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AO Forum :: > AOCAF - The AO Regional Soccer Tournament > AOCAF 20—RP thread

Posted by: Commerce Heights Sep 11 2007, 10:14 PM

Capitalizt SLANI presents the twentieth Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football, to be held in the Unified Capitalizt States. Format The teams have been drawn into four groups of seven. After seven matchdays, the top four teams from each group will advance to a knockout stage. Tiebreakers for the group stage will be number of wins, head-to-head results, goal difference, and goals scored (in that order). Results will be produced using the World Cup 36 scorinator. A new ranking system based on the KPB formula will be used (which is http://www.thirdgeek.com/ns/aocaf/rankings/20/). Though the in-character sequential rankings (shown along with the group draw) are based solely on AOCAF performance, World Cup nations will get one-fourth of their current KPB ranking for the purpose of scorination if that is greater than their AOCAF ranking (this is shown in the spreadsheet). Still, the top AOCAF nations should easily defeat strong World Cup teams that are new to the AOCAF. Group draw The order of teams in each group is randomized for the purpose of fixtures. Group A (2) Vilita & Turori (18) Ulzaxid (14) Demot Northern Bettia (5) Bazalonia (20) Quakmybush Bushes Been Quaked Group B (17) Sarzonia (6) Bettia (28) 95X (27) The Lowland Clans (1) Hypocria (11) Nojika Kura-Pelland Group C (26) Capitalizt SLANI Limbrogidlia Amerigo Fidelis (3) Lamoni (7) Az-cz (12) Milchama (15) Aurendia Group D (22) Schiavonia Oliverry (8) Starblaydia (4) Pacitalia (31) Jasīʼyūn (13) Delesa (19) Manhattan Prime Schedule (all scorination will be at about 22:00 UTC) 2007–09–14: group stage matchday 1 (2v7, 3v6, 4v5; 1 bye) 2007–09–15: group stage matchday 2 (6v4, 7v3, 1v2; 5 bye) 2007–09–16: group stage matchday 3 (3v1, 4v7, 5v6; 2 bye) 2007–09–17: group stage matchday 4 (7v5, 1v4, 2v3; 6 bye) 2007–09–18*: group stage matchday 5 (4v2, 5v1, 6v7; 3 bye) 2007–09–19: group stage matchday 6 (1v6, 2v5, 3v4; 7 bye) 2007–09–20: group stage matchday 7 (5v3, 6v2, 7v1; 4 bye) 2007–09–22: first knockout round 2007–09–23*: quarterfinals 2007–09–24: semifinals 2007–09–25: third place match 2007–09–26: final *these scores may be delayed by up to six hours The stadiums to be used for each match can be found in the first post of the http://www.3wideracing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1979. Rosters for some teams can be found in the http://www.3wideracing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1978.

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 12 2007, 07:53 PM

Lamoni eagerly awaiting AOCAF XX! After falling to third place after AOCAF XIX, the Hawks are looking for a return to AOCAF Cup winning form in AOCAF XX. The group that the Hawks have been drawn into is also the home of such AOCAF notables as Aurendia, Az-cz and Milchama; but the bookies in the Free Republic have announced that they anticipate a first place finish for the Hawks in Group C. Group C (26) Capitalizt SLANI (-) Limbrogidlia (-) Amerigo Fidelis (3) Lamoni (7) Az-cz (12) Milchama (15) Aurendia The biggest thing that the Hawks have to watch for in this group is an upset win by any of the other teams in the group. Milchama and Aurendia are capable of stealing the group crown if no one pays attention to them. This AOCAF has an added twist in that it is being hosted by the Unified Capitalizt States. This will be the first time that any Lamonians (other than tourists) will have an opportunity to have a look at that corporately run state. Let's take a look at the other groups. Group A (2) Vilita & Turori (18) Ulzaxid (14) Demot (-) Northern Bettia (5) Bazalonia (20) Quakmybush (-) Bushes Been Quaked The experts are predicting a first place finish for V/T, while Bazalonia will finish second. The next three spots will be hotly contended for, with three teams being within 6 AOCAF spots of each other. Meanwhile, Northern Bettia and Bushes Been Quaked will fight for the dubious honor of not finishing bottom, but one of them might take on of the middle three spots with the help of an upset or two. This group will be a good one to keep an eye on, for it will be entertaining. Group B (17) Sarzonia (6) Bettia (28) 95X (27) The Lowland Clans (1) Hypocria (11) Nojika (-)Kura-Pelland Hypocria should get the first place honors here, unless Bettia comes out in top form to upset the men in blue, which could well happen. Sarzonia should get the edge over Nojika, but it is extrememly close between those two teams. 95X and TLC should duke it out to see who gets spot 5, but one of them could get spot 4 if they play well enough. We feel sorry for Kura-Pelland in this group. As the only non AOCAF ranked team in Group B, they will be getting the wooden spoon at the end of the group stages; as well as the bottom of the group. At least this will let them know what they need to improve on. A first AOCAF knockout appearance for Kura-Pelland will be as unlikely as being hit by lightning twice in the same day under a cloudless sky. Sorry, guys. This is likely the closest to a Group of Death as there will be in this AOCAF. Group D (22) Schiavonia (-) Oliverry (8) Starblaydia (4) Pacitalia (31) Jasīʼyūn (13) Delesa (19) Manhattan Prime Starblaydia and Pacitalia will duke it out to get the first place group finish, but Pacitalia will likely maintain a razor thin edge against the Men in Muave. Delesa should keep the third spot in the group, with Schiavonia rounding out the knockout contenders. Jasīʼyūn, and Manhattan Prime will take the final two spots just above the bottom, while Oliverry will get their rump smacked with the wooden spoon as group bottom. Yes, we really do think that Schiavonia will do better than Manhattan Prime. We finally come back to our group: Group C (26) Capitalizt SLANI (-) Limbrogidlia (-) Amerigo Fidelis (3) Lamoni (7) Az-cz (12) Milchama (15) Aurendia Capitalizt SLANI One of the two "home" teams competing in AOCAF XX, they will nonetheless garner a fifth place finish in the group stages. Their only hope of making the knockouts will be the outplay either Milchama or Aurendia. They are capable of doing so, but the question is "will they?" Limbrogidlia This is one of the two teams in our group that will struggle to not finish last. Amerigo Fidelis The other of the two teams in our group that will struggle to not finish last. We like this team over Limbrogidlia, though. Lamoni That's us! Az-cz This will be the biggest group match for both them, and us. The team that wins the Lamoni - Az-cz match will likely win the Group C crown, and the good knockout placement that goes with it; complete with a day's rest for the team. We still see Lamoni coming out with a squeaker of a win in this one, though. Milchama This is the nation that is known for having a horse on it's team. Will they continue the tradition in this AOCAF? No one yet knows, but expect them to finish either third or fourth in Group C. Aurendia This nation has pulled off some impressive upsets in past AOCAFs. We think that they might place third in Group C if they can defeat Milchama.

Posted by: 95X-Scottfire Sep 13 2007, 03:58 AM

(OOC: In case you don't know, this is written like those newspaper websites that allow blog-like comments. As one can probably tell, many of the more vocal people in 95X seem to not like sports. But that's not everyone, or even a majority.) pcc.95x - The Pacific City Courier Online Familiar 95X Team Looks Forward to AOCAF 20 Pacific City - After several years of hiatus and three host changes, the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football once again comes together, this time in the Unified Capitalizt States. "We've got one of the best groups of players out there," said Chris Crossman, returning as the team's Head Coach. "Some of them are taking unpaid time away from their jobs, others will come home to completely new jobs altogether." "I don't understand what the difference is between teamwork in soccer and workplace teamwork," remarked Candy Sandy, returning for her third AOCAF, and quitting her job in retail to be able to take part. "But I'll let my next employer decide that." The team also includes six new players - although they will most likely spend most of their time in practice and on the bench. Once again, Coach Crossman has been criticized of the young age of the new players. "It's not easy. A lot of guys and gals in their twenties want to play, but can't take the time away from their school or their job. Even more teens want to play, but getting their parents to agree to it breaks the deal." Crossman also commented that when he sees talent and a player that really wants to play, he can usually persuade parents, but not much luck with older players. The demise of the 95X Soccer League shortly after AOCAF 19 was of no help, either. "It was only four teams, and we played a small schedule, but it was one of the best things ever," reminisced Marco Adams, returning as starting goalkeeper. It will take a lot more than teamwork and eagerness, though. Overall, 95X is 1-9. It will face top-ranked Hypocria and sixth-ranked Bettia in the group stage. The opening match will be against eleventh-ranked Nojika. With the lack of mass enthusiasm of the general public, no domestic broadcast coverage of 95X's games are planned. Feedback - What YOU Think! "Feedback" is a section for pcc.95x readers to discuss the article they've read in a civil manner. Vulgar, obscene, harassing, or demeaning comments will be deleted. clu3l355: Soccer's the game you play with your feet, right? Reason: Kids playing kids games. What a waste of time. Joe Kareless: You got that right, Reason. Imagine how much more business would get done if they were all working. But, hey, it's their future of living in a cardboard box, not mine. Nameless: Wow, you two are quick! 20 minutes after the story is on the web, and you've already said what I was going to say! Joe Kareless: I worked two full-time jobs at the same time for twenty-five years. I now get pensions from both. See kids, work hard, and you get to retire. Play games, live in a cardboard box. It's that easy. a_BIG_fan: I've been watching the team since 18 and I hope we get out of the cellar this year! Who was it that said "if you can do better, get on the field?" I wish some of the people who spend all day here would read that! 95XBeliever: That was Marco before 19. I saved that paper. We should've done better last time. fanboi: um, u say to much bout the guyz. i think melissa and michelle are hot! zach01: Whatever, man. I'll take some Candy any day! *Pacific City Courier Moderator*: That will be enough of that. We don't tolerate that behavior here. Everyperson: Funny that people that don't seem to care have so much to say on the topic. I bet most people don't post feedback for that reason. MrPolitics: I just heard the Board might force them to forfeit the game against Sarzonia because they don't recognize the nation as existing. Hey, Board! Why not force the end to this joke of a team as well? Coach C: Thank you to those of you who support us for your support. If we weren't all giving 100% effort and putting 100% effort on the field, we wouldn't be going. Coach Crossman (yes, really) 95XBeliever: Reason - Alecia Onesixtysecond is 30, and Marco Adams is 29. I wouldn't say they're kids. Reason: Well then, time to grow up!

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 13 2007, 10:16 AM

Starblaydia Back on Regional Stage Can they get Championship number six? Its been sixteen years since an AOCAF was played - sixteen long years in the wilderness going back to before World Cup thirty-four. Perhaps the sporting Gods decided that the first AOCAF was unbearable without Starblaydia, and that none should ever be played again without them. After all, Starblaydia has only just returned to the international scene, hosting the inaugural Di Bradini Cup a couple of years ago. Bouyed by the success of that tournament they made themselves available for the AOCAF and, as if by magic, the Unified Capitalizt States stepped up to host. Starblaydia have been truly blessed in the AOCAF over the last eighty years, they have won it more times than any other nation. NEWI Cefn Druids have four, Vilita, only when accompanied by their lackeys, Turori, have also managed four. Lamoni, somehow, twice, and once each for Hypocria, Fmjphoenix, Bettia and Sarzonia. Yet Starblaydia sit above all those nations with a record tally of five Championship wins - wins that we're sure absolutely everyone else is quite sick and tired of hearing about. The record cannot be discounted, however, as it shows just how dangerous Starblaydia can be - whenever they are down, seemingly out, there is always an extra reserve they can call on for support: History. Despite it being so long ago, in footballing terms, Starblaydia retain three players who have International Championship wins under their belt. Admittedly two of them are long-lived Dwarves, while a third is a thirty-three year-old human, there's still nothing like experience. Captain Kili Izretar, for instance, went to two AOCAFs and a World Cup, along with being victorious in the Indigenous World Cup. He is widely expected to be Starblaydia's key player, his generally languid style punctuated by bursts of energetic play and ever-incredible passing. Particular fan favourites have been his 'no-look' passing, back-heels and flicks that stem from an excellent touch and a seemingly telepathic knowledge of where players are around him. QUOTE Group D (22) Schiavonia Oliverry (8) Starblaydia (4) Pacitalia (31) Jasīʼyūn (13) Delesa (19) Manhattan Prime Though not the top seed in their Group, Starblaydia can surely expect to qualify fairly easily from their group as four from seven will go through to the Second Round. Most likely Pacitalia, Starblaydia, Delesa and Manhattan Prime - so the statisticians tell us. The heart and the football knowledge, however, would tell us it's going to be Starblaydia, Pacitalia, Schiavonia and perhaps even a surprise from Oliverry. Elsewhere? God only knows, we haven't been watching the international scene for over a decade, anything could have happened. Maybe it'll just be exactly the same as it was when we last played...

Posted by: Bazalonia Sep 14 2007, 05:22 AM

Live BazSport Radio Broadcast! "Black, white and Gold, who else could it be but Bazalonia's own Bazalopes in AOCAF 20." "Yes, Larry, We're in the Unified Capitalizt States, in Dennis, in what was once Bedistan but now is apart of the UCS." "So what information do we have for our Bazalonian, and whoever else may be listening, Audience?" "Well, we've got the group draws and schedules... minus the actual locations, it seems capitalizt Slani are being secretive for now. Who knows what that might lead." "So what does the group stage hold for our Bazalopes?" "Well, the teams in Group A and is the second seed in that group, If we don't make it to the knockouts then something needs to be done." "Right, well let's look at the group in Detail." "Well, first seed Vilita & Turori, ranked 2nd compared to the Bazalopes 5th, we may very well be able to pull an upset and take then down a notch or 2, A win is not out of the question but a draw would be much likelt. The entire group will be looking at the form of the Eel Cat things and the Bazalopes. Who are expected to easily make up the top 2 spots. The only question is who will take top spot." "Wow, glad you took a breath in there or you would've collapsed from lack of oxygen." *chuckle* "Well, let's move onto the other teams... Demot, Ulzaxid and Quakmybush ranked 14,18 and 20 respectively, This will be like a tournament within the tournament for the 3 relatively close teams battling for the 2 remaining knockout spots. The Black Dragons from Demot, The amorphic aliens of Ulzaxid and the Quakmybushian Sharks are probably going to find it difficult." "Warning, Warning user exceeded allowable Word Count." "Oh, funny, funny man.." "Well I suppose It's my turn now." "Yep, your turn." "That leaves us Northern Bettia and Bushes Been Quaked, We're facing Northern Bettia in the same group in the 37th World Cup so this will be a bit of a pre-cursor, both teams are unranked and are not expected to challenge the 5 highers teams, particularly the Bazalopes and the Eel Cat things." "That's all we have time for, stay tuned for more reports from Dennis, Bedistan, UCS. (Both)"This is Gary and Larry signing off."

Posted by: Commerce Heights Sep 14 2007, 05:03 PM

Matchday 1 scores are posted in the http://www.3wideracing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1979.

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 14 2007, 06:13 PM

They're Back With A Win! Rodriguez shows class in clean sheet Despite having their lowest rank since AOCAF2 (yes, that's eighty-four years ago) Starblaydia are at a relatively-lowly eighth in Atlantian Oceania, but they're still good enough to be seeded second in Group D. In the northern-most stadium of the UCS being used in this tournament, Starblaydia lined up against who could be their closest rivals for high-end Qualification; Delesa. Lined up against a Commonwealth side playing a regular 4-4-2, filled with St.Myhre Saints players, Starblaydi commentators noted, with much consternation, that two Delesan players appeared to be wearing a Captain's armband. One up front and one at the back it seemed, while Starblaydia just had one: Kili Izretar. The indomitable dwarf is one of only four players with previous international experience and the expert play-maker is Starblaydia's captain for this AOCAF. And with good reason too. Izretar's vision and passing opened up great holes in the Delesan midfield and throughout their flat-back four. As nippy as he is, though, Kili cannot take on an entire defence by himself. To this end he had Lex Panarii as his 'minder' throughout the ninety minutes. The tough-tackling Iskara Daii captain was winning his first cap, at the age of thirty-one, like many of his fellow squad members. One of those was Tarquin Fullbright, the Britannican-born striker making his senior international début. Fullbright out-shone the rest of the team, however, scoring on said début. Of course, it was from an Izretar pass, a diagonal through-ball that split the defence in half. Fullbright skipped around the slower of the two centre-backs and side-footing across the keeper's body into the back of the net. One appearance, once goal, and an international career off to a bright, if belated, start for the twenty-four year-old. While Izretar weighed in with the second goal, chipping in from the edge of the area, Fernando Rodriguez performed excellently between the posts, keeping every Delesan shot out. The twenty-three year-old was selected somewhat controversially over the three-times capped Triinu Arnulpho, and thirty-one year-old Gergori Birgau, but with this display he's confirmed his place. Elsewhere in Group D, last Cup's runners-up, Pacitalia, blasted four past the Jasīʼyūn side, signalling their charge for the championship. Starblaydia 2 - 0 Delesa (Fullbright 26, Izretar 42) - (None)

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 14 2007, 08:32 PM

Lamoni gets draw in first match In their first match of AOCAF XX, the Hawks finished with a 1-1 draw with friendly rivals Az-cz. Given that Az-cz is their biggest threat for a first place group finish (in terms of AOCAF rank), the Hawks are said to be happy with the result. Lamonian forward Michal Kellogg scored the lone Hawks goal of the match at twenty five minutes in, getting around the defenders after the traditional "Throw-in" after the ball went out of bounds. The ball sailed right past the fingers of the Az-czid goalkeeper, hitting nothing but net. The lone Az-czid goal came in ten minutes after that; but we can't tell which Az-cz player scored, since they have yet to post a roster. The next match for the Hawks will be against Milchama. While this should be an exciting match, the Hawks are in a whole other level of play than Milchama. In the lack of communication from Milchama, we can still only speculate if they are going to follow their tradition of having a horse on their squad. As a matter of fact, there have been relatively few statements from most of the sides involved in AOCAF XX, despite there being a high number of teams competing. Lamoni - 1 Michal Kellogg (25) Az-cz - 1 (35)

Posted by: Nojika Sep 15 2007, 02:00 AM

Nojika starts with a BANG! The Panthers enjoy a 3-0 win on Matchday 1 AEROPAG, COMMERCE HEIGHTS -- The Nojikan Panthers marched into first place in Group B with a convincing victory over 95X on Matchday 1. All three goals came in the first half for the away side, who shot to the top of the table courtesy of two goals from Rudy Greeves and a superb strike from Nolan Sakash. The hosts' misery was completed 5 minutes from half time when Rudy Greeves netted his second of the match from a poorly cleared ball. The crushing defeat leaves 95X drowning at the bottom of the group, and deals a damaging blow to morale ahead of the rest of the group stages. After overcoming a cautious first 15 minutes, both teams became upbeat and brought the match to life. One team, in the end, would receive a huge boost of confidence, while their counterparts would have theirs destroyed. And it was The Panthers who enjoyed their night with Preston Greeves finding the net after a phenomenal strike from outside the area after just 17 minutes, only for the play to be called back for a foul. Though, it mattered little, as 23 year old Nolan Sakash opened the scoring 4 minutes later. Antoine Billet and Adldo Samec combined to move the ball from right to left and then back into the middle again where Sakash had time to set up a shot which he placed perfectly just inside the far post. Two minutes later, Rudy Greeves times his run to perfection to meet Marlin Parmely's throughball. He still had work to do to beat Marco Adams, which he did by curling his shot into the bottom corner. No more than 6 minutes later, the done and over. Parmely was again the provider with a long pass from the left bisecting the 95X defence and reaching Rudy Greeves who let the ball bounce once before slamming home his second of the match past Adams on the volley. 95X's defence looked woeful, and, in the second half, it was only a matter of trying to avoid embarrassment for Chris Crossman's side. They did that only in one respect; they did not concede again. 95X: 0 - 3 :Nojika N/A - (Sakash 21’, R. Greeves 23', R. Greeves 29')

Posted by: 95X-Scottfire Sep 15 2007, 08:07 AM

QUOTE (Nojika @ Sep 15 2007, 02:00 AM) The crushing defeat leaves 95X drowning at the bottom of the group, and deals a damaging blow to morale ahead of the rest of the group stages. (OOC: Wow, how'd you guess?! Although it does work well with the RP I was considering as a secondary story for this AOCAF, never got around to posting it... meh, I'll start from here) livespace.co.95x - User msko18 Today's entry: I can't believe we lost, and by this much. We were so confident - we really thought that with all the time inbetween that we'd do better than ever. I guess not. It's rumored that time goes by slower in 95X - I don't know or care, a long time is a long time. The other night we were so happy. Not only did most of us really miss each other, but it was the first time in a long time we could put on a soccer uniform and it meant something. Even all the time I've spent at one of the largest universities in 95X, I couldn't believe how tough it was to even try to get a pickup game going. I miss the 95X league. We all saw the newspaper site where everyone at home was mocking us, that we should all be happy with some crummy factory or office job - those jerks just hide behind internet screen names. Coach says he's not going to bother reading them any longer, and said none of us are allowed to, either - said us starters would get benched, and the new guys and gals and bench players would be off the team, and for good. People are so hateful. Damien and I have been such good friends since the first one in wherever it was that doesn't exist anymore - we were the only two guys our age on the team, and the youngest, too. I remember sneaking into each other's hotel rooms back then (we were supposed to be split up with the older guys, and they were supposed to be an example), and we'd go over the game, how much we really liked it, and both agreed that we needed to get to sleep so we'd be ready for the games. We didn't win a single game that year. Not a single one. But I don't know how different I'd be without the experience. We became friends then, and we've visited each other's families and houses and cities at least once a year ever since (I'm from Pacific City, he's from Creston). Honest, he was crying afterwards. Coach talked to him in private and he still cried afterwards. I talked to him - he said he never really felt like he was that good enough to represent his country. I said that yes he was, and he's too good a friend of mine to be that miserable. I'm no shrink, but I really tried to find out what the problem was - we've known everything else about each other for several years now. He said he really was thinking about quitting the team and becoming a stock broker, even though he doesn't know anything about how to do that, and that when I called him about this one that it was enough for him to change his mind. I asked him what he wanted to do, he said he still wanted to play but he didn't want to lose, and he didn't want to go home a loser. I told him that, besides me and the coaches, there's 20 other guys and gals here that want to win, too - and we need his help. And he has mine. Dunno how much longer I can take it, though. I found my old paper scrapbook from 18, and brought it with me. Started reading it - but just the beginning - and took it with me here to UCS. I realized after we started losing, I stopped writing about the games and wrote about other stuff, and collected other random stuff more often than the beginning. I've rambled enough for tonight - tomorrow might be a better day.

Posted by: Az-cz Sep 15 2007, 11:25 AM

Az-cz Scroll Commerce Heights Bd-RP Due to struggles of both Bazalonia and ourselves to get AOCAF XX together we were unsure when it would start. Thankfully Commerce Heights finally arranged a proper AOCAF. Unfortunately it didn't get off the ground until the qualifiers for World Cup 37 had already started. That meant that the Gnomes were devoting very little resources to this tournament and sent a side of mostly unknown players to the tournament. That however didn't mean they weren't going to be competitive. While still no one expects them to win the thing, or probably even make the semifinals, the first game of the competition went well enough. Going up against two time former champs Lamoni the Gnomes stole an undeserved point from the Hawks. While the Hawks goal, on a throw in, was a fluke, and the Az-cz goal was a fine play from Shouhei Yamamoto, most of the match the Hawks were the better team. Still with a squad of no name players earning a draw against such a powerful squad should be considered a fine result. The Gnomes now proceed to a bye date before they face Milchama. While most are skeptical about the chances of this squad in particular beating such a strong opponent a win there would leave us well positioned to move to the second round. The team is hoping to channel the energy of the baseball team, who absolutely owns the Warriors.

Posted by: Bazalonia Sep 15 2007, 11:28 AM

Group A - Much Closer than predicted. With the Eel Cat Things sitting out the First Matchday with a bye, it was upto the Bazalopes to show the group why they were expected to be one of the top 2, however the scheming Northern Bettian Fire Ants seemed to have the ref on their side dissallowing a Bazalonian goal early in the match. Infact it was the Fire Ants themselves that signed their death warrent. Making an obviously illegal slide tackle against a Bazalonian player the referee somehow got mixed up in it all and fell over hitting his head against the Northern Bettian player. This clash caused serious injury to the referee and the match was temporarily suspended while things got sorted out, however it wasn't too long till the un-bribed back-up referee was able to take the field as the game started to flow freely. A penalty against Northern Bettia resulted in the 1-0 nil win at Auswärtssieg Arena Team Manager, Peter Hobble, had this to say about the incident. "This is what happens when you try to subvert a soccer match with thugery against an upright and respectible team, God answered my prayers and the Northern Bettians shot themselves in the foot metaphorically speaking. All I can say is that the team that was better on the day got the win, rather than the team that was less scroupulous in their dealings. I think in the world cup however we'll take this experience and be able to shut them down before any serious injuries our players occur, we were lucky this time." On the Second Matchday the Bazalopes ave the Bye as they prepare to show low ranked Quakmybush just how exactly a game of regional soccer is to be played.

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 15 2007, 09:32 PM

Hawks attempt to shake off rust With the second game in a row where Lamoni only scored one goal, some are questioning where the Hawks' offense has gone. The Hawks first came to a 1-1 draw against Az-cz; but then they also came to a 1-1 draw against Milchama. We know that everyone is shaking off rust from the longer than normal period of time between this AOCAF and the last one, but the Hawks will need to step it up against their next opponent; Aurendia, if they wish to make it to the knockouts, let alone rise to the top of Group C. Lamoni sits at spot 4, while Aurendia sits at spot 3, only due to the fact that they lost in the head to head result against the team in spot 2. If the Free Republic's national team can defeat Aurendia, then they would rise at least one spot; and maybe two spots if things go Lamoni's way. Bryan Neely scored the lone Lamonian goal in a rather disappointing draw against Milchama. Scoring at thirty minutes in, his goal came on a ball that hit the upper crossbar as it went in. The lone Milchamian goal came at fifty minutes into the match, and was a fairly standard sidekick that just made it past the Lamonian goalkeeper. As this opponent also does not have a roster, we can't tell you who scored the goal. As a side note, Aurendia ALSO doesn't have a roster as yet. We hope that this won't be ANOTHER draw, as that would push us into spot 5, which is out of knockout consideration. Lamoni - 1 Bryan Neely (30) Milchama - 1 (50)

Posted by: Nojika Sep 16 2007, 01:14 AM

Panthers win again! A 2-0 victory over The Lowland Clans keeps Nojika in first CIRTO, COMMERCE HEIGHTS -- Second half strikes from Dylan Vanes and Preston Greeves earned Nojika a narrow victory over AOCAF Group B opponents The Lowland Clans at Cirto Seaside Stadium this afternoon. The Lowland Clans had held their own in the game, but ultimately paid the price for the dismissal of their right back in the second half. This, Nojika's second win thus far, sees manager Carlos Amoa's side remain in first in Group B after two matches. The Lowland Clans had slightly the better of the first half, with Nojika's goalkeeper Garth Kauk forced into action in the 3rd minute to keep out a free kick taken by The Lowland Clans' captain. Marlin Parmely made the first attempt for the Panthers just before the quarter-hour mark, but his effort from Antoine Bilet's cross went well wide. Rudy Greeves then broke through the defence and was one on one with one of The Lowland Clans' defenders who managed to parry the ball to safety. Parmely again tried his luck from distance two minutes from the break, only to see his phenomenal strike pushed over the crossbar. The second half was an even affair with both teams playing particularly well, but with Nojika making more of their chances. The Lowland Clans were reduced to 10 men when a substitute player was sent off three minutes after coming onto the pitch and taking a swing at a Nojikan player. One minute later, Adldo Samec broke through and fired a shot which was saved by the opposing keeper. Just before the hour mark, The Lowland Clans' keeper again made a spectacular save to deny 18 year old Mike Axman from 12 yards after he had received a perfect pass from Billet. Vanes finally opened the scoring for the Panthers in the 57th minute, heading home from close range following Billet's free kick. A member of The Lowland Clans' midfield looked to level six minutes later, but his effort was pushed wide by Kauk. Preston Greeves made the points safe four minutes from time with a 24 yard free kick was sent flying into the top corner, unstoppable by the opposing goalkeeper. Nojika: 2 - 0 :The Lowland Clans (Vanes 57', P. Greeves 90') - N/A

Posted by: 95X-Scottfire Sep 16 2007, 01:50 AM

pcc.95x - The Pacific City Courier Online 95X Gives Kura-Pelland What the Little Boy Shot At Port Lusambo, Unified Capitalizt States - Don't count us down and out yet, 95X told the region's soccer fans, with a 4-0 win over Kura-Pelland at JPL Paladin Stadium. "For an unranked team, they played a good game," commented 95X Midfielder Rae Day, who spent much of the match keeping the ball ahead of the midfield line. Coach Chris Crossman reminded the team at halftime, with 95X ahead 1-0 after Claire Pomona scored her first AOCAF goal shortly after the 37-minute mark, that the game might seem like an easy win at that point, but it wasn't over yet. "They (Kura-Pelland) had some good looks at our goal, but Marco (Adams) was successful in the shutout," Crossman said after the match. "Anyone as new as they are can be dangerous, and if we lost focus it could've been easy to get overconfident and sloppy." The second half was all 95X, with Micah Skokomish taking charge like a true team leader, surging into the forefield several times and scoring two of 95X's second half goals. With the game in the bag in favor of 95X, and Kura-Pelland's goalie appearing to wait for the officials to end the game, Skokomish kicked to a wide open Damien Dairycreek, who capped off the game with a goal at 89:57. Although the coaching staff were a little concerned two midfielders spent much of the game ahead of the forwards on the field, it gave them a insight in planning future strategies. "They'll still get a talking to," commented Crossman, who was looking ahead at the schedule, and the steep competition curve ahead for the team. The next scheduled game is against 17th-ranked Sarzonia (0-1-0 W-T-L), followed by sixth-ranked Bettia (1-1-0 W-T-L). "Bring 'em on!," shouted Forward Michelle Mitchell. 95X is currently 1-0-1 W-T-L in Group stage. The next opponent, however, might not be a team of players - it may be the 95X Board of Directors, due to it's resolution that Sarzonia is not recognized by the Board as a nation. When the team learned 95X was scheduled to face Sarzonia in the first round of play, Coach Crossman submitted a pleading to the Board that the game be allowed to be played. Here on the eve of the scheduled game, no word has been received if the request was granted. Feedback - What YOU Think! "Feedback" has been disabled for this article. If you'd like to contact the Courier regarding this story, click here to send a letter to the editor. Letters to the editor are only displayed on pcc.95x if published in the print editon of the Courier. 95X 4 - Kura-Pelland 0 (Pomona 37:, Skokomish 56: & 74:, Dairycreek 90:) (OOC: In case I don't post another RP before the next scorination, the Board grants the request and the game can be played as scheduled. Otherwise, 95X would've been forced to forfeit the game.) ========== livespace.co.95x - User msko18 Wow. The entire game seemed like it was an hour. Maybe the talk I gave the team after coach was done before the game worked. All I said was to go out there and give it all we have. I heard Rae talking to a reporter after the game that they did play a good game, and she was right. I can't believe coach talked to Damien and I afterwards. After all, both of us learned how to cover the entire field (even the backfield), and Melissa and Michelle, Aisha, Claire, and Candy all knew this ahead of time. I asked him to consider this before and if he could please incorporate this into the overall game plan. He said "maybe," with a bunch of other 'teamwork' stuff. I mean, we scored 3 goals... even if one of them was after the other team basically quit playing. I was really happy for Claire, you only get one first goal, and that was hers. I got the usual answer from her ("that was like, um, I totally forgot the word for it"), but that got her more psyched than ever before. I swear, after I got my first, I was so hungry for more and more and more. Okay coach, I hear ya on the teamwork thing, and this does help me in that regard. Damien was so much better today than the other night. He asked me why I got the ball over to him for the goal at the end of the game since I had a clear path to strike for the goal as well. I told him it was because the me in team is spelled backwards with an a in the middle, I had two goals already in the game and would've kicked it to anyone else if they were in his position, and he could've used the goal to know that he was more of the win. He said, and I quote, "I guess the game really is worth playing, and life really is worth living." That was odd, he's never said stuff like this before. I'm gonna try to figure out what's going on and get help for him if I have to. Another crazy thing... when I logged in tonight after the game, there's a message from Livespace that over 10,000 hits to my page didn't know the password and/or weren't on my friend list. Yeah, like I'm really going to let someone who's not family or a close friend read this. :) (And, since my best friend is sitting across the room from me, that list is really short.) Allright, time to turn off this computer and get to bed - all the rest of the games from here on out are even more important.

Posted by: Hypocria Sep 16 2007, 04:26 AM

Top of the Pile It may seem like a longer four years than usual but the AOCAF is back and the Autocracy finds itself in the odd position of being the competition’s top seeds for the very first time. Which now means the pressure and expectation heaped on coach Chavez and his side, huge at the best of times, has just been cranked up another notch. And historically the Hyppos’ have not handled pressure all that well. But under their Starblaydi coach the men in blue and white come into this tournament with a 90% win record and average 3.4 goals a game. So maybe this will be the year that the lone AOCAF trophy back in the Hyppodrome finally gets a friend. It’s in Group B that the Autocracy start the campaign for their first piece of silverware in thirty plus years and they find themselves alongside some big names in the world game and the prospect of some cracking matches. Neighbours Bettia once topped the world rankings and have a trophy laden history. You can always guarantee goals when the Hyppos and Aroras meet. Sarzonia too once dominated the beautiful game but have fallen on harder times in recent years. Long time SAAS allies Nojika may lack consistency but on their day the Panthers can beat anyone. While at the other end of the scale 95X and debutants Kura-Pelland will battle it out at the bottom. First up is the Lowland Clans. It’s not that long ago that the slumbering giants hosted the World Cup final itself but since then their star has been on the wane. The Clansmen have never really made an impact in the AOCAF and their ranking of 28th reflects that. Past Meetings Hypocria 3 - 0 The Lowland Clans (AOCAF XIV / Bettia) Hypocria 3 - 1 The Lowland Clans (AOCAF XV / Bazalonia) Hyppos Held Brian Cahill reporting from Noko, Unified Capitalizt States. It had seemed like a long time since the last tournament and the Autocracy’s finest showed real signs of rustiness in their first game as Atlantian Oceania’s top ranked side. Right from the first whistle the players in blue and white didn’t look quite right as the normally excellent Marilier gave the ball away far too easily with his very first attempted pass. The players looked nervous and a mistimed back pass from Kajetan almost cost them an early goal but for Kutasi’s sharp reflexes. That was enough for Javi Chavez. The coach had intended to watch the opening half from high up in the stands of the Noka Communications Stadium but after just ten minutes he took his place on the touchline in an effort to try and sort his side out. Unfortunately not even the presence of their coach could wake the Hyppos from their malaise and the Clansmen wasted a good opportunity as the defence backed off, allowing the Star’s nippy number nine to have a crack. Fortunately he shot straight at the keeper, who made a comfortable save. Five minutes later and the Hyppos’ actually managed to manufacture a chance as Sousa found some space on the left and crossed for the big striker Ongondo. He towered above the defence, won the header with ease but couldn’t even force the opposition keeper into a save as the ball went wide. The Lowland Clans had easily been the better time in the first half and with four minutes to go until the interval they got the reward their performance had deserved. Teale drove down the left wing deep into Clansmen territory but his slack pass only found an opposition midfield player who wasted no time in launching the ball into the space just vacated by the Hyppos’ fallback. TLC’s number seven picked it up and had acres of space to run in to. He sent Kordan the wrong way with an exquisite dummy before driving the ball low into the centre of the box. Ocella desperately stuck out a leg to intercept but he couldn’t make it and the ball ran to the TLC number nine who controlled it with one touch before hitting a fierce drive into the roof of the net. HT: Hypocria 0 - 1 The Lowland Clans The men from the Autocracy took to the pitch at the start of the second with much more purpose, presumably after their coach gave them both barrels during the interval. They nearly equalised a mere twenty four seconds into the half as again Sousa found some space wide on the left and tried to catch the keeper out with a speculative curling effort. The ball drifted over the angle of post and bar but it was a signal of intent. Cheered on by the blue and white army, the Hyppos’ piled on the pressure and should have scored through Ongondo. A fluid passing move involving Marilier, Kajetan and Sousa ended with the captain laying the ball off for Marica on the edge of the box. His rising drive clattered back off the crossbar to the feet of Ongondo but the big number nine’s own effort ended up in the crowd. Chances came and were wasted. Black found some good space on the right but his crossed was just over the head of Viera who streamed in at the far post. Sousa had a twenty five yard freekick well saved by the TLC keeper and put a snapshot narrowly wide when Ongondo’s deflected drive fell to him. And the Star’s almost grabbed a second when their number 10 rose to met a cross from the left only to see Kajetan block his effort on the line. With fifteen minutes to go Viera picked up Marilier’s pass and advanced down the left. He played it in to Sousa, took the return and swung the ball into the mass of bodies inside the TLC penalty area. Again Ongondo towered above his markers at the far post and nodded the ball down to Marica. The midfielder fired low and hard into the bottom corner, giving the keeper no chance. The Autocracy had equalised and the relief was palpable. Both sides could have won the game in the final stages. The TLC keeper was at full stretch to turn Ongondo’s looping header over the bar. From the resultant corner the Hyppo’s lost the ball and the Clansman broke away, forcing Kutasi into a good reflex save at the other end. Right at the death Black launched a long ball into the penalty area, Marica went down under a challenge and the blue and white army screamed for a penalty. The referee brought his whistle to his lips and blew for full time, ignoring the protests of the Autocracy’s players. FT: Hypocria 1 - 1 The Lowland Clans Marica “Obviously this isn’t the result we came for”, Hyppos’ assistant coach Carlo Molinari told reporters after the game. “That first half performance was the worst I’ve seen from a Hypocria side for a long, long time. I’m not sure the other nations will be fearing the top seeds at the moment. Still, we didn’t lose and that’s something at least.” Elsewhere in the group former AOCAF champions Bettia comfortably overcame AOCAF debutants Kura-Pelland 2 - 0 while the Panthers of Nojika hit the ground running with a 3 - 0 win over 95X. Which leaves Hypocria in third place in Group B, two points behind joint leaders Nojika and Bettia. Matchday 2 While the Autocracy’s finest were confined to their training camp during their day off the six other teams in Group B were all in action. Nojika continued their excellent start with a 2 - 0 over The Lowland Clans. The Panthers take over sole lead of the group after Bettia were held to a goalless stalemate by Sarzonia in a clash between two former world number ones. And AOCAF new boys Kura-Pelland suffered the humiliation of being trounced by 95X, 4 - 0. Which now leaves Hypocria in fourth place in the group, five points off the lead. Next . . . After their disappointing start Hypocria are up against Group B’s in form side on matchday 3. It’s off to Port Lusambo for the clash with long time SAAS allies and Group B leaders Nojika. The Panther’s are a side long held in high regard back in the Autocracy and have often been tipped in the Hypocrian media to do well at AOCAF’s in the past. With their solid league structure, good organisation and crop of talented players it’s no surprise that Nojika have started so impressively. And with two wins on the board, five goals scored and none conceded confidence will be sky high in the Panther’s dressing room ahead of only the second ever meeting between the sides. Past Meetings Hypocria 3 - 0 Nojika (AOCAF XII / Chicanada)

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 16 2007, 08:17 AM

Cream Rises To The Top Starblaydia and Pacitalia pulling away Another game, another clean sheet and another three points in the twentieth Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football for Starblaydia as they conquered Manhattan Prime 3-0. Betanii Marrones' side are showing all the defensive capabilities she had in spades during her playing career, and up front the Izretar/Fullbright combination is excelling in its potency. With the veteran Dwarf providing the bullets for Stablaydia's latest great striker, this team have scored five and conceded none in their two matches so far. Closest Group D rivals Pacitalia, however, are showing their title contentions with four goals per game and just one conceded at the other end - the best record of any team so far. Elsewhere both Nojika and, surprisingly, Quakmybush are looking threatening with two wins from two while Group C appears to be the Communist group, with score draws seemingly being the order of the day, particularly for title-chasers Lamoni. Tarquin Fullbright's two goals against Manhattan Prime have taken his international tally to three in just two games, a rather excellent start to any career. Fullbright's main quality appears to be that he can, quite simply, play on his own. As useful as any striking partnership can be, it's always better to have two strikers that can play together or apart. Think of the great partnerships in Starblaydi history: Bentley/Lazerevski, Hall/Di Bradini, Kiefner/Tolkacheva and Keifner/Maitland. They've all been a combination of two types of player; One is the big tough playmaker, who isn't just a provider for the other striker but a genuine goal threat themselves. The second striker is seen as the real superstar, as they often don't need the other striker alongside them. When the two types are put together, however, they are deadly. Though Takis Domozis doesn't quite fit the mould of David Bentley, Eomer Hall or Johan Keifner, he is providing the same role; he draws defenders, provides space, time and subsequently the opportunities for Fullbright to score. However he is drawing none of the plaudits. Domozis, much like Hinkonnen when he comes on as a substitute, is allowing Kili Izretar and Fullbright the space to play. It's a deadly trinity in attack, one that neither Delesa or Ian Pierce's Manhattan Prime have so far been able to answer. Manhattan Prime's hopes of improving on their 2-2 draw with Oliverry took a blow after a quarter of an hour, when Domozis headed down a Peytrsen cross for Fullbright to hit on the half volley and into the back of the net past Kevin Cooper. Vykk Dreygo tried to answer Starblaydia's goal with one of his own but he shot wide on one occasion, and was crowded out by Melciori and Panarii on another, firing weakly and straight into the arms of Fernando Rodriguez. Both teams had opportunities before the first half ended, notably and Domozis and Petyrsen for Starblaydia, and Katakana and Smith for Manhattan Prime. The first half finished, however, at one-nil to Starblaydia. Marrones obviously wanted a higher pace in the second half and it seemed she had let her team know it: within minutes Domozis went close with a header and Izretar sailed a free kick over the top of the bar. Out on the left hand side of midfield, Christophe Proviia came inside with the ball into the penalty area and squared it to Fullbright, who's shot was palmed away by Cooper, but only to the feet of Proviia who showed quick feet to put the ball into the net for two-nil. Just over ten minutes later, only just over an hour into the match, Fullbright put the game beyond doubt as he broke onto a through-ball from Lex Panarii. Though his first touch took him out wide right, he checked back inside - wrong-footing a defender - and used his left foot to curl on into the back of the net. Manhattan Prime didn't give up, however, and kept Starblaydia out for the rest of the game, not willing to let a fourth in. Starblaydia will be very happy with this result, and though Pacitalia loom ominously on Matchday Six Starblaydia will go all-out in their next match against Schiavonia at Unity Stadium to make sure they keep pace with the early leaders. Manhattan Prime 0 - 3 Starblaydia (None) - (Fullbright 16 & 64, Proviia 51) OOC: MP team extrapolated from NSwiki/

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 16 2007, 09:15 PM

Lamoni at the top in Group C! With a 2-0 win against Aurendia, the Hawks have shot up to the top of Group C based on goal difference. This is a dramatic turnaround from what was said going in to the match, and the turnaround in team morale is likewise dramatic. With their remaining matches against two unranked teams and Capitalizt SLANI, don't be surprised if the Hawks maintain their first place ranking right through their bye day on the last day of group play. If the Hawks manage to retain first place in Group C, they will have two bye dates in a row, allowing them to watch whoever they will play in the knockouts; as well as some time to practice, and see the sights that the UCS has to offer. The UCS has vastly advanced technologies such as teleportation and faster than light travel that have enabled the UCS to "Set up shop" on the planet Sirius D as well as on their nation here on Earth in the region of AO. The UCS is run like a corporation, with the head of state and government being called a CEO. The UCS has two main military forces (CDA, and CCCP), as well as the two sports leagues being represented here in AOCAF XX. Getting back to the match, Lamonian forwards Michal Kellogg and Bryan Neely scored the only goals of the match, at 25 and 80 minutes. While attempting to be as polite as possible to the people of Aurendia, the Hawks basically ran away with this match. If the Hawks keep playing like this, then a third AOCAF cup will be a distinct possibility. The Hawks play against Capitalizt SLANI in their next match, and the match result will tell everyone if the Hawks are here for real. Lamoni - 2 Michal Kellogg (25), Bryan Neely (80) Aurendia - 0

Posted by: Az-cz Sep 16 2007, 11:03 PM

Az-cz Scroll Commerce Heights Bd-RP Gnomes and Warriors complete the triangle With the Gnomes having drawn Lamoni and opening day and the Warriors euqaling the Hawks on day two all that was left was for Az-cz to play Milchama to a draw and balance things out. And that's exactly what happened. The game was a horrible boring affair. Neither team really probed much into the other teams section of the field. The Gnomes giant midfield seemed content to probe around in midfield trying to generate good attacks from there while Milchama was hoping for a counter attack. As neither team was really pushing forward their was very little action in the game, with a grand total of 11 shots and 6 shots on goal, for the two teams combined. Unsuprisingly neither team found any way into the goal. With the top three teams all drawing each other it opens the door for other teams, but most likely it means that it will come down to who does the best in their other matches. Lamoni is nominally in the drivers seat but anything could happen. However with Milchama sending a squad of unknowns and us sending the same Lamoni should end up winning the group.

Posted by: Bazalonia Sep 17 2007, 01:38 AM

2 out of 2. Bazalopes having only played 2 games in the 3 matchdays are surprisingly still on top of the table with 2 wins under the belt, the Bazalopes are currently the only team in the group to have won all their games. Having played Northern Bettia and Quakmybush this may not be the hardest of accomplishments, however this an acheivement that not even tops seeds Vilita and Turori have not been able to acheive with their loss 2-1 loss to Demot. The Bazalopes started the match strongly but a midfield slip-up by David Myfanwy allowed the sharks own midfielder to make successful run at the goal in the 23rd minute of the match. To the chagrin of the many fans in stands filling the Uberdome, the coach as well as many fans watching the match live on BazSports. The overwhelming structure of the Uberdome was the setting, The Bazalpoes however immediately counted in the 27th minute it ended up being 1-1, goal finally being scored from a corner by Everrett Kang, squeeking the ball through the gap just above the goal keepers head and the top of the goal. The entire rest of the match was a 2 and fro match with neither team getting any real advantage over each other, the Bazalopes seemed to be not be upto their best today. Another goal was scored in the second half 91st minute. The ball had gone in and the Bazalonians just had to hold off the Sharks for one more minute before the match finally ended.

Posted by: 95X-Scottfire Sep 17 2007, 04:13 AM

pcc.95x - The Pacific City Courier Online Enthusiasm Still Leads To Loss Cirto, Unified Capitalizt States - Although 95X couldn't pull it together in a 4-1 loss to Sarzonia, Coach Chris Crossman put it into perspective. "Beats a forfeit loss for political reasons," he grudgingly said in the locker room following the defeat. Although the 95X Board of Directors allowed the game against a nation it refuses to recognize, it was the only highlight in a game with almost non-existent offense and a defense that self-destructed in the second half. 95X went up 1-0 early in the game on a goal by Aisha Saida in the 22nd minute, only to be countered by a Sarzonian goal at the other end five minutes later. Another at the end of the first half put 95X down 2-1. After a third goal early in the second half, Tai Doe vented his frustration, resulting in a red card for the rest of the game and another goal for Sarzonia on a penalty kick. Although 95X played the rest of the game short-handed, they managed to hold off any further embarrassment. The loss pulls 95X down to 1-0-2 W-T-L in Group Stage. Two of three games remaining are against top ten-ranked teams Hypocria and Bettia. Unless the team turns it around, little appears left except a possible spoiler role. Sarzonia 4 - 95X 1 (95X Goal - Saida, 22:) ========== livespace.co.95x - User msko18 I'm not in the mood for much, I've learned when you don't have something nice to say, then don't say it, even if you don't say anything. I can't believe we broke down like that. One early goal and everyone else plays like we're ready to call it a day. No, you only call it a day when you're putting yourself between the bed sheet and the blanket, and you're head's resting on your pillow. Onward. Tomorrow might be a better day.

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 17 2007, 09:27 AM

Defensive Juggernaught Continues Starblaydia need power to overcome Schiavonia Starblaydia's cool calm and collected defensive unit faced the exciting sexy samba football of the ever-delightful Schiavone side, and in the end it was the power and tenacity of Starblaydia that saw them through. No matter how hard the men in the orange-and-red kits tried, their fast-moving and skilled style of play just couldn't overcome Starblaydia's out-and-out defensive meanness. The first half was mostly counter-attacking football by Starblaydia, having to wait until a Schiavone move broke down before being able to charge powerfully at the other end. Peytrsen, Izretar, Domozis and Fullbright made themselves the first line of defence, and the first outlet for attack. As a unit, Starblaydia have prospered under the tuition of Betanii Marrones, who is only increasing her prestige as an excellent coach and tactician. How she fares in the tougher matches will, however, decide her reputation. On the basis of what we've seen so far, however, she's looking the odds-on favourite to be named Head Coach for World Cup 38 and - if they'll let us in - it's Baptism of Fire. Marshalled excellently by Claudio Melciori and Roque Bravo, with Lex Panarii sitting in front and Fernando Rodriguez in goal behind, the spine of Starblaydia's defence - though not particularly experienced - is seemingly as solid as any they've put up in an AOCAF before. The experienced full-backs, Parkin Riiklik and Fain Ugrubolgdam, have fifty-seven caps between them - not bad for players who have missed over a decade each of their careers thanks to the recent War in Atlantian Oceania - and they're doing everything right. They're providing width in attack when needed and doing great jobs at hunting down wingers and wide forwards. Their first goal was a simple smash-and-grab number, as Peytrsen raced away with the ball on a counter-attack and crossed the ball for, basically, whoever was rushing into the box. Though it went behind Fullbright, Domozis was there to out-muscle a back-tracking defender and fire the ball with an excellent dipping shot into the back of the net. Schiavonia came back at the team in white and purple, and had it not been for a despairing claw from Rodriguez, or a hasty clearance off the line from Ugrubolgdam, or even a last-gasp block from Lex Panarii, Starblaydia would have found their lead in tatters. After fending off this challenge, Starblaydia's strongmen got a grip on the match. Julian Ramirez and Eduardo Faisca came on to add a bit more steel to the midfield, and the less-effective Fullbright made way for Stefan Hinkonnen. With this amount of Starblaydi beef on the field, Schiavonia were simply up against a wall they could not climb. As Starblaydia laid siege to the Schiavone penalty area, the ball was half-cleared, and Lex Panarii teed it up to place expertly into the top-right corner from twenty-five yards. With the 'keeper unsighted by a crowd of orange and white shirts, he had no chance of getting across and up in time, and Starblaydia were two-nil up with ten minutes to go. No further real chances came in the match as Schiavonia were out of ideas and Starblaydia were happy to run the clock down, ahead of tomorrow's match with Oliverry. Having beaten Schiavonia themselves and come away from Manhattan Prime with a draw, Oliverry are a distant third behind Starblaydia and Pacitalia on nine points in Group D. Starblaydia's aim will be to widen that gap ahead of their rest game, before their crunch match against the Blue Foxes of Pacitalia. For now, though, another pair of goals and a third clean sheet in a row - only Bettia have, somehow, not conceded a goal in their two matches - is a great result for Starblaydia, and if it is duplicated tomorrow against Oliverry, Marrones will be a very happy coach indeed. Starblaydia 2 - 0 Schiavonia (Domozis 54, Panarii 79) - (None)

Posted by: Milchama Sep 17 2007, 06:41 PM

[SIZE=7]WARNING YOU WILL LOSE BRAIN CELLS IF YOU READ THIS "RP"[SIZE=7][B] An imitation RP: Milchama not suck. We draw twice Golin play very well score all our goals. The coach thinking no subs bad idea. The real RP: I don't want the world I just want your half. The great line produced by Napoleon Bonaparte has absolutely nothing to do with the game I just feel like putting it here. What does have to do with the games is the great play of Golin. The horse Golin has been playing some incredible football scoring all the Milchamian while trampsing all across the field to stop any would be attacker in the way that the horse strategy by it's creator known affectionately as "The Coach" (sometimes subsituted as Da Coach but we still don't know his name) Anyway he is coaching the B team and doing a crackerjack job. They are winning the game, at life, with cheese, for pleasure, for pain, for us, for them, for everyone. Wow! I'm out of it. That's the end of the article for today please nobody read this.

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 17 2007, 07:15 PM

Hawks in Group C driver's seat! With another 2-0 victory (this time against Capitalizt SLANI), the Hawks have pulled ahead of everyone in Group C, and should finish with the group crown unless a major upset happens. This was a Hawk dominated match through and through. While the same Lamonian scored once in each half, the Hawk's defense put up what amounted to a bulletproof wall. When the wall didn't work, superb Lamonian goalkeeping kept the ball from getting into the net for Capitalizt SLANI. The tactic was so effective that the UCS squad could only mount 11 shots on goal during the whole match. Compare that with Lamoni's 30, and you can see who was going to win this match, even without knowing the score. The win places Lamoni as first in Group C with eight points. As the Hawks have their remaining two matches against unranked teams that haven't done well to this point, it is thought by many that the Hawks will retain the Group C crown, enabling them to have two bye dates in a row as they prepare for who they will face in the knockouts. For now though, the Hawks would have to lose both of their next matches in order to fall out of knockout contention. Even then, they could still possibly make it if things happen in certain ways. Lamonian bookies shorted out a laptop computer when they tried to calculate the odds of the Hawks losing both of their next matches, so we can safely say that they odds of this happening are very low. The name of the Lamonian who scored both goals in the match against Capitalizt SLANI? It was Lamonian forward and team captain Michal Kellogg. He scored at 20 minutes, and 85 minutes; sealing the Lamonian victory. The next match for the resurgent Lamonian national team is against Limbrogidlia, who is a puppet of Oliverry. While they are an unranked team, the Hawks will bring everything they have to the pitch, as it would be embarrassing to lose this match. Lamoni - 2 Michal Kellogg (20, 85) Capitalizt SLANI - 0

Posted by: Az-cz Sep 17 2007, 09:43 PM

Az-cz Scroll Commerce Heights Bd-RP Down with Aurendia The Unkgnomes, as the few fans who are paying attention to this AOCAF have taken to calling this squad, beat their old rivals to stay hot on the heels of the Lamoni Hawks. Aurendia is a rival who goes all the way back to our very first competition. They were the team that Zax-Im, Pizelkaxrovsky and the rest topped to claim their Baptism of Fire championship. And despite a flash in the pan in World Cup 31, Aurendia hasn't managed to ascend to football royalty the way Az-cz and Demot have. And so it was again, with even a squad made up of lesser lights in the -League trounced Aurendia 3-1. Shouhei Yamamoto continues to lead the push as he was the best player on the pitch for the Gnomes yet again. He added his second goal of the tournament while setting up Go-Bak and Thee-Dor for goals. His fine play stalked the Unkgnomes to a 3-0 half time lead, which lead to his being pulled in the 60th minute to avoid injury. Late in the game, the 84th minute to be exact, Aurendia pulled one back, but it was too late as the Gnomes had sealed the game. Unfortunately it meant that they failed to gain any ground on Lamoni, who also won 2-0. However the Gnomes are proving that even lesser players in the -League are still quite talented. And despite the beliefs emanating from Lamoni that they have this group all but wrapped up, both the Unkgnomes and Mr. Ed from Milchama will have something to say about that.

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 18 2007, 04:44 AM

Already Qualified! Starblaydia in the knock-outs If everything suddenly went against Starblaydia, the planets aligned, if the Gods put their terrible wrath on the players in white and purple, if the mathematicians worst nightmare occurred and every opponent took three point; Starblaydia would still Qualify for the Knock-out stages in the form of the second round. It's a lovely feeling, but when you look at Group D it's hardly surprising. The most successful nation in AOCAF history is in second place behind the team who finished Runner-Up last time around. Only Bazalonia, seeded fifth in this tournament, have a one-hundred percent record to match that of Starblaydia and Pacitalia. Though Starblaydia's run of clean sheets was finally brought to an end by Oliverry, Pacitalia could only scrape a one-nil against Schiavonia and both teams sit on twelve points, separated at the moment by Pacitalia's superior goal difference and higher number of goals scored. As for Starblaydia's first goal allowed in the 20th AOCAF, it was scored by twenty-three year-old Denis Monjeau, who took advantage of a miscommunication between Bravo and Melciori to nip in and fire a stinging shot past Rodriguez. Starblaydia have come back from a goal down more times than this reporter can count, but they went in at the break, some seven minutes later, a goal behind. Marrones obviously had some things to say, most probably that Starblaydia's perfect record was about to be shattered by a bunch of no-hopers from up north. True to form, Starblaydia came out of the blocks like a rocket in the second half, with Izretar, Fullbright and Proviia all going close and drawing saves of varying athleticism from the Oliverrian 'keeper. The equaliser eventually came from Takis Domozis when he used his strength to brush off an Oliverrian defender and sprint away to get on the end of a Ugrubolgdam cross, who was overlapping from Left-Back. Domozis slid in to divert the ball into the goal and Starblaydia were level. As much as they tried to push on for the winning goal, Starblaydia just couldn't find the breakthrough. Petyrsen hit the post, substitute Lii Chong-Sun shaved the paint off the top of the bar and, all-in-all, the Oliverry goalie had an excellent time in front of his net. The key to unlocking their defence was found, unsurprisingly, by Kili Izretar, Starblaydia's captain. The Dwarf found himself with the ball just inside the penalty area, blocked off from goal by three Oliverrian defenders. Izretar tracked back and pulled off a little trick to make himself some space and, without looking up, fired through the gaggle of defenders' legs and into the bottom corner of the net. With fourteen goals in his thirty-three appearances for Starblaydia, he is a player who, as they say, 'knows where the goal is'. Starblaydia easily held on to their Two-One win over the next seven minutes and maintained their early one-hundred percent winning record. If they can stretch it to six more games a sixth AOCAF will be theirs, but that is something to consider once the Second Round has arrived. Next up, Starblaydia have time to rest and recuperate before a tough test against Pacitalia. The winner of that match will surely go on to win Group D and face fourth place in Group A, currently the eighteenth-ranked Ulzaxid. Starblaydia have made a great start to this AOCAF, and if it keeps up they'll have pulled off an incredible, nation-unifying win. Oliverry 1 - 2 Starblaydia (Monjeau 36) - (Domozis 66, Izretar 83)

Posted by: Demot Sep 18 2007, 03:13 PM

Demot Daily ~ Change of History? Four matches into this AOCAF, and Demot are in a slightly favorable position. Despite being on the outside looking in, and with a game more played than those in front, Demot is very well in position to make it into the knockouts of the tournament for the first time in three AOCAFs. Following the terrible run of last tournament, where they finished second to last in their group despite being ranked ninth in the region and being a second seed, the squad came into this tournament just looking to put on some decent performances, and regain the respect they had lost after the miserable showing of '19. It has been up and down for the Dynamo, as they opened with an unexpected loss to Quakmybush, despite outplaying the Sharks at every turn. Yet they could not convert their superior play into goals, and that cost them Quakmybush hit the back of the net with one of their two shots, and streaked away with the three points that the really didn't earn. In the next match against the lower level Bushes Been Quaked squad, the Dynamo rode the Thoril Fordgedawn hattrick to a three to nil win, and created some good momentum moving forward. Then they decided to pull the upset, and toppled over Vilita and Turori with an stellar strike from the halfway line by Maria Hart in the second minute, that completely caught the keeper napping, and very well could be the goal of the tournament. Rahall Lewis would add another right before the half, and the Dynamo would hold on despite a late rally by the combined squad, that resulted in halving the deficit, but not overcoming it. Yet they were toppled themselves again in the last match against a surprise Ulzaxid side whose biochemical make up might of been the reason the squad was not up to their usual selves and fell to the one nil scoreline and now are in a four way tie for second. The squad now gets a week off before they try to knock off a rowdy bunch in Northern Bettia. Fans are warned to avoid the supporters of the "Fire Ants" as they are violent bunch, and the squad themselves are training with boxors to prepare themselves for the violent style their oppenents use. Then if they survive that match, they will get their chance to punch their ticket through when they take on an impressive Bazalonia squad. We all know how friendly relations are between the two nations, but if progressing through to the next round is on the line, you can bet your bucket that the Dynamo will be throughing everything at their friends to get the desired result. Scorers Thoril Fordgedawn 3 Maria Hart 1 Rahall Lewis 1 Schedule MD1: Demot v Quakmybuh 0-1 MD2: Bushes Been Quaked v Demot 0-3 MD3: Demot v Vilita & Turori 2-1 MD4: Ulzaxid v Demot 1-0 MD5: Bye MD6: Demot v Northern Bettia MD7: Bazalonia v Demot Article by Rich Baker

Posted by: Az-cz Sep 19 2007, 08:38 AM

Az-cz Scroll Commerce Heights Bd-RP Unkgnomes continue to impress Coming into their match against the hosts there was a definite fear that the Unkgnomes would have a hard time keeping their form. No one really thought that a squad such as this one would be able to keep pace with the best teams from around the region. However they were clearly out to show that they as individuals and the -League as a whole were better than advertised and thwacked the hosts 3-0. The whole match was pretty much dominated by the Unks. Itz-Alv started the scoring in the 8th minute. Sy-Mn added another in the 32nd and Thee-Dor finished off the scoring in the 72nd minute. The hosts rarely looked like they were going to score with Lu-Silu only having to stop four shots. And in more good news for the Gnomes the Hawks were stunningly upset by Limbrogidlia. I think it's comeupance for Lamoni's thoughts they had the group sealed up. Regardless of the explanation the top three teams are now all level on points, but Lamoni having played a game more. It's still anyone's group but Lamoni will need help to rise out of third place.

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 19 2007, 09:57 AM

Le Slip Up! Pacitalia drop points Though Starblaydia managed to defeat Oliverry on the previous Matchday, Pacitalia found the Northern Calanians too much to handle and could only finish with a score-draw of One-All. This has let Starblaydia in to the hunt for the top of Group D and, should the outcome of tomorrow's Starblaydia versus Pacitalia match be honours even, then Starblaydia will have the initiative and merely require a victory over the one-win Jasīʼyūn in order to top the Group by two points. Having conceded just one goal, and scored nine, in four victorious matches, Starblaydia have one of the best records in the AOCAF so far, behind only Pacitalia who have played a game more. Only Bazalonia can come close to this, having an equal wins record, but having scored two goals fewer. If, and that's a big if, Starblaydia can defeat Pacitalia and then Jasīʼyūn, their perfect record should put them firmly in the driving seat for the knock-outs and make them the team to beat for the rest of the Championship. It is the goals from the front three - Izretar (2), Domozis (2) and Fullbright (3) - which have provided the excellent record, combined with only one goal conceded by Rodriguez between Starblaydia's posts. The midfield have weighed in with a couple of the goals - Panarii and Proviia the scorers -while the defence have stuck firmly to their positions, with not one of the back four having even a sniff of goal save on the occasional set piece. In Group A, who's teams will meet Group D's in the first stage of the knock-outs, there lurks a deadly danger. Four-times winners of the AOCAF, Vilita (and their lackeys, Turori) are under-performing in the Group, currently sitting outside the Qualification places due to a loss against Demot and may sneak into fourth-place. Should Starblaydia win Group D, a clash of the titans will take place in the Second Round as the two most-successful teams still competing face each other. We all know how dangerous V&T are when they get into the knock-out stages, and Starblaydia will be looking to avoid them until at least the Semi-Finals to make sure they have their momentum going. The prospect of the next match, however, was always going to be the toughest in this Group for Starblaydia. Will a wounded Pacitalia come out and fight, or will Starblaydia be able to kick the Blue Foxes while they're down and walk away with the first spot in this Group?

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 19 2007, 12:28 PM

What the hell happened?!?!?!?!?! Okay, we admit that the first two goals that the Limbrogidlians scored were legitimate. However, their last "goal" was not really a goal. Despite the fact that it was stopped just inches from the goal line itself, the referee called it a goal, thus sealing the match's fate. To make matters worse, the unknown coach from Limbrogidlia was seen smiling wickedly. Also, after the match, the Limbrogidlian coach was seen giving the ref a newspaper at the end of the match. Was the match fixed? Fans in the Free Republic seem to think so, and Coach McNany has filed complaint with the football authorities in the UCS about said referee. Not that it will change the outcome of the match, but it certainly makes this sports fan feel even a modicum better. Not much, but some. Moving on to other matters, it was a Hawks reserve forward that scored the two Lamonian goals of the match. Agustin Jesse scored once at 39 minutes, and again at 70 minutes. At that point, it looked like the match would be heading into a 2-2 draw that would allow the Hawks to remain in first place, but that was when the fake goal happened; tipping the outcome in favor of Limbrogidlia. The cheat of a loss has dropped the Hawks to third place in the region, but they can still retain first if they win their next match against Amerigo Fidelis, and get a high goal differential. Whoever places first in Group C will likely end up facing Nojika, a team that the Hawks have faced quite a few times before, both on the pitch, and when they make their periodic ventures into the realm of international politics. Either way, the Hawks are now preparing for their match against Amerigo Fidelis; a nation that Lamoni has had some limited contact with. If the Hawks drop this match, it would be the second worst performance that they've turned in to date. It would take quite a lot to equal the truly horrid performance of that last AOCAF in Bazalonia. Lamoni - 2 Agustin Jesse (39, 70) Limbrogidlia - 3 (20, 50, 75)

Posted by: Hypocria Sep 19 2007, 03:00 PM

Back On Track Brian Cahill reporting from the Unified Capitalizt States. Clearly that day off on matchday two did the trick as the Autocracy followed up a stuttering start against the Lowland Clans with three wins on the spin. Putting the tournament’s top seeds (that will never get old) in pole position in Group B. But it wasn’t all plain sailing. The all SAAS clash with Nojika at the JPL Paladin Stadium brought out both the best and worst of the men in blue and white. A double from Hyppo captain Sousa and Marica’s second in two games may have helped ease the Hyppos to their first win of the competition but at times the defence looked a shambles. It took an injury time header from Kordan to finally kill off a spirited effort from the Panthers. It was back to Noka for matchday four and what was expected to be a fairly easy three points against group whipping boys Kura-Pelland. The debutants had lost all three of their games prior to this fixture and things weren’t about to change for them. It was a day for the Autocracy’s new boys as both Viera and Black registered their first international goals. But once again the shaky defence leaked a goal, Kura-Pelland’s first ever in the AOCAF, before Marilier’s freekick made the points safe. A slip up by fellow Group B contenders Bettia against lowly 95X further helped the Hyppos’ cause. On their return to the JDP Paladin Stadium the Hyppos would surely be looking to keep a clean sheet, for what would have been only the eighth time in their last forty AOCAF internationals. But it wasn’t to be as former World and Atlantian Oceania champions Sarzonia became the fourth side to pierce the Hyppos’ fragile defence in this tournament. But the rest of the game would have been lapped up back in the Autocracy as those that remembered some real maulings at the hands, and feet, of the Stars in past World Cup campaigns witnessed a comfortable win against their old tormentors. Black, Ocella and Sousa all found the back of the net against a fairly solid but deeply unspectacular Sarzonian side. Elsewhere Nojika looked in danger of throwing their excellent start away with their second loss in succession, handing Kura-Pelland their first AOCAF points in the process. Shoddy defending aside it was a good few days for the Autocracy as nine points from a possible nine and slip ups from the other contenders left the Hyppos in top spot in group B, two points ahead of second placed Bettia. Next . . . The Autocracy stay in Port Lusambo for a mouth watering top of the group clash with Verdena neighbours Bettia. The Aroras have fallen on slightly harder times of late after a trophy laden period which saw both the AOCAF trophy and the World Cup itself paraded around Gabalfa. But twenty years after that AOCAF success in Bazalonia the Aroras have dropped down to sixth in the region and go into the game as slight underdogs. But if the Hyppos’ defence slips up again their opponents have the firepower to punish them severely. Past Meetings Hypocria 2 - 0 Bettia (AOCAF X / Fmjphoenix) Hypocria 2 - 4 Betiia (AOCAF XVI / Lamoni)

Posted by: Bazalonia Sep 19 2007, 09:14 PM

What else can we say? A 3-0 result against Ulzaxid has kept the Bazalope hopes of a perfect group stage alive with 5 out of 6 matches played the Bazalonian Bazalopes have won every single match, despite this they are keeping a level head against their upcoming opponents Demot. "The Demot Dynamo are at a fundamental level still a good team despite a fairly poor overall performance, Our upcoming game is a life and death game for Demot. If they don't at least get any points then they will get eliminated even then it's upto what Ulzaxid, QuakmyBush and V&T do with their matches. Who knows what is going on in their minds but we can't be complacent." That was a quote from Peter Hobble, The Bazalopes had already qualified to the knockout stage last match and with 6 points seperating the Bazalopes from V&T and Quakmybush a top spot is assured for the Bazalopes no matter what happens in the remainder of the group and with the BLue Foxes and the purple menace both drawing their matches the Bazalopes are the only team to have a perfect record. The Bazalopes must be in contention for their first ever Finals win, whether in the AOCAF, in the World Cup or associated tournaments or any other soccer tournament that they have ever entered, and if indeed the Bazalopes can pull of a perfect run then surely the Bazalopes will be THE team to beat for any other AOCAF's

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 20 2007, 06:56 AM

A Point For Everyone, Even Marrones Draws the order of the day in Group D It's definitely 'as you were' in Group D as all three matches resulted in draws. In a repeat of Pacitalia's first AOCAF match, forty-four years ago, the men in white and purple tied Two-Two with the men in navy and white. Thirty-one year-old Ambrosino Giurimano got the match atmosphere into top gear when he scored in the eighteenth minute, zipping inside of Fain Ugrubolgdam and unleashing his shot through the legs of tackler Claudio Melciori and past Rodriguez into the net. Despite seemingly going through the tournament on auto-pilot, the Blue Foxes were on their way to the Second Round having cruised through all their matches so far - and they were one-nil up against their closest challengers inside twenty minutes. As the first half came to a close, Starblaydia, for all their efforts, still hadn't made up the gap against a Pacitalian side that were in cruise control. Fullbright had gone close and Parkin Riiklik saw his shot saved well by Raduvani but other than that it was a midfield tussle, with Starblaydia's four out-shone by Pacitalia's five. The second half started much the same and Pacitalia continued to show their form: Michelangelo Mascagnano, bombing on from midfield, broke into the box to receive a neat lay-off from Pacitalia's all-round veteran superstar Veranace d'Amantano. Mascagnano had a good strike, getting the ball out from under his feet, and Rodriguez was helpless at such close range. Lex Panarii had been struggling to get to grips with those in front of him, and Betanii Marrones made two tactical substitutions at the hour mark to get her team out of their hole. Captain Izretar was withdrawn, along with the ineffective Takis Domozis, and they were replaced by hard-man Eduardo Faisca and big-man Stefan Hinkkonen as Starblaydia switched to a flat four in midfield, and Hinkonnen roamed in the gap between Fullbright and the midfield in a 4-4-1-1 formation. With two tough tacklers in midfield and a hefty striker up front to cause chaos amongst the half-backs, Starblaydia began to take a hold on the match. The fifty-fifty balls started to go their way, the lucky bounces began to fall to white-and-purple, rather than navy-and-white. With less demands on his defending role it was Panarii, newly handed the captain's armband, who provided the magic for Starblaydia to pull one back. His defence-splitting pass was perfectly timed and weighted, and the ball arrived at Tarquin Fullbright's feet mid-stride. The Montepool Waves striker dropped his right shoulder and took a snap-shot with the inside his right foot. Curling through the air, the ball nestled in the back of the net even as Raduvani was throwing himself to the side in a vain attempt to block it. Starblaydia were level, and it was game on. With ten minutes to go Starblaydia were level. Julian Ramirez had come on for the exhausted Panarii in midfield - giving the captaincy to left-back Fain Ugrubolgdam - and he slid in well against Andolfabio Vunghiasso on the left side of midfield. The ball bobbled to Parkin Riiklik and he sent a first-time lob down the right wing. Victor Peytrsen was on his toes and managed to keep it from going over the touchline, before racing away down the flank. Nuno Cabana was left in his wake, then Petyrsen took Bordellatta out of the game with an early cross. And what a cross. The perfect pass, placed in between the full-backs and the goalie, at such a height that it was comfortable for Hinkonnen to meet, and difficult for the five-ten and six-footers marking Starblaydia's big man to head away. Hinkonnen's header was a mighty one, a bullet into the bottom corner that Raduvani could only flap at as it went past him. Starblaydia were level thanks to an awesome quick counter-attack. Both teams went for the win but there proved to be no more goals forthcoming. Starblaydia and Pacitalia would both be happy with the draw, but both walking away feeling they could have won it. Kudos to Marrones, in particular, as no-one was sure whether she would be able to make the tough decisions and pull them off correctly. Taking off Starblaydia's captain and midfield maestro and replacing him with a defensive player when Two-Nil down was questionable in the heat of battle, but looking at the result, and the tactics, it can't be faulted. Marrones' decision was what dragged Starblaydia back from Two-Nil down to make it Two-Two, and unless something staggeringly unlucky happens over the course of the rest of the Championship, Marrones will surely be in charge of the Starblaydi side for World Cup Thirty-Eight. A good job, too. Starblaydia 2 - 2 Pacitalia (Fullbright 72, Hinkonnen 80) - (Giurimano 18, Mascagnano 55)

Posted by: Az-cz Sep 20 2007, 09:40 AM

Nofkn-Way was flipping through his newspaper trying to get the scores for the AOCAF game. Usually there was at least a small article about it, but today he couldn't find one at all. He wondered if the print had been delayed or something. He missed the game on TV last night and liked to start his morning with the sports page, but he was really confused where the was score was. Apparently they had tucked it in with the rest of the quickly reported scores. When he saw the line he couldn't believe his eyes. Immediately he understood why the scores had been hidden there.

Posted by: 95X-Scottfire Sep 20 2007, 04:53 PM

Here's RPs for the last two 95X games: pcc.95x - The Pacific City Courier Online 95X Ties Bettia Aeropag, Unified Capitalizt States - It wasn't a win, but 95X is said to have given their best performance last night against Bettia, leading to a 1-1 draw, improving their W-T-L record to 1-1-2. Claire Pomona scored the 95X goal in the first half, and became the third player in 95X's brief international soccer competition history to score two goals in one AOCAF, joining Micah Skokomish and Melissa/Michelle Mitchell, who both scored 2 goals apiece in AOCAF 19 (OOC: Some of those games were originally un-RP'd during the tournament). Bettia tied the game early in the second half, when the ball flew right over Marco Adams' head, and got a lucky bounce off the goalpost into the net. After a bye day tomorrow, 95X faces The Lowland Clans and Hypocria to finish group play. If the team wins at least one of the games, they may have the chance of advancing to the next round of play. 95X 1 - Bettia 1 (95X Goal - Pomona, 33:) ========== pcc.95x - The Pacific City Courier Online 95X Eliminated in Loss Cirto, Unified Capitalizt States - The soccer players and fans of 95X were dealt a loss larger than the final score last night, dropping another group stage game to The Lowland Clans, by a score of 3-0. The loss drops 95X to 1-1-3, and guarantees another losing record. For the third Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football in a row, 95X is mathmetically eliminated from the next round. Even if 95X Manages to defeat Hypocria (who, in AOCAF 18, blew out 95X 6-1 in the 95X's international soccer debut), Nojika and Sarzonia would need to lose their final game in order for 95X to tie with Nojika. Even then, Nojika owns the tie-breaker, via their 3-0 upset of 95X in the first game in the current AOCAF. "Any way you slice it, we're out," grudgingly stated Head Coach Chris Crossman, when presented with the news. Marco Adams proved to be ineffective in the goalbox, and was replaced early in the game by reserve goalkeeper Bennie Sanders, who's otherwise seen extremely limited playing time close to conclusions of matches, where it was clear the team had either won or lost. The focus on the team wasn't the disappointing game, rather an obscure event that occurred shortly after. Reports from sources close to the matter said one of 95X's players needed medical attention in the teams' hotel after the game. Head Coach Crossman, Assistant Allen Oleson, and the players all refused to comment, stating their focus was still on the game against Hypocria. The Lowland Clans 3 - 95X 0

Posted by: 95X-Scottfire Sep 20 2007, 06:58 PM

pcc.95x - The Pacific City Courier Online Twins Agree - Revenge Is So Sweet Noka, Unified Capitalizt States - Few want to remember 95X's opening game in the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football 18. Most who do stop at the score, a 6-1 rout. Finally, those who know a bit more about the lopsided match against Hypocria, have even more reason to celebrate this Victory Day. Playing without starter Damien Dairycreek, and a relit fire to rain on someone's parade, 95X blanked Hypocria 2-0 in their final AOCAF 20 match. For twins Melissa and Michelle Mitchell, it was time for payback. The dicephalic conjoined twins (sometimes referred to as simply "joined twins" domestically in 95X) played like they meant it, contesting every pass and kick they could. "We weren't worried about them staring at us," said Melissa after the game. "In fact, they seemed so surprised that two women who share two arms and two legs can play soccer at all, they didn't seem to notice we had the scoring opportunity until the ball reached the net." The twins sat on the bench during AOCAF 18 games, mostly due to the balking of the other teams, especially those from Hypocria. Michelle also had some choice words to the Hypocrian team's management regarding their comments leading up to AOCAF 18, which the Courier has chosen not to publish. Micah Skokomish, regarded by many to be the team's best player, spent most of the match distributing the ball upfield, running towards the Hypocrian goal as if to try to score much less than previous matches. It was on one of these 95X possessions that Candy Sandy scored 95X's second goal early in the second half. Stepped-up defensive performance by Skokomish, Grant Wilson, Tai Doe, and Alecia Onesixtysecond, stopped the ball from traveling much past the midfield line for the rest of the game, sealing in the upset in favor of 95X. Already, 95X fans present at the game are calling it the biggest win in the nation's short AOCAF history, feeling the team's pregame dedication of their performance to their almost fallen teammate Dairycreek was appropriate. "We all miss him on the field," said Skokomish, Dairycreek's best friend on the team, after the match. "We knew we had to win it, we all care about him." The 21-year old Dairycreek was taken to a local hospital following 95X's loss to The Lowland Clans, after he unsuccessfully tried to take his own life. "It's unfortunate that such a young man felt that bad about his future," commented Coach Chris Crossman, who was one of the first to the hotel room scene. "Even if soccer isn't in the nation's future, or his, he has so much to live for." Although it's unclear if Dairycreek will ever play competitive soccer again, doctors feel he will mentally recover and live a productive life. 95X Finishes AOCAF 20 with a W-T-L record of 2-1-3, and an otherwise cheery outlook towards the future. "It's not, like, the number of, like, wins," said Claire Pomona, in what is surprisingly her most coherent comment to date, "but, like, who we won over." 95X 2 - Hypocria 0 (Mitchell 42:, Sandy 54:)

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 21 2007, 01:13 AM

Hawks qualify at second spot The Hawks coasted into the second spot in Group C on goal difference, allowing them to face The Lowland Clans after the surprising fall of Bettia to fifth place in their group. To date, the Hawks remain unbeaten by TLC in the knockouts, and Lamoni doesn't intend for that streak to end now. To get here, reserve forward Agustin Jesse had to score twice against Amerigo Fidelis in matchday 6. He scored once at twenty minutes in, and again at forty four minutes. No one scored in the second half, although Amerigo Fidelis scored their lone goal at ten minutes in. The Hawks were in complete control of the second half, and indeed, most of the game; acting as third ranked team in the region of AO should. As mentioned earlier, the biggest surprise of AOCAF XX to date is the dropping of Bettia from third place to fifth place in Group B. Has the all out attacking style of the Aurora's finally failed them? This is one of the two teams that you can bet will get a ton of goals at any AOCAF that they play in, regardless of how many games that they win or lose. Though, scoring a lot of goals mostly leads them to a lot of wins, though only one AOCAF cup so far. In the meantime, the Hawks must prepare for their next opponent from a nation that Lamonian troops are shedding blood in to help defend. There is a real irony that two nations that are fighting and dying alongside each other militarily are AOCAF 'enemies;' even for just one match where the loser goes home. When Lamoni wins this match, they will be facing top AOCAF caliber teams like Starblaydia, Pacitalia, and Hypocria. The Hawks have defeated all three teams before; but the question is whether they will pull off wins in the knockouts, or be sent home before the finals. The Hawks have a very decent shot at their third AOCAF cup, and we hope that they don't mess it up. Lamoni - 2 Agustin Jesse (20, 44) Amerigo Fidelis - 1 (10) --- AOCAF KNOCKOUT PREDICTIONS Bazalonia vs Manhattan Prime - The Bazalopes should advance against a mediocre team fielded by Manhattan Prime. Lamoni vs The Lowland Clans - Our match, we predict a Lamonian victory. Nojika vs Az-cz - Both teams have a shot at this one, but we flipped a coin to come up with Nojika winning this match. Pacitalia vs Quakmybush - Pacitalia should easily win this match. Hyporcia vs Limbrogidlia - One satisfied Hyppos team here. Starblaydia vs Ulzaxid - The Men in Muave don't even break a sweat in this one. V/T vs Delesa - This one could go either way, but we like Delesa's chances. Milchama vs Sarzonia - With the fall of the Sarzonian government, expect Milchama to win this one.

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 21 2007, 05:00 AM

Depth? What Depth? Starblaydia crumble to Jasīʼyūn There once was a time when Starblaydia picked their best twenty-three footballers and sent them to the World Cup, and they also picked their second-best twenty-three and sent them to the AOCAF. On one of those occasions, their best team won the World Cup and their second-best team won the AOCAF. Now, however, the best - in fact, the only - team is at the AOCAF, and even playing six of their best footballers, and five reserve players, they couldn't overcome Mitchell Ramirez's Jasīʼyūn side who were pushing for Qualification. The thirty-first ranked side in the tournament needed to overcome Starblaydia and hope that Manhattan Prime didn't beat the hapless Schivaonia. In the event, both sides won One-Nil and, due to the head-to-head results, Manhattan Prime sneaked into the knock-out stages over Jasīʼyūn. Betanii Marrones made five changes to the side that had, until this match, gone unbeaten in the tournament and notched up just a single draw against Pacitalia. Faisca, Shakirii and Canildo all started in and heavily-changed midfield, while Fullbright was rested for Marbek up front and Conigglia exchanged in for Riiklik. Ugrubolgdam was named as captain. Starblaydia obviously suffered from the fact they didn't need to play this game. They were already qualified from Group D and this match would merely decide if they finished first or second. With the possible danger of facing a side like Vilita and Turori, even if they finished first, Starblaydia would be at the mercy of Group A results for the opponents no matter what they accomplished in this match. What they accomplished was precisely nothing. A One-Nil loss, thanks to a Ha Sūŋ-yun strike halfway through the second half. Starblaydia had not been held to nil in this tournament so far, nor had they a loss under their belt, and this match provided both, leaving the mood of the fans at a low point heading into the Second Round match against Ulzaxid. Ulzaxid, ranked eighteenth, finished third in Group A, courtesy of a One-Nil win over Quakmybush that took them out of the elimination zone to leapfrog Demot and the Bushians into third place. The two teams will meet at the C4Stadion, a place where Starblaydia have good memories, thanks to having wins over Delesa and Oliverry there in this Cup. The outcome should, with Starblaydia playing their best team again, see a progression through to the next stage. The next stage, however, would see Starblaydia play the winner of the Hypocria/Limbrogidlia match, which surely means the white-and-purples would play the highest-ranked team in AO, coached by Starblaydia's own Javi Chavez. For Betanii Marrones to come head-to-head against one of the idols of Starblaydi days gone by in a clash of management styles old and new will be a huge test for all concerned. Starblaydia have to get past Ulzaxid first, though, and if last night's game is anything to go by: anything can happen in the twentieth Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football. Jasīʼyūn 1 - 0 Starblaydia (Ha Sūŋ-yun 73) - (None)

Posted by: Hypocria Sep 21 2007, 02:54 PM

Disgrace! Shocking. There was no other word for it. Older fans may remember the 1 - 0 defeat to Jastica all the way back at AOCAF X as the worst Hypocrian performance in this competition. Well ladies and gentlemen, we have a new winner. Javi Chavez kept his beaten side locked in the dressing room for almost a full hour and a half as he told them exactly what he thought of their performance. It was abysmal. Against a side the Hyppos had hammered 6 - 1 in their last meeting more of the same was expected. Needless to say it didn’t happen. The AOCAF’s top ranked side played like a team of strangers. The defence was as poor as ever, the midfield were outplayed and even the much vaunted Hyppos attack failed to turn up. In fact this was the first time the Autocracy had failed to find the back of the net in FIFTY TWO games in the AOCAF, dating back to a 3 - 0 defeat at the hands of Starblaydia (who else) way back at AOCAF XII in Chicanada. And it wasn't just the coach who was incensed. Back at the FAH Headquarters in Hypocrium Matthias DiMarco, the big boss of all football in the Autocracy, was fuming. But it wasn’t the performance that had angered him, it was the opposition. “We’ve been cheated pure and simple”, he told a hastily arranged press conference. “We raised concerns at the tournament in Myrtannia about the eligibility of conjoined twins in an AOCAF side but the 95X management continue to turn this competition into a circus.” He was of course referring to Melissa and Michelle Mitchell who capped an outstanding game against the Hyppos with their side’s opening goal. But who also courted controversy the last time the sides met because of the decision to register them as one player. “Two heads. Two brains. Two people. And ten other players. They had twelve players on that pitch! Just read their post match comments, ‘In fact, they seemed so surprised that two women who share two arms and two legs can play soccer at all’. See. They even refer to themselves as ‘two women’. It’s a blatant infringement of one of the most fundamental laws of the game. And to make it even worse they had another set of twins on the bench. Something has got to be done about this. All of 95X’s games should be declared null and void and 95X should be banned from all future tournaments unless they drastically rethink their selection policy.” Better Than Bettia Brian Cahill reporting from the Unified Capitalizt States. It had all been so different in the previous game. The side had looked composed and confident as they overcame western neighbours Bettia in Port Lusambo. Teale and a Sousa double helped secure the points in what was an excellent Hyppos performance, their fourth win on the bounce. It all seemed a very long time ago come the next matchday. Despite the forgettable events of the final group game the Autocracy still finished three points clear at the top of Group B. Nojika recovered from a shaky couple of fixtures to wrap up second place with a win over Bettia. The Lowland Clans came in third thanks to an inferior head to head record against the Panthers. And Sarzonia completed Group B’s qualifiers after a 1 - 0 win over bottom side Kera-Pelland. Which also means the unfortunate Aroras fall at the first hurdle. Next . . . Now it’s back to Port Lusambo for a Second Round clash with Group C’s fourth placed side Limbrogidlia. So what do we know about Limbrogidlia? Well nothing actually. For a start you’d be hard pushed to find them on a map (seriously) but we’re thinking they’re up in the Oliverry region. What we do know is they had an odd campaign in Group C. They lost 4 - 0 to both Milchama and Aurendia but managed hugely impressive wins over both Az-cz and Lamoni. So they definitely pose a threat. But if the Hyppos do avoid a monster of an upset a Quarter Final showdown with Starblaydia looms large on the horizon. Past Meetings None

Posted by: Bazalonia Sep 23 2007, 12:10 AM

"This Larry and Gary once again, broadcasting live from somewhere dank and stingy in the Unified Capitalizt States." "Yes. it's the only place we could afford. After a perfect group stage where the Bazalopes find themselves in the 2nd Stage against Mahatten Prime" "The Bazalopes have just won their 7th game in a row defeating the team from Manhatten Prime 1-0. Despite the Uberdome almost being like a second home to the Bazalopes barely played their best match against their 19th ranked opponents only managing 1 goal." "but that is how most of our matches went a GD of 10 over 6 matches" "Right, it seems that the Bazalopes have done just enough to win the game, perhaps a strategy for the team to reserve themselves for the matches that really matter such as the one upcoming against Lamoni. The Lamoni Hawks appart from our match will probably be the hardest match we have played. Despite being ranked 3rd the Lamonians have not performed as well, only gaining 11 points out of the 18 points available, just under 2/3rds. "Lamoni had lost 2-3 against the Limburgers." "That's not their name." "I know but I don't really care, they got trounced 3-0 by Hypocria" "The Lamoni Hawks are perhaps the most-likely team to knock us out of the finals, but the Semi-finals will not be much easier, the winner of the Bazalonian-Lamoni match will face off against the winner of the Az-cz - Pacitalia match. ranked 4 and 7th respectively are going really challenge the Bazalopes. "Should either us or our good friends the Lamoni Hawks make it the final, it can almost be a sure bet that we will be facing the number 1 team in the region. Hypocria" "Well, that wraps up all the time we have, the company we're paying the bandwidth for will shut us off if we go over time. This is Gary and La--" -- Back in Bazalonia... http://getclippings.com/image.php?id=557885 (ooc: Image please click)

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 23 2007, 12:42 AM

Lamoni trounces TLC, faces friends Bazalonia Today was a good day to be a Hawk. With a domineering 4-1 victory against TLC, they are stating that they are here for real. One interesting result from the victory is that it will pit the Hawks against their friends from Bazalonia. The Hawks have a good record against the Bazalopes, and will be looking to put what they have learned to good use. Whoever wins the upcoming match between the Hawks and the Bazalopes, they will likely have to face the winner of the Az-cz vs. Pacitalia match. Either way, Lamonian observers agree that the Hawks have the better shot of winning against the winner of that match up. Going back to the match against TLC, it seemed like only one team had really shown up on the field. Lamonian forward Michal Kellogg scored the first Lamonian goal of the match at thirty seconds in, rushing past everyone right after the start of the match. We suspect that the TLC goalkeeper wasn't even paying attention, because he didn't even move when the first goal of the game whizzed past him. The only TLC goal of the match came at 5 minutes in; it hit the crossbar, and backspinned it's way in. This would prove to be the only bright spot for the squad from TLC, as Michal Kellogg scored again at 40 minutes in, and Bryan Neely scored at 70 and 75 minutes in. Following the victory over TLC, the Hawks released a note to the Bazalopes, inviting them to an after match party at a local UCS bar regardless of the outcome of the match. Lamoni and Bazalonia have been friendly towards the other for a long time, and relations between the two nations just seem to keep getting better. Lamoni - 4 Michal Kellogg (.30, 40) , Bryan Neely (70, 75) TLC - 1 (5) --- Quarterfinal predictions Bazalonia vs Lamoni - Hawks win Az-cz vs Pacitalia - Pacitalia wins by at least two goals Hypocria vs Starblaydia - Blue proves superior to Muave V/T vs Milchama - V/T proves mastery over Milchama --- -Back in Lamoni- http://getclippings.com/image.php?id=557903

Posted by: Starblaydia Sep 23 2007, 10:51 AM

Best in the Region Vs... Us? Starblaydia to face #1 Hypocria Starblaydia overcame a side who, frankly, they've never even heard of in the last-sixteen of the Atlantian Oceania Championships to book themselves a meeting with the best team in the region... Hypocria. Starblaydi midfield legend and World Cup 28 Winner Javi Chavez will lead out the Hypocrian side, ranked as the best team in the region, to face a lowly 8th-best Starblaydia in the Quarter-Finals. The men in white and purple secured their spot thanks to a two-one win over Ulzaxid with both the goals coming in the space of five first-half minutes, from captain Kili Izretar and Tarquin Fullbright. Izretar's marked his fifteenth goal for his country on this occasion, qualifying him for entry into the exclusive Rapaii 15 club of Starblaydi goalscorers. The goal was something of a classic one, with Izretar meeting a Proviia corner on the volley from twenty-five yards out. His shot was unstoppable, and Starblaydia were One-Nil to the good. Within five minutes the lead had been doubled via their top-scorer so far, Tarquin Fullbright. Starblaydia's new number-Ten again showed great skill on the ball for his goal, a right-foot shot that curled in at the far post for Two-Nil even before the half-hour mark. Ulzaxid, from this moment on, looked resigned to the loss with less than a third of the match played. Starblaydia, too, seemed to feel that the game was already over and settled down into cruise control. Fernando Rodriguez, who has been tested once in the opening twenty minutes, found that he had no further saves to make throughout the rest of the match, despite Starblaydia's players showing off, practising their exhibition match moves and tricks against a side who didn't really seem to be bothered in the slightest that they were in the Second Round of the AOCAF. What Starblaydia should have done was keep on at the Ulzaxid team, not only keeping the ball but keeping a siege line around their opponent's area, peppering them with shots and racking up a record scoreline. What they did, however was to keep the ball, and not much else. Record-breaking for passes made and possession percentages are not what Starblaydia needs at the moment, what they needed was for this match to be made a seven-nil or eight-nil occasion. Head Coach Betanii Marrones declared herself 'very pleased' with the performance, and cited 'saving the players for Hypocria'. The only thing she may have saved them from, however, is higher self-confidence going into the game against the best-ranked AOCAF team in the region. Starblaydia 2 - 0 Ulzaxid (Izretar 22, Fullbright 27) - (None)

Posted by: Hypocria Sep 23 2007, 12:27 PM

That’s More Like It Brian Cahill reporting from the Unified Capitalizt States. Anybody who had seen the horrible Hypocrian effort against 95X might have been forgiven for thinking that the coach had dumped all eleven players for the second round encounter with Limbrogidlia such was the difference in performance. But it was the same side and after their dismal last game the Hyppos responded in the best possible way, with a good old fashioned trouncing. In truth, once the referee had signalled for the kickoff, the result never really looked in doubt. Limbrogidlia had overachieved up until this point. Wins over Az-cz and Lamoni, nations that on any other day would have won comfortably, had got them here but their luck wouldn’t hold forever. And the side from the north of Atlantian Oceania looked like rabbits caught in the headlights as both the occasion and the cavernous surroundings of the JPL Paladin Stadium got to them. From the first whistle it was the men in blue and white who were doing all the running and Sousa came close with a twenty yarder that shaved the crossbar. The coach had clearly been working on the team’s passing, which was noticeably bad against 95X, in training as his players cut through the opposition with a clinical short passing game. The only thing missing was a goal. Sousa came close again as he latched onto Marica’s through ball. He darted into the box and the blue and white army were already celebrating a goal as the Hyppos’ captain slid the ball past the keeper but into the side netting. An uncharacteristic miss from a man with 31 AOCAF goals to his name. But it was a question of when rather than if and that question was answered in the 24th minute. Sousa was again in the thick of the action, this time swinging in a corner from the right. The defender failed to get any distance on the clearance and, from the edge of the box, Marica lashed a rising drive past the keeper and into the back of the net. A source of much post match pub discussion back in the Autocracy has been the plight of striker Victor Ongondo. The young forward is a big strong target man, excellent at holding up the ball and linking play and a real physical presence that the opposition find hard to cope with. But in six games he had yet to register a goal. Which, for a striker, had earnt him considerable criticism in some sections of the media. But the coach kept faith in him, confident the goals would come, and finally one did. Black released Kajetan on the overlap down the right flank and the fallback played in a beautifully flighted cross. Ongondo towered above a static defence and powered a header down into the bottom corner. The reaction of the other players showed how delighted they were that the big man had opened his account and the coach gave his number nine a thumbs up to show his approval. Half time came and went and the second half played out almost like a training session. The Limbrogidlia players clearly felt there was no coming back and seemed content to keep the score down to two for the next forty five minutes and then catch a flight back north as soon as possible. The Autocracy’s finest slowed their own tempo down too, no one wanted to over exert themselves and potentially risk an injury. With twelve minutes left on the clock the final nail was hammered into the coffin as Kajetan played a racking pass from the right, Ongondo flicked on the Viera who ran clean through and placed his shot past the keeper with ease. Sealing a comfortable win, a rare clean sheet and a sixth consecutive quarter final place. Hypocria 3 - 0 Limbrogidlia Marica Ongondo Viera There were no upsets in the other second round games as Bazalonia, Lamoni, Az-cz, Pacitalia, Starblaydia, Vilita/Turori and Milchama all advanced to the final eight. Next . . . Hypocria may be the top ranked side in this tournament but there’s no doubting who the true AOCAF top dogs are. Whatever you call them, the Men in Mauve, the Purple Peril or just plain Starblaydia, their record in this tournament is formidable. The last of their five AOCAF titles may have been a long time ago but the Blaydis are still the team to beat. But it’s very much a transitional team that new coach Marroness brings into this tournament after a sabbatical from international competition. Only three former internationals have survived the rebuilding process as the Purple Peril look to return to the top. And the early signs are good as the Men (Women and Dwarves) in Mauve finished last a point behind Group D’s top seeds Pacitalia, a 1 - 0 defeat to home side Jasīʼyūn their only real slip up. But looking to mastermind their exit is one of their own. Hypocrian coach Javi Chavez won 68 caps for Starblaydia and lifted the World Cup in the progress. And he may well be looking to remind the Starblaydi football authorities exactly what he can do after being overlooked for the vacant national coach position. For all those that like omens to cling to the records show that the two nations have met twice before in AOCAF quarter finals and the Hyppos advanced on both occasions after penalty shootouts. Past AOCAF Meetings Hypocria 1 - 1 Starblaydia (AOCAF IX / Cockbill Street) (5 - 4 pens) Hypocria 1 - 1 Starblaydia (AOCAF XI / Bettia) (3 - 2 pens) Hypocria 0 - 3 Starblaydia (AOCAF XII / Chicanada) Hypocria 1 - 4 Starblaydia (AOCAF XIV / Bettia) Hypocria 3 - 1 Starblaydia (AOCAF XVII / Krytenia) Hypocria 3 - 4 Starblaydia (AOCAF XVIII / Myrtannia) Hypocria 3 - 2 Starblaydia (AOCAF XIX / Bettia)

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 24 2007, 12:49 AM

Hawks advance over Bazalonian friends It was a hard fought match against a resilient Bazalope team, but the Bazalonians were foiled by a late Hawks goal that sent the Hawks on to face Pacitalia. The game started off well enough for Lamoni, with forward Bryan Neely scoring at 10 minutes in. It was a standard enough goal, kicking it into the upper left corner from ten feet away. The Bazalonian response came twenty minutes later, when Frederick Hampstead scored his first international goal. It too was a simple affair, but it will certainly build Hampstead's international reputation. The great Ricky Yunn scored next, and this was the first 'wow the crowd' goal of the match. Taking a bicycle kick, the ball just made it past the outstretched fingers of the Lamonian goalkeeper. Lamonian Agustin Jesse caught a rebound, and scored just before the first half came to a close. With the score tied 2-2, the respective coaches gave locker room talks. While we can't know what the Bazalonian coach told his squad; we know that Coach McNany was reminding her team that they were in familiar ground, facing a familiar team, and that they needed to step up their play the extra notch that she knew that they possessed. As the teams came out of the locker rooms, it seemed that the Bazalonians might have gotten a boost as well. Ricky Yuun scored first, but that is when the Hawks got the motivation to 'blast away,' as one uninformed commentator called it. Michal Kellogg scored first, blasting the ball past the Bazalonian keeper. Later on, Scottie James added the final goal of the match, lifting the Hawks past the Bazalopes as the final buzzer sounded. As mentioned earlier, the Hawks will face Pacitalia next, in what is seen as the 'toughest' match of the next round. Hypocria, who won their match, will face Milchama (instead of Vilita/Turori as was originally misprinted by the hosts). Hypocria is heavily favored in that match, and they will likely face the winner of the Pacitalia - Lamoni match in the AOCAF XX Cup Match. After the match against Bazalonia, the Hawks took the Bazalopes with them to a bar in order to celebrate good times, and the general friendship that the two nations shared with each other. We'll rely on the Bazalonian media account of that party. Lamoni - 4 Bryan Neely (10), Agustin Jesse (40), Michal Kellogg (60), Scottie James (75) Bazalonia - 3 Frederick Hampstead (30), Ricky Yuun (35, 47) --- KNOCKOUT PREDICTIONS Lamoni vs Pacitalia - Close, but a Lamoni win Hypocria vs Milchama - We would be shocked if the Hyppos lost this one

Posted by: Bazalonia Sep 24 2007, 03:09 AM

Bazalonia Loses in a thrilling match in Auswärtssieg Arena today as it faced good friends Lamoni Hawks. The Hawks gutted the Bazalonian hopes of moving onto the Semi's with a goal in the 75th minute bringing the scoreline to 4-3, despite a number of attempts the Bazalopes failed to get a goal in to even the score. Neither were the Lamonians able to extend their lead in the remaining 15+ minutes, what was perhaps most interesting was despite the result, a venue was booked to hold a celebration event. To celebrate the ties and relationships that the two nations shared both on and off the football field. We had a reporter who was allowed into the celebration and here is his report... Jacob Herald, here in the venue hired for the, for want of a better word party, between the Bazalonian and Lamonian national soccer teams. The feel is happy both teams are generally happy with their performance in their last match and just want to unwind and have some fun. The teams mix fairly well until it was time for a formal aspect of the night festivities, in which the teams where asked to sit down in their teams, after some light hearted speeches in which jokes and light-hearted jibes where shared and it seemed the formalities where about to end as the Bazalopes themselves had a presentation to make to the Lamonian Hawks. Their captain was asked to come up, and they were given a small plaque. It read "To The Hawks, When you soar through the air - Don't forget you have to land sometime."

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 24 2007, 12:17 PM

Team Captain Michal Kellogg shook hands with the Bazalope that had handed him the plaque. With AO wide media attention on the SDL-SAAS war, someone came running into the bar yelling that SDL forces had just routed the Starblaydi front lines. Another cheer rent the air as both teams (and presumably some UCS citizens) celebrated the major victory on the battlefield. Things were looking up for the SDL in that war. One of the minor Lamonian officials had found a bottle of Champagne, and popped the top off, filling the glasses of as many as he could. Fortunately for the Lamonian players, they didn't imbibe too much; they had their next match against Pacitalia to consider, after all. That didn't stop the Bazalopes, as they were headed home soon. For some time, the Hawks had acted as the Boogeyman when playing against the Pacitalian squad; being a major reason that the Pacitalians had yet to win an AOCAF Cup. That didn't mean that the Hawks could afford to rest on their laurels. Pacitalia was a very good AOCAF team in almost every respect. They hadn't won the AOCAF yet, but everyone was sure that it would only be a matter of time before they did. After all, even Starblaydia was shocked when the Hawks won their two AOCAF Cups. So why couldn't Pacitalia do the same someday? The next day, the Hawks were on the practice field, watching footage of AOCAF XX Pacitalian matches, and doing the other things that a good football club would do before a match. As for the Plaque itself, it was hung in the office of the Commissioner of the Lamonian Football Association (LFA).

Posted by: Hypocria Sep 24 2007, 04:27 PM

‘And it’s all just a little bit of history repeated . . .’ Brian Cahill reporting from the Unified Capitalizt States. Twice before Hyppos and Persons in Mauve had met in AOCAF quarter finals and twice before two hours of football couldn’t separate the sides. Both games finished 1 - 1 after extra time with the Autocracy advancing on penalties on each occasion. It couldn’t happen like that a third time surely? Well, yes it could. It’s probably fair to say that the side that took to the pitch in the colours of Starblaydia was not the finest collection of players to ever pull on the mauve and white but. But the performances of some of the younger members of the side, alongside a wonderful midfield display from the captain, could mean Starblaydi football is back on the up. The match itself was reminiscent of a boxing contest with punch and counter punch. But as the match flowed neither side could seem to gain the upper hand. That was until thirty seven minutes in when lady luck smiled on the Autocracy. Gareth Black skipped past the challenge of Ugrubolgdam on the Starblaydi left but his cross was comfortably dealt with by the impressive Roque Bravo. The clearance fell to Marica who tried a speculative effort from distance. The shot was heading well wide but took a wicked deflection of Ongondo to leave the keeper no chance. They may have been a goal down but no one in mauve let their head drop, there was still plenty of time to go. Inspired by the captain’s probing passes the Purple Peril started to take control early in the second half. One beautifully weighted through ball sent Fullbright away but he was denied by a brave stop from Kutasi, diving at the striker’s feet. Another racking pass released Proviia down the left but the Vecchio Victors player went for goal from a tight angle with team mates in the penalty area screaming for a pass. But the pressure finally told in the seventy second minute and again Izretar was the architect. The captain left Kordan on the turf with an exquisite dummy and laid the ball forward for the run of substitute Stefan Hinkkonen who coolly side footed past Kutasi for a well deserved equaliser. As so often is the case in games that involve the word ‘final’ the action petered out into almost nothing as both sets of players focused on making that crucial mistake. Fulltime came and went. As did extra time, with neither keeper put under too much bother. And so the inevitable happened. For the third time in three quarter finals between the sides, penalties would decide the outcome. Clearly both sides had been practising their spot kicks as all ten found the back of the net. Marica, Sousa, Viera, Kajetan and Black all netted for the Autocracy while Izretar, Bravo, Fullbright, Hinkkonen and Panarii all replied. Into sudden death and Andrey Teale drove a fierce left footed drive right down the centre to once again give Hypocria the advantage. All the pressure was now on Peytrsen. Miss and the five time champions were going home early. He too drove it down the middle but the ball crashed into Kutasi’s trailing leg and rebounded away. It was over. Hypocria 1 - 1 Starblaydia (6 - 5 pens) Ongondo And so for the third consecutive tournament the Hyppos had reached the final four. Unlike the last two, this time they’ll be hoping to go all the way. And with Milchama, surprise winners over Vilita/Turori, to face in the semis they’re unlikely to ever get a better chance.

Posted by: Lamoni Sep 25 2007, 02:16 AM

Hawks defeat Pacitalia AGAIN, face Hyppos for cup It took them until extra time, but the Hawks proved themselves to AGAIN be the boogeyman for the Pacitalian Blue Foxes. However, the win places them into an AOCAF Cup Final match against Hypocria. The Men in Blue are the number 1 ranked team in the region, which makes them a challenge even for a talented team like the Hawks. The fact that the Hyppos have a history of steamrolling opponents doesn't help either. However, the Hawks have one advantage that Hypocria does not have. While Hypocria has won one AOCAF cup, the Hawks have won two of the titles, and would have a third if they win this match. There is another aspect to this competition, however. As Lamoni is an SDL nation, and Hypocria is an SAAS nation, the two warring alliances will have representatives facing each other out on the pitch, instead of just on the battlefield. While the SDL is winning the war, the Hawks will be in trouble if they don't keep their minds on this "war." Getting back to the Hawk victory over Pacitalia, the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, forcing extra time, where both teams hit their opponents net hard. Pacitalia got two goals AET, while the Hawks got three. Due to the lack of a Pacitalian roster, we can't show you the names of the Pacitalian players that scored, but we know that Lamonians Michal Kellogg, and Bryan Neely scored the goals for the men in red and blue. Both the Hawks and the Hyppos have battled hard to get here, and now we shall see which side comes out with a nice shiny trophy. Lamoni - 1 (3 AET) Michal Kellogg (44, AET) , Bryan Neely (AET) Pacitalia - 1 (2 AET) (20), (AET)

Posted by: Hypocria Sep 25 2007, 03:56 PM

Then There Were Two Brian Cahill reporting from the Unified Capitalizt States. As semi final draws go this one was almost perfect. One game away from the biggest night in Atlantian Oceania sport the likelihood of playing a side from down the rankings is slim at best. Indeed fans back in the Autocracy were fully expecting a tough final four encounter with the region’s number two side Vilita/Turori. But no. V/T surprisingly lost out on penalties in their quarter final, meaning that the Hyppos’ path to the final was blocked by lowly Milchama, a side not even in the top ten. And the Horse Botherers are a side that the Autocracy’s finest enjoy getting to grips with after Milchama denied Hypocria a place in the World Cup with a playoff win in Vanguard, Fmjphoenix. Since then the Hyppos’ have had much the better of the side’s fixtures, including wins in both previous AOCAF meetings. They’re also a nation whose name is never mentioned within the corridors of FAH headquarters as their policy of fielding a horse (who knows how that quarter final shootout worked) ranks just above 95X’s conjoined twins on the list of things that annoy the Autocracy’s footballing hierarchy. Which is why they’ve banned all media outlets from mentioning games against Milchama in anything other than the briefest of details. So the events that took place within the confines of yet another vast Capitalizt arena, this time the Drakcorp Querzakhi Olympic Stadium, will have to remain something of a mystery. But the important fact is that the men in blue and white won the game by two goals to Milchama’s one, Kordan and Ocella proving that horses are terrible at defending corners. Hypocria 2 - 1 Milchama Kordan Ocella In the other semi final the region’s third and fourth best sides went head to head with the Hawks of Lamoni eventually overcoming Pacitalia’s Blue Foxes after extra time. The game finished 1 - 1 after ninety minutes before both sides showed some unusual attacking intent for later stages of such a big game, Lamoni coming through 3 - 2 after the extra half an hour. Next . . . This edition of the region’s most prestigious sporting contest is now down to its final two participants, a repeat of the third place playoff last time out in Bettia. And neither nation is a stranger to the biggest occasion, having competed in a total of six previous finals collectively. And both nations have a fifty percent win ratio, Lamoni with two wins from their four finals and the Autocracy on one win from two appearances. Something’s got to give. The Hawks haven’t had it all their own way in this tournament. They finished behind Michama in Group C after been held to draws by both Az-cz and Milchama and suffering a shock defeat to Limbrogidlia. And squeezed into the final two after narrow wins over the competition’s form side Bazalonia and the always dangerous Pacitalia. Although the Hyppos’ own path to the final hasn’t exactly been spotless. But those that like omens to cling on to can take some comfort from the fact that two of the teams that the Lamonians couldn’t handle in their group have both been dumped out of the tournament by the Autocracy’s finest. So it’s to the Sokojito Überdome and the hope that the Autocracy will be turning up at AOCAF XXI with a trophy that backs up their status as Atlantian Oceania’s top side. Past AOCAF Meetings Hypocria 1 - 0 Lamoni (AOCAF IX / Cockbill Street) Hypocria 4 - 0 Lamoni (AOCAF XV / Bazalonia) Hypocria 2 - 4 Lamoni (AOCAF XVIII / Myrtannia) Hypocria 2 - 0 Lamoni (AOCAF XIX / Bettia)

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