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| QUOTE (Project Erosis Field Report) |
Project Erosis - Phase III
Field Test Progress Report
Breann Mikkola, Supervising Controller
Today our test subjects had a very tough test against the host squad of Lamoni. The political tensions that have surrounded this version of the AOCAF only seem to have made the match that much more important for the hosts, if you wish to look at it that way. The Hawks had the hopes of not only the Lamonian people but somewhat of the SDL riding on their ability to win this match.
On the other hand. The Nyriad test group had little to prove beyond the fact that the Erosis Project has been a successs. And our subjects proved that once again as they earned a 1-1 draw with the hosts and powerhouse side of the SDL.
The Lamonians mistakenly took the furious start of the match by our subjects as anger related to political issues. Rather it was an assault designed to give the Nyriads the early advantage. The anger part just seems to come naturally when an entire stadium boos upon your arrival on the pitch. Marline Stopp’s goal in the 10th minute was just what we had drawn up in the game plan. Lamoni of course would equalise things before the half as Mccawley scored. But as was stated, we expected this.
Lamoni media stated “The Vegans looked sluggish during the rest of the first half, and not even the halftime strategy session did not do them much good, as neither side could figure out the others defense in the second half” That might be true but they forgot to mention that their squad was no better in this respect. That fact is evidenced in the 1-1 final score.
Despite reports that state otherwise, the victory here went to our test subjects, as we were in fact the lesser ranked of the two sides. The result gives our subjects a much needed boost, while demoralizing their own squad’s psyche. That is the result we intended when preparing for this match.
End Report |
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And The Dryads Keep Rolling Along!; Myrtannia Shuts Down TLC
SPOKANE ROUND in Lamoni - The biggest surprise in Group D of AOCAF XVI is, in most minds in Halosen at least, the incredibly strong play by the Myrtannian national team. Three matches in, the Dryads have remained consistantly near the top of the rankings of the group despite highly ranked opponents in each of said matches. First came the hard-fought draw with regional founder Vilita on Day 1. Then came the shockingly decisive 3-1 win over Krytenia on Day 3. On Day 4, Myrtannia would face a team they had yet to defeat: the BStars of the Lowland Clans.
Maybe it's just the air in Lamoni, or the fact that this AOCAF has been almost a home pitch atmosphere for Myrtannia, but everything is going in their favor so far. While other teams are more watched - the seeming resurgence of Lamoni, the apparent stumbling of Starblaydia, the steamroller that is Hypocria, Myrtannia has happily flown under the radar. It appears that the Pacitalian prediction that Myrtannia can contend for first in group is coming true. But first, to the coverage of Day 4, and the clash between the Lowland Clans and the Dryads.
Once again, Myrtannia was unaffected by the higher ranking of TLC, and once again that might've only served to put a big target on the collective backs of the BStars. During the national anthems presentations, it was hard to hear the orchestral recording of 'Stand Strong, United Isles' as it played; the Dryads Army, in full force, sang louder than the public address system blared the music. At its conclusion, the Army resumed its usual flag-waving, chanting, and general rowdiness it's become known for.
The energy of the Dryads Army was mirrored in the play of the Dryads on the field, as they took control early and never let go. Just like Krytenia before them, the Lowland Clans' defense couldn't hold back the tide of Myrtannia's forwards for long. After a few good plays by the BStars on their half of the pitch, the Dryads intercepted a pass and found an opening. Dania Figary had intercepted the pass, and pushed forward after a missed sliding tackle by a TLC defender. When she neared the goal, entering the penalty box, she passed it off to Sabra Nang, who took the shot.
TLC's keeper deflected the shot with a marvelous dive, but Figary was right there to head the ball back past him into the net. The score became 1-0 in favor of Myrtannia, and Figary was tied with Deeann Massetti for most goals all-time in AOCAF play by a Myrtannian. For the rest of the first half, Myrtannia would control the pace of the match, and toy with TLC, though no more scores were registered off the shots on goal they took.
"We're focused out there today, and we're not about to let this opportunity slip away from us. When we come back out onto the pitch, we're going to give them more of the same, and see how they like that," coach Gabino told a Myrtannian reporter before heading into the lockers at the half.
As promised, the second half fostered more of the same for Myrtannia, as they continued to control the pace of the match. Only once did TLC get into the back third of the pitch belonging to Myrtannia, and at that time, Orpha Mega put a stop to the invasion quickly. With the attack pressing so often, another goal wasn't just possible, it was inevitable. Eventually, something would crack in the BStars' defense, and Myrtannia would burst through.
That something occured when September Rollock edged past a TLC defender, and found some open space between her and the goal. Rather than try a risky shot, she crossed it over to Roz Gabino, who was more than happy to oblige with a strike. Her shot was a powerful strike into the upper left corner of the goal that soared past the TLC keeper and sent the Dryads Army into a frenzy. It was now Myrtannia leading 2-0, and things were certainly looking up for the Dryads.
"After that goal, we figured out that we had the Clans right where we wanted them. It became our job to keep them there," Orpha Mega explained after the match.
That is exactly what happened, as the Dryads controlled the tempo of the match to their liking, and took a few more potshots at the goal. A couple of those nearly went in. As time ran short, Myrtannia kept the ball away from the BStars, and let the clock run out entirely. Finally, the final gun sounded, signaling another first in Myrtannian soccer: consecutive wins in the AOCAF group stage, not to mention more than one win in a group stage. After the futility of AOCAF XV, Myrtannia (2-1-0) now sits undefeated with two group stage matches remaining.
"It's a wonderful feeling to see all our hard work after last AOCAF paying off on the pitch. Now we just have to keep it up in the last two matches and we'll be sitting pretty for the knockouts. We have the motivation to go out and win the last two matches, too; we don't want to be stuck playing a Nedalia or Starblaydia or Hypocria in the round of 16. Our goal now becomes to finish in the top two of the group," coach Gabino added to earlier statements.
Already, Myrtannia has drawn with Vilita, and downed Krytenia and the Lowland Clans, and momentum could well see them finish in second or first now. The decision to leave Massetti off the roster has worked wonders for the attacking Dryads, who are playing perhaps their best football ever at the moment.
"We can't get ahead of ourselves, though," captain Dania Figary told AIR 4, "Because there's another match tomorrow. As much as we want to celebrate our successes so far, we'll be out on the pitch practicing hard as always. At this stage, we can't take anyone lightly; anyone could spoil our chances of reaching our goal, and we just can't allow that."
Up next for the mighty, orange-clad Dryads are the Warriors of Milchama, who are looking to rebound from a 1-3 loss to Vilita/Turori. Despite Milchama's two losses, Myrtannia is certainly going to treat them as if they were undefeated and a contender for the top spot in Group D. Myrtannia has never beaten Milchama, either, but they proved today that history doesn't neccessarily enter into it now. They'd never beaten TLC before, but today they handed the BStars a 2-0 defeat. For now, the Dryads sit atop Group D, despite a clerical error by the Lamonian AOCAF body (Myrtannia: 2 W, 1 D, 0 L, +4 GD/Vilita & Turori: 2 W, 1 D, 0 L, +3 GD). Tomorrow, we shall see if that trend will continue, or if Milchama change things. The way things are going, the Dryads look to be a lock to just keep rolling along.
The final score from Spokane Round in Lamoni:
Myrtannia 2 - 0 The Lowland Clans
(Figary 25', Gabino 74') (None) |
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Az-cz Scroll
Lamoni
Em-Nm
Az-cz struggles with Tocapa, escapes with a point
Despite the claims from the Lamonians, Tocapa looked better in the draw than Lamoni looked in the two goal win.
Playing a 4-4-2 instead of the usual 3-5-2 Az-cz just couldn't get their midfield set up. The Tocapa team was able to take advantage of their midfield and was basically in control the entire game.
Tocapa took the lead in the 39th minute off of a clever set of plays. Az-cz seemed to be a step behind each play until the goal whistled past Dn-Zf.
In the second half Tocapa stepped up the pressure and threatened to extend their lead a number of times but either Ns-Ta or Ml-Dni made sure that the best shot they could get off was one Dn-Zf could get to.
In the 69th minute Menegroth brought on Lur-Mn for Dugl-Bugl to push the offense more forward. Eventually his plan worked, but it took time. In the 83rd minute Ml-Dni snuck forward and launched a beautiful cross that Bub-Rub slotted home.
The Gnomes continued to try to push forward, but they couldn't find the net again and the game ended at 1-1, for all intents and purposes ending the Az-cz dream of qualifying.
Stats
Az-cz Scorers 83 Bub-Rub
Possession Az-cz 36% Tocapa 64%
Shots Az-cz 5 Tocapa 14
Corners Az-cz 0 Tocapa 2
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Back to Winning Ways on MD4
Starblaydia still conceed two vs Mice
It wasn't pretty, it wasn't excellent, but it was a win. At least Starblaydia got their shooting boots on for this game, smashing four past a, erm, mouse. Brilliant. What superstars they are, really. Starblaydia have jumped back up to third in the Group, which is only slightly higher than when Starblaydia didn't play on Matchday One.
Sitting behind both host Lamoni and the afforementioned defeated Mice of Miceland, Starblaydia will require at least two more wins from their three remaining matches if they are to have any chance of qualification. How long has it been since we've had to make that kind of prediction? Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, the Hurin Menegroth-led Az-cz and, of course, hosts Lamoni stand between Starblaydia and the next round of knockouts.
In other news, Starblaydi striker Maivia Von Erich struck the landmark goal of his career, equalling the benchmark for any successful Starblaydia striker, his fifteenth senior international goal. The Widdrington Wolves stalwart, 32, is now in the pantheon of recognised Starblaydi strikers, part of the famous 'Rapaii 15' (Predator 15) club for anyone who equals the record Nikola "Laser" Lazerevski had set for the country when he retired just before World Cup 17. Congratulations, Maivia!
Final score:
The Mice of Miceland 2 - 4 Starblaydia
(Reepicheap 24, ComputerMouse 39) - (Niodonna 15, Rocca 34, Von Erich 61, Cravex 75)
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The final whistle blows at the end of matchday four, ringing out through the Pie & Pixie where it is greeted... by stunned silence.
"Um, George?" Ali says quietly. "Did... THAT... really happen?"
"I don't know Ali, I... I..." George stutters, clutching his niece's newly-repaired laptop. "I mean, that was... Aurendia, and they... beat us?"
"This can't be happening. That's it, it's all a dream, a big nasty dream and I'll wake up in a minute. George, am I dreaming?"
George answers that by giving his friend a huge slap right in the mush. Ali stares at him in disbelief.
"That... that hurt a little." he said, blinking in disbelief. "ARRRGGGHH! IT WASN'T A DREAM, IT REALLY HAPPENED!"
Fixtures
MD1: BETTIA 3-2 Dorian & Sonya
MD2: Bye
MD3: BETTIA 5-1 Neu Amerika
MD4: BETTIA 1-2 Aurendia
MD5: BETTIA v Bazalonia
MD6: BETTIA v Hypocria
MD7: Bye |
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Bettia |
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We don't do defence |
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Retrieved from www.claudiogonzalez.cit.sb
New blog entry: Mistakes and Apologies
I hereby apologise to the governing body of football in Lamoni for the comments I made in my previous blog entry. Those comments were written while I was still angry at our defeat at the hands of Nojika and, though I still do not believe many of the refereeing decisions made on the night were correct, to accuse fellow professionals in the game of football of cheating is unjust as best.
Still, there are three games to go in this group and to be in third place is no real trouble at this stage. We just need to make sure that we keep the Vegans off our coat-tails while overtaking the Micelanders for second spot. Hopefully we'll have sealed a qualification spot before we have to play Lamoni, as with qualification on the line, playing the hosts at home, in the last group game before the knockouts will be perhaps a little more pressure than we require at this stage. Though we really have heaped that pressure on ourselves already having lost to Nojika the game before last.
We'll still be in with a great chance to qualify, but nothing is set in stone quite yet. Anyone can lose to a nobody-team. Even the defending champions 
CG
Claudio González is a nineteen year-old defender, playing at attacking left full-back or occasionally centre-back. He is currently the owner of the #3 AOCAF shirt and plays for Tribe Urjali (www.urjaliwhites.co.sb) in Liga Starblaydia. - N.B. Claudio, assuming the match against Andossa Se Mitrin Vega goes to plan, should come on at half time in that match, to make sure that Claudio has learnt not to post inflamatory rubbish on his blof. |
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MC: Here we are after a disappointing performance against Tocapa. We came away with a point, but were hoping for much more. Joining us today are coach Menegroth, Zax-Im and Man of the Match
Menegroth: This was the worst we've played all tournament, I think. At least against Lamoni and Miceland we basically held our own against good teams. But struggling against a poor team like Tocapa is just not good.
Az-cz reporter 1: What are you going to do with the bye day?
Menegroth: Train. Practice. Work. There's no time for rest.
Az-cz reporter 2: Are you nervous about the match against Starblaydia?
Menegroth: No. Considering how we've played so far, we're going to be expected to lose, so there's nothing to worry about.
Az-cz reporter 3: What's the goal for the last two games?
Menegroth: Improve. Compete. Earn points. Earn respect.
Az-cz reporter 4: The same question every week, why can't anyone other than Bub-Rub score?
Menegroth: I have no idea.
Zax-Im: It's just a question of making plays. Bub-Rub is. The rest of us aren't.
Az-cz reporter 5: Ml-Dni, how did you earn the Man of the Match today?
Ml-Dni: I think my defense was big in keeping us close and the cross I made was also big.
Az-cz reporter 6: Looking to after this tournament, do you think you'd like to stay in Az-cz?
Menegroth: I don't really know.
MC: Alright last question.
Az-cz reporter 7: Any lineup changes for the next game?
Menegroth: There will be, but I'm not sure what yet.
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MD 5 RP CUTOFF |
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Democratic Maniac |
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Posts: 1952 |
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Hawks still sitting pretty, defeat Mice
Lamoni took sole possesion of first place in group A today with a 2-1 victory over the Mice of Miceland. Before the match, the Lamonian players expressed their frank curiousity about the bigulated mice; stopping to chat with them during pre-game warmups. Most of the team ended up chatting with ComputerMouse, which is ironic, considering that ComputerMouse was the... erm... mouse behind the lone Miceland goal of the match. This goal came at thirty nine minutes in, and inspired a brilliant crossbar goal by Ludlow one minute later on a cross pass by Tomes. Ludlow would score again ten minutes after that to put the game away for Lamoni. As mentioned, the win places Lamoni in first place, and all but ensures advancement to the round of 16 for the Hawks.
Lamoni would love to stay in first place all the way to the end of the group stages, but such teams as Nojika and Starblaydia stand in the way. We face Nojika next, and we CANNOT afford to take them lightly after they defeated Starblaydia 2-0 on matchday three. Starblaydi media is STILL reacting to that loss.
After we face off Nojika, we will be facing regional rivals Starblaydia. The Starblaydis will likely earn their qualification against Az-Cz on matchday six, unless Coach Menegroth and company can pull off the upset. However, that is regarded as highly unlikely. Though, if this AOCAF has shown anything, it is that rules are made to be broken. Once Starblaydia qualifies by winning against Az-Cz, this is expected to be the regional grudge match that everyone and their dog will try to get tickets to. We have heard rumors that President Stone has invited Queen Sonya of Dorian & Sonya to watch the Lamoni-Starblaydia match, but no reply has come back from the Queen as yet.
Lamoni - 2 Ludlow (40, 50)
Miceland - 1 ComputerMouse (39) |
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Dryads Vanquish Warriors, Remain On Top of Group; Figary Strikes Into History
SPOKANE ROUND in Lamoni - At the beginning of Day 5, Myrtannia held the top spot in Group D, much to the surprise of the domestic media. Group D, considered a candidate for Group of Death at the beginning of the tournament, has been panning out rather nicely for the Dryads. A day after toppling The Lowland Clans, Myrtannia was set to face the Milchama Warriors, whom they had yet to defeat.
Milchama entered as the higher seeded and ranked side, but had lost two of their first three. Myrtannia, on the other hand, entered with two wins and a draw, and a strong determination to obtain a win against their adversaries. It wasn't going to be an easy match, as the Warriors would be fighting to keep hopes of advancement to the knockout stage alive. The Dryads would be fighting for a win that would virtually gaurantee them a spot in the round of 16.
At the stadium, if there were any Milchama supporters, they were overshadowed by the vast majority of spectators who wore orange and blue. Or at least it seemed that way to us. The Dryads Army gave their side a standing ovation as they made their way onto the pitch for warm-ups; an ovation that lasted five minutes solid. On another note, the Myrtannian fans are reported to have poured countless Sohners into the Lamonian economy, which may serve to strengthen the already strong relationship between Nephi and Halosen.
Back on the pitch, Myrtannia treated the match as all business, and performed well in a highly defensive first half. Neither side got many good looks, though there were a few close calls (most of them Myrtannian shots on goal). Orpha Mega spearheaded yet another potent defensive stand as the Warriors were denied any opportunity to score. When the Warriors did manage to get a shot off, veteran Flo Krabel put a stop to every attempt.
The first half ended in a scoreless stalemate, and both sides went to the lockers trying to come up with a strategy to break the deadlock. Both sides had much at stake in the match, and coach Rachell Gabino reportedly gave the Dryads a long pep talk. Only action on the field would tell whether this would be a successful tactic to motivate the Dryads.
"Milchama played as well as we'd anticipated, which is fine. We enjoy a good challenge," Gabino explained to AIR 4 before said pep talk, "We'll just keep coming at them in the second half, see what happens. They're a good side that's just had unfortunate luck so far. Of course, we'd love to add to that unfortunate luck today, and I think we will."
In the second half, the defensive and positioning battles commenced again, as Myrtannia gradually began to push the Warriors back. More often, Dryads forwads were able to break through the defense, and more shots on the Milchaman goal were taken. None of those went in at first, but the Dryads were hungry. Hungry for a goal that would keep them atop Group D, and in prime position to win a top two finish in the group when the dust clears.
"It was tough, but we kept pushing. We needed to break their defense, and somehow, some way, we were going to do it," September Rollock said.
Finally, the Dryads found the play they'd been looking for, just as the match entered its final ten minutes. A major push into the Milchaman half of the field was led by Daisey Martignago, who eventually passed it off to Roz Gabino. Roz got past a Warriors defender with some fancy footwork, then passed it over to Rollock. Rollock moved into position and spotted a teammate open in the penalty box, and crossed it over to her with authority. That teammate, Dania Figary, connected a perfect strike just as the ball got within range, booting it into the goal. Myrtannia took a 1-0 lead with only 8 minutes remaining.
Dryads mobbed Figary, who had done more than put Myrtannia up at a crucial stage in the match. With the goal, Figary surpassed Deeann Massetti to become the top international level scorer in Myrtannian history. The Dryads Army celebrated the feat as well, offering Figary another standing ovation that rivaled the one given to the whole team before the match.
"It was a fantastic sensation, even though I didn't realize what I'd just done at the moment. All that mattered to me was that we went up by a goal, and Milchama didn't have much time to do anything about it," Figary told the press after the match, "A personal accomplishment like that doesn't matter as much as the team's overall performance."
With the goal to put some distance between them and the Warriors, the Dryads handled the rest of the match as they had the last two matches. Myrtannia simply kept the ball away from the Warriors, and controlled the pace as time ran out. As the final gun sounded, the Dryads were all smiles, realizing they had tied another Myrtannian record. This one was the record for most wins in a single AOCAF by a Myrtannian team. In AOCAF XIV, it took the Dryads two playoff wins to reach three total. AOCAF XVI has seen them reach that total with one match to go in the group stage.
"This win is very vindicating; now, we only have the one last group match left before we get a bye date, then a round of 16 matchup. It's a relief to not have to worry about whether or not we get through to the knockouts. Now, we'll go out there tomorrow and show Quakmybush just why we're so much improved over last AOCAF," coach Gabino added, "We're practicing hard, playing hard, and reaping the rewards of that hard work. I'll do all I can to make sure those rewards keep coming in for us."
The final group stage matchup will see Myrtannia (3-1-0) take on AOCAF newcomer Quakmybush (0-0-3), who have yet to taste any kind of success on the pitch in Lamoni. Despite that, the Dryads treat every opponent as a threat, and Quakmybush will be no exception. Myrtannia will be as prepared as they can be for the match, because a win and a Vilitan draw or loss gaurantees the Dryads the top slot in Group D. If that happens, expect a celebration of huge proportions on the part of the Dryads Army. The Dryads themselves will most likely just get back to work the next day in preparation for the round of 16. For now, the only thing on their minds will be Quakmybush.
The final score from Spokane Round:
Myrtannia 1 - 0 Milchama
(Figary 82') (None)
This post has been edited by Myrtannia on Sep 12 2006, 12:53 AM |
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Close Matches against Regions Best
Starblaydia and Lamoni, two of the best footballing nations in the reason and the two nations that have the greatest animosity between the 2. The Mice had played Starblaydia and then Lamoni. Starblaydia, the football powerhouse of the region scoring 2 goals more than the mice and Lamoni only won by 1 goal. By this reconning The Mice have certainly earned their 3rd place spot on the group 1 rankings.
Computer InputeMouse was the mouse that took the first goal and Ludlow in a counter-attack equaled the score and it was 5 minutes into the second hald that Ludlow once again after a counter attack. This might give Miceland the chance to reach the knockout stages of the AOCAF in their first attempt. |
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And That’s Five More
Stephen Murtagh reporting from Richland Field,
There is a certain amount of confusion back home in the Autocracy concerning the Hyppos’ recent run of form. The fans who witnessed truly abject performances in World Cup qualifiers in the past have been left scratching their collective heads as the men in blue and white rattled in five goals for the third game in succession, and the fifth time in their last eight AOCAF fixtures. Where was this type of performance then? Well quite frankly we don’t care. The Hyppos are turning on the style here and now and the fans are loving it.
The Necromancers of Dorian and Sonya became the victims of the latest round of ass kickery as the Autocracy’s finest once again hit the goal trail with a vengeance. And the opener just happened to be something of a record breaker. When Carlo Molinari tucked away a slide rule pass from Bassano he became the highest AOCAF goalscorer in Hypocria’s history. He moves onto 10 goals, one ahead of Andrei Shirko who now works with the national side’s strikers. Molinari may have broken the record but it was Victor Morinas who stole the rest of the headlines with a fine hattrick. The big striker netted the first two with his head. The first from Razin’s cross. The second, a simple headed finish after a Sousa scorcher had come back off the bar. As the halftime whistle blew the Hyppos were 3 - 0 up and cruising.
Any hopes the Necromancers had that the second half might be easier were quickly dispelled when fallback Espartero curled in a freekick from the edge of the box just four minutes into the second forty five. And the fifth followed midway through the half, Morinas controlling a lofted ball into the box on his chest and firing past the beleaguered Samantha. With the seconds ticking away towards fulltime the D&S fans finally had something to cheer about when Pirieda turned sharply on the edge of the box and hit a low shot that was deflected past Lomaia of the outstretched leg of Drago. But it was a minor blip on an otherwise dominant display.
Hypocria 5 - 1 Dorian and Sonya
Molinari
Morinas (3)
Espartero
There were upsets in the other two Group B matches on matchday 4. Neu Amerika actually got their act together long enough to beat Bazalonia 3 - 2. But in the shock of the round, and the tournament as a whole, holders Bettia went down 2 - 1 to AOCAF debutants Aurendia. And on matchday 5 the Aroras got back into winning ways with a 3 - 1 triumph over the BazaBs while Neu Amerika made it two on the spin against Dorian and Sonya, winning 3 - 2 again.
The HyperSport Upset of the Round
Group B - Bettia 1 - 2 Aurendia
They say the only thing more difficult than winning a title is holding on to it. Certainly the Aroras are not having it all their own way here in Lamoni. Sure, they’ve been winning matches but not in the gung ho style of four years ago. And the pressures of being the champions shone through against Aurendia as the AOCAF new boys came away with a stunning win.
Next . . .
Hypocria (8) v Bettia (2)
It’s the big one folks. The one the fans back in the Autocracy have been waiting for since the group draw. Not only are the Hyppos facing the reigning champions but it’s also a good old fashioned, blood and thunder, Verdana derby between two of AO‘s most attacking sides. Not to mention a game that should decide who tops Group B come the final reckoning. It’s a big match too for coach Marcus Baxter who spent the majority of his playing career in the Apex League with Sukatra Tigers. It will be a huge test of this team and although another five goals is rather unlikely a repeat of the result the last time the teams meet in this competition, a 2 - 0 Hypocrian win many moons ago in Fmjphoenix, would be nice. |
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After Initial Troubles, Revolution Brings Triumphs
The Sixteenth Atlantian Oceania Championship of Association Football is the first for the Socialist Union. It is also the Socialist Union's second inter regional competition of any kind. With the defending champions and former champions amongst group competition, the SUNA's first national team was not expected to do anything of note.
In the first two matches, our brave men in red fell in horrendous losses to Bettia and Hypocria, and something needed to be done. Suddenly, the team's coach had a revolutionary idea: why not put 11 men on the field instead of only 10? That led to his moving an additional midfielder into the starting rotation.
This decision has proven to be the most successful move yet for the SUNA in its inaugural soccer tournament. The first match to test the new formation was one against Bazalonia, who had made it to the Round of 16 in every one of their AOCAF appearances. It looked bad for our boys, who fell behind by two goals, but the might of the Socialist Union finally showed itself. Andreas Grivna single-handedly led the Socialists back from the dead with a hat trick, all of them in the second half of play.
Next on the list were the Dorian and Sonya Necromancers, who also could not stop the newly strong SUNA squad. SUNA scored three times in he first half - twice by Grivna, once by Zackary Czekaj. While he Necromancers scored twice to make it a contest, the SUNA was able to hold on to a victory.
With 2 wins and 2 losses, the Socialist Union sits in third place of their group with one match remaining. That match will be against AOCAF newcomer Aurendia, who have already notched an upset over Bettia. However, the Chief Socialist himself has full confidence in our men, who should prevail against the Aurendian threat.
Our scoring leaders:
Andreas Grivna - 5 goals
Zacakary Czekaj - 1 goal |
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Foxes take care of Qutar to remain undefeated
Vunghiasso nets a pair as Pacitalia keeps pace with Nedalia in Group C
LAMONI (PSN) -- A pair of goals from Andolfabio Vunghiasso was all the Blue Foxes needed to send the Qutari packing with their third loss in as many matches at AOCAF16's group stage. Conversely, Pacitalia's two goals sent the Blue Foxes off the pitch feeling quite pleased, as it meant a third win in as many games.
Pacitalia and Qutar both started off wary of each other's systems as they had never played each other before in any tournament. However, Pacitalia's experience and talent seemed to slowly tip the scales in favour of the home side as Qutari defence gradually succumbed to repeated attacks by the Foxes' front five.
Captain Veranace d'Amantano and fellow striker Ambrosino Giurimano seemed to act as decoys for a midfield-line offensive charge in the 42nd minute. Literally moments before halftime, Vunghiasso and Michelangelo Mascagnano were playing the ball up the left side and faked a pass forward to d'Amantano, but defenders took the bait and moved to challenge the ball from the Pacitalian captain. Instead, Vunghiasso flicked the ball cross-pitch to Andreos Charisteas, who brought the ball into the twenty-two yard box and lobbed the ball up into the air where Vunghiasso jumped and headed it low past the Qutari keeper for a 1-0 lead.
Vunghiasso, who is widely being noticed as the next great Blue Fox player, followed his first goal up with a beautiful rocketing strike in the 76th minute when he received another lob pass from Charisteas. The ball fell to Vunghiasso's feet and he took a 121kph shot that seemed to rip the net in half as it crossed the line and passed the bewildered Qutari keeper.
The Qutari match was widely seen as a rubber match before Pacitalia's biggest to-date challenge in AOCAF16 arrives Tuesday in the form of the Nedalia Lions. The Lions have been matching Pacitalia's play stride for stride: both are undefeated and Nedalia sits atop Group C because it has four wins in four games to Pacitalia's three in three. Pacitalia moves on to play Demot in the final match of the group stage and the Blue Foxes need to win at least one of the matches to qualify for the round of sixteen.
From Lamoni:
Pacitalia 2 : 0 Islands of Qutar
PAC: Vunghiasso 42', 76'
QUT: None |
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Pacitalia |
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