming the normal 5-3-2 into a much mor aggressive 3-3-4. The gamble paid off.
Shade found Evans near the top of the box in the 68th minute and the resulting goal pulled ASMV within one. 11 minutes later, Kristov Kirelenko was rewarded with an unusual goal as the Hyppo defense was more worried with the quartet of Evans, James, Iglesias, and Alexander. The score had been knotted at 2 all.
But all the hard work nearly went down the drain in the 4th minute of injury time as a last ditch effort by the Hyppos bounced off the post and was cleared away as time expired.
The Draw moves ASMV to 1-1-1 along with Spruitland and Bazalonia. Of course we beat the Bazalopes and lost to Spruitland. Krytenia sits atop the group with a 1-2-0 record. Only 3 squads will advance so MD5 has now become very important to all 4 sides with an chance. And that doesn’t’ even count the Hyppos who can still technically get in.
ASMV seems to have the toughest task to advance. The matchup against Krytenia on MD5 in a near must win match. Hypocria has to sit and wait. Spruitland takes on Bazalonia.
We need at least a point in this one. Also we would love to see Spruitland get at least a point as well. That means we have to pull for Spruitland even though we don’t want to. The scenarios are too complicated to go through with the group being this tight with one match day left. One thing is clear though, after we beat Krytenia we will be moving on. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
"Last Matchday; And we're still in it!" by Nev Gould
A draw against Krytenia and group 1 is up for grabs. 5,4,4,4,4 is the point spread for this group. In their very first AOCAF Bazalonia might just pull an upset and enter the finals. AOCAF Soccer Fever has spread around Bazalonia as official AOCAF footballs are selling for 150 Bazs.
This is like a miracle, first the win against Hypocria, 5th in the world then the Draw against Krytenia. The only thing was the lost against ASMV. Are we giant killers but can't knock down nations closer to us. Will we take over Spruitland in (ranked 23rd) or will we fall to the curse of the close ranked team?
|
|
|
 |
|
Bazalonia |
|
Eating A Bazalope Burger |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Bettia Take The High Road
Bettia 4 (Carew 43pen, Hunter 65, Hutton 67 87)
Lowland Clans 1 (Page 30)
Resurgant Bettia have got their AOCAF campaign well and truly back on track with this hard-fought victory here at the New City Stadium that has left the fate of Group 2 wide open.
Buoyed by their win against Vilita on the previous matchday, Bettia named an unchanged lineup, and they started as they meant to go on with Chris Hutton forcing a flying save from Ilegochios as early as the third minute, then Judson York rattled the crossbar from the resulting corner.
However, The Lowland Clans gradually got back into the game and started to boss proceedings as the first half wore on. The pressure eventually told on the half-hour mark as Lucias Page pounced on an uncharacteristically loose backpass from McKinnon, rounded DiTorino and walked the ball into the unguarded net.
The Stars looked to press home their one-goal advantage, streaming forward at every opportunity as they looked to stretch their lead, but the Aroras were somehow able to withstand their efforts. Our green and gold heroes struck back towards the end of halftime after a typically swift counter-attack saw the ever-dangerous Judson York upended in the penalty area by a clumsy challenge from Markoff, for which the Clans defender was lucky to escape with just a stern talking to. Geraint Carew stepped up to the honours, crashing the penalty home for his eleventh goal in Bettian colours.
The second half started rather slowly as both teams seemed to adopt a rather cautious approach, a tactic not much appreciated by the Bettian faithful. However, the game exploded back into life when The Lowland Clans were caught by a double sucker-punch.
On 65 minutes, Latif Hunter was put through on goal by one of John Connick's trademark incisive through-balls, which he gleefully dispatched by blasting the ball past Ilegochios with great aplomb. Barely two minutes later, Hutton punished some slack defending to grab Bettia's third, leaving their opponents well and truly shell-shocked.
It was Hutton who put the icing on the cake late on after playing a superb one-two with Laurie LeClerc, then bending the ball around the despairing keeper and into the top corner to put Bettia out of reach.
This win leaves Bettia in second place, two points behind already-qualified Vilita and ahead of The Lowland Clans by virtue of scoring more goals. Rather tellingly, Vilita and The Lowland Clans face off against each other on Matchday Five, whilst Bettia face bottom-of-the-table Iksonic who are playing for nothing but pride. A single point against Iksonic will guarantee Bettia's progress to the next round, but a Lowland Clans win or even a draw in the other match could see the Aroras finish top of the pile should they beat the newcomers. A shock defeat however, will see Bettia looking nervously over their shoulders at Legalese and Milchama who, at three points behind, could still catch them.
Tens, maybe even hundreds of thousands of Bettians are streaming over to Aigburth as we speak, erm, write to roar the Aroras on, and turn the ArenaWest into a sea of green and gold. Could this group be decided by Bettia's twelth man? |
|
|
|
|
|
Bettia |
|
We don't do defence |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
As expected, Starblaydis Trample Dryads
Starblaydia 2, Myrtannia 0
Well, we all knew it would come to this - perrenial footballing powerhouse Starblaydia was Myrtannia's opponent on the next to last day of AOCAF XIII's round robin stage. Yet another team we expected to beat Myrtannia - and who did. It was hardly a stunning turn of events, unless you consider that Myrtannia held Starblaydia to only 2 goals after the opposition had scored 4 in each of the past two games.
But the story of the day was Myrtannia's complete lack of offense once again. The Dryads for the third time were held scoreless, after a brief burst of offensive might against Dorian and Sonya. Not that much more was to be expected of the hapless Dryads. Too much youth and too much inexperience stand in the team's way of any success that might be had. Perhaps next AOCAF, they can draw a group without so many super powers of football.
On a happier note, it seems that teenage love may be in the air for Myrtannia forward Deeann Massetti, who recieved flowers from D&S RB Horacio Wais after the 3-1 Dryads victory. During the match, more than one person noticed he seemed smitten with the younger Massetti. Unconfirmed reports now say that Massetti has contacted Wais about the possibility of going to one of the knockout round games as spectators, to have a sort of 'date'. No news was available from the D&S side to confirm this news, but if it's true, congratulations to both.
The final match of AOCAF XIII for Myrtannia is one against Pacitalia - yet another squad the Dryads probably won't beat or even score against. Yet the Dryads are more focused on the latter.
"We will score this time, it doesn't matter if we win or draw or whatever. We've had enough of this scoreless nonsense," Massetti told reporters, "We know we're destined to lose the match, but getting at least a goal would be satisfying for all of us."
This post has been edited by Myrtannia on Apr 13 2006, 01:02 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Lions Top Group; Advance to Quarters
Krytenia - The Nedalia Lions, despite not featured on the final Matchday, topped Group C, arguably the toughest in the competition, with 7 points from 4 matches.
"It is true we are playing mostly B-Squad teams while we are featuring almost our strongest line-up, but the AOCAF is widely regarded as the premier regional competition in the universe, and must be respected as such. We didnt send the squad to the Cup of Harmony this time, so my full choice of players was available this time around in the AOCAF, and I've taken full advantage," commented manager Brent Vent.
With the only defeat coming against Chicanada on Matchday One, and with victories over the likes of Sarzonia (who amazingly didnt qualify), the Lions struggled on offense but won their games, surprisingly, on the strength of their defence, conceding only 4 goals.
Brent Vent was supposed to retire after the failure of World Cup 27 qualification, but he was convinced to stay on by the Nedalian FA, as well as influencial former manager Randy Gamman, for one more try.
"I'm too old to be doing this," suggested Vent. "But I cant turn my back on my country. The FA came to me first, but it was Randy who convinced me."
When asked, Gamman claimed there was no better manager in Nedalia, and if anyone was to lead the Lions to the World Cup, it would be Vent. The task at hand, however, remains the AOCAF championship, which as eluded the Lions thus far. They've come as close as the Finals, but have not gotten over the hump and taken the title home. Vent believes that could end this year.
"If you look at it, we have to be one of the favorites. Sarzonia is out, as is Hypocria. Bedistan didnt make it. You've got some great teams still in it, such as Bettia and Vilita, whom we cant seem to beat, but there is no clear-cut favorite. There's about 5 of them, and we're on the list. We face the winner of the Bazalonia and The Lowland Clans match, whom we should, on paper, defeat. If we come out of that match alive, then we got either Krytenia or the winner of the Nojika vs. Pacitalia matchup. Its a tough road, but one we're capable of taking and reaching the end of," said Vent.
With the automatic qualifications into the quarter-finals, the Lions will have a few days of rest before they continue on their mission. Mission Impossible? Nedalia doesnt seem to think so. Stay tuned. |
|
|
 |
|
Nedalia |
|
Emperor in Training |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 486 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Lamoni and Starblaydia slug it out
When this game started, no one anticipated how it would end. The first half of the match bore this one out, with the Starblaydis scoring two goals to Lamoni's none. It looked like the Starblaydis would simply steamroll the Hawks again.
We don't know what happened at the half, but when Lamoni came back onto the field, you could see that they were NOT going to lose this match. There was a fire in their eyes, and their backs were straight. Their first goal of the match proved that they were back to their undefeated ways. It was a bullet that went through the legs of the Starblaydi goal keeper before he could stop it; scored by Lamonian reserve forward Lance Kemble. Lance also went on to score the other Lamonian goal with a bicycle kick that sent the ball to the upper left corner of the goal. The game then reverted to the scoreless defensive showdown that seems common with Lamonian AOCAF teams.
This draw perhaps represents the best that Lamoni has accomplished against Starblaydia in the AOCAF, and has ensured that goal difference was the sole determining factor between first and second place in Group D (Starblaydia scored two more goals than Lamoni in the group stages). Both teams are undefeated in the group stages, and will likely face one another again in the semis. Unless; that is, Vilita manages to steal that honor from the Starblaydis. With Lamoni's record against Vilita in the AOCAF, that will probably be better for the Hawks.
Lamoni faces Spruitland next, and while the oddmakers say that Lamoni will likely win the match hands down; the Hawks know that they cannot afford to take this match lightly. Lamoni will be using the interviening time to almost litterally 'practice their hearts out.' That is not to say that it will be all work and no play; but Lamoni will not be caught with their pants down, either.
The assesment of the Lamonian bookkeepers is that Lamoni will probably make third place, but always with the promise of better. They also say that the top six teams still in the competition are: Bettia, Krytenia, Lamoni, Nedalia, Starblaydia, and Vilita.
Lamoni - 2 Lance Kemble (67, 87)
Starblaydia - 2 (30), (35)
This post has been edited by Lamoni on Apr 13 2006, 08:26 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
Lamoni |
|
Democratic Maniac |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 1952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
"A win in more than one way" by Nev Gould
The Bazalonian Bazalopes have made it into the 2nd round in their first AOCAF with a win against Spruitland in their last match and in the end we had 7 points only 1 point shy of Krytenia, ranked 7th in the region. The match was won by a miraculous goal in the dying seconds of the match, during injury time, in the 92nd minute of the match Peter Hobble in desperation launched a long shot from just 15m inside the Spruirlandish half. The ball went sailing over the the field and just squeeked in between the outstretched hands of the Spruitland Goalie and the top of the bar.
There where no other goals scored as Jeffery Constantine and the Bazalope defense held firm preventing any of the limited opportunities that the Spruitland team did have.
Now not only did the Bazalopes win against Spruitland but in their first AOCAF the Bazalopes have made it to the 2nd round. With a match against "The Lowland Clans", unfortunately I predict that will be as far as the Bazalopes go, as we predict a loss to the lowland clans. Which should also have happened theoretically against Hypocria and Krytenia, but anything is possible. |
|
|
|
|
|
Bazalonia |
|
Eating A Bazalope Burger |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
AOCAF HATES US!!!
Let's see. AOCAF XII saw ASMV hold on to a qualifying spot until the final matchday when Starblaydia leapfrogged us to get into the next round.
Fastforward to AOCAF XIII. ASMV holds on to a qualifying spot until the final matchday when Bazalonia leapfrogged us to get into the next round.
Enough said. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Show's Over, Folks, Time to Call it a Day
Pacitalia 5, Myrtannia 0
Well, no big surprise in AOCAF XIII - the Myrtannia Dryads lost once again, and once again had no offensive presence whatsoever on the field. For the fourth time, the Dryads were held scoreless, which is a very simple task in football. Only Dorian and Sonya allowed the Drayds to score at all.
Pacitalia scored early and often against Myrtannia, whose goal of scoring again was shattered by another truly horrendous performance. The only surprising thing here was that Pacitalia slaughtered the Dryads so badly. Previously, the worst defeat had been at the hands of Lamoni by a tally of 0-3. This time, the Dryads allowed 5 goals, an all time low for Myrtannia.
"We didn't expect to win, and we didn't. If we'd have been in a different group, we might've at least scored more often. This time we were unlucky enough to be stuck in the toughest group, with the likes of Bedistan, Pacitalia, Lamoni, and Starblaydia. Next time, maybe we'll get a friendlier draw than this," outspoken Myrtannia forward Deeann Massetti told reporters lamentingly.
Massetti, however, does have a date (no word on who yet) for the Lamoni v Spruitland mathcup in the opening elimination round. Speaking of the elimination round, here are AIR 4's predictions on how things will turn out.
ROUND TWO
MATCH E: Bazalonia v The Lowland Clans
Winner: The Lowland Clans. The Bazalopes pulled off a stunning round robin in their first AOCAF, but the more experienced Clans will take them out.
MATCH F: Vilita v FMJPhoenix
Winner: Vilita. They are battle-hardened, and will plow through Phoenix to the Quarts.
MATCH G: Nojika v Pacitalia
Winner: Nojika. Pacitalia slammed Myrtannia in their last match, but Nojika is a whole different can of worms. We'll take Nojika.
MATCH H: Lamoni v Spruitland (New Coalfields, New Osteria)
Winner: Lamoni. Hands down. The Hawks are too talented, too experienced, and too determined to be upset here. They will overwhelm overachieving Spruitland.
Updated predictions will be posted as results come in.
This post has been edited by Myrtannia on Apr 14 2006, 10:26 AM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Top 'o The League, La La La!
Bettia 3 (Hutton 3 66, York 38)
Iksonic 0
The Blessed Realm was in raptures after a matchday in which everything seemed to go their way. The Aroras only needed a point against already-eliminated Iksonic to qualify for the second round, but the players soon made it clear that only a win would do for their faithful fans.
They came close to scoring straight from the kick-off, when a looping high ball from John Connick saw Judson York racing through on goal only to see the ball well-smothered by goalkeeper Ilon Kist - however, Iksonic's reprieve only lasted 90 seconds (give or take a second or two). Bettia's early breakthough came courtesy of Chris Hutton's typical tenacity, punishing Poleda's hesitation to steal the ball and fire into the bottom corner before the defence could react.
Bettia proceeded to dominate the opening 45 minutes, forcing a staggering 11 corners and 8 shots on target. Therefore, it came as no surprise when their lead was doubled shortly before the break. After gathering the ball following a brief Iksonic foray in Bettia's half, DiTorino found Geraint Carew who in turn found Judson York racing up the left hand side. Although he was forced into the corner by two defenders, he somehow managed to wriggle free and powered along the goal line before unleashing a rather hopeful shot from an imposisbly narrow angle. Lucklily for him, the ball cannoned off Kist and into the net to make it 2-0 at half-time.
The second half saw the introduction of Von Bietsch replacing Ricardo DiTorino in goal, who was complaining of a slight strain - rather dodgily, all eyes will be on his groin over the next couple of days in the hope that he will be fit for Bettia's next match.
Luckily for the throngs of Bettians who populated almost the entire ArenaWest, this setback didn't affect the Aroras' confidence one bit and they carried on where they left off, forcing Kist into action on many occasions whilst leaving Von Bietsch looking rather bored at times.
Bettia's third goal came on 66 minutes after Latif Hunter's curling shot was well-fingertipped by Kist for a corner. Despite being a tad diminutive, Chris Hutton was able to rise up well to score a rare headed goal and put the game well beyond doubt.
Soon afterwards, Jamie Kingsholm and Brennan Alasanne were brought on in place of York and Swain and they soon got into the thick of things, linking up well with Warlow to set up Hutton with an excellent chance to claim a hattrick - unfortunately, his wickedly dipping shot didn't quite dip far enough, grazing the top of the crossbar.
This result coupled with Vilita and The Lowlands Clans grinding out a 0-0 draw has left Group 2 finishing with Bettia on top thanks to their superior goal difference, and thanks to this, the Aroras can enjoy a matchday of rest in sunny Davisham whilst awaiting the winner of the intriguing Spruitland vs Lamoni 2nd round match. They are joined in the quarter-finals by Krytenia, Starblaydia (potential semi-final opponents) and, best of all, Nedalia.
An Aroras vs Lions final? Let's just say everyone in the Blessed Realm have their fingers and toes crossed, along with anything else crossable... |
|
|
|
|
|
Bettia |
|
We don't do defence |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Panthers Advance to Round Two
Nojika to Face Pacitalia First
For the first time since the sixth AOCAF, Nojika have advanced to the second round of the competition. Previously, Nojika faced a consistent Lamoni side and failed to capitalize against the Hawks and lost the match 2 - 0. However, this time around, Nojika will be facing an inconsistent Pacitalia squad and has high hopes to move forward into the Quarter Finals and beyond.
"Who would have guessed that we, the team that has always been called the underdog of our group, would have actually brought to life our status and move on? We sure as hell didn't," said Randy Mulder, Nojika's national squad coach. Pacitalia finished their group stage run against a struggling Myrtannia side and forced a devastating 5 goals, while Nojika finished with a 0 - 0 draw against Chicanda.
Finishing the group stage in the second place spot, ahead Sarzonia who placed fourth, has undoubtly given the Nojikan men a new realization of their talents and skills. The Panthers finished with an overall record of 1 - 3 - 0 and a +1 goal differential.
Rozer City midfielder, and national squad captain, Carlos Amoa said that their match against Pacitalia would be a "tough fight between two strong teams" and that "[I] believe we can defeat Pacitalia and move on, it's just a matter of forgetting about the group stage and looking ahead now."
Nojika's second round match will be played against Pacitalia on a pitch they have now become accustomed to, County Ground in Dereapolis where they played three of their four group stage matches, and have begun to gain fan support in the area. For Nojika, this is as good as home field advantage gets.
"We've got a job to do now, and there is no doubt in our minds that we are ready to, and can, finish what we've started." -- 24 year old striker Shayne Follett. |
|
|
 |
|
Nojika |
|
Senator in Training |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
Track this topic
Receive email notification when a reply has been made to this topic and you are not active on the board.
Subscribe to this forum
Receive email notification when a new topic is posted in this forum and you are not active on the board.
Download / Print this Topic
Download this topic in different formats or view a printer friendly version.
[ Script Execution time: 0.0202 ] [ 14 queries used ] [ GZIP Enabled ]
|
Close Topic Options
