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Krytenia welcomes you to the Draw for the First AOCAF Cup!
Group A will have the Seeds VILITA, and play their group games at People's Stadium, Avid-Diord (cap 72,000) and Green Street, Westleigh (cap 51,000).
Group B will have the Seeds CRYSTILAKERE, and play their group games at Atterbrook Way, Elliston (cap 62,000) and Tribeca Park, Remires (cap 42,000).
There are two pots for the draw. Pot A contains the two other NS Ranked Teams, Krytenia and Turori, with one team in each group. Pot B contains the four unranked teams: NEWI Cefn Druids, Xile, Nojika, and Sarzonia. Two of these teams will be drawn in each group.
And now, to the draw!
And the first team to be drawn from Pot A - going into Group A - will be.....TURORI!
Which leaves, to go in Group B.....KRYTENIA!
Now to Pot B. The first team drawn, going into Group A, is.....XILE!
The next team, going to B, will be.....SARZONIA!
The final team for Group A will be.....NEWI CEFN DRUIDS!
And rounding off the draw, into Group B, is, of course.....NOJIKA!
So, to recap:
GROUP A (Avid-Diord/Westleigh)
Vilita
Turori
Xile
NEWI Cefn Druids
GROUP B (Elliston/Remires)
Crystilakere
Krytenia
Sarzonia
Nojika
Fixtures will be announced later in the week. |
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Krytenia |
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Now With Added Bekk! |
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Vilita/Turori Happy with Group Draw.
The Vilita and Turori National teams today departed for Krytenia to begin warmups for the AOCAF. They were surprisingly pleased to be drawn against each other, which will be the first time the Nations have faced each other despite their proximinty. Powerhouse nation Xile, and controversial nation Soul Expression were also drawn in the Group of Excitement, Group A. Group B looks to be a less exciting affair, with the underspoken Crystilakere & Nojika joining the hardly spoken Sarzonia in the hosts group. |
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FIXTURES FOR THE AOCAF CUP
Matchday One - Saturday 12th June
Vilita - Xile (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
NEWI Cefn Druids - Turori (Green Street, Westleigh)
Crystilakere - Sarzonia (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Nojika - Krytenia (Tribeca Park, Remires)
Matchday Two - Monday 14th June
Xile - NEWI Cefn Druids (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
Turori - Vilita (Green Street, Westleigh)
Sarzonia - Nojika (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Krytenia - Crystilakere (Tribeca Park, Remires)
Matchday Three - Wednesday 16th June
Turori - Xile (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
Vilita - NEWI Cefn Druids (Green Street, Westleigh)
Krytenia - Sarzonia (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Crystilakere - Nojika (Tribeca Park, Remires)
Semi-Finals - Friday 18th June
WINNER A - SECOND B (Green Street, Westleigh)
WINNER B - SECOND A (Tribeca Park, Remires)
Third Place Playoff - Sunday 20th June - Atterbrook Way, Elliston
Final - Sunday 20th June - People's Stadium, Avid-Diord |
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Krytenia |
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Now With Added Bekk! |
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Posts: 661 |
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Jungle Cats prepare for Xile Test
The Tropics of Vilita Jungle Cats began training today in preparation for their opening match of the First Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football. The opening match of the tournament, played in Krytenia, will see the Jungle Cats go up against diplomatic sidehands and regional powerhouse Xile. While Xile's inexperience favors a Vilitan Victory, many pundits believe that if Xile can hold on for a point, they may be able to progress through to the Semi Finals.
Xile will be boosted by their ability to train at home in the build up to the match, as their recent mass migration sees them just across the river from where the match is being played in Krytenia. |
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Coach Bryan Marshall looked at the matchups grimly. His inexperienced Sarzonians would be taking on the top-seeded Crystilakere side in the first international match in Sarzonia's history.
"Well, we sure get to start off with a bang, don't we?" Marshall quipped when asked to discuss the draw. "We can't go into this match hoping and praying for one point or even a competitive result. We have to go in there and throw everything we have at them."
Marshall said the team would employ a 3-4-3 formation in the first match with the possibility of adjusting depending on the opponent.
"We wanted to get our best attacking players on the pitch to start the match," Marshall said.
A minor controversy still surrounded the decision to start rookie Troy Perkins in goal, but Marshall dismissed the debate forcefully.
"To put it bluntly, Troy was better in training and he played better in the postseason. That's why he's starting." |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Posts: 577 |
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THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST
Bye Anticipates Nojika Test
Krytenia take a break from their World Cup qualifying campaign to participate in the AOCAF Cup. First up are rookie team Nojika.
Ed Bye commented: "We need to win this game. There will be much pressure on us as hosts, and hopefully we can get off to the best possible start. Watch this space people!"
Much confidence from the Celestials' camp then. |
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Krytenia |
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Now With Added Bekk! |
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Posts: 661 |
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Sarzonia Wins Shocker 3-2
Despite playing their first international match in the history of Sarzonian football, the Stars pulled off a last-second 3-2 win over top seeded Crystilakere in injury time as midfielder Bobby Convey made his first shot on goal count.
Goalkeeper Troy Perkins made up for a shaky backline by making seven saves out of 19 shots by Crystilakere. Forwards Wilson Jordan and Brian Wilson also scored as Sarzonia took full advantage of its attacking formation to pull off the dramatic win.
"We knew going in that playing negative football wouldn't give us a chance to win," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "We had to throw everything we had at them since they were the top seed in our group and you saw the result.
"I have to give a huge salute to our side and the players for fighting hard for over 90 minutes and getting us a three point result."
"I just shot the ball," Convey said about the match winner that came with just seconds before injury time ended. "I knew if I didn't get it on goal, we wouldn't have much of a chance to get another shot, so I just went for it.
Jordan scored the first goal in Sarzonia's history in the 23rd minute, drawing the match even 1-1 after an embarassing breakdown in the Stars' end.
"There was no excuse for that," Perkins said. Despite the fact the defense broke down in front of him and he saved two point blank shots, Perkins still blamed himself for the Crystilakere goal in the 18th minute.
"I don't know what Troy's talking about," Convey said. "If we didn't have him in there, we wouldn't have had a chance to win the match."
Marshall agreed.
"Our defense was shaky, especially in the first half. We tightened things up in the second half, especially after the goal five minutes into the second half, but we need to do a better job defensively if we expect to move into the next round." |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Posts: 577 |
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After Sarzonia's 3-2 upset win over Crystilakere in the opening match of the AOCAF tournament, Coach Bryan Marshall surprised beat writers covering the national side by announcing a lineup change.
Forward Brian Wilson will be sent to the bench while defender Taylor Williams steps into the starting 11 for a 4-4-2 formation.
"Our defense against Crystilakere was shaky and we need to solidify the back line," Marshall said. "Wilson played well for us and getting a goal in international competition is not something to be quiet about. But we need a little more experience out there. We really want to get the full three points in this next match against Nojika with our last match being against the host country Krytenia. If we get the full three points, we're through to the next round no matter what happens."
"It's the coach's decision," Wilson said. "Sure, you're disappointed when you're not out there, but Coach told me he would put me in if we need an offensive substitution."
"He'll have many days ahead when he'll start matches for our national team," Marshall said of Wilson. "Right now, we need more experience on defense. If we can win, he'll start the next match." |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Posts: 577 |
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Vilita 2 - 1 Xile
(Cairns 17, DuPont 36) - ( Minoa 20p )
Vilitan striker Serge DuPont scored his first Regional goal with the winner against Xile, and Elekim Cairns was also on target in a 2-1 win - the best possible start for the Founding Nation in the first AOCAF Atlantian Oceania Regional Championships.
Much had been made recently about DuPont's youth and whether he would be able to perform regularly for the national team - particularly after in-form striker Carmine Mbidzo was called in to the Regional squad for support - but the Vilita striker answered his critics by setting up one goal and netting another.
It took just seventeen minutes for DuPont to help the favorites on their way against an insecure Xile side, heading goalwards from Tanner Nerni's right wing corner, Xile keeper Iris Blueleaf making the save, only for Cairns to turn home the rebound at the far post.
The Jungle Cat's early lead lasted barely a minute however as from the restart Metteo Ollirg was harshly ajudged to have impeded Xile frontman Vintage Jackson, Kari Minoa stepping up to sweep a left footed penalty into the bottom corner.
Vilita Coach Baron O'Toole had been a more animated than normal figure on the sidelines, clearly not completely happy with his teams approach, and after little more than half an hour captain Nigel Chapman made way for playmaker Sublé Tonic, making his Senior National Debut.
That paid almost immediate dividends, as nine minutes from half-time DuPont stole in to power home a header from Esemar Aliana's right wing cross to put the Jungle Cats back in front - the relief on the strikers face tangible after his recent critiques.
The second half produced no further goals as the favorites stoutly defended their lead, although Tanner Nerni was denied after a strong run past defenders and in on goal, whilst at the death Marasent Sioane teamed with sub Carmine Mbidzo to go close with a curling effort.
Vilita Lineup:
| CODE |
#82- Rory Issah [GK]
#1 - Elekim Cairns [D]
#5 - Emarka Laniora [D]
#6 - Matteo Ollirg [D]
#0 - Esemar Aliana [D]
#26 - Nigel Chapman [M]{CAPT}
#43 - Umberto Melli [M]
#41 - Marasent Sioane [M]
#44 - Tanner Nerni [M]
#18 - Jim Vella [F]
#12 - Serge DuPont [F]
SUBS:
#11 - Carmine Mbidzo [F]
#93 - Sublé Tonic [M]
# 9 - David Leacock [D]
# 8 - Baron O'Toole [U]
#85 - Jimmy Kater [GK]
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THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST
Nojika No Joke
TRIBECA PARK, REMIRES - Krytenia spluttered into life on Day 1 of the championships, drawing 2-2 with inexperienced Nojika.
Ari Smith and Roger Celsen put the Celestials in front in the first half, but a commendable Nojikan fightback saw their co-captain Andrew Beat and winger Carlos Amoa score late on.
More is needed against Crystilakere.
KRYTENIA..........2 (Smith 22, Celsen 37)
NOJIKA..............2 (Beat 74, Amoa 82) |
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Krytenia |
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Now With Added Bekk! |
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Posts: 661 |
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Draw leaves Marshall, Stars Fuming
Coach Bryan Marshall tinkered with his lineup after Sarzonia's 3-2 upset of top-seeded Crystilakere Saturday. Marshall said he hoped to solidify a defense left exposed in the win. However, the Stars defense conceded three goals in the first 35 minutes and a tying goal by second half substitute Brian Wilson only drew the match even 3-3.
"Very disappointing," Marshall said in a press conference marked by the coach's somber mood. "Our offense has been putting the ball in the back of the net, but the defense isn't up to international level. We're now in a must-win match against the host country.
"I can't fault [rookie goalkeeper] Troy [Perkins] for all of that," Marshall said when asked if he'd consider making a change at goalkeeper. "I still have a lot of confidence in Troy. Our defense let him down by allowing 27 shots, 18 on goal. Remember he made 15 saves and one of the goals was a penalty kick [in the 35th minute]."
"I'd definitely like to have that penalty kick back," Perkins said. "I thought I gave up a bad goal in the fourth minute, though I thought I did a decent enough job in the goal in the 10th minute."
"We're probably not going to do anything drastic," Marshall said. "But Brian Wilson definitely will get a start in the last match. He made a difference from the moment he set foot on the pitch."
The Sarzonians climbed back into the match with goals in the 28th minute and the 47th minute, then Wilson struck a brilliant volley off a Bobby Convey free kick in the 79th minute that drew the match even.
"We have a habit of playing inspired football for 45 minutes, but we need to play a 90 minutes," Convey said. "Otherwise, we're going to go home early." |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Posts: 577 |
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Coach Bryan Marshall announced two lineup changes:
Antonio Bresco was inserted into the starting 11 in place of midfielder Barry Owens. The team would continue to play a 4-4-2. Marshall said the move was made to address a defense that has conceded six goals in two matches.
"We've been very shaky defensively, especially in the first halves of the two matches," Marshall said. "That has to improve. Our communication on the back line has to improve. Our communication between our backs and our midfield has to improve." Marshall said Bresco would be replaced in the second half by a defender if the team is leading the match or by an attacking midfielder if the team is trailing.
"We know we're likely going to get 60, 65 minutes tops out of Bresco," Marshall said. "Hopefully, he can set the tone to steady our defense until the second half, when we seem to get our legs."
Also, forward Brian Wilson returned to the lineup, sending Anton Gregor to the bench.
"Our creativity really improved in the second half when Brian was in there. I know he's young and he's inexperienced, but he has an instinct for playing that really added to our ability as a team," Marshall said. "Our ability to play Sarzonian football was non-existent for the first half and when I sent Brian on in the second half, our offense really picked it back up.
"Getting one point in the host nation would probably be a realistic goal," team captain Bobby Convey said. "But we're going to go out there trying to get the full three. That's the only way we're going to be sure that we'll go through to the next round."
This post has been edited by Sarzonia on Jun 14 2004, 09:51 AM |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Posts: 577 |
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DSR
Druid
Sports
Review
DRUIDS PROGRESS TO AOCAF SEMIS
By Wayne Ottgunn-Irwin in Krytenia
After being accepted as a late replacement for the departing Soul Expression side, NEWI Cefn Druids have come into the regional championships of their new region, Atlantian Oceania, and given a reasonably good account of themselves. Despite being regional champions before, this was in their former region of Axis of Absurdity, where they were only one of two footballing nations, and the other one, Carpet, would only get into the Druid third division.
But now they have moved on. They are in a new location, and one that already seems more homely. This has also shown on the football field, where the Druid National Team are unbeaten in all competitions since the move. Here in Krytenia, the Druids have gotten themselves two wins, one against Vilitan colony Turori, the other against footballing newcomers Xile.
The two Druid performances were less than convincing, but their opposition were much more challenging than they have faced in any previous regional finals. First up were Turori, who started up slowly, but rallied towards the end and almost caught the Druids out. Firstly, Frederiksson, Gessemschmitthaagen-Po and Holmes put the Druids into a 3-0 lead, and a seemingly unbeatanble position. But then the Druids became complacent. Amos Hinton tried to stop a Turori counter attack by slicing down Vumaou, getting sent off for his efforts. From the resulting free kick, Banda had his effort palmed away by Garth, but only to Tbaiao, who but a simple header into an empty net. Soon afterwards, Banda found himself one-on-one with with the keeper, and an unlikely comeback looked possible. But, somehow, after no less than three goalline scrambles, the Druids came away with the three points.
Next up were an unknown quantity in Xile, who put in a brave performance but just didn't have enough on the night. A double for Trevor Belmore saw off their opponents, but not before Vintage Jackson put Xile ahead with an absolute rocket from 35 yards out that Garth had absolutely no chance with. Belmore's goals weren't in the same class, but he is effective at what he does, and in scoring from a rebounded Posters effort and heading home a corner, he did his job well and got the Druids through to the semis.
Before then, though, is the toughest game of the group stage, against Vilita. The last game between the Druids and the Jungle Cats ended up with a pretty convincing Vilita win, but that was in Vilita in another tournament game where both were already in the next stage. But it was a longer journey back then, now they're our neighbours. Oh, and it's a neutral venue, not in Vilita. So the Druids will fancy their chances of revenge. However, there is still top place in the group to play for, and it will be interesting to see how much Vilita want that place, and whether the Druids are actually that bothered. One things for sure - I wouldn't like to pick a winner!
This post has been edited by NEWI Cefn Druids on Jun 14 2004, 10:59 AM |
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