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Lamoni brings Vilita to a draw, looks to defeat Druida again
Nephi Times (Starblaydia)
Lamoni brought Vilita to a 1-1 draw today, bringing Lamoni's record to 2 wins and 1 draw with 7 points. The undefeated Hawks look to defeat second place Druida for the second time in this AOCAF, and look to be headed for a first place finish in group south.
"We are undefeated, but we are not going to let that get to us," said assistant coach Stepanovich, "we are still going to play each game like it's our last. Lamoni has a good chance of facing Sarzonia again in the playoffs, and this time, we intend to win that matchup."
Such a win would undoubtedly add to Lamoni's already laudable AOCAF record of performance, as well as confirm Lamoni as a team to be reckoned with.
This post has been edited by Lamoni on Nov 6 2004, 06:31 PM |
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First Loss For Starblaydia
Hopefully its the last loss as Crystilakere get revenge
Christian Benedetti struck in both halves as Crystilakere fought their way off the foot of the table and handed Starblaydia their first loss in the Fourth Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football.
Benedetti converted a controversial penalty that had resulted from a Rigoberto challenge on Kuhn. Starblaydi subsitute Stelios Doukas scored to level the two sides ten minutes after coming on, but Benedetti made it two with a fierce shot from ten yards.after good work from Kuhn and Baker.
'Kalse oversaw a good team today,' said Starblaydia Captain Spike Martin, 'his team came out and they were tough and wily. And they got the result, more importantly, that they'd probably deserved in some of their previous games.'
Starblaydia sit second on goal difference in the Eastern Table, tied on points with toppers Sarzonia. A lot could happen in this group, so we will wait for tommorow's scores to see how this Group of Death pans out.
| CODE | East
Pos Nation P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Sarzonia 4 2 1 1 4 2 +2 7
2* Starblaydia* 4 2 1 1 6 5 +1 7*
3 Crystilakere 4 1 1 2 2 3 0 4
4 Triagunation 4 0 3 1 3 4 -1 3 |
Final Score From the Jhanna City Rec:
Starblaydia 1 - 2 Crystilakere
(Doukas 72) - (Benedetti pen36, 84)
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Stars put one past Triangunation 1-0
The Sarzonian second choice national team started to get its legs under it with a 2-0 win over Crystilakere and continued its progress with a 1-0 win over Triangunation, dealing the 11th ranked team in Atlantian Oceania its first loss of the tournament.
"That was an important win for us to get," Coach David Bostwick said. "With Starblaydia and Crystilakere in the offing, we need to get all the points we can get before this thing's done."
Midfielder "Dix" Porter scored the only goal of the match with a direct free kick following a foul in the box by Triangunation's defensive midfielder on forward Bruce Badger. Porter's bending kick eluded the fingertips of the 'keeper and sailed into the net in the 42nd minute to send the Stars into the half ahead 1-0.
The teams traded scoring opportunities in the second half, with Stars keeper John Bartlett making six saves in the second half and nine overall to notch his third clean sheet of the tournament.
"Bartlett's been on the top of his game," forward and team captain Anton Gregor said. "He might even be in contention for Troy's [Perkins, the starting goalkeeper on the first choice national team] job."
"I'm not going to get caught up in all that," Bartlett said. "I've got a job I've got to do right now."
The Stars face Starblaydia, so far the only team to deal it a loss in this tournament.
"That's going to be a tough match," Bostwick said. "You saw what happened when we tried to deceive them."
The Stars said they would watch the tapes of Crystilakere's win to find out if there was something they could use to beat this Starblaydi national team short of sending the first choice team into the match.
"We'll see. If we find out they're sending their first choice side, we'll send ours," Bostwick said. "If not, we'll figure it out from there." |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Draw with Druida, win expected against Psytroxia
Nephi Times (Starblaydia)
The Hawks got into a draw with Druida today, bringing their record to 2-0-2. Lamoni is still number one in the group south rankings, and is expected to face either Sarzonia or Starblaydia in the playoffs. Lamoni is expected to have an easy time against already eliminated Psytroxia, but don't think that they will take this match lightly.
"While Psytroxia has yet to win a match in this AOCAF, we can't afford to treat them lightly," said assistant coach Stepanovich "they could somehow come back and win against us. There have been stranger things that have happened in AOCAF."
He then excused himself so that he could help the team study film of Psytroxia's matches. This team is playoff bound. |
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Though the government has taken its eyes off Xile in the sporting world, a dedicated fanbase still remains to watch the miserable performance of their team.
As it comes naturally, all foreigners representing an opposing team are violently persecuted daily. It has yet to be determined whether the persecution is worse after an Xilean win or loss.
Not much has been going on internationally, so the news stays focused on the matches. Coach Cy Maxelli is desperate for his team to a little better, remembing what happened to the last coach who's team performed so badly in the region.
Needless to say, the next few games will be watched vigilantly by all in the nation. |
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Punch-Drunk Psychosis |
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Falcons Near Qualification
Sitting in first on the last day
With a convincing 2-0 victory over Chacor Sunday night, Aquiliana came within a fingertip of qualifying for the AOCAF Finals. The Falcons currently reside in first place in Group A, with 10 points and a +5 GD. Xile is right behind them, withthe same 10 points, but only a +2 differential. Pedriana stil has a good chance of qualifying, with 7 points and +1, while Chacor has completely nosedived to the bottom, collecting only a draw so far.
The Falcons play Xile tonight. To qualify, they only need to gain a point from this match, or else lose by an amount that when combined with the amount that Pedriana wins by adds up to less than 4. The odds are good, but anything can always happen. |
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Stars in 'must win' mode after loss
Jhanna, Starblaydia -- The Sarzonian second choice national team missed out on an opportunity to book its ticket for the knockout stages in the fourth AOCAF tournament when the team dropped a 2-1 decision to host nation Starblaydia.
With Crystilakere's 4-1 win over Triangunation, the Crystils and the Stars are in a deadlock for the second playoff position in the Eastern group.
"We just didn't account for their offensive prowess the way we should have," Coach David Bostwick said. "We put ourselves in a must win situation against Crystilakere."
The Stars (2-2-1, seven points) didn't get on the scoreboard until it was too late -- 88 minutes late. By that time, forward Karl Robinson and midfielder Jose Tirado had put two goals past Stars goalkeeper John Bartlett in the first 18 minutes of the match. Bostwick sent in Marco Taglianetti to replace Bartlett, but the damage had already been done.
"It wasn't an indictment on Bartlett," Bostwick said. "We didn't help him enough defensively."
Midfielder Trevor Crenshaw restored some pride to the Stars when his one time header banged off the crossbar and off the back of goalkeeper Gavin Thornley's neck for the Stars only tally.
"I can't think about [scoring his first international goal]," Crenshaw said. "We've got to think about winning. That's the only way we're going to advance out of this group."
With the draws putting the third, fourth and fifth-ranked teams in Atlantian Oceania in the same group, the obvious concern for each team was advancing past the so-called "Group of Death." For the Stars, their thoughts would have to center on winning the match against their southern neighbors and the team the Stars beat 3-2 in their first-ever international match to kick off the AOCAF tournament.
"We've played a very close series against the Crystils," Bostwick noted. The Stars lost to Crystilakere 2-0 in the Cup of Harmony following World Cup 16 before beating them by that same score here.
"We're expecting their best shot," Bostwick said. "We're going to have to get in there with all our bullets firing." |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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4th Times a Charm?
Alikki-Corra, Vilita -- For the first time in their regional history, Vilita have not been the first team drawn in the AOCAF Group Stage. The Jungle Cats have finished top of their group in each previous competition, despite facing NEWI Cefn Druids and Crystilakere along the way. In AOCAF I, The Jungle Cats opened up by squeeking by newcomers Xile, before thrashing regional neighbors Turori by a team record 6-1 scoreline. The goalless draw with NEWI Cefn Druids was enough to see them through atop the group, earning them a first ever meeting with Sarzonia, where Serge DuPont sent Vilita through to the first ever AOCAF Final. However, a NEWI-Cefn Druid rematch would go in favor of the Druids.
Vilita were drawn first out of the hat again in the build-up to AOCAF II, before an opening match loss to former regional delegate Crystilakere. Vilita fought back with 4 straight group wins over Krytenia, Xile, Pedriana and Lamoni, before disposing of Lamoni again in the Quarter Finals. a Crystilakere rematch was on cards in the semis, where Vilita dissapointingly crashed out on home turf on penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw. They were able to easily take control of the third-placed playoff, relegating Sarzonia to 4th place.
In AOCAF III, Vilita made a mockery of their opponents in the group stage, sporting a perfect record with an average scoreline of (5.1)-(0.4). However, this success was quickly dunted with a 1-6 thrashing at the hands of now-hosts Starblaydia in the second round.
The Vilitan showing in AOCAF IV has been less than spectacular, with only a late ruling allowing teams to play each other twice saving the Regional Cats from an unlikely group stage exit. A Draw at Lamoni is the focus of the low points as Vilita look to rebound with victories in their final two matches to regain their position in the knockout rounds. |
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Hawks draw against Psytroxia, look for win against Vilita
Nephi Times (Starblaydia)
After getting a draw against still winless Psytroxia, Lamoni is looking to defeat Vilita and regain first place in group south. In their last match-up, the Hawks had a draw against Vilita.
Assistant Coach Stepanovich commented on Lamoni's progress: "We have two wins and three draws. We are simply going to have to do better than that if we are going to advance very far into the playoffs. We are hoping to start against Vilita. We gave them a draw the last time that we faced them, but we are going to go over the videos of their last matches with a fine tooth comb so that we can find every advantage. We would like to go into the playoffs with a 3-0-3 record. We should be able to do that, if our record trend holds."
Lamoni has been getting better in every AOCAF that they have been in. If that trend holds, they will defeat their oponent in the first stage of the AOCAF playoffs. |
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The Daily Druid
ANOTHER AOCAF ON THE CARDS?
By Björn-Trevor Frederiksson
Five games into their fourth AOCAF Cup campaign, and the three-times winners NEWI Cefn Druids remain unbeaten. In fact, they haven't even drawn a match yet, with five wins out of five so far. However, many people in NEWI Cefn Druids are looking a bit nervous this time, as they remember the fantastic start Vilita had last time before crashing out 6-1 to Starblaydia.
However, as per usual, the Druids are putting out what is effectively a first-choice 11, where most of their main rivals who also play in the World Cup seem to play teams with a few players in them that wouldn't get in otherwise. And so far, it has worked, they have won each of the three tournaments so far. It also means that teams like Lamoni, who do not have the distraction of a World Cup campaign, will also do well, and that seems to be how it is going so far.
However, everyone's favourites seem to be the Druids again. Not a pleasant pleasure to have, but favourites have to deal with it. Could it be a fourth championship? Well, we are still convinced that the Starblaydi team, with home support, will probably do it, but if the two meet again like they did last time, it's bound to be a close one! |
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The Tribune Tribune
Serving Druid Tribune and the surrounding area
RAINBOWS' DESTINY IN OWN HANDS
As long as they beat Psytroxia by five clear goals
By Trefor Blackmore
Things have gone reasonably well so far for Druida during their AOCAF Cup campaign. Last time around, they were nothing very special, but this time, they are putting in a decent challenge for a quarter-final spot.
The rainbows are currently third in their group, two points behind Lamoni and three behind Vilita. The top two, though, face each other in the final match. But how could an unlikely Druida qualification from the group stage occur? Well, for starters, they will have to beat Psytroxia no matter what, otherwise they have absolutely no hope whatsoever of hauling in their group rivals.
But what of the other game. Wins for Druida and Vilita would see the Jungle Cats and the rainbows through. However, if Lamoni win, then Druida must win by enough goals to close the gap in goal difference to Vilita. The difference is currently +3 in favour of Vilita, who have also currently scored four more goals than Druida. So, this effectively means that the goal difference needs to change by +4 in favour of Druida, but that could be made up with a combination of the size of the wins Lamoni and Druida have.
Finally, the worst possible result for Druida would be a draw between the top two. It would mean that only Lamoni, on 10 points would be catchable. However, Lamoni have considerably better goal difference and have scored far more goals than Druida. The equation simply means that it would take a Druida win by five goals to turn things around.
So we know what we have to do, we know it's pretty damn unlikely, but let's give it a shot anyway, eh? |
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Stars shine more than Crystils, 2-0
The Sarzonian national team was facing a do-or-die match for the right to advance to the knockout stages of the AOCAF tournament with its second choice national team. The so-called "B" team was in jeopardy of being eliminated from the tournament after group play for the first time in four years.
The Stars made sure not to let that happen. Behind five saves by goalkeeper John Bartlett and a goal from midfielder Darrell Bennett, the Stars blanked the Crystils, 2-0.
"That win was badly needed," Coach David Bostwick said. "If we lose this match, we go home. It was as simple as that."
The Stars (3-2-1, 10 points, 2nd place East Region) got on the scoresheet first when Crystils defender Alejandro Ayala muffed on a clear attempt and watched with horror as his mi-explicitive removed- ball slipped into the net past goalkeeper Gaetano Novello for the Stars goal just seven minutes into the match.
Crystilakere (2-3-1, seven points) were shocked by the sudden goal and pressed forward in an attempt to draw the match level, but a Stars defense that conceded four goals in the so-called Group of Death was more than up to the task. The Crystils' best chance to draw the match level came in the 39th minute off the boot of forward Benjamin Kuhn when he beat defender Trevor Crenshaw to a loose ball following a poor clear. Kuhn's one time bid met the grasp of Bartlett and the Stars went into the locker room at halftime leading 1-0.
The Stars applied the pressure and became the aggressors in the second half when Bennett stole the ball from Crystils midfielder Michael Baker and raced toward the Crystils end. He fired a one-time bid that scorched past Novello for a 2-0 lead 11 minutes into the second half. The Crystils applied pressure from then on, but it became the "John Bartlett show," defender Mark Bender said.
"Bartman was awesome," Bender said. "He wouldn't let Crystilakere into the match."
The Stars face perennial regional heavy Vilita in a quarterfinal match that Bostwick called, "the most difficult one we could draw.
"They've pretty much always been one of the best teams in the world. We're going to have to play well to even have a chance."
Bostwick may not get that chance. The Incorporated Football Federation said it was considering sending the first choice team coached by Dave Wilson into the match against the Jungle Cats.
"That's a decision that's up to the federation," Bostwick said. "I have no control over that." |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Lamoni and Vilita in scoreless draw, Hawks to face Starblaydia
Nephi Times (Starblaydia)
The Hawks qualified for the playoffs after finishing a scoreless draw with Vilita today. The seemingly odd result was maintained by excellent both teams' excellent defenses.
The Hawks will face AOCAF host Starblaydia in the playoffs. Assistant Coach Stepanovich puts it this way: "We know that we will have a tough match on our hands. Starblaydia has a very good team. However, we feel that we also have a good team, and that this game will be much more even than many might predict. I would give us a 50/50 chance of winning this match. We have a slightly better record than they do, but that won't amount to much."
The Times predicts that this match is too close to call. |
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Futility Kings Save Some Grace
Big Pimento avoids skunking with a 0-0 draw
It's been a sorry few years for Big Pimento sports.
They've stunk it up at World Cup Qualification so they're not very good right now.
They've stunk it up at Under-21 World Cup so they have no prospects.
They were kicking ass at the Basketball World Cup... before the host nation put a gun to their head.
And most recently... they've stunk it up at the AOCAF championships and now they're the laughing stock of Atlantian Oceania.
5 games... 0 points. Not bad for some no-named team to come out of nowhere like Somalialand, but Big Pimento was supposed to be one of the up-and-coming teams in football. Instead, they've flopped titanically, sucking on every level, earning them the new nickname of "Futility Kings".
In their final chance to keep a little dignity in hand, they got to play Nova Britannicus. No one really stepped it up for Big Pimento, they're effort was consistant with the rest of the tournament (i.e. bad), but for once, they were fortunate enough to catch a team on an off-night. No goals, no excitement, no score. It was a boring match but the most exciting news Big Pimento fans have heard in months. The Pimentos WOULD NOT be shut out.
But with that being the brightest ray of sunshine to touch down upon sports fans in quite some time in the Land of the Pimentos, it really makes you think... What a sad, sad time it is to be a sports fan in Big Pimento. |
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We're through, but is it really a blessing?
Llamas to face NEWI Cefn Druids in quarterfinals
Firstly, we apologize for the lack of government publications as of late. The press office burned down last week and has only just gotten back online. But despite that unfortunate occurrence, the world of sport has been much better for Pedriana, with a win over Chacor on the final day causing Pedriana to progress to the quarterfinals. Yes, you DID read that right. We didn't go 0-0-6, and we didn't even finish at the bottom of the table. We got second!
So how are we rewarded for our performance? We get to play NEWI Cefn Druids in the quarterfinals! Yes, the same NEWI Cefn Druids that won AOCAF all of the first three times and have gone 6-0-0 in this year's group stage. The same Druids that are ranked in the top ten in all the world. Pah, some reward for actually doing something this time -- we get to play the bloody Druids and lose 0-7 or some equally embarrassing score.
If you've been extremely happy lately and need to be brought back down to Earth, feel free to listen to the match live on National Radio 101.3 FM. |
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