International Domestic Soccer NewsWires

[Bettia]

APEX LEAGUE 7 - end of season report

First Division

Tiddles Park have been crowned champions of Bettia after the tightest title race ever seen in Bettian history which saw the top seven separated by just four points. Their title was made even sweeter by the fact that they beat their bitter city rivals Gabalfa Rovers by a single point thanks to the two teams playing out a dramatic last-day 2-2 draw along with Akani Sands' last-day defeat at Butetown Dragons. One point behind them came Banastra Forest, who were tied on points with cup finalists Sukatra Tigers.

Fortuna Bettialis' tenure in the First Division didn't last long as they finished rock bottom, five points adrift of Ceffinton Town. The third relegated team are CPD Porthbalfa, who were tied on points with Dynamo Dini and Grappenhall City but were ultimately made to pay for not finding the back of the net often enough.

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Tiddles Park              34  18   6  10   88   69   19   60
   2  Gabalfa Rovers            34  18   5  11   97   74   23   59
   3  Akani Sands               34  18   5  11   90   67   23   59
   4  Banastra Forest           34  16  10   8   85   71   14   58
   5  Sukatra Tigers            34  17   7  10   77   72    5   58
   6  Perumnasih                34  16   9   9   97   72   25   57
   7  Lorshill United           34  17   5  12   75   88  -13   56
   8  Butetown Dragons          34  15   5  14   76   70    6   50
   9  Ryoga Bay                 34  14   7  13   74   78   -4   49
  10  Tamrida                   34  14   6  14   66   69   -3   48
  11  Persubarnas               34  14   5  15   68   73   -5   47
  12  Lorshill City             34  12   5  17   77   93  -16   41
  13  Kirkwood Town             34  11   6  17   81   92  -11   39
  14  Grappenhall City          34  11   5  18   72   73   -1   38
  15  Dynamo Dini               34  10   8  16   80   95  -15   38
  ----------------------------------------------------------------
  16  CPD Porthbalfa            34  11   5  18   68   86  -18   38
  17  Ceffinton Town            34  10   6  18   72   82  -10   36
  18  Fortuna Bettialis         34   8   7  19   60   79  -19   31

Second Division

As predicted, Pen-y-Bydd have made a quick return to the top flight, winning the Second Division with a margin of four points from Downton. Also as predicted, Hyppo Fernley, Rhyngwladol Gabalfa and Budiwati City claimed the first three playoff spots, with the fourth spot going to Drutton United by virtue of their superior goal difference.

The relegation spots had been decided before the last matchday, with already dommed Racing Club Gabalfa joined by Maindy and Fiilghud Town joining them. It's a real fall from grace for Town after their amazing cup exploits last season, but financial worries have proved to be too much of a burden with them being forced to sell many of their better players.

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Pen-y-Bydd                34  22   4   8   99   64   35   70
   2  Downton                   34  20   6   8   93   68   25   66
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   3  Hyppo Fernley             34  20   4  10  102   67   35   64
   4  Rhyngwladol Gabalfa       34  20   4  10   93   75   18   64
   5  Budiwati City             34  19   6   9   92   74   18   63
   6  Drutton United            34  15   7  12   83   76    7   52
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   7  Persifera                 34  15   7  12   75   69    6   52
   8  Pontybalfa United         34  15   5  14   91   77   14   50
   9  Sonastra FC               34  14   6  14   83   92   -9   48
  10  Llanedalia                34  12   9  13   74   69    5   45
  11  Old Maxwellians           34  13   6  15   81   90   -9   45
  12  Roath Albion              34  13   6  15   77   92  -15   45
  13  Betws-y-Triw              34  11  11  12   75   69    6   44
  14  Grappenhall University    34  13   4  17   79   90  -11   43
  15  Tremwsa                   34  11   5  18   74   85  -11   38
  ----------------------------------------------------------------
  16  Fiilghud Town             34   8   6  20   65  100  -35   30
  17  Maindy                    34   8   5  21   69  105  -36   29
  18  Racing Club Gabalfa       34   4   5  25   64  107  -43   17

Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures
Drutton United vs. Hyppo Fernley
Budiwati City vs. Rhyngwladol Gabalfa


Third Division

The Third Division title was never in doubt, with Lorshill Engineers clinching top spot many weeks ago. However, the real drama was in who would be joining them, with any one of five teams in with a shout. Ultimately, it was Southward Ho! who claimed the second automatic promotion slot by a single goal from Emcorn, who suffered from a late wobble to let their rival slip through. They must now be content with a playoff spot along with Lower Sweeney, Treebrook Wanderers and Fforest Hen.

Just like the title race, the battle against relegation was decided before the final matchday. The fate of Huwbridge Town had never been in doubt as they ended up finishing elevent points from safety. Just above them came Al-Sheemal Tamrida, with BAF Chinterford also joining them in the drop zone.

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Lorshill Engineers        34  24   3   7   96   54   42   75
   2  Southward Ho!             34  16  10   8   84   70   14   58
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   3  Emcorn                    34  17   7  10   89   76   13   58
   4  Lower Sweeney             34  16   8  10   85   71   14   56
   5  Treebrook Wanderers       34  17   3  14   79   62   17   54
   6  Fforest Hen               34  15   9  10   84   69   15   54
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   7  Gorseborough Town         34  14  11   9   80   75    5   53
   8  Deudregg Dderw            34  15   5  14   91   76   15   50
   9  Zenit Tecnasi             34  14   5  15   67   71   -4   47
  10  1.FC Rendrew              34  14   5  15   72   78   -6   47
  11  Sageham Town              34  13   6  15   73   79   -6   45
  12  FOYNLS                    34  13   6  15   72   86  -14   45
  13  Tinting Warren            34  11  10  13   67   75   -8   43
  14  Upper Sweeney             34  10   9  15   76   81   -5   39
  15  Spiddaford Town           34  10   9  15   72   83  -11   39
  ----------------------------------------------------------------
  16  BAF Chinterford           34   9   7  18   69   96  -27   34
  17  Al-Sheemal Tamrida        34   9   3  22   68   95  -27   30
  18  Huwbridge Town            34   6  10  18   64   91  -27   28

Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures
Fforest Hen vs. Emcorn
Treebrook Wanderers vs. Lower Sweeney


Fourth Division

Just like the First Division, the Fourth Division title race went right down to the wire, with Lorshill Park Rangers finishing up on top, although they were almost made to pay for their late dip in form by Pifton Rovers, a team managed by a 250-year-old ifrit girl.

Likewise, the race for the playoffs was a tense one. Pen-yr-Heol finished a comfortable third, six points ahead of Caeranyuna and a further four ahead of Ceffinton United. The final playoff spot was a real three-horse race, with Porthbalfa Navy just edging it on goal difference from a rebranded Gabalfa Saints, whose playoff hopes were dashed by a last day defeat at Gilang Chandra.

The relegation battle was equally tight, although Fortuna South End will be dissappointed to finish five points away from safety. Mare's Tail Village are breathing a huge sigh of relief, thanks to their 4-1 home win on the last day, coupled with Alfalfa Kickers 4-4 draw. Gilang Chandra's last day heroics also came to no avail.

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Lorshill Park Rangers     34  21   6   7   87   57   30   69
   2  Pifton Rovers             34  21   5   8  105   69   36   68
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   3  Pen-yr-Heol               34  20   4  10   87   62   25   64
   4  Caeranyuna                34  17   7  10   95   76   19   58
   5  Ceffinton United          34  17   3  14   90   78   12   54
   6  Porthbalfa Navy           34  15   5  14   73   69    4   50
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   7  Gabalfa Saints            34  14   8  12   84   83    1   50
   8  Dhur Tihari               34  15   4  15   78   90  -12   49
   9  Arorair                   34  13   8  13   85   79    6   47
  10  Mihangel's Old Boys       34  14   4  16   79   81   -2   46
  11  UC Gabalfa                34  15   1  18   83   86   -3   46
  12  Llanbedistan              34  12   8  14   74   90  -16   44
  13  Cockbill Green            34  12   5  17   78   93  -15   41
  14  Shabilah                  34  12   4  18   83   95  -12   40
  15  Mare's Tail Village       34  11   5  18   66   79  -13   38
  ----------------------------------------------------------------
  16  Alfalfa Kickers           34  10   7  17   73   84  -11   37
  17  Gilang Chandra            34  11   4  19   74   97  -23   37
  18  Fortuna South End         34   9   6  19   70   96  -26   33

Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures
Porthbalfa Navy vs. Pen-yr-Heol
Ceffinton United vs. Caeranyuna


Fifth Division

After an enthralling title race which saw the lead change hands repeatedly, it was league new boys Rainy Grove who ultimately come out on top, clinching the title by a single point from Mirtaford Town. The Grovers also had the distinction of being the league's top scorers, finding the back of the net an incredible 112 times.

Loudoun Rovers finished a comfortable third, ahead of Waltham Dynamo and Porthbalfa City, whilst Thymeford Wanderers beat Huwrbidge Colliery to the last spot despite the Colliers' last day win.

The six teams making the drop into non-league football are Lara Kencana, Eastbeach Rovers, Chinterford Town, Gabalfa Steelworks, Hurnford Harriers and Marjaham Town. These teams will be replaced by the champions of the six regional conference leagues.

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Rainy Grove               34  25   1   8  112   67   45   76
   2  Mirtaford Town            34  24   3   7   97   64   33   75
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   3  Loudoun Rovers            34  21   3  10   95   68   27   66
   4  Waltham Dynamo            34  18   6  10   81   71   10   60
   5  Porthbalfa City           34  17   5  12   93   72   21   56
   6  Thymeford Wanderers       34  16   6  12   88   75   13   54
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   7  Huwbridge Colliery        34  17   3  14   85   81    4   54
   8  Persukaluma               34  15   5  14   89   90   -1   50
   9  Tremorgan Town            34  14   4  16   83   85   -2   46
  10  Old Akanians              34  13   5  16   77   89  -12   44
  11  Lorshill Victoria         34  11  10  13   89   82    7   43
  12  Al Jabari                 34  11   8  15   72   91  -19   41
  ----------------------------------------------------------------
  13  Marjaham Town             34  10   9  15   74   90  -16   39
  14  Hurnford Harriers         34  11   5  18   79   97  -18   38
  15  Gabalfa Steelworks        34   9   6  19   70   87  -17   33
  16  Chinterford Town          34   9   6  19   83  106  -23   33
  17  Eastbeach Rovers          34   8   7  19   74  103  -29   31
  18  Lara Kencana              34   7   8  19   72   95  -23   29

Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures
Thymeford Wanderers vs. Loudoun Rovers
Porthbalfa City vs. Waltham Dynamo

[Kura-Pelland]

Kura-Pellandi players transfer-listed and available for international transfer
Ages are at end of WC38

* Xavier Le Monde, 26, central/attacking midfielder, current club Delta Force Cardim. Fancy feet and still quick, though likely to slow down a bit soon. Consistently on the fringes of the national team. An excellent 'impact substitution' player for some teams, potentially the key creator of chances for a smaller side. SOLD to Turks' Club of Khatib, C&M
* Stephan Harltey, 20, left winger/centre-forward, current club Delta Force Cardim. It was his bad luck with injuries that arguably ensured Delta Force Cardim were relegated. That and bad management, anyway. Almost single-handedly kept his side up for a while with some absolutely stunning long-range goals, but is - for now - tactically naive, and injuries might be a problem. With this much potential, though, he may be worth taking a punt on.
* Bo Phelps, 17, left-back/central defender/sweeper, current club Harrington Lakeside. Also a stab-in-the-dark punt, although as he wants first-team football he probably won't go to a really big club. An embryonic mix of Roberto Carlos and Franz Beckenbauer, he has electric pace and a thumping (though not terribly accurate) shot, and will happily chase the ball seemingly anywhere. His tackles can be rash, but that'll probably improve over time. LOANED to Caires Sports Club, C&M
* Teddy Ozi-Mayer, 23, striker, current club AFC Neegera. A tall, hulking fox in the box who has been overshadowed by Wayne Harcef doing much the same only a bit better. Still more than capable of getting in amongst the goals, especially from set pieces and crosses. SOLD to Cathedral City, C&M
* Bryan Withers, 24, central/attacking midfielder, current club Curzek Rovers. Has demanded a transfer request after being made to play out of position on the left as part of a prodigiously talented midfield unit that never quite clicked - mostly because the left-footer amongst the four was the defensive midfielder, and not Withers. Still, that experience has meant he can deliver a cutting through ball with either foot. SOLD to Ammites FE, Vephrall (for start of 1751 season)
* Dennis Dubois, 18, striker, current club Achorpe Rovers. Already in the first team and already not liking it, as he hasn't clicked with Iain Menzel. Has pace and a powerful shot, and could become very good indeed. Achorpe would be particularly interested in purchasing a midfielder, particularly a right-sided midfielder, in exchange.

[Errinundera]

Errinundera Football Association

League results for season 2135

Premier League

                   P  W  D  L GF GA  GD Pts
Bola Mine         38 27  7  4 93 40  53  88
Rodger River      38 22  8  8 83 61  22  74
Bonang            38 20 12  6 60 35  25  72 
McKillops Bridge  38 19  7 12 82 59  23  64
Delegate          38 19  6 13 68 52  16  63
First Creek Falls 38 17  9 12 68 53  15  60
Deddick           38 17  9 12 69 58  11  60
Ootopia           38 16  9 13 60 59   1  57
Milosis           38 16  5 17 50 54  -4  53
Forest Shining    38 13 13 12 59 62  -3  52
Bemm River        38 13 11 14 59 66  -7  50
Malinns           38 13  7 18 78 84  -6  46
Murrindal         38 12  9 17 46 60 -14  45
Puggaree          38 11 11 16 61 74 -13  44
Wulgulmerang      38 11 11 16 44 66 -22  44
Monkeytop United  38 10  8 20 55 75 -20  38
Ellery Camp       38  9 10 19 59 72 -13  37
Three Sisters     38 10  6 22 46 66 -20  36 Relegated
Tubbut            38  8 11 19 42 62 -20  35 Relegated
Kanooka Creek     38  8  9 21 52 76 -24  33 Relegated

2nd Division

                   P  W  D  L GF GA  GD	Pts
Mount Ellery      38 22  7  9 85 47  38  73 Promoted
Bendoc            38 22  6 10 68 44  24  72 Promoted
Gelantipy         38 17 10 11 73 50  23  61 Promoted
Waratah Flat      38 16 11 11 64 61   3  59
Coast Range       38 15 13 10 62 56   6  58
Jackson Crossing  38 16  9 13 58 52   6  57
Goongerah         38 16  8 14 71 68   3  56
Craigie           38 14 13 11 70 65   5  55
Combienbar        38 14 12 12 82 78   4  54
Amboyne Crossing  38 15  9 14 68 69  -1  54
Butchers Ridge    38 12 16 10 57 56   1  52
Cabanandra        38 13 11 14 67 67   0  50
Buldah            38 13 10 15 59 66  -7  49
Woolybutt Corner  38 12 11 15 62 70  -8  47
Murrungowar       38 10 14 14 53 59  -6  44
Bally Hooley      38 11  8 19 62 78 -16  41
Yalmy             38 10 10 18 50 65 -15  40
Martin Creek      38 10  9 19 44 65 -21  39 Relegated
Tonghi            38  8 13 17 41 60 -19  37 Relegated
Club Terrace      38  9 10 19 51 71 -20  37 Relegated

Regional Leagues Knockout competition

Hayden's Bog                                Promoted
Dellicknora                                 Promoted
Pinnak                                      Promoted

Trivia
1. This is the Hawks' first ever EFA Premier League championship. They were the Second Division champions in the Association's inaugural season in 1999 and were promoted to the Premier League for the following season but only made the occasional appearance until 2115. They have not been relegated since, steadily improving to become the power they are today. The fortunes of the team have risen since the re-opening of Bola Mine's namesake gold mine.
2. It is the first time that a team from the Goolengook province has become the Premier League champion.
3. The champions broke the long-standing wins and points record for a single season, set at 26 wins and 84 points by Ellery Camp in 2003.
4. Almost 10,000 fans, miners and ferals were killed in the Battle of Bola Mine as recently as eight years ago.
5. The overall ratio of result games to drawn games for the Premier League (all teams) was also the highest ever on record at 291 results to 89 draws. The previous highest ratio was 289 results to 91 draws set in 2123.

[Bettia]

APEX LEAGUE 7 - finals report

Second Division Playoffs

The first of the Second Division playoff ties pitted Hyppo Fernley, riding on a crest of a wave thanks to their Hypocrian backer, with Drutton United, a team striving to emerge from the shadow of Grappenhall City as a dominant force in the Banstran rainforest. With so much to play for, it was no surprise as the two teams went at it tooth and nail. After an exhilerating first leg which saw the Hyppos notch up six goals to United's three, Drutton went into the second leg knowing they had to get onto the scoresheet early, and they did just that by hitting four first half goals to wipe out Hyppo Fernley's advantage. However, the home team recomposed themselves and scored twice in the second half to edge out the tie 8-7.

The second semi-final saw up-and-coming Budiwati City taking on a Rhyngwladol Gabalfa side looking to return to the First Division. The first match saw the two teams equally matched until the late stages when City scored twice to hand them a rather fortunate 4-2 win. The return tie was a tense match, made even tenser when Rhyngwladol scored midway through the first half. As the game wore on, Gabalfa poured forward in search of a second goal and they rewarded with a fine late strike to give them the game on away goals.

And so to the final, where Rhyngwladol were understandably confident thanks to their last gasp win. However, Hyppo Fernley weren't to be outdone and were quickly into the driving seat with two early goals, and neevr looked like losing despite a late rally by their opponents. Just the season before, Hyppo fernley were struggling against relegation and financial troubles, but the remarkable turnaround in their fortunes was confirmed when team captain Bryan Nestor lifted the Playoff Trophy, much to the delight of their fans who had made the long journey form the east of the country.

Semi-Final Results

Drutton United 3-6 Hyppo Fernley
Hyppo Fernley 2-4 Drutton United
(Aggregate: Drutton United 7-8 Hyppo Fernley)

Budiwati City 4-2 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 2-0 Budiwati City (2-0 AET) ()
(Aggregate: Budiwati City 4-4 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa - Rhyngwladol Gabalfa wins on away goals)

Final Result (at Tiddles Park)
Hyppo Fernley 4-2 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa


Third Division Playoffs

The first of the Third Division playoffs saw former top flight team Emcorn taking on Fforest Hen. Emcorn had been cursing their bad luck after they had missed out on automatic promotion on goal difference, and unfortunately for them their luck was not about to change. Fforest Hen won the first leg 2-1, leaving Emcorn knowing they had to turn it around on their home soil. However, fortune wasn't smiling on them and the Gwlad Teg team ran out 4-3 winners to give them a place in the final.

The other semi was a much more straightforward affair between two Banastran teams, Treebrook Wanderers, who like Emcorn had been playing First Division not so long ago, and Lower Sweeney, a team who were hoping to follow their local rivasl Upper Sweeney into the Second Division. After taking a commanding 5-0 lead in the first leg, Wanderers battled out a 3-2 win in their away match to secure an easy 8-2 aggregate win.

The final, billed 'Battle of the Forests' by the media, was predicted to be a tight game between two teams who had only been separated by goal difference. However, Wanderers appeared to be suffering from stage fright after they conceded a soft goal early on and Fforest Hen never looked like losing control, winning 3-0 in the end.

Semi-Final Results

Fforest Hen 2-1 Emcorn
Emcorn 3-4 Fforest Hen
(Aggregate: Fforest Hen 6-4 Emcorn)

Treebrook Wanderers 5-0 Lower Sweeney
Lower Sweeney 2-3 Treebrook Wanderers
(Aggregate: Treebrook Wanderers 8-2 Lower Sweeney)

Final Result (at Tiddles Park)

Fforest Hen 3-0 Treebrook Wanderers


Fourth Division Playoffs

The first of the Fourth Division semi-finals was a local derby between Porthbalfa Navy and Pen-yr-Heol, and a typically frenetic local derby it was too. After both ties ended in a 3-1 home win, the game went into extra time where Porthbalfa Navy suddenly went up a couple of gears as their opponents tired, scoring three further times to win with a flattering 7-4 scoreline.

The second semi-final between Ceffinton United and Caeranyuna was also a tight one, but with a lot more goals. After coming away from Ceffinton with a 4-3 win, Caeranyuna then went one better and scored five at home - unfortunately for them, Ceffinton scored six to leave the aggregate scores level at 9-9, with United going through on the away goals rule.

In keeping with their semi-final victories, the final was also a close-fought game. After finishing the regulation 90 minutes tied at three goal apiece, the two teams still couldn't be separated after extra time and so the match went to a penalty shootout. Even here, there was little to separate the teams as nerves got the better of both teams with a succession of missed kicks. Only a single kick found the mark, meaning that it will be Porthbalfa Navy who will be playing Third Division football next season.

Semi-Final Results

Porthbalfa Navy 3-1 Pen-yr-Heol
Pen-yr-Heol 3-1 Porthbalfa Navy (3-4 AET)
(Aggregate: Porthbalfa Navy 7-4 Pen-yr-Heol)

Ceffinton United 3-4 Caeranyuna
Caeranyuna 5-6 Ceffinton United
(Aggregate: Ceffinton United 9-9 Caeranyuna - Ceffinton United win on away goals)

Final Result (at Tiddles Park)

Porthbalfa Navy 3-3 Ceffinton United (4-4 AET) (Porthbalfa Navy wins 1-0 on penalty kicks)


Fifth Division Playoffs

Both semi-finals in the Fifth Division playoffs were largely one-sided affairs. After recording a commanding 4-1 away win, Loudoun Rovers then put five past Thymeford Wanderers at home to book their place in the final. Meanwhile, Waltham Dynamo ran out easy 6-1 winners against Porthbalfa City to book their place in an all-Gabalfa final.

Tiddles Park was packed to the rafters for this final between two teams who have been bitter rivals as they worked their way up the non-league ladder. The game all the hallmarks of this, with little quality but plenty of passion and commitment. In the end, Waltham Dynamo were the victors by virtue of two second-half goals.

Semi-Final Results

Thymeford Wanderers 1-4 Loudoun Rovers
Loudoun Rovers 5-3 Thymeford Wanderers
(Aggregate: Thymeford Wanderers 4-9 Loudoun Rovers)

Porthbalfa City 1-3 Waltham Dynamo
Waltham Dynamo 3-0 Porthbalfa City
(Aggregate: Porthbalfa City 1-6 Waltham Dynamo)

Final Result (at Tiddles Park)

Loudoun Rovers 1-2 Waltham Dynamo


FAB Cup Final

The culmination of a exciting season of football saw Sukatra Tigers, who only missed out of the First Division title by just two points, taking on newly-crowned champions Tiddles Park in the final, which was played for the first time away from Bettia's national stadium in order to ensure both teams were playing on neutral ground.

Fittingly for a cup final, this match was a real thriller with both teams peppering their opponents goal at regular intervals. After the teams had shared ten goals, the game moved into extra-time where there was still nothing between the teams. Plenty of chances were made by both sides but to no avail. However, as the game appeared to be headed for penalties, promising young striker Andy Lines crashed the ball from all of thirty yards to ensure Tiddles Park secured a well-deserved league and cup double.

Final Result (at Alice Street)

Sukatra Tigers 5-5 Tiddles Park (5-6 AET)



Season Summary

League Champions: Tiddles Park
FAB Cup Winners: Tiddles Park
Relegated from First Division: CPD Porthbalfa, Ceffinton Town, Fortuna Bettialis

Second Division Champions: Pen-y-Bydd
Also Promoted from Second Division: Downton (runners up), Hyppo Fernley (playoff winners)
Relegated from Second Division: Fillghud Town, Maindy, Racing Club Gabalfa

Third Division Champions: Lorshill Engineers
Also Promoted from Third Division: Southward Ho! (runners up), Fforest Hen (playoff winners)
Relegated from Third Division: BAF Chinterford, Al-Sheemal Tamrida, Huwbridge Town

Fourth Division Champions: Lorshill Park Rangers
Also Promoted from Fourth Division: Pifton Rovers (runners up), Porthbalfa Navy (playoff winners)
Relegated from Fourth Division: Alfalfa Kickers, Gilang Chandra, Fortuna South End

Fifth Division Champions: Rainy Grove
Also Promoted from Fifth Division: Mirtaford Town (runners up), Waltham Dynamo (playoff winners)
Relegated from Fifth Division: Marjaham Town, Hurnford Harriers, Gabalfa Steelworks, Chinterford Town, Eastbeach Rovers, Lara Kencana
Promoted to Fifth Division:

• Dairford Town (champions of Gabalfa)
• Eyang Genjreng (champions of Bahagia)
• Gloucester City (champions of Clodien)
• Locket Bush (champions of Banastra)
• Ystrad Aeron (champions of Gwlad Teg)
• Zinjibar Warriors (champions of Al-Maghrib)

[Elves Security Forces]

EPL Preview

Season 20,003

Following the recommended reforms of the VSC, the EPL looks forward to the next season with a speck of glee and anticipation that has not been seen since the second season of its' existance. Able to get a good number of foriegners to come into the league, with exporting some talent in return, there is a freshness to this season, and should prove to create some interesting matches. The VFA and VSC have agreed to not altering the league structure for at least another season, until the finicial backing can be obtained.

Transfers
Foriegn
Jaime Gomes (Starblaydia) MCR -> Wexax United
Leandro Perheira (Starblaydia) CB/L -> Soldarian FC
Edmundo Rivolli (Starblaydia) CB -> Rinaldi Gunners
Jzeovak Tkermec (Squornshelous) AM/CL -> Hondo Owls
Tomas Kurka (Squornshelous) FC -> FC Capri
Markku Sykko (Squornshelous) FC -> Raynor City Rockers
Antônio Machado Veiga (Cafundeu) LB -> Rinaldi Gunners
Thiago Pardal (Cafundeu) MC -> Hartdale Hawks

Domestic
Scott Soldarian MC -> Albrecht Turkish FC (Canderlaria and Marquez)
Anti Fresco FC -> Petardos S/A (Cafundeu)
Carl Underdark MC -> Clube Imperial (Cafundeu)
Llyle Acevedo CB -> Central United (Cafundeu)
Joan va Glaze FC -> Raynor City Rockers
Bario Mandalin FC -> Juavi Reds

Listed below are the line ups of the top division teams with foriegners listed in italics and the best 3 players bolded, along with stadium information and team characteristics.

Raynor City: St. Louis; Asantai, Lopez, Walker; Morose, Jannian, Wahn, Demtre; Sykko, va Glaze, Underwind
Coach: Fabio Mannasuch
President: Zeratul Raynor
Team Style: Offensive
Strongest Point: Wingers and strikers
Weakest Point: Center of the midfield
Nickname(s) Rockers
Stadium used The Battleground (59,000)
Other facts: Has won the title a record 16 times, four more than any other club. It uses the money of its president's family to buy the best players in the land and is strongly supported inside the capital but despised outside of it.
Good Bench Players Manny Killi (striker), Rikar Solaris (attacking midfielder), Kile Shu (striker)

Rinaldi: Yoshida; Rivolli, Veiga, Debois, Kries; Mercado, Caldwell, Riot; Night, Saint-Émilion, Miles
Coach: Asanta Webber
President: Exan Forris
Team Style: Very Offensive
Strongest Point: Strikers
Weakest Point: Wings
Nickname(s) Gunners
Stadium used The Beachfront (43,000)
Other facts A team on the one of the few beautiful beaches inside the country. Much like their sourrounding, the Gunners play a very aesthetically pleasing game and are quite strongly supported in the entire country and region. As such, they are able to obtain quite a number of foriengers when needed.
Good Bench Players Markan Nava (center midfielder), Elliot Leyva (winger), Wes Sterling (defender)

Char Sara: Merlose; Perrin, Kamtaker, Mahaska, Florez; Stoneburner, Hiat, Funteyn; Yocum, Carl, Neesa
Coach: Jamie Kiki
President: Michael Rover
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Defence
Weakest Point: Midfield
Nickname(s) Inferno
Stadium used The Tar Pit (39,000)
Other facts Constantly a strong club, but has only two titles in their long history. They are followed by a diverse group of people, being home to the High Preistess Temple, the home to the highest possession in the ways of Elunism.
Good Bench Players Darcello Cortes (striker), Rodney Murray (defender)

Monaven: Nelmes; Callan, Fortenbras, Oklan, Zapata; Kaphridie, Brooks, Clan, Jarrel; Ironsmith, Riftin
Coach: Deke Xavier
President: Trevor Jan
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Strikers
Weakest Point: Keeper
Nickname(s) Breakers
Stadium used Orange Gate Falls (39,000)
Other facts A side who is constantly in the struggle of relegation and just recently earned their way back into the Premiership. Despite being in the exotic setting of a forest and beautiful waterfall, they can't attract the elite players, mostly due to the economic status of their owner.
Good Bench Players Kim Zettaback (Attacking midfielder), Rollan Kin (holding midfeilder)

FC Longview: Keller; Damx, Longman, Consmith, Smithston; King, Marl, Masc, Sikal; Cjin, Norm
Coach: Reta Bane
President: Danny Morriow
Team Style: Counter-attacking
Strongest Point: Wingers
Weakest Point: Center defenders
Nickname(s) Foxes
Stadium used Angelotic Temple (71,000)
Other facts The club's stadium doubles as a temple to the Angelotic family, whose rule created a golden age of over 300 years. It is supported by the high class, usually with ties to the ruling families and government positions.
Good Bench Players Yars Abu (Attacking midfielder), Markak Lars (Stiker)

Gladerial: Long; Angellete, Collin, Braswell; Griffan, McKnight, Park, Denys, Smyth; Rockana, Lee
Coach: Isle Underdark
President: Dwier Titenburg
Team Style: Possessive
Strongest Point: Midfield
Weakest Point: Team chemistry
Nickname(s) Twilight
Stadium used The White Fortress (70,000)
Other facts An elite club who has fallen upon troubles as of late, as they have yet to recover from the Kries clan being transfered away all at the same time. Yet their supporters, who come from all walks of life, will follow their squad even if it ends up in the Green League.
Good Bench Players Michelle Goodnight (Striker), Michael Daybreak (Striker), Zaku San (Defender)

Mar Sara: Norris; Mars, Zap, Shock, Dimitre; Zizzn, Alidare, Ikles; Quinn, Losstarrot, Gaurlung
Coach: Andres Crucitti
President: Rosemary Angelotic
Team Style: Offensive
Strongest Point: Strikers
Weakest Point: None
Nickname(s) Flames
Stadium used Donna Cathedral (50,000)
Other facts One of the original clubs in the Premiership and uses it's elustrious history to bring in both elite players and fans. After going a long drought without any type of hardware, the Flames pulled the double last season, mostly thanks to the skill of Turruth Gordurian striker Draco Gaulung.
Good Bench Players Quint Farstio (Striker), Lauren Kels (Center midfielder) Aracio Cao (Defender)

Baysleef: Reas; Manars, Legoan, Pilot, Centron; Osarius, Warsaw, Olas, Venezula; Fu, Manuka
Coach: Kiki Red
President: Wolly Manark
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Strikers
Weakest Point: Wings
Nickname(s) Bombers
Stadium used The Runway (30,000)
Other facts A steady club that has been steadily climbing the ranks and could soon be title contenders. While not being the richest squad around, they do have a substantial amount of fincial backing, and a good amount of supporters in the higher middle class to buy those expensive suites.
Good Bench Players Sharon Basis (Striker), Ricko St. John (Keeper)

Hartdale: van Posey; Mar, Metria, Wual; Müllenkamp; Mendez, Michion, Dorias, Pardal; English, Rikard
Coach Havin Roza
President Jennifer Sar
Team Style Defensive
Strongest Point Midfielder and Defence
Weakest Point Attacking consistancy
Nickname(s) Hawks
Stadium used Sky Fall (39,000)
Other facts A small market team that is known for it's rock solid defence. Having had multiple national team defenders come through their system, they have developed strong support throughout most of the country, most of which come from the middle class who work at small government positions.
Good Bench Players Morgan Banz (Holding midfielder), Brutus Macoi (Winger), Fred Michaels (Defender)

Hondo: Rowell; Depeatrio, Calli, Debois, Venus; Tkermec, Nikki, Carmichael, Whitehurse; Yin, Defecta
Coach: Daft Massimo
President: Clin Massai
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Attack
Weakest Point: None
Nickname(s) Owls
Stadium used Raynor Memorial (40,000)
Other facts A club just a few years old, yet one that has quickly risen from the Green League to title contenders in the Premiership. The squad has a large amount of support in the eastern part of the country, where the majority of the citizenry are poor farmers.
Good Bench Players Daphne Caldwell (Striker), Rosario Evans (Defender), Xian Gillan (Midfielder)

FC Capri: St. Louis; Florez, Harper, Titenburg Jr; Hardsworth, Morrison, Fortenbres, Vorsco; Kurka, Bragollach, Snape
Coach: Maria Morris
President: Tranin Briton
Team Style: Very Offensive
Strongest Point: Strikers
Weakest Point: None
Nickname(s) Typhoon
Stadium used Hatire Memorial (60,000)
Other facts Just three seasons into it's existance, and Capri is not only a title contender, but have won a title and are the most popular squad in the country and region. Heavily supported by people from all walks of life and with a steady economic situation, this squad is going to be good for a long time.
Good Bench Players Rose Diamond Santapa (Striker), Trenton Oz (Midfielder), Davido Rollich (Defender)

Wexax United: Augustine; Qui, Sars, Armas, Grace; Applewhite, Claw, Dallows, Gar, Gomes; Claire
Coach: Emily Degas
President: Dan Mieals
Team Style: Defensive
Strongest Point: Midfield
Weakest Point: Attack
Nickname(s) Devils
Stadium used Castle de Mot (49,000)
Other facts A squad with a limited budget and poor luck. The squad is in real trouble if they can't get another signing or have Gomes have a big impact. The young Starblaydian midfielder will looked upon to play playmaker and get the ball into Claire as often as he can, as the young striker has proven she can score when gifted the oppurtunity.
Good Bench Players Cass Woo (Midfielder), Nancy Silver (Defender) Zulu Smite (Defender)

Juavi: Carte; Saragosa, Que, Sorano, Torres; Crass, Ira, Fernad, Keya; Toja, Mandalin
Coach: Marco Defoe
President: Jade Flow
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Youth System
Weakest Point: Reserves
Nickname(s) Reds
Stadium used Old Hartfast (47,000)
Other facts A small club who enjoys success now and then. With such a small budget when it comes to transfers, it is a blessing that they have one of the better youth academies in the country, and can develop their talent in that manner. After losing Joan va Glaze to transfer, there is the fear that their good performances of last season are gone. Despite picking up Bario Mandalin from Raynor City in part of the va Glaze transfer, the attack looks weak and its performance will make the difference between mid-table or relegation battle.
Good Bench Players Franchesco Carlos (Striker), Zuke (Winger)

Kareen FC: Save; Alstead, Quill, Sigma; Jokinen, Ostiken, Grey, Ataman; Milo, Hearts, Zadora
Coach: Crimea Yoshi
President: Sa Verladado
Team Style: Offensive
Strongest Point: Strikers
Weakest Point: Defenders
Nickname(s) Amazons
Stadium used Rose Gardens (49,000)
Other facts A suburb to the beautiful Capri, this squad is always in the shadow of the more popular and successful crosstown rival. Despite having several talented strikers, the squad is very wretched on defence and was unable to make succesful offers to improve on the backline. Yoshi will have his work cut out if he is going to keep this squad in the topflight.
Good Bench Players Pandora Chimera (Striker), Copel Volz (Midfielder)

Oliviena United: Mill; Derosa; Smize, Furies, Windwalker, McFlury, Knight; Priest, Apps, Rodriguez; Cruze
Coach: Samantha Blanco
President: Olli Quintel
Team Style: Very defensive
Strongest Point: Defence
Weakest Point: Attack
Nickname(s) Miners
Stadium used Aranfield Bridge (52,000)
Other facts One squad that refuses to expirement at all in the attack, using a very unusual 6-3-1 formation. Blanco is likely going to get the gate if the Miners are unable to stay up after having just reearned their place in the Priemiership. Clearly one of the worst squads in talent in the divison, and might be worse than lower divison crosstown rivals in the two Everlin clubs.
Good Bench Players Flozell Dare (Sweeper), Lady Chapolet (Defender)

Sharala AC: Lee; Felhabier, Servas, Jensen, Strike; Walker, Hunt, Nunez, Marcelo; Rosella, Rikard
Coach: Sag Yan
President: Angelina Dolt
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Attack
Weakest Point: Consistancy
Nickname(s) Blues
Stadium used Old Ravens Cove (43,000)
Other facts One of the larger clubs that has very poor luck. They have the talent to be a constant midtable or upper echlion squad, but always ends up fighting against relegation during the latter part of the season. Yan has the full backing of Dolt and the rest of the board, and that alone might be enough to change this squad's perfromances.
Good Bench Players Silva Black (Striker), Jermichael Finley (Midfielder)

Straightdale FC: Rezzana; Cooper, Del, Ten; Calk, Xi, Xi, Matai, Rollich; Trini, Samoan
Coach: Allopo Drogba
President: Novato Mas
Team Style: Possesive
Strongest Point: Midfield
Weakest Point: Reserves
Nickname(s) Crusaders
Stadium used Red Fence (39,000)
Other facts The youngest side in the Premiership, and very excited after earning promotion. With plenty of room to improve, consistancy will likely be a problem for Drogba's troops, and the lack of depth will hurt them. Yet, for all that, expect to see the Crusaders around next season, as their starting talent should be enough for enough the likes of Raynor City and Mar Sara to get troubled over, much less the weakers clubs.
Good Bench Players Wolfgar Den (Midfielder), Savanna Elias (Defender)

AC Valanari: Allah; Milla, Vance, Martyr, Skull; Durosa, Millingham, Guerrero, Cavies; Castle, Sven
Coach: Duran Gill
President: Rosy Marlin
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Consistancy, Youth System
Weakest Point: Leadership
Nickname(s) Young Guns
Stadium used Duran Palace (50,000)
Other facts After exploding from the Star League into the Premiership, Valanari has risen to a solid midtable team. Renowned for their excellent youth system, it is not a large surprise that the majority of their supporters are families and former students at their academy. The only thing keeping this squad from a title is a player who is a bonafied captain.
Good Bench Players Miguel Cassel (Striker), Adam Durgot (Striker), Zulia Garr (Midfielder)

Soldarian FC: Vine; Perheira, Mias, Dogood, Suares; Durai, Florin, Ni, Quint; Lias, Armano
Coach: Omani Rios
President: Placebo Soldar
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Midfield
Weakest Point: Reserves
Nickname(s) Soldars
Stadium used Hellgate (54,000)
Other facts A very historic club owned by one of the most historic families in the nation. Despite being in the lower leagues for quite awhile, this squad is ready to make waves in the topflight. Having secured the young versatile defender, Perheira, from Starblaydia, the Soldars have addressed one of their few weaknessess and should win some foriegn support whilst it is at it. Despite their history, the clubs' supporters have dwindled and now mostly consist of the Soldar family and their close friends among the ruling families.
Good Bench Players Trian Kiev (Midfielder), Sherrie Murdock (MIdfielder), Qui Foster (Defender)

FC Vamas: Guy; McQueen, Clint, Rogers, Poi; Aura, Garr, Osarius, Rossi; Alexander, Dergot
Coach: Jason Cringle
President: Clark de Capri
Team Style: Balanced
Strongest Point: Coaching
Weakest Point: Consistancy
Nickname(s) Ravens
Stadium used New Ravens Cove (51,000)
Other facts A young and new club that probably does not deserve to be in the top flight and likely will not stay there. Not finicially sound and lacking the talent that even the other promoted sides possess, there is no doubt that Vamas will be back in the Star League next season. Yet for them and their faithful, of which consist mostly of postal workers, it will be an expierence that they can build upon for future seasons.
Good Bench Players Niko Augustus (Midfielder), Kit Spain (Defender)

Favorites
Mar Sara 40%
Raynor City 37%
Rinaldi 19%
FC Capri 3%
Hondo 1%

Worst Teams
FC Vamas 76%
Oliviena United 20%
Kareen FC 2.1%
Sharala AC 1.9%

Article by Ron Santapa

[Elves Security Forces]

EPL Season 20,003

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Mar Sara Flames           38  23   5  10   98   61   37   74     Champions
   2  Raynor City Rockers       38  21   8   9   83   53   30   71
   3  Hondo Owls                38  21   5  12   84   57   27   68
   4  Char Sara Inferno         38  19  10   9   70   47   23   67
   5  Juavi Reds                38  18  12   8   63   48   15   66
   6  Rinaldi Gunners           38  18   8  12   69   57   12   62
   7  FC Longview               38  18   8  12   53   51    2   62
   8  AC Valanari               38  18   6  14   74   64   10   60
   9  Soldarian FC              38  16  11  11   70   54   16   59
  10  Baysleef Bombers          38  16   8  14   56   59   -3   56
  11  Hartdale Hawks            38  14  10  14   52   52    0   52
  12  FC Capri                  38  11  15  12   69   65    4   48
  13  Straightdale FC           38  11  11  16   57   71  -14   44
  14  Wexax United              38  10  13  15   44   58  -14   43
  15  Gladerial Twilight        38  11   9  18   58   65   -7   42
  16  Monaven Breakers          38  11   8  19   52   77  -25   41
  17  FC Vamas                  38  10   7  21   40   65  -25   37
  18  Sharala AC                38   9   8  21   52   76  -24   35     Relegated
  19  Kareen FC                 38   9   8  21   56   88  -32   35     Relegated
  20  Oliviena United           38   4  14  20   32   64  -32   26     Relegated

Star League

AS Shalara 2-1(0-0) Everlin Snipers

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  FC Travesian              22  12   6   4   42   27   15   42     Champions
   2  Travesian Generals        22  12   4   6   42   27   15   40     Promoted
   3  AS Shalara                22  10   5   7   32   25    7   35     Playoff
   4  Everlin Snipers           22   8   7   7   30   32   -2   31     Playoff
   5  Char Sara Strike          22   9   4   9   37   41   -4   31
   6  AS Everlin                22   8   7   7   32   38   -6   31
   7  Turmondale FC             22   7   6   9   31   32   -1   27
   8  AC Cartmot                22   6   9   7   31   37   -6   27
   9  DC Aulian                 22   7   5  10   29   35   -6   26
  10  Manavawi Athletic         22   7   4  11   29   31   -2   25
  11  AC Goldsan                22   5  10   7   33   36   -3   25     Relegated
  12  FC Wexax                  22   4   7  11   32   39   -7   19     Relegated

Green League

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Rolalas FC                22  12   6   4   45   34   11   42     Champions
  2  Capri Marksmen            22  10   7   5   35   24   11   37     Promoted
  3  Gladerial Fortune Dweller 22  10   6   6   32   26    6   36
  4  Turmondale United         22  10   6   6   36   32    4   36
  5  SC Ianisle                22  10   3   9   38   36    2   33
  6  Athletic Rolalas          22   9   4   9   36   38   -2   31
  7  SC Longview               22   8   5   9   32   37   -5   29
  8  Raynor City Rockets       22   8   4  10   37   38   -1   28
  9  Rinaldi Ravens            22   7   5  10   37   44   -7   26
 10  Mar Sara Extreme          22   7   4  11   36   36    0   25     Playoff
 11  FC Vernad                 22   6   5  11   19   29  -10   23     Playoff
 12  Char Sara Volcano         22   5   5  12   29   38   -9   20     Playoff

Regional Playoffs
Char Sara Volcano 3-2(2-2) Gladerial Divine
Mar Sara Extreme 2-1(1-0) Turbani Tornadoes
FC Vernad 4-3(1-1) Cartmot Pride

two leg aggregate, team listed first hosted second leg, first leg score in ()s

End of Season Awards

Foriegner of the Year
Markku Sykko (19 goals, 7 assists) - Raynor City Rockers

Manager of the Year
Omani Rios - Soldarian FC

Striker of the Year
Kiso Night (34 goals, 12 assists) - Rinaldi Gunners

Midfielder of the Year
Ali Alidare (14 goals, 20 assists) - Mar Sara Flames

Winger of the Year
Jzeovak Tkermec (9 goals, 19 assists) - Hondo Owls

Defender of the Year
Gabriel Florez (3 goals, 9 assists) - Char Sara Inferno

Goalkeeper of the Year
Alfonso Carte (1.26 ga/a, 7 clean sheets) - Juavi Reds

Sportsman
Joan va Glaze - Raynor City Rockers

Idiot (most bookings)
Bianca Sigma (11 yellows, 1 red) - Kareen FC

Best X11
GK: Alfonso Carte - Juavi Reds
CB/L: Gabriel Florez - Char Sara Inferno
CB: Dwier Titenburg Jr - FC Capri
CB/L: Leandro Perheira - Soldarian FC
LW: Jzeovak Tkermec - Hondo Owls
MC: Paru Keya - Juavi Reds
MC: Ashley Riot - Rinaldi Gunners
LRW: Jere Jannian - Raynor City Rockers
AMC: Ali Alidare - Mar Sara Flames
ST: Draco Gaurlung - Mar Sara Flames
ST: Kiso Night - Rinaldi Gunners

[Cafundeu]

CAFUNDÉU - PREVIEW OF THE NEW SEASON

The same introduction as ever: the most international league of the world returns to activity, and the teams are ready to fight for trophies again. A good time for domestic football, as many countries are improving their domestic teams, something that only benefits football as a whole. Now, in a world with many active leagues, the Cafundelense teams had to go after reinforcements again, and got many. Maybe soon the world can see a big competition between clubs from around the world.

See some transfers:

Foreign Players – Coming from abroad to play in Cafundéu:

Julian D’Abbo (Ad’ihan) ----------> to Clube Imperial
O’Sullivan Caras (Candelaria And Marquez) ----------> to Central United
Cruril Songsteel (Demot) ----------> to Dunboor FC
Fedde Beattis (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to A.F.F.
Graeme Vega (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Atlético Insular
James Williams (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Clube Imperial
Pavlos Demetriopoulos (Magnus Valerius) ----------> to SC Lasft
Hnio Intior (Nire and Nire) ----------> to Penders
Jus Intior (Nire and Nire) ----------> to Penders
Jon Serra (Qazox) ----------> to EC Elville
Wesley Tripp (Qazox) ----------> to Atlético Jutense
Paulo Salcedo (Scotchpinestan) ----------> to Khalmar-Tijhus
Igor Volkov (Scotchpinestan) ----------> to Khalmar-Tijhus
Karl Gepardo (Sel Appa) ----------> to Ranca Toco
Alfonso Di Angelo (Starblaydia) ----------> to Pernetas EC
Juan Oscar (Starblaydia) ----------> to Pernetas EC
Fernando Rodriguez (Starblaydia) ----------> to Cafundó do Juta
Vekaj Amutarrad (The Pazhujeb Islands) ----------> to Petrol
Xussanikara Ghur (The Pazhujeb Islands) ----------> to Ranca Toco
Llyle Acevedo (Valanora) ----------> to Central United
Anti Fresco (Valanora) ----------> to Petardos S/A
Carl Underdark (Valanora) ----------> to Clube Imperial
Jehoepe Pasarap (Vephrall) ----------> to A.F.F.
Jehoepe Shrifflu (Vephrall) ----------> to Atlético Jutense
Nilan Bahsir (Yafor 2) ----------> to Cafundó do Juta
Iktam Velastros (Yafor 2) ----------> to Petrol
Claude Seu (Zwangzug) ----------> to Clube Imperial

Cafundelense Players - leaving Cafundéu:

Dionísio (Central United) ----------> going to Candelaria And Marquez
Toninho (Central United) ----------> going to Valanora
Giovanni (Clube Imperial) ----------> going to Kura-Pelland
Rato (Clube Imperial) ----------> going to Valanora
Marinho (CR Submiria) ----------> going to Daehanjeiguk

Foreign Players - between Cafundelense teams, retiring or other changes:

Edward McCann (Ad’ihan) ----------> from Central United to América
Jorge Shockey (Az-cz) ----------> returns to play in Az-cz
Peter Waddington (Candelaria And Marquez) ----------> retired, stays in Cafundéu
Noach Steffy (Endmile) ----------> from CR Submiria to Pernetas EC
Antônio Carlos Gabalán (Estresse Intenso) ----------> retired, returns to the Institute
Kinta Burka (Jeruselem) ----------> retired, now trains Petardos S/A’s goalkeepers
Frank Sinclair (Kelssek) ----------> from A.F.F. to SC Lasft
Catch Esrimdo (Milchama) ----------> from SC Lasft to Atlético Insular
Carlos Cueto (Schiavonia) ----------> retired, stays in Cafundéu
Viggo Haakana (Squornshelous) ----------> from Atlético Insular to Petardos S/A
Nick Starkey (Wentland) ----------> from Ranca Toco to A.F.F.

Foreign Coaches:

Christophe Argentier (Ariddia) ----------> coach of Petardos S/A
Ke Sho (Ariddia) ----------> coach of Atlético Jutense
Javier Sanchez (Candelaria And Marquez) ----------> coach of América
Big Gay Al (Jeruselem) ----------> coach of Agreman FH (2nd Div)
Jason Fowler (Jeruselem) ----------> coach of Petrol
Sanderson Makiveli (Sel Appa) ----------> coach of Sambarilove (2nd Div)
Patrik Hermanni (Squornshelous) ----------> coach of Globo Multimedia (2nd Div)
Ensio Varg (Squornshelous) ----------> coach of Atlético Insular

The line-ups of the 20 best teams of the country(First Division Teams) will probably be the following (foreigners in italics, best 3 players in bold) – now with more information than ever (Experts’ Ratings details - the three journalists give the team a rating, from 1 to 5 stars [* - practically relegated; ** - intermediate team, battling against relegation; *** - intermediate team, battling for a top 8 place; **** - top 8 team, battling for a phase title; ***** - battling for the main title]):

PETARDOS S/A: Lauro; Coelho, Tuff and Eduardo Monte; Patette, Éverton, Misterson and Haakana; Fresco, Fe-Do and Newton.
Coach: Christophe Argentier.
President: Nerso Lapela.
Team Style: Offensive, uses the wings, passing style.
Strongest Point: explosive attack, even the bench player is very good.
Weakest Point: none, strong team in all sectors.
Nickname: Bilionários (Billionaires).
Stadium Used: Obelisco Monumental, in Lasft (cap. 200,000).
State: Lasft.
Other facts: after two bad seasons under the command of Christophe Argentier, Petardos S/A must try to rise again, and wants the title more than ever. As usual, it has an excellent team (with Rubiano in the bench!), and will battle for all the titles during the year. The fans want the team to lift the League trophy again.
Good Bench Players: Silvinho (winger), Rubiano (attacker), Fábio (defender).
The Fans Expect: the League title.
Experts’ ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*****), Jorge Lang (*****), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*****).

CAFUNDÓ DO JUTA: Rodriguez; Bahsir, Aligon and Cirino; Wilkirk, C.Vergara, Ilmari and Dário; Fabrício, Flecha and Careca.
Coach: João Canabrava.
President: Armando Marques Nogueira.
Team Style: offensive, with a mixed style.
Strongest Point: good offensive power.
Weakest Point: none, good team in all areas.
Nickname: Esquadrão de Prata (Silver Squadron).
Stadium Used: Praça Maior, in Cafundó do Juta (cap. 160,000).
State: Juta.
Other facts: the team that has the most number of supporters in the country still wants the title, after losing the final last year. It is strong, with the reinforcements of Flecha and some new players in the defence. The team can really win the title, but has difficult opponents to beat.
Good Bench Players: Bonfá (midfielder), Túlio Vergara (attacker), Didi (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: the League title.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*****), Jorge Lang (*****), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*****).

A.F.F.: Júnior; Léo Mattos, Augusto César, Burnside and Faustino; Petras, Pasarap, Silveira and Neto; Heitor and Beattis.
Coach: Benjamin Oliveira.
President: Sir Antônio Barbugli.
Team Style: Offensive, uses the wings, long passes style.
Strongest Point: wings, with Léo Mattos and Augusto César.
Weakest Point: team getting old.
Nickname: Os Monges (The Monks).
Stadium Used: Arena América V, in Abadia (cap. 100,000).
State: Old Cities.
Other facts: the current champions. This team is controlled by a powerful family, and has a lot of money. But, as the team won the league last season, it only mantained its main players, buying one player for each position.
Good Bench Players: Aldo (defender), Starkey (midfielder), Fausto (attacker).
The Fans Expect: another title, but a phase title would be good enough.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*****), Jorge Lang (****), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (****).

DUNBOOR FC: Swift; Clituleng, Lionel and Lobato; Del Valle, Gian, Barnes, Songsteel, Jongguk; Hartenholm and Tales.
Coach: David Nefasto.
President: Pedro Marluf.
Team Style: Balanced, uses the centre, passing style.
Strongest Point: balanced team.
Weakest Point: no weak point.
Nickname: Leões do Norte (Northern Lions).
Stadium Used: Maracatu Arena, in Dunboor (cap. 80,000).
State: Dunboor.
Other facts: team that likes to use foreigners, takes advantage of the cold climate of the city in its home games. The team has an idol: the defensive midfielder Eddie Barnes. Wants the title, but many of its players usually play in the wrong positions (example is the defensive midfielder Lionel, playing as a defender).
Good Bench Players: Jorginho (midfielder) , Açaí (defender), Magal (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: the title back.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*****), Jorge Lang (****), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*****).

CENTRAL UNITED: Pedro; Guimarães, Elvis, Acevedo and Isaacs; Meback, Gaúcho, Lineu and Caras; Baltazar and Robinson.
Coach: João Augusto Figueiredo.
President: Marcelo Rojas Moutinho.
Team Style: Balanced, uses the wings and with frequent counterattacks.
Strongest Point: defence.
Weakest Point: attackers.
Nickname: Alvinegro.
Stadium Used: Toca do Tatu, in Central City (cap. 75,000).
State: Central.
Other facts: controlled by a rich petroleum businessman, had a bad performance in the last season. It wants a good position in the league, but it probably won’t happen, as the team is rebuilding its squad. Can have problems during the season.
Good Bench Players: Praiano (midfielder), Bino (defender) and Luzian (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: top 8 position.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (***), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (***).

CLUBE IMPERIAL: Yongdae; Alex, Williams and Carlão; Epasso, Da Silva, Underdark, Seu and Carlos Magno; Saulo and Guirreh.
Coach: Caio Meback.
President: Emperor Hector Van Tocco.
Team Style: Extremely offensive, uses the centre and with a fast passes style.
Strongest Point: midfield.
Weakest Point: team too offensive.
Nickname: Time Real (Royal Team).
Stadium Used: Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, in Cafundó do Juta (cap. 100,000).
State: Juta.
Other Facts: Clube Imperial became one of the strongest team of the country after some good signings. The team of this season can be considered one of the strongest ever of this team, if not the strongest, with players from many different countries.
Good Bench Players: Ebrane (midfielder), Hauser (midfielder) and D’Abbo (attacker).
The Fans Expect: the title, a phase title or the Emperor’s Cup.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*****), Jorge Lang (*****), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*****).

RANCA TOCO: Moisés; Vital, Russo, Souza and Alemão; Carioca, Valtinho, Serginho and Ghur; Aatunen and Gepardo.
Coach: Renário.
President: Elias “Maluco” Veper.
Team Style: Extremely defensive, focuses on counterattacks and long balls.
Strongest Point: it seems contradictory, but it’s the attack!
Weakest Point: offensive midfield.
Nickname: Sarrafeiros.
Stadium Used: Presídio, in Carandirú City (cap. 75,000).
State: Central.
Other Facts: team famous for its violence, which is incentivated by the directors of the club. Gives high value to pride and home games. Its supporters are very violent too. After some bad seasons, the team is slowly recovering its old form.
Good Bench Players: Zecão (goalkeeper), Dinei (attacker), Luizão (defender).
The Fans Expect: top 4 position, maybe even a phase title.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (****), Jorge Lang (****), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (***).

ATLÉTICO JUTENSE: Tu Wesh; Vasco, Leandro Cavalo, Perdigão and Conceição; Zé Sho, Si Ewe, Momtaz and Byeongji; Tripp and Shrifflu.
Coach: Ke Sho.
President: Ildefonso Recona Júnior.
Team Style: Very balanced, uses more the centre, passing style.
Strongest Point: good midfield.
Weakest Point: the central defence.
Nickname: Galo.
Stadium Used: Cerradão, in Cafundó do Juta (cap. 60,000).
State: Juta.
Other Facts: now the team finally was able to build a team to try to get the title back, won in the first season of the new Cafundelense league. The defence isn’t the same from the times of Cueto and Ke Sho (who now is the coach), but the midfield continues strong. The son of Ke, José (called Zé), has chance as a starter.
Good Bench Players: Franco (midfielder), Moscatto (goalkeeper), Saci (attacker).
The Fans Expect: a phase title.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (****), Jorge Lang (****), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (****).

SC LASFT: Bartolomeu; Zé Carlos, Marçal, Demetriopoulos and João Carlos; Anormal, Wilson Magrão, Wissen, Cornelisse and Münzer; Sinclair.
Coach: Eduardo Bosschaart.
President: Nilceu McKeen.
Team Style: A bit defensive, very tactical.
Strongest Point: good midfield.
Weakest Point: lack of good options in the attack.
Nickname: Golden Team.
Stadium Used: Estádio Padre Anchieta, in Lasft (cap. 70,000).
State: Lasft.
Other Facts: it had difficulties to mantain a competitive squad. The defence is still weak and there is lack of options in the attack. The worst team of SC Lasft in ages, the team can have problems.
Good Bench Players: Nascimento (attacker) , Ronaldão (defender), Jatobá (attacker).
The Fans Expect: to not be ashamed of their team.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (***), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (***).

KHALMAR-TIJHUS: Knudson; De Lucia, Gray, Doriva and Fellendorf; Émerson Viana, Rubens, Salcedo and Marossi; Volkov and Senna.
Coach: Rivaldo Sodré.
President: Juvenal Corá Vaersk.
Team Style: Balanced, but very cautious when attacking.
Strongest Point: talented midfield.
Weakest Point: poor defensive midfield.
Nickname: Tricolor.
Stadium Used: Jóia da Lagoa, in Tijhus (cap. 30,000).
State: Juta.
Other Facts: the team that everyone expects to be relegated, but never is. The ghost of the relegation continues to threaten them... or not anymore? The team now seems good and can maybe even get a top 8 position, why not?
Good Bench Players: Jarbas (goalkeeper), Moreno (defender), Gil (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: mid-table position.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (**), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).

EC ELVILLE: Serra; Chiquinho, Del Mar, Tiago and Nasser; Giranu, Verdi, Kim and Itaú; Caubi and Yossarian.
Coach: Toki Ioshido.
President: Amanda Flores.
Team Style: Defensive, uses the centre of the field, very moving.
Strongest Point: midfield.
Weakest Point: defence in general.
Nickname: Gorila.
Stadium Used: Parque do Sol, in Elville (cap. 60,000).
State: Juta.
Other Facts: the legendary goalkeeper arata retired, and now EC Elville is in danger. Without many good players, it’ll have to count with a lot of team work to stay in the First Division of the league.
Good Bench Players: Chapelin (midfielder), Wandison (defender), Sérvulo (goalkeeper).
The Fans Expect: to escape relegation.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*), Jorge Lang (**), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).

ATLÉTICO INSULAR: Andrei; Marcelo Rocha, André Luís, Moraes and Vega; Edsanderson, Kléverson and Sytrobes; Esrimdo, Aristóteles and Sorato.
Coach: Ensio Varg.
President: Gustavo Bamerindus “Gugu da Lança”.
Team Style: Very offensive, uses the wings, passing style.
Strongest Point: good attacking trio.
Weakest Point: the team has some balance between the positions.
Nickname: Leões do Litoral (Coast Lions).
Stadium Used: Cúpula Tropical, in Ilha Eremita (cap. 30,000).
State: Coast.
Other Facts: the island team was never a good team. But with its fast improvement in the last years, is now much more respected. The squad still doesn’t look excellent, but is far from bad. Maybe it can get a top 8 place?
Good Bench Players: Selmar (midfielder), Olavo (midfielder), Mário (attacker).
The Fans Expect: mid-table position.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (***), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).

GALÁXIA: Júlio Sampa; Paulo Santos, Jerônimo Laguna, Everaldo and Richard; Wágner Paulista, Moreira, Tobias and Marcelinho; Ferreira and Danilo Sampa.
Coach: Nelson Yaschter.
President: Herbert Confiança.
Team Style: Extremely offensive, uses many individual plays.
Strongest Point: equal strength in all areas.
Weakest Point: equal strength in all areas.
Nickname: Academia Estelar.
Stadium Used: Mané Garrincha, in Santo Galvão (cap. 35,000).
State: Titã.
Other Facts: Galáxia became famous as the first team of many stars of Cafundéu’s football, with an excellent youth academy. The main players of the team started in Galáxia, and the team doesn’t like to use foreigners. The coach wants to finish at least in the top 8. Notice that the team usually doesn’t change its line-up.
Good Bench Players: Lucas Moura (midfielder), Pastor (defender), Juninho (attacker).
The Fans Expect: top 8 position.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (***), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (****).

PENDERS: Mané; Gilberto, Batista, Toledo and H.Intior; Rossi, Renato Costa, Dênis and Peninha; Kips and Cazarez.
Coach: Júlio Vargas.
President: Asano Pender.
Team Style: A bit offensive, uses the centre, good in home games.
Strongest Point: attack.
Weakest Point: the full-backs.
Nickname: Sombra (Shadow).
Stadium Used: Campo de Batalha, in Penderia (cap. 50,000).
State: Old Cities.
Other Facts: everyone in the country is happy that this traditional team was able to return to the First Division (promoted 2 seasons ago) after being relegated seasons ago. The team showed strength and has a good attack. Mid-table team.
Good Bench Players: Fred (midfielder), J.Intior (defender), Moraes (attacker).
The Fans Expect: mid-table position.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (**), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).

PETROL: Amutarrad; Al-Shadhar, Leone, Fontoura and Gäeif; Branco, Velastros, Zamed and Macedo; Jorge Muniz and Ricardão.
Coach: Jason Fowler.
President: Abdullah Bin Radid.
Team Style: sometimes offensive.
Strongest Point: attack.
Weakest Point: the central defence.
Nickname: the Sheiks.
Stadium Used: Estádio do Califa, in Al-Zalabahad (cap. 75,000).
State: Titã.
Other Facts: this team has a lot of money, but, as isn’t a traditional team, can’t attract big names. But, thanks to the money, the team was able to reach the First Division, and will fight against relegation.
Good Bench Players: Rabelo (goalkeeper), Fabinho (midfielder), Al-Rashif (attacker).
The Fans Expect: a top 8 position (yes, they are optimistic).
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (**), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (***).

UNIÃO TRABALHADORA: Inácio; Natanael, Enrico and Loiro; Genoino, Black, Cabeludo, Mano Brown and Horsch; Maurício and Jared.
Coach: João Paulo de Deus.
President: Rui "Comuna" Pimenta and Levy Fidélix.
Team Style: balanced.
Strongest Point: the midfield.
Weakest Point: the attack, really horrible.
Nickname: Sindicato.
Stadium Used: Estádio Ernesto Honesto, in Espinal (cap. 40,000).
State: Espinal.
Other Facts: team supported by the poorer citizens of Espinal, the União Trabalhadora has lots of supporters. It is a popular team, but not very good. With the help of the supporters, can escape relegation. Also, it is one of the most active political groups of the country, which defends the rights of the workers. Mantained last season’s team.
Good Bench Players: Zé Polenta (attacker), Baiano (midfielder), Miffese (defender).
The Fans Expect: to escape relegation.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*), Jorge Lang (*), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).

TÊNIS CLUBE: Mateus; Bira, Adoniran, Sandro Germano and Romualdo; Meligeni, Wecn, Amaral and Gatti; Ortiz and Ravache.
Coach: Seu Pereira.
President: Paula Braga Souto Maior.
Team Style: Very defensive, counts on counterattacks, likes to hold the ball.
Strongest Point: this is difficult to point out.
Weakest Point: especially the defensive midfield.
Nickname: Imortais.
Stadium Used: Estádio da Bossa, in Astari (cap. 25,000).
State: Titã.
Other Facts: one of the oldest teams of the country, Tênis Clube IS the weakest of this year’s league. With good chances to be relegated, the team will probably score few points.
Good Bench Players: Horácio (defender), Caetano (midfielder), Herrera (goalkeeper).
The Fans Expect: to escape relegation in a miracle.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*), Jorge Lang (*), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*).

PERNETAS EC: Palmer; Castor, César Morel, Pingo and Steffy; Dentinho, Oscar, Betinho, Marcinho and Di Angelo; Kiko.
Coach: Lúcio Nizi Darcellos.
President: Raymond Altenkop.
Team Style: A bit offensive, likes to use the wings and aerial plays.
Strongest Point: the midfield.
Weakest Point: the defence, it’s simply horrible.
Nickname: Mosqueteiro.
Stadium Used: Arena América III, in Dunboor (cap. 80,000).
State: Dunboor.
Other Facts: intermediate team, which won the Second Division and is ready to return and stay in the first division. Signed two players from Starblaydia and can make a good campaign.
Good Bench Players: Romildo (attacker), Lugão (midfielder), Matraca (defender).
The Fans Expect: mid-table position.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*), Jorge Lang (**), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (***).

SÃO JOSÉ: Dutra, Pereira, Jorge Cruz, Fágner and Tadeu Neves; Takahashi, Brambatti and Diogo; Cabelo, Isini and Duncan.
Coach: Tony Auad.
President: Érica Maldonado.
Team Style: Very tactical, offensive or defensive depending on the opponent.
Strongest Point: the goalkeeper.
Weakest Point: the attack isn’t good.
Nickname: Estudantil.
Stadium Used: Estádio Pioneiro, in São José (cap. 120,000).
State: Old Cities.
Other Facts: controlled by a school, the team of São José uses players who studied there. They usually don’t release their players, but don’t sign much too. Battles against relegation again.
Good Bench Players: Samambaia (defender), Xerhet (midfielder), Meira (attacker).
The Fans Expect: to escape relegation.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*), Jorge Lang (**), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).

AMÉRICA: Kardec; Nilo, Índio, Cipriano and Rodriguez; Barbosa, Miguel Benevides, Bacharel and McCann; Di Nasi and Alazão.
Coach: Javier Sanchez.
President: Beto Faíska.
Team Style: bit offensive, turns defensive when playing away.
Strongest Point: the midfield is good... and Índio.
Weakest Point: the attack is far from good.
Nickname: Diabos de Lasft (Lasft Devils).
Stadium Used: Estádio Marte, in Lasft (cap. 40,000).
State: Lasft.
Other Facts: this team isn’t old, and is a big surprise. Founded by fanatic football supporters, it grew fast and now is the third biggest team of Lasft. It uses young players, many of them playing in the Sub-21 team, and can escape relegation without difficulties.
Good Bench Players: Almir (defender), Valdir (midfielder), Altair (attacker).
The Fans Expect: to escape relegation.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (**), Jorge Lang (**), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).

FAVOURITES: Petardos returns with full strength, now the favourites to win the title with more advantage. Clube Imperial and A.F.F. won some new supporters, and Dunboor FC isn’t with the strength of the last years. See the survey’s results:

30% - Petardos S/A
16% - Clube Imperial
13% - A.F.F. and Cafundó do Juta
11% - Dunboor FC
7,5% - Ranca Toco
5% - Atlético Jutense
2% - SC Lasft and Galáxia
0,5% - Central United

WORST TEAM: Another survey asked the supporters which team they thought that would finish the league in the last place, going to the Second Division(the last 4 are relegated):

54% - Tênis Clube
20,5% - União Trabalhadora
18% - EC Elville
2,5% - Pernetas EC, São José and América

SECOND DIVISION: The competitors are: Tabajara, Clube dos Banqueiros, Supersônicos, C-Electronics, Aldeia Vigiah, Agreman FH, Forças Armadas, Royal Pollvogarad, Imperatriz, Mondragon Warriors, Globo Multimedia, Faculdade de Medicina, Metropolitano, Coqueiros, Marinha, Lusitânio, Clube Comercial, CR Submiria, Amigos do Pebolim and Sambarilove.

The favourites are: Tabajara, Clube dos Banqueiros, Sambarilove, CR Submiria and Clube Comercial.

THIRD DIVISION: The competitors are: U.D.E.U., SC Carnavalesco, Colonial, Massaranduba FC, Varzeano, Ferroviário, Civil FC, Tio João, Espinalense, Carandirú 1, São Jorge, Porto Lacruz, Cézares, Virgem Maria EC, Intensivo, Vila Velha, Boiadeiros, Fulminense, Aliança and Espinalense.

The favourites are: Massaranduba FC, SC Carnavalesco, Vila Velha, Porto Lacruz and Boiadeiros.

FOURTH AND FIFTH DIVISIONS – Composed mainly by amateur teams, these teams are very weak and few of them play the National Cup, but some good teams can appear from there.

[Kura-Pelland]

THE TEAMS

Achorpe Rovers defied all expectations in actually quite comfortably staying up last season, but second-season syndrome is quite ilkely to strike. Goalkeeper Michael Dunnington is safe as houses still, especially with Ben Wilkinson to back him up, and Iain Menzel will always be in amongst the goals. But Dennis Dubois isn't clicking with Menzel, and neither are getting an adequate supply from midfield - such are the club's weaknesses in that department that 17-year-old Liam Marling is set to be a regular starter on the left. Well, it's not like they have any real alternatives.

AFC Neegera are probably the most exciting team in the multiverse with five at the back. That's what you get when you have two wing-backs who'll bomb forward with gleeful abandon (Alessandro Quaores on the right being about as good an example as you'll see in Atlantian Oceania), a prolific little-and-large strike force who'll get goals from anywhere (tiny Chris Corderman, giant Wayne Harcef) and three crappy centre-backs trying and failing to protect an unpredictable 21-year-old goalkeeper. Mid-table again, probably; new C&M signing Yosgart Flores stands out from the existing centre-backs only inasmuch as he has one of the best names in the league.

AS Assiri are fast establishing themselves as a yo-yo club. Bottom two seasons ago, top of the second tier last term, and quite possibly going to be bottom again this season. The sale of St Samuelese star-in-waiting Frankie di Coa to Murley City is going to haunt them, make no mistake. Unless 16-year-old Norbert Fiero really is as good as they say he is... Elsewhere on the pitch, Giorgio Messini is the standout player, a classic example of the libero role and massively admired in the Italian-speaking community in this city, James Calthorp looks good enough for the top flight, ditto Stephan Burnham, but that's about it.

Club Virling prepare for another relegation battle with next-to-no reinforcements, and so once again goalkeeper Daniel Kaurin will have to carry his aging defence while Toni Elphin and Charles Rawinton deliver crosses to the over-rated Harry Celerano. To be quite honest, this team should be favourites for relegation, but they've pulled it off before...

Curzek Rovers have the most talented midfield outside the top three, possibly even including the top three. Just a shame that one of them's playing out of position. How the hell Bryan Withers hasn't been sold is an utter mystery, but while he's not at his best on the left of a diamond with Oscar Curley, Michael Lotura and Andy Kelly, that's still one hell of a midfield, and it is generally accepted that their absence from the national squad is stupidity defined. Just a shame the side has both a leaky defence - with Dom Byrne just not good enough in goal - and no consistent goal-getting striker.

Deportivo del Arapucera prepare to prove they really are a worthy top flight club - after being beaten in the league by both fellow promoted clubs last term - with an all-new, all-Hispanic attack to make any fan forget about Jose Cazarez. Rex Sandstrom will get most of the goals, Leonard Pinto will just keep getting better, and they'll get plenty of crosses from Manuel Pasinova and Dennis Rukovich bombing up and down both wings. Michael Modexa should also prove an excellent signing in midfield. This team look much more dangerous now, and should target a top-half place.

FC Bargoiten are the team that nobody notices are any good. They should notice them now, as Daniel Dillimer emerges as a potential national team candidate up front, and Al Ailron (what a name!) feeds him from an attacking midfield position. But they are more lacking in width than Keira Knightley, and their refusal to buy a Candelariasian winger is probably going to haunt them.

FC Helma 1495 are the pride of the Dutch-speaking Noorde region. That's not a lot of pride. The poorest region in Kura-Pelland, reflected in a club in dire straits financially. Expect their already-inadequate squad to be whittled down further, with their two national team players Walter Tensen and the prodigious talent Ruud Horin. Beyond that, Kurt Schipma up front, two highly promising teenagers in Robbi Rombley and Kurt de Roemer, and practically nothing else. Survived by one point last time, not widely expected to survive again.

Grayton City Wolves are many peoples' dark horses after finishing sixth last season and fourth before that. Fedde Jeffery is probably the best goalie in the league now that Stephen Hill has moved to C&M, and there's a fair amount of talent all over the field - Nelly Touniema at the back, Ricky Ross at the base of the midfield, Peter Gore on the right roaming forward, Steve Jackson and AJ Burtoni combining well up front and not a lame duck in the first eleven or indeed sixteen. What they really need is one or two truly gifted players who'll take them into the top three.

Harrington Lakeside used to be the team that bored you to tears while winning 1-0, but finishing a slightly distant third last term - only one point ahead of Sorbridge Soccer Storm fercryingoutloud - was enough to induce the biggest changes the club has ever seen. Matthew Tortini is the new manager, he won't stand for bore-fests, and the defence has been ripped up from scratch with two of the most audacious swap deals you will ever see. Goodbye brutal Larry Torrell-Whyte, hello silky winger Zachary Pinkowski. Goodbye impending defensive legend James Williams, hello instant attacking legend Giovanni. Lakeside fans are going to have to get used to Lakeside - also possessing Gregorio Morales up front along with Manuel Alfonso - playing like Parwood City at this rate. If the new-look defence - now hugely reliant on the super-speedy Morris Gardner - is as good as the old one, this team will almost certainly win the title. That won't happen, but it might not even need to...

Marthley Rovers are fiercely proud of their rise up the ranks on limited funds, mostly due to a settled side with a superlative defence. Steve Hurskill has been a revelation in goal, not that he's been that busy in the second tier with players like sweeper Michael Murton in front of him. However, the side have a drastically underpowered strike force - Tommy Cato and Eric Bubua might be remembered for years to come as the worst first-choice strikers in top-flight history - and all their defensive credentials surely won't be enough. Survival is the formal target, but realistically the fans will just take one victory against another side from Lake Branagh. Their games against Porterbridge City will define their season; Marthley is often dismissed as a satellite town of Porterbridge, and City have bought their way to the top.

Murley City are buoyant after the signing of Frankie di Coa, a potential legend in the making if he keeps improving the way he has lately. With John O'Hurley playing behind him, and potentially Matty Skelton alongside, goals seem certain. At the other end, Andy O'Keefe is given too much to do in goal but fortunately is highly capable, and Harry Zaperon provides much-needed support at the base of the midfield. The key weakness is a lack of width.

Parwood City will top the goalscoring charts, of that there is no doubt. Ramiro Novo's unbelievable debut season saw him score 20 goals, the only man in the league to do so, and both Bilú and Jamie Kirklees piled in the goals as well. As if all that weren't enough, Brandon Eldridge has been acquired from relegated Muffidge Rovers, combining on the right with national team stalwart Matthias Gellen on the left. There'll be goals galore - even if injuries occur, there's players like Denny Eleifo and Mick Zarelo on the bench who would walk into half the Championship's starting lineups. So why - after two seasons in a row where the title was lost by but one point - are the club still reliant upon a mid-table defence at best, with goalie Timothy Acalet in particular not good enough for a title-chasing team?

Porterbridge City bought and practically cheated their way to the top flight, and were so brutal about it that Fedde Beattis - and why was he even there anyway? - had enough and went to Cafundeu, where such behaviour is at least normal. That still leaves two internationals - Teddy Vax at the base of the midfield, Michel Queiroz at left-back - but suddenly the team look underpowered up front, reliant upon teenager Kevin Rotheroe who can't even get into the under-21 squad. Virtually everyone wants them to go down, and chances are they'll get their wish.

Prangren Greens are on the fringes of the big three but never break through. At least they'll now be familiar with their new kit and stadium, after rebranding from Prangren Lakeside seemingly to sell more shirts. The spine of the team is superb: Chris Chenoweth up front has all the technical ability you could wish for, Manuel Hurtado in goal is the best shot-stopper in Kura-Pelland and were he more consistent would be a shoo-in for the national team, Alan Ahap is a rock-solid centre-back and John Teagle is a steely holding midfielder. Constantly getting better, but can they break into the top three? They probably need some flair on the wings, especially the right wing.

Sorbridge Soccer Storm looked like doing just that last season after being in the relegation battle the prior season, but fell one point short. Now they are in disarray as Filipo Curana has left for Turks' Club in C&M and his fiercely loyal goalkeeper Stephen Hill has joined him. The players that have come in the other way, unpredictable goalkeeper Ray Winkett and immobile holding midfielder Manuel Ballesteros, are considered woefully inadequate replacements in the eyes of most fans, and despite the goalscoring form of Pete Spyrides and the solidity of Kevin Miller at the back, a swift return to the bottom half under new guy Vincenzo Mando seems more likely than most think. 66/1 against relegation has to be the league's bet of the season.

United Trilan defend their title with what is suddenly the most defensive of the big three sides. Ozzy Stefano may be frustratingly inconsistent but his penchant for the big save - especially from the spot - was immensely important last season, and Massimo Caparelli is still a massive force at centre-back. The midfield doesn't have a weak link to speak of, and prodigious teenager Danny Ibbetson is about to become a very strong one indeed; Graham Woburn may not be the most exciting of strikers but he keeps banging them in. Goals, that is. Furthermore, the fringe players are easily the strongest in the league, and one can expect them to deal far better with injuries and suspensions in the run-in than anyone else. Probably just about worthy of being title favourites.

Yarzoya FC are a side storming out of nowhere to become a big name, finishing a superb seventh in their first top-flight season last term, and will certainly be exciting to watch again this time round. Justin Urquhart and Alessandro Jaquin are a strike force second only to Parwood's Bilú/Novo duo, and Pepe Pupori provides superb support from midfield. Unfortunately that was about all they had last season. Not this time though - the hugely skilful Alessio Montano slots onto the left, pinched from under the noses of Curzek Rovers, and suddenly Yarzoya could be the ones to make the 'big three' become the 'big four'.

[Vephrall]

Vephraller Tririsec e Foutbill 1749

The 1749 season marks the VTF's tenth using the new-style league layout. Through 1739, the layout was very simple, consisting of nine divisions of 20 teams each and a tenth of 18, with a linear structure that meant it required nine promotions for a club to go from Division Ten to Division One. The new system places these same 198 teams in six levels. Cintrin A, B, and C are effectively just renamings of the old Division One through Three. The league then splits into two, with D1/A and D1/B making up the level below C. Below these are D2/A and D2/B, and finally the sixth level is split into three groups: E/A, E/B, and E/C.

Cintrin A

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Sichisers OB              38  22   9   7   63   37   26   75 C
   2  Poikimitagiin FE          38  20   9   9   63   38   25   69
   3  Terabits CE               38  19   9  10   51   34   17   66
   4  Boalluns FE               38  17  12   9   56   40   16   63
   5  Knoleier FE               38  16  14   8   55   39   16   62
   6  Spoantects CE             38  18   8  12   53   38   15   62
   7  Ammites FE                38  18   8  12   56   47    9   62
   8  Merpisms CE               38  17  10  11   57   42   15   61
   9  Bumpoogra FE              38  17  10  11   50   39   11   61
  10  Penuler OC                38  18   3  17   51   55   -4   57
  11  Huellim FE                38  16   7  15   49   48    1   55
  12  Mylfe CE                  38  14  12  12   53   46    7   54
  13  Stestrenas OC             38  14   4  20   39   54  -15   46
  14  Oillid CE                 38  12   9  17   42   52  -10   45
  15  Daazyiles OC              38   9  14  15   35   46  -11   41
  16  Stithis FE                38  12   5  21   46   64  -18   41
  17  Custler FE                38  10   9  19   38   60  -22   39
  18  DFE Donseplock            38  10   6  22   41   61  -20   36 R
  19  Burtneeg FE               38   8   8  22   37   53  -16   32 R
  20  Netler FE                 38   7   6  25   33   75  -42   27 R

Cintrin B

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  FE Dranacess              38  23   6   9   68   37   31   75 P
   2  Fekler FE                 38  20  14   4   54   29   25   74 P
   3  DFE Anhenir               38  22   6  10   62   46   16   72 P
   4  Grasset FE                38  18  10  10   57   34   23   64
   5  Ucktingang OB             38  19   7  12   52   39   13   64
   6  Pondrit FE                38  17  10  11   50   43    7   61
   7  Pomperae FE               38  17  10  11   49   42    7   61
   8  Berkemara FE              38  15  13  10   65   44   21   58
   9  Gontarther FE             38  18   4  16   62   55    7   58
  10  Shing OC                  38  14  13  11   53   51    2   55
  11  Bachans OC                38  13  12  13   43   40    3   51
  12  Engset FE                 38  13  11  14   40   47   -7   50
  13  Cirbeod CE                38  13  10  15   44   49   -5   49
  14  Tigajana OC               38  11  10  17   45   61  -16   43
  15  Strapply FE               38   9  11  18   33   55  -22   38
  16  Sante OB                  38  10   7  21   52   62  -10   37
  17  Cunceer CE                38   8  13  17   38   63  -25   37
  18  Sesotnig FE               38   8   8  22   35   53  -18   32 R
  19  CE e Flaarickug           38   6  14  18   33   59  -26   32 R
  20  Mendid CE                 38   7   9  22   36   62  -26   30 R

Cintrin C

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Firoum OB                 38  24   6   8   72   35   37   78 P
   2  Sondar FE                 38  23   9   6   59   34   25   78 P
   3  Trillet FE                38  21   9   8   63   33   30   72 P
   4  Fishbogger FE             38  20  10   8   50   28   22   70
   5  Feay FE                   38  19   8  11   51   38   13   65
   6  Sontirae CE               38  15  13  10   52   38   14   58
   7  Tehtisms CE               38  16   9  13   52   37   15   57
   8  Peondurte OC              38  15   9  14   39   35    4   54
   9  Ceresstrer FE             38  16   6  16   47   52   -5   54
  10  DFE Clyddly               38  14  10  14   53   43   10   52
  11  Cose CE                   38  15   7  16   39   46   -7   52
  12  Brimpeng FE               38  14   8  16   51   43    8   50
  13  Crussozech CE             38  12  11  15   41   52  -11   47
  14  Dilkis FE                 38  12   9  17   46   54   -8   45
  15  DFE Unee                  38  10  13  15   39   56  -17   43
  16  Contrer FE                38  11   9  18   40   61  -21   42
  17  Mency CE                  38   9  12  17   37   57  -20   39 R
  18  DFE Hyllesme              38  10   4  24   31   59  -28   34 R
  19  FE Glaggemuda             38   9   4  25   34   62  -28   31 R
  20  Festany CE                38   7  10  21   32   65  -33   31 R

Mency and Festany relegated to D1/A
DFE Hyllesme and Glaggemuda relegated to D1/B

Cintrin D1/A

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Oktidople FE              38  24  10   4   61   27   34   82 P
   2  Girag FE                  38  21  10   7   57   25   32   73 Pl
   3  FE Mersira                38  19  12   7   66   47   19   69 Pl
   4  Troorliil FE              38  21   6  11   59   41   18   69 Pl
   5  Larospe OC                38  18  10  10   62   43   19   64 Pl
   6  Spakisteis FE             38  17   9  12   56   45   11   60
   7  Ertory FE                 38  16   7  15   54   44   10   55
   8  FE Sheoron                38  16   7  15   46   50   -4   55
   9  Ans Jistrosts FE          38  14  12  12   48   42    6   54
  10  Prechrus FE               38  15   8  15   48   42    6   53
  11  Ceones OC                 38  13  12  13   44   44    0   51
  12  Iabras FE                 38  13  12  13   43   49   -6   51
  13  Triice CE                 38  12  12  14   44   47   -3   48
  14  Fulatic FE                38  10  14  14   47   53   -6   44
  15  Shintene FE               38   9  10  19   37   61  -24   37
  16  Triratter CE              38   8  12  18   38   57  -19   36
  17  Ungs CE                   38   7  14  17   46   66  -20   35
  18  DFE Pallona               38   8  10  20   37   57  -20   34 R
  19  Scinpefis FE              38   8  10  20   31   56  -25   34 R
  20  Ibbuley OC                38   8   9  21   35   63  -28   33 R

All relegated to D2/A

Cintrin D1/B

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Zikeseng OC               38  23   6   9   71   43   28   75 P
   2  Unshints CE               38  21  11   6   60   39   21   74 Pl
   3  DFE Defae                 38  20   8  10   59   35   24   68 Pl
   4  Spostratter OB            38  19  11   8   57   33   24   68 Pl
   5  Pindess OC                38  17  12   9   49   36   13   63 Pl
   6  Nenbondler FE             38  18   9  11   52   40   12   63
   7  Hings FE                  38  16  14   8   50   33   17   62
   8  Casomer FE                38  18   8  12   58   42   16   62
   9  Swextrer FE               38  18   7  13   59   50    9   61
  10  Fenster OC                38  15   8  15   48   46    2   53
  11  Wifra FE                  38  14   8  16   48   47    1   50
  12  DFE Cloohends             38  13  10  15   39   50  -11   49
  13  Splirts CE                38  12   8  18   47   55   -8   44
  14  Ranalos CE                38  12   7  19   42   57  -15   43
  15  Reengenid FE              38  10  10  18   31   46  -15   40
  16  Emitis FE                 38  11   7  20   44   63  -19   40
  17  Gletros OB                38   9  10  19   27   65  -38   37
  18  Meteca FE                 38   6  17  15   36   47  -11   35 R
  19  Grendless FE              38   7   9  22   30   56  -26   30 R
  20  Spiegrigger FE            38   6  10  22   35   59  -24   28 R

All relegated to D2/B

Cintrin D2/A

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Snuxpond OC               38  22   7   9   56   30   26   73 P
   2  Clidy OB                  38  20  10   8   63   39   24   70 P
   3  Nenirmiopoti FE           38  20   9   9   49   27   22   69 P
   4  Arstor FE                 38  17  13   8   49   36   13   64
   5  Addipess FE               38  16  10  12   57   45   12   58
   6  Swiihedeed OC             38  16  10  12   59   48   11   58
   7  Stether FE                38  14  16   8   46   38    8   58
   8  Lientos OC                38  15  10  13   50   49    1   55
   9  DFE Jishmid               38  16   7  15   50   52   -2   55
  10  Lirdebote OB              38  13  13  12   55   44   11   52
  11  Freal CE                  38  13  12  13   52   51    1   51
  12  Oflilak OB                38  14   7  17   53   57   -4   49
  13  Cenanier FE               38  13   9  16   47   47    0   48
  14  Volstong FE               38  11  14  13   42   46   -4   47
  15  Sellman CE                38  13   8  17   42   54  -12   47
  16  Rigreny OC                38  14   5  19   43   59  -16   47
  17  Pashomos FE               38  11   8  19   44   57  -13   41
  18  Hetruts FE                38   9   9  20   40   67  -27   36
  19  Tuffirrer FE              38   8  11  19   34   50  -16   35 R
  20  Moroha FE                 38   7   8  23   25   60  -35   29 R

All promoted to D1/A
Tuffir relegated to E/B
Moroha relegated to E/C

Cintrin D2/B

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Sascaenis CE              38  21   9   8   72   37   35   72 P
   2  Pestrisms FE              38  22   6  10   64   37   27   72 P
   3  Pirnyssied FE             38  19  10   9   60   41   19   67 P
   4  Bastegoretik FE           38  19   7  12   49   39   10   64
   5  DFE Rascenass             38  17  12   9   54   40   14   63
   6  Gutchyrn FE               38  18   8  12   65   43   22   62
   7  Spesser FE                38  18   7  13   51   42    9   61
   8  Hentiragivers FE          38  15  13  10   61   48   13   58
   9  Serod OB                  38  14  14  10   41   38    3   56
  10  Gastres FE                38  16   7  15   52   44    8   55
  11  Cuntodis FE               38  13  13  12   42   47   -5   52
  12  Suomeny FE                38  13  12  13   47   42    5   51
  13  Captute OC                38  13  10  15   50   54   -4   49
  14  Goggisettimac OB          38  10  14  14   48   56   -8   44
  15  Seruletet FE              38  11  10  17   36   50  -14   43
  16  Padgid OB                 38  10  11  17   44   59  -15   41
  17  Tiatelle FE               38   9  13  16   48   62  -14   40
  18  Bronchianos CE            38   7  10  21   41   70  -29   31
  19  Deballinos FE             38   7   9  22   33   62  -29   30 R
  20  Fulos FE                  38   7   7  24   25   72  -47   28 R

All promoted to D1/B
Deballinos relegated to E/A
Fulos replaces winner of Cintrin E Promotion Playoff

Cintrin E/A

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  FE En Hech                36  22   7   7   47   29   18   73 P
   2  Igivofaic CE              36  21   8   7   52   24   28   71 Pl
   3  Areleciil FE              36  19   6  11   64   41   23   63
   4  Pheleilas CE              36  17  10   9   47   38    9   61
   5  Poskods OC                36  16  10  10   57   45   12   58
   6  Gaplipt OC                36  17   6  13   42   41    1   57
   7  Issicams OB               36  14  14   8   60   44   16   56
   8  Taltrehy CE               36  15   9  12   55   43   12   54
   9  Reeniwahes OC             36  14   6  16   41   42   -1   48
  10  Pipildems OC              36  13   7  16   41   44   -3   46
  11  Cadinibatod FE            36  13   5  18   40   51  -11   44
  12  Duffe OB                  36   9  16  11   50   50    0   43
  13  Shantong OB               36  10  12  14   40   43   -3   42
  14  Petakier FE               36  10  11  15   47   57  -10   41
  15  Gopa FE                   36  11   8  17   41   58  -17   41
  16  Preis OC                  36  10   9  17   47   57  -10   39
  17  Fewertnong OC             36   9  12  15   41   53  -12   39
  18  Cocunassets FE            36   8  10  18   44   69  -25   34
  19  Astenaster CE             36   5  12  19   23   50  -27   27

FEEH promoted to D2/B

Cintrin E/B

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Methwundy FE              38  25   9   4   69   28   41   84 P
   2  Thembapt FE               38  24   9   5   61   25   36   81 Pl
   3  Cans FE                   38  20  10   8   56   36   20   70
   4  Habblod OC                38  19   9  10   54   41   13   66
   5  Crugrin FE                38  17  12   9   56   42   14   63
   6  Antirras FE               38  18   6  14   57   44   13   60
   7  Elilidrell FE             38  17   9  12   50   44    6   60
   8  Cezot FE                  38  17   6  15   53   49    4   57
   9  Taeschander OC            38  17   6  15   43   41    2   57
  10  Adronahings FE            38  15   9  14   41   44   -3   54
  11  Reseamem CE               38  12  11  15   45   43    2   47
  12  Roneciid FE               38  12  10  16   49   53   -4   46
  13  Tevansteses FE            38   9  18  11   42   44   -2   45
  14  Pora CE                   38  11  10  17   38   53  -15   43
  15  Dallbigil FE              38  10  10  18   32   53  -21   40
  16  Uasang OB                 38   9  11  18   37   50  -13   38
  17  Cests FE                  38   8  12  18   41   64  -23   36
  18  Tompigatepepeosm FE       38   7  12  19   26   44  -18   33
  19  Streghtap FE              38   7  10  21   32   58  -26   31
  20  Pubbleeng OB              38   5  13  20   34   60  -26   28

Methwundy promoted to D2/A

Cintrin E/C

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Sotrediting FE            36  18   9   9   54   33   21   63 P
   2  Cernmes OC                36  18   8  10   63   47   16   62 Pl
   3  Timuner FE                36  18   8  10   54   38   16   62
   4  Riors FE                  36  17   9  10   55   39   16   60
   5  FE Tecty                  36  17   8  11   54   40   14   59
   6  FE Shavawa                36  15  12   9   62   37   25   57
   7  Thimptot CE               36  16   9  11   51   43    8   57
   8  Swollmac FE               36  14  13   9   53   41   12   55
   9  Siciraid CE               36  15  10  11   56   46   10   55
  10  Moshwik CE                36  15   8  13   54   42   12   53
  11  Puiphid CE                36  14   8  14   46   50   -4   50
  12  Tefryhons FE              36  12  12  12   52   49    3   48
  13  Triblahins FE             36  11  10  15   37   57  -20   43
  14  DFE Iridost               36  10  12  14   46   60  -14   42
  15  Clinny FE                 36   9   9  18   43   63  -20   36
  16  Hiwisod FE                36   8  11  17   33   56  -23   35
  17  Braes FE                  36   7  12  17   32   49  -17   33
  18  Virdyr FE                 36   5  16  15   34   51  -17   31
  19  Scoly FE                  36   8   6  22   32   70  -38   30

Sotrediting promoted to D2/A


The Cintrin D1 and E promotion playoffs are scheduled to take place next month.

[Vephrall]

VTF1749 Promotion Playoffs

Cintrin D1/A

Semifinals
Girag FE 0-1 FE Mersira
FE Mersira 2-0 Girag FE
Aggregate: Girag FE 0-3 FE Mersira

Troorliil FE 0-2 Larospe OC
Larospe OC 2-0 Troorliil FE
Aggregate: Troorliil FE 0-4 Larospe OC

Final
FE Mersira 1-0 Larospe OC

FE Mersira promoted to Cintrin C

Cintrin D1/B

Semifinals
Unshints CE 0-0 DFE Defae
DFE Defae 2-1 Unshints CE
Aggregate: Unshints CE 1-2 DFE Defae

Spostratter OB 0-1 Pindess OC
Pindess OC 3-0 Spostratter OB
Aggregate: Spostratter OB 0-4 Pindess OC

Final
DFE Defae 2-1 Pindess OC

DFE Defae promoted to Cintrin C

Cintrin E

Thembapt FE 0-1 Cernmes OC
Cernmes OC 0-2 Igivofaic CE
Igivofaic CE 3-1 Thembapt FE

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Igivofaic CE               2   2   0   0    5    1    4    6 P
   2  Cernmes OC                 2   1   0   1    1    2   -1    3
   3  Thembapt FE                2   0   0   2    1    4   -3    0

Igivofaic CE promoted to Cintrin D2/B


Coming Sunday: a preview of the upcoming 1750 season!

[Dancougar]

We join the Kingdom of Dancougar, already in progress. In order to prepare for the upcoming BoF and WC qualifiers, I blasted through nine seasons worth of football to build up some history, and we pick things up in year ten:

The popularity of football continues to grow in the somewhat isolated Kingdom of Dancougar, but fans will have to remain content with the game at the college level. Still no signs of a professional league, but there are hopes that the Kingdom's imminent participation in international competition will spark interest. Here's a rundown of the tenth autumn of college competition:

• The Dancougar Royal Academy overcame a slow start to take the Yuki Collegiate Premier League on 26 points, finishing ahead of Kishin Academy and the University of Dancougar. The Royal Academy defeated Kishin 3-1 in week 12 to draw even with league-leading Dancougar, which took only three points from its final three matches while the Royal Academy won out.
  
• Port Royal University finished well clear of the field in the Kishin Delta CPL, unleashing the conference's best offense en route to a 10-2-4 finish, six points better than the competition. They led from matchday 3, building an insurmountable eight point advantage in just three games.
  
• Shiba State University and Grandborough University finished atop the Shiba Valley Conference with 26 points apiece, but Shiba State took the title on a better goal differential, +7 to +5. But first, they had to make up two points in the final week. They did their part with a 3-2 win against third place Lansing College, and got help when Grandborough only managed to draw 1-1 against basement-dwellers Shiba Tech.
  
• Pollock College won the Coastal Plains Conference thanks in part to the nation's second best defense, which ceded only 9 goals in 14 matches. They were tied with Yuki State - Helmsley, owners of the nation's best defense with 7 goals against in 14 games, going into the final matchday. But only Pollock came away with a victory.
  
• Hazuki State University, after a year of setback, returned to winning form in the Hazuki CPL, taking their fifth title in six years with an 11-4-1 record. They dominated, finishing nine points clear of the competition thanks to the nation's best offense, which produced 40 goals for a +21 differential.
  
• The Big Northeast was hotly contested, as two points separated the top three teams. Northeastern Masato University emerged victorious on 23 points from 14 matches, slightly edging out Muddy Banks State College and Zane Island State College. A 3-2 win against Muddy Banks on the final day, coupled with Zane Island's 2-1 loss, delivered NE Masato their first conference title.
  
• Callihan College took the Shinobu Valley Conference with a 9-1-4 record, three points clear of Brackston College and Maehara University. Callihan defeated both by 3-1 scores in the second half of the season to break free.
  
• Helmut State University finished a point ahead of Jena College to win the Helmut CPL. They leapfrogged the runners-up with a 2-1 win in week 12. Jena then helped Helmut State by defeating leaders Kimei Academy the following week.
  
• With a 9-2-5 record, Shikibu Northwestern finished first in the South Central Conference, three points ahead of the University of Shikibu. The two clashed in the final week of the season tied at 26 points from 15 matches, and Shikibu Northwestern's 2-0 win delivered the title.
  
• Rizzi College quietly played their game at a high level, finishing 7-6-1 in the Red River Conference, five points clear of the competition. They wielded the conference's top offense and second best defense, and their only loss came in week 12, 1-0 against second-place Hyland College.
  
• Friedmann College took the Big West title with 30 points from 16 games, thanks in part to the conference's best defense. They finished ahead of the University of Desugaia, which had a chance going into their final match. They needed a two goal win against bottom-feeders Eastern Desugaia University to take the title on goal differential, but Eastern pulled off a 1-0 upset for their second win.
  
• With 30 points from 15 matches and the conference's best defense, Aiken College finished atop the Lunarossa CPL, three points clear of Morewood Tech. Aiken's 2-1 win against Lunarossa State in week 7 put them in the driver's seat, and they didn't look back. The eight point cushion they'd built by week 10 turned out to be too great for the rest of the league to make up.
  
• Wenger College were five points clear of Baptista College and Gotei College in the Big North, as the conference's best offense delivered nine wins and three draws. Gotei had the best chance to unseat Wenger, but Wenger triumphed 1-0 in their matchday 17 meeting.
  
• In the Metro East, Hornbostel University and Wean State finished with identical 6-4-4 records. Hornbostel, three points back on the final matchday, defeated Wean State 4-1 to make up the difference and win the goal differential tiebreaker, finishing +4 to Wean State's +1. Morrison College, which sat between the two on the final day, lost 3-0 and fell out of contention.
  
• Barynsk College won the Igor Valley Conference with an 8-4-2 record, thanks to a combination of the conference's best offense and defense. Barynsk took over the conference lead in week 8 after crushing Earlsburg College 4-1, and built it by taking points from their next five matches. It was part of a ten game unbeaten streak.
  
• Two points separated the top four teams in a tight Big East, and Amada University edged out the University of Juusenkitai on goal differential, with both finishing level at 25 points. It was high drama on the final matchday with Amada losing 3-2 to Masaharu College. This gave Juusenkitai an opening, but a 3-0 win against Mainstead City College was not enough to make up the goal differential.
  
• At 10-0-4, Bremley College comfortably won the Shapiro CPL. They led from week two and built a six point lead by week nine, which was how it ended. No clear challenger emerged from the pack.
  
• Montefiore College took the Kishin Plains with 24 points from 14 matches, two ahead of Carnegie Tech. One point separated the top four teams on the final matchday, with Carnegie Tech first on goal differential. Montefiore defeated bottom half Clay Academy 2-0, while Carnegie Tech tied Bloomfield 1-1. Frickstowne College, the other team in the mix, lost 3-2 and dropped out of the race.
  
• Akasaka University finished first in the Kotaru CPL, going 7-3-4 to be three points clear of Kotaru University. Akasaka's 1-0 win against Kotaru in week 11 gave them a five point cushion. It turned out to be critical, as Akasaka went 0-1-2 in the final three, just enough to counter Kotaru's 1-0-2 finish.
  
• The University of Gilderome won the Gilderome River Conference on goal differential, tied with Vasco College on 31 points from 16 matches. They, armed with the conference's best offense, had +12; Vasco, which relied on the league's best defense, +8. Vasco took the season series with Gilderome with a win and a draw, but a 2-1 loss to Stoneridge University on matchday 16 turned out to be crucial.
  
• In the Northern Plains, a similar race occurred between eventual winners Donovan Academy and Chastain College, who both finished 9-4-3. Donovan's league-best offense won a +12 differential, while Chastain and the league's best defense only managed +11. Chastain pulled even on points on matchday 17 by winning 2-1 while Donovan drew 2-2. But their 4-2 win on the final day was not enough to offset Donovan's 2-1 victory over Gilderome State.
  
• Two points separated the top four in the Shikibu CPL, but it was Ladsburg College which emerged on top. With Ladsburg going down 3-1 to Stoddart-McLean College on the final day, defending champs Monagham State College had a shot at the title. But they were unable to beat sixth place Nikkei Academy, going down 2-1 to finish fourth in the league.
  
• The Sullivan CPL went to Kensington University, who finished a point ahead of Monroeville College with a 9-3-4 record. On matchday 16, Monroeville earned a 1-0 win against Kensington's 1-0 loss, putting them a point behind the leaders. They had two games left to Kensington's one. However, Kensington won theirs and Monroeville lost 1-0 to Glassport City College, putting the title out of Monroeville's reach.
  
• Hayward College finished 10-3-3 to win the Keats Island CPL, riding the league's best offense four points clear of runners-up Keats Island University. Hayward defeated Keats Island 4-2 on matchday 14 to take the league lead, and Keats Island lost two of its last three to fall to the wayside.
  

Each college league operates independently of the others, and so far, no attempt has been made to organize a tournament to determine a national champion. For now, we must be content with the media poll:

1. Hazuki State University (11-4-1, +21, Hazuki CPL)
2. Port Royal University (10-2-4, +9, Kishin Delta CPL)
3. Hayward College (10-3-3, +10, Keats Island CPL)
4. Aiken College (9-3-3, +8, Lunarossa CPL)
5. Rizzi College (7-6-1, +10, Red River)
6. Donovan Academy (9-4-3, +12, Northern Plains)
7. University of Gilderome (9-4-3, +12, Gilderome River)
8. Chastain College (9-4-3, +11, Northern Plains)
9. Barynsk College (8-4-2, +14, Igor Valley)
10. Vasco College (9-4-3, +8, Gilderome River)
11. Morewood Technical Institute (7-6-2, +10, Lunarossa CPL)
12. Friedmann College (9-3-4, +11, Big West)
13. Wenger College (9-3-4, +9, Big North)
14. Kensington University (9-3-4, +9, Sullivan CPL)
15. Bremley College (10-0-4, +6, Shapiro CPL)
16. Pollock College (8-3-3, +7, Coastal Plains)
17. Ouran College (8-4-4, +8, Hazuki CPL)
18. Dancougar Royal Academy (8-2-4, +6, Yuki CPL)
19. Shiba State University (7-5-2, +7, Shiba Valley)
20. Amada University (7-4-3, +11, Big East)
21. Briggs College (7-6-3, +9, Hazuki CPL)
22. University of Juusenkitai (6-7-1, +10, Big East)
23. Vartla City College (7-3-4, +8, Big East)
24. Northeastern Masato University (5-8-1, +7, Big Northeast)
25. Muddy Banks State College (5-7-2, +9, Big Northeast)

[Elves Security Forces]

Silver Cup: Season 20,003
Holders ~ Mar Sara Flames

First Round
FC Vernad 2-0 AC Cartmot
Char Sara Volcano 2-4 Capri Marksmen
Rinaldi Ravens 0-1 SC Longview
Rolalas FC 2-1 DC Aulian
Gladerial Fortune Dwellers 3-2 Athletic Rolalas
AS Shalara 1-2 Everlin Snipers
SC Ianisle 1-1 Char Sara Strike (2-1 AET)
FC Wexax 1-0 Manavawi Athletic
Turmondale FC 3-0 Mar Sara Extreme
AC Goldsan 1-0 AS Everlin
Travesian Generals 1-3 FC Travesian
Turmondale United 0-1 Raynor City Rockets

Second Round
Oliviena United 1-2 Gladerial Fortune Dwellers
Gladerial Twilight 2-4 Everlin Snipers
Sharala AC 3-3 Kareen FC (3-4 AET)
AC Goldsan 3-1 Rolalas FC
Hondo Owls 2-0 Hartdale Hawks
Turmondale FC 0-0 Wexax United (1-0 AET)
Capri Marksmen 2-3 Straightdale FC
Char Sara Inferno 2-3 SC Longview
FC Travesian 3-0 Monaven Breakers
Juavi Reds 3-1 Soldarian FC
Baysleef Bombers 2-0 Rinaldi Gunners
FC Longview 1-1 AC Valanari (2-1 AET)
SC Ianisle 0-1 Raynor City Rockets
FC Vernad 2-4 FC Capri
Raynor City Rockers 4-2 FC Wexax
Mar Sara Flames 2-0 FC Vamas

Third Round
Gladerial Fortune Dwellers 3-2 Everlin Snipers
Kareen FC 3-1 AC Goldsan
Hondo Owls 2-2 Turmondale FC (3-2 AET)
Straightdale FC 3-1 SC Longview
FC Travesian 2-1 Juavi Reds
Baysleef Bombers 2-0 FC Longview
Raynor City Rockets 1-4 FC Capri
Raynor City Rockers 1-1 Mar Sara Flames (1-1 AET) (Raynor City Rockers wins 2-0 on penalty kicks)

Quarterfinals
Gladerial Fortune Dwellers 1-1 Kareen FC (1-2 AET)
Hondo Owls 2-1 Straightdale FC
FC Travesian 1-1 Baysleef Bombers (1-1 AET) (FC Travesian wins 2-0 on penalty kicks)
FC Capri 0-3 Raynor City Rockers

Semifinals
Kareen FC 1-4 Hondo Owls
FC Travesian 1-3 Raynor City Rockers

3PPo
Hosted by The Hatire Memorial, Capri
Kareen FC 2-1 FC Travesian

Final
Hosted by The White Fortress, Gladerial
Hondo Owls 5-4 Raynor City Rockers

Continueing to defy the odds without their former superstar in Laborious Hawk, the Hondo Owls soared past the rest of the competition to take the third Silver Cup. The Cup was played after the season for the first time this season due to the players voting upon the move before the season. The MVP of the tournament was Xena Whitehurse (Hondo Owls), collecting 4 goals and 5 assists. The leading scorer was Joan va Glaze (Raynor City Rockers) with 7 goals.

[Candelaria And Marquez]

Cafundéu Preview Formations © and Kaleta Online Present CMSC XXVII



CMSC XXVII Preview

Yes, back like a bad smell it’s the Candelaria And Marquez Soccer Championship, now in its twenty-seventh, or depending on how you look at it, third, edition.

And, um…

There’s a fair few new foreigners as per usual, though the three-player quota has remained in place forcing many clubs to focus on the domestic scene. Only a smattering come in from the lower leagues, bar the squads of the promoted trio, with that particular well having run dry for now, and many sides have been swapping some of their lesser lights like nobody’s business. The flood of cash from fans, television, government and foreign sources however has allowed even the lowliest sides to hang on to their best talent. Albrecht FC in particular have been most put out by MN Smith’s and Port of Clotaire’s refusal to let the country’s biggest club talk to Boris Oviedo and Tom Redway respectively, and only the three relegated clubs have been properly raided.

As for the newcomers? When Kura-Pelland’s right-wing government was sworn in months ago many of the more sensationalist Candelariasian papers predicted that the islands would be overrun by Kura-Pellandi migrants. They had a point, though few predicted that the torrent would come in the form of something in the region of fourteen footballers and a couple of managers. Nine other countries are however represented in this season’s intake.

The only other ‘new’ aspect to the league are the stadiums, most of which have been given a shiny new lick of paint, some extra architectural features and in several cases a couple of new stands.

Foreign transfers to Candelaria And Marquez

Kenneth Quinn (Ad’ihan) ----------> to El din Marbles
Karl Matthews (Bostopia) ----------> to KT Hotspur (delayed until after World Cup 39)
Wally Milton (Hopeless SC) ----------> to KT Hotspur
Carlos Avarelli (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Castillo FC (Div 2)
Stephen Hill (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Turks’ Club
John Horner (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to MarquezOW
Clayton Knight (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Gamboa FC
Xavier Le Monde (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Turks’ Club
Pep McGuire (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Caires City (Div 2)
Teddy Ozi-Mayer (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Cathedral City
Bo Phelps (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Caires Sports (season-long loan)
Larry Torrell-Whyte (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to El din Marbles
Manuel Zelzi (Kura-Pelland) ----------> to Castillo FC (Div 2)
Étienne de Roviere (Magnus Valerius) ----------> to Green Island
Ávindu Zulqadr (The Pazhujeb Islands) ----------> to C.A.L (half-ownership with MarquezOW)
Orlando Moore (Scotchpinestan) ----------> to MN Smith
Seth Walker (Scotchpinestan) ----------> to MN Smith
Jamie Watson (Scotchpinestan) ----------> to MN Smith
Djagbor Cvecej (Squornshelous) ----------> to Portuguese
Jack Stafador (Starblaydia) ----------> to MarquezOW
Scott Soldarian (Valanora) ----------> to Albrecht Turkish

Candelariasian players leaving C&M

Manuel Ballesteros (Turks’ Club) ----------> to Kura-Pelland
Simone Cammaroto (Green Island) ----------> to Kura-Pelland
Micky Jones (MarquezOW) ----------> to Kura-Pelland
Alessio Montano (Caires City) ----------> to Kura-Pelland
Seb Moon (MarquezOW) ----------> to Kura-Pelland (season-long loan)
Ken Nilsson (Green Island) ----------> to Magnus Valerius
Zachary Pinkowski (El din Marbles) ----------> to Kura-Pelland
Leonard Pinto (Castillo FC) ----------> to Kura-Pelland
Rex Sandstrom (Castillo FC) ----------> to Kura-Pelland
Ethan Schepinov (MarquezOW) ----------> to Kura-Pelland
Ray Winkett (Turks’ Club) ----------> to Kura-Pelland

Foreign players moving between C&M clubs

Samuel Taha (Bettia) ----------> Caires City to A.Turks
Sargento Castelão (Cafundéu) ----------> Abiodun North to Gamboa FC

~ New players in italics, foreigners in bold. Right to left where applicable. Veteran sportswriter Tracker Edwards, new C&M boss and former Albrecht FC manager Lloyd Donnelly and former player and popular TTO pundit Tom McIndoe add their rankings. No elves were harmed in the making of this preview. ~

Marquez-Onwere FC: Primrose – Horner, Douaydari, Kimber, Sosa – Cassumba Domingos, Okeke, Stafador, Siriwong, N. Kjaer (c) – Vélez.
Coach: Andy Woolworth, the former Kura-Pelland national team manager.
Nickname(s): MarquezOW (“mar-keth-ow”), la naranja
Stadium: Estadio Francisco Álvarez, in Onwere (cap. 30,538)
Details: The reigning champions will retain their adventurous 4-1-4-1 and the bulk of their team, but have made some very useful additions in defence with John Horner arriving from Woolworth’s native land and veteran Pete Kimber adding experience.. Arguably the key man however is Jack Stafador, a Starblaydi midfielder barely out of his teens who will be expected to provide the base from which the four men behind Ignacio Vélez can rove forwards.
Good Bench Players: Holding player Joe Beye and striker Caesar Lopo did a fine job when called upon last year, while this should be the season that Erik Kjaer repeats his brother’s success for his adopted club and country.
The Fans Expect: MarquezOW have finally captured the imagination of its university city’s populous, and fans will be hankering for back-to-back titles.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (2), Lloyd Donnelly (3), Tom McIndoe (Ar, thirsty ill gud, banana gud otter Turkeys!)

Albrecht Turkish: Martinez (c) – Dixon, Williams, Laurie, Szczechowicz – Westhead, Soldarian, Stumpf, Kennedy – Maini, Taha.
Coach: Kris Healy, a studious little man who came to Turkish with little experience but could be now on the verge of hero status.
Nickname(s): A.Turks, Turkish, the Millermen, the Kinsmen
Stadium: Millerman Sheppard Stadium, in Albrecht (cap. 40,614)
Details: That they are the best side in the league is taken as read, and yet… are they? The pairing at the back of Steven Williams and Evan Laurie will terrify no-one, while the advanced wing pair of Rueben Kennedy and Ryan Westhead were forced to play out of their skin and far beyond their natural ability last year. Yet who can argue with the threesome of Gary Maini – XXVI’s Player of the Season, new arrival Samuel Taha and the… experienced and versatile Valanoran midfielder Scott Soldarian.
Good Bench Players: Teenage utility man Can Cetin will be called upon regularly, while at 35 Speed Wang can still do a job.
The Fans Expect: After far too many years for C&M’s No. 2 club, the title must return to Turkish.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (1), Lloyd Donnelly (4), Tom McIndoe (Beast sid inner lig. Tick itta rid.)

Albrecht FC: Brindley – Tonnelier, Fu (c), Wojciechowski, St. Louis – B. Edwards, Marshall, Corradini, Ragab – Vanderpent, Cunningham.
Coach: Trevor Organ, a large former club goalkeeper with an eighties moustache.
Nickname(s): Albrecht, the Scorpions, the Deviants
Stadium: Albrecht FC groundshare with Turkish, much to both sides’ irritation.
Details: They play a pretty bog-standard Diamond 4-4-2 and have made few additions, but who really knows what to expect of the Scorpions? Shane Wojciechowski was Defender of the Season a couple of years back, but is the step up to a title-challenging side too great after relegation with Abiodun? David Brindley is hardly the keeper Organ was after, but the big issue is the midfield. Ben Edwards, Jack Marshall, Matteo Corradini and Beck Ragab are all young and home-grown, and may need too much time to make it work.
Good Bench Players: Felix Currey has come in from Castillo FC and will challenge the much older Brindley for the ‘keeper’s jersey. This could be the season that 20-year-old striker Kovac Johnson breaks through, while Edwards’ little brother Ryan may be one to watch.
The Fans Expect: They’re the biggest club in the league, no arguments. The title, as ever.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (3), Lloyd Donnelly (1), Tom McIndoe (Yell one nutha wickeds).

Candelaria Arsenal: Lavender – Pearson, Ytterland, Zulqadr, Whitbread – Reeve (c), Harouni, Beraza, Yalçin – Naylor, Calero.
Coach: Trev George, a quietly-spoken, rotund fellow who has ‘loyal number two’ written all over him. Except, so far, he’s doing wonders.
Nickname(s): C.A.L, the Yellows.
Stadium: Lavange Arena, in Lavange (cap. 18,548)
Details: Ickle, venerable C.A.L from ickle old Lavange have no money and little in the way of hardcore support, but few can argue that they were the story of last season. Playing a more robust variant of the style that saw them promoted, George has had little money to spend but has brought in unpredictable midfielder Hamzah Abdullah Harouni from A.Turks as his headline buy. Highly thought-of Pazhujebi kid Ávindu Zulqadr will be rotated with the defender old enough to be his dad Reilly Palacios, and may even play alongside him if George opts to change the 4-4-2 into a 3-4-3 with Robbie Shannon coming in up front.
Good Bench Players: Robbie Shannon, who could… come in… up front. Apparently. After that yer struggling, but the 17-year-old Ely twins Tom and Kevin could get games in midfield.
The Fans Expect: Some reckon they could challenge once again, but for most avoiding relegation again would be enough.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (13), Lloyd Donnelly (8), Tom McIndoe (Tim’s Rini art furrum. Thelby seef, bat un le joost.)

Green Island Zapata: Petit – de Roviere, Young, Fiore, Desideri – Walker, Zetaback, Head (c), Cerullei – Vidakovic, Vélez.
Coach: Hane Davies, a thrusting young former right-back usually keen waving an arm to encourage his team – bar Ben Head – to push on forwards.
Nickname(s): Green Island, the Zapata-based club, GIZ, the major club of the semi-antonymous Green Island, the Negroes.
Stadium: Marlow Park, in Zapata (cap. 31,616)
Details: Their real title challenge of XXV never really got off the ground last time out, so instead Davies forged his side into the league’s entertainers. No other side averaged two goals a game, and they could be set to do the same again despite the loss of Simone Cammaroto. Rául Vélez returns to C&M after his annus mediocritis in Kura-Pelland to partner Stuart Vidakovic who will have to find his XXV boots again if the GIZ are to challenge. Steven Fiore will hope that Davies can get his career back on track after his move from Turks’ Club, and there’s always the seldom-questioned best-player-in-the-Candelarias-right-now, Roger Zetaback off of Valanora.
Good Bench Players: Teen ‘keeper Roman Perkins has had scouts drooling over him since he was a babe in arms, while experienced striker Robin Young had come in from division two to keep the double-Vs on their toes.
The Fans Expect: A title challenge would be nice, but right now they’re happy enough to enjoy themselves.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (4), Lloyd Donnelly (2), Tom McIndoe (T’parf fini shalizt; buddit dal deep-end son a’ Vid…da…da…ka..da..kka..a.vi..a…va..da…da…)

KT Hotspur: Thorpe – Noble, Revault (c), Johnson, Klein – Adams, Milton, Bagshaw, Walsh – Abellardo, Gallagher.
Coach: Jerry Huntick, a white-haired, white-bearded and generally rather white old fellow, who’s been at the club for more than a decade.
Nickname(s): the Spur.
Stadium: The Valleys, in Rose of Sharon (cap. 22,284)
Details: Hello? Mr Adamczyk? Hi, yes, just wondering about all the cash you promised, I… Hello? Hello? Yes, Spur fans refusal to contemplate leaving their hovel of a ground has been punished by the chairman’s refusal to spend any money, and old Jezza has been forced to make do. They’re likely to be as boring as sin as ever, with the team so reliant on Giuseppe Abellardo – long since discarded by St Samuel but a hero here – to get them out of trouble. Hopeless midfielder Wally Milton might not be, and that’s their only hope really.
Good Bench Players: Mostly kids, and mostly defenders at that. None of ‘em will make it at the highest level, one suspects, but names like Besnik Shehu, Anslem Fisher, Karahan Caner and Agamemnon Knight deserve to be shared with the world.
The Fans Expect: Mid-table respectability while they plot how to murder the Adamczyk clan.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (12), Lloyd Donnelly (10), Tom McIndoe (Thar gud annist prose! Want ear a ward agin sem!)

Port of Clotaire: Cressey – George, Instonenext, Redway, Langstone – Alaoui, Kim, Orlovic, Collins (c) – Gnom, Davis.
Coach: Niko Mason, a small, pleasant little man with the most remarkable sideburns.
Nickname(s): PoC, the Harpies.
Stadium: Harper Street, in Clotaire (cap. 26,600)
Details: Their passionate working-class support is always eager to see them win at all costs, but my; aren’t they dull? The centre-back pairing of Natalie Instonenext and Tom Redway is as good as any in the league, while Nathanial Alaoui and Gary Collins provide the occasional cross. Only the fox-in-the-box skills of Dan Davis and Ryan Gnom stopped the Harpies from struggling last year, and many suspect they’re going to be in trouble this time.
Good Bench Players: With the cost of rebuilding their stadium following the pre-XXV arson attack still a horrible burden, Mason has spent most of his cash on promising youngsters and stalwarts of the lower leagues. Tiny defender Arthur Walker and strikers Eoin Osmer and Jason Federici could be involved – indeed Mason could yet pull a whole new team out of his arse if needs be.
The Fans Expect: Nobody to notice them finishing in the bottom of the top half.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (14), Lloyd Donnelly (15), Tom McIndoe (Zey gor tajuz huffit attapa wee men. A FIFA em, I rilly-dee.)

AFC MN Smith: Oviedo (c) – Fattori, L. Adams, M. Adams, O. Moore – B. Moore, Walker, Fauske, Jones – Johansson, Watson.
Coach: Derek Marshall, a man with ‘Derek’ written on his soul in fountain pen. Only accountants and rappers can be called Derek. Fact.
Nickname(s): MN Smith, the Smudgers, the Smith.
Stadium: City of Bove Stadium, in Bove (cap. 20,568)
Details: The other story of XXVI, I suppose, MN Smith were expected to go straight back down on their first CSMC appearance but Marshall worked miracles to keep them competitive. Their success allowed their utterly negative outlook to be ignored, and it will once again be the performances in the stands that proves most entertaining. The major off-season moves involved their link-up with the Scotchpinestan Soccer Federation, that saw three stars coming to Bove and the club providing their national team training facilities, equipment and other assorted Stuff.
Good Bench Players: Perry Izzillo, Ed Martín, Pedro María Zuluaga. The guys forced out by Orlando, Seth and Jamie W., basically.
The Fans Expect: Well, fans of MN Smith since their creation in 1998 would be happy with avoiding a relegation battle. Fans of All Saints FC, the Bove club forced out of business by the Smith’s creation will boo every goal and long for their relegation and financial collapse.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (7), Lloyd Donnelly (11), Tom McIndoe (Wuh Kent athice kinder fi’ing innas tans! Lessava prep or pun chop, nunna thess nan seaboy staff!)

El din Marbles: Mkhonza – Tokpah (c), Malde, Torrell-Whyte, Quinn – Gardner, Harpas, Panama, Percy – Hone, Madden.
Coach: Carlos Panadero, a very young former left-back best known for his swoon-inducing swarthy appearance.
Nickname(s): Marbles.
Stadium: Little Road Stadium, in El din (cap. 28,520)
Details: After looking relegation certainties for much of the season, Panadero finally turned things around and created one of the most outlandishly attacking sides in the league. For their second-ever year in the CMSC, the Marbles board have loosened their pocked to allow the new manager to bring in his own players. Right-back Kenneth Quinn and brutal centre-half Larry Torrell-Whyte are the headline foreign newcomers to sure up their leaky defence, but no less key are the arrivals of Giles Harpas (rescued from Radyukevich following his excellent XXV) and Carlo Hone (rescued from Turks’ Club following his excellent XXV). They should be some very nice stuff, with their new flying wingers Paulo Gardner and Nicholas Perry and knock it about in midfield… Well, for a good ten minutes at least, before they start lumping it up to big Andy Madden.
Good Bench Players: Cumbersome but effective midfielder Fabien Marks and striker Nataniel O’Leary are among those rather pissed off to find themselves relegated to the bench.
The Fans Expect: A relegation fight but eventual survival. And a happy dressing room, with a bit of luck.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (10), Lloyd Donnelly (9), Tom McIndoe (Ah, iwwer fin will ate listed, bu’ thar prepper midi ocrener.)

Turks’ Club of Khatib: Hill – Jordan, McDonald, Scalzi, Zois – Sellami, Le Monde, Pezzoni (c), Hutton – Bradley, Pi.
Coach: Felipo Curana, aka the other Kura-Pellandi boss.
Nickname(s): Turks’ Club, TurksKT, Turks and anything else on that them bar Turkish.
Stadium: Khatib Together Stadium, in Khatib-Gassett (cap. 27,044)
Details: The debate over who’s C&M’s number three club will rage forever more, but Turks’ Club believe that their smaller stadium is the only thing separating them from that identity. Never ones to miss a good fad, the board have brought in a Kura-Pellandi manager and club captain Giorgio Pezzoni has been joined by two of his countrymen. That they happen to be arguably the league’s best ‘keeper Stephen Hill and the fairy-footed Xavier Le Monde has raised hopes among fans, though Curana’s domestic choices – including CandelariaAM’s Andrew Bradley, Radyukevich’s Matthew Sellami and MarquezOW’s Lucas Scalzi – have hardly set pulses racing.
Good Bench Players: It will be interesting to see if Curana cares for the club’s kids more than his predecessor Williamson. Inventive midfielders William Williams and Mandla Nxele are the stand-outs, though 17-year-old left-footer Ishmael Dolphin deserves a mention for being called Ishmael Dolphin.
The Fans Expect: An initial struggle, ending in safety and genuine hope for XXVIII.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (8), Lloyd Donnelly (6), Tom McIndoe (Door carses an now Ms. Tak.)

Arrigo Portuguese: Sobers – Burgos, Trumble (c), Zebramawi, Ganaha – Carocha, James, Lauren, Belling – Cvecej, Brightmore.
Coach: Jay Zabojnik, progressive young former top-level striker let down by his enormous nose.
Nickname(s): Portuguese, the Hueva
Stadium: Estadio Arrigo Nacional, in Arrigo (cap. 44,123)
Details: Hailing from C&M’s second city, Portuguese are consistent underachievers, but finally look to be developing a squad capable of challenging. Wing-swapping wingers Iain Belling and Cortez Carocha are key, with the Zwangzugian amazon Ursula Lauren watching their back. Joe James has joined from Turks’ Club with everything to prove, and the defence looks solid if far from intimidating. The retirement of Steven Fritz is a big loss, but skinny Kirby Brightmore was among the goals last year and Djabgor Cvecej looks a useful lump, even if he was only signed ‘cos of his name.
Good Bench Players: Giacomo Delgado, Alfie André, Frankie Ramos and the other players who got them up into the top flight are still hanging about, but watch out for twinkle-toesed right-left-central-midfielder-come-striker Jamie González, a teenager with the reputation of the club’s youth system on his shoulders.
The Fans Expect: To be a slightly more restrained version of Green Island, and possible title challengers.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (5), Lloyd Donnelly (6), Tom McIndoe (A bitter brill yunca bitter meh… To parf, thor.)

Candelaria-Allemali FC: Marpleson – Tullier, Mårtensson, Rockey, Mazzeo (c) – Downe, Bornemann, Mengucci, Pipes – Thadope, Smith.
Coach: Giles Walton, a studious, shivering little man hidden behind a vast pair of glasses.
Nickname(s): CandelariaAM, the Shining Sons, the Mariners
Stadium: Hallowfield Park (The Clifton Sausage Company Arena), in Allemali (cap. 29,876)
Details: The fans have never gotten on with the board, and they may well prove correct over the decision to bring in Walton from Marbles. The Jeruselemite pair aside, this is a real collection of mediocrity. Chrissando Rockey arrives from McDonald Sports to partner Boston Mårtensson, but that won’t put the proverbial willies up anyone, while Stephen Smith was let go by KT Hotspur largely on his injury record and looks a far from adequate replacement for Bradley. The midfield at least has some class with Connor Mengucci and Joey Pipes, but pundits remain divided on their future.
Good Bench Players: None? What’s most worrying for their hopes this time is the utter lack of depth. Defender Archie Dubicki, veteran midfielder Archer Cannon and lively young forward Michael Sisson can all do a job, but in what division?
The Fans Expect: The fans probably wouldn’t be that upset with relegation, in all honesty, and a chance to boot out the current set of owners, but Thadope and Downe should provide enough quality.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (9), Lloyd Donnelly (13), Tom McIndoe (Neee-oorrrr… Crrrr…. Bumb! Bag nim, bid sisson.)

Radyukevich Clotaire Sports Club: Kilad – Krstev, Virta, Hurston, Min – Wilson, Eriksson, Osim (c) – Tanzani, Burridge – Stromberg.
Coach: Vincent Peluso, aka Big Vinny, a huge ex-defender known for his endless stream of invective against any social minority you care to name (apart from Italians, obviously). Like a genuinely offensive version of Chris Moyles.
Nickname(s): Radyukevich, the Jukos, the lilacs, the pigmen.
Stadium: Hilltop Stadium, in Clotaire (cap. 31,093)
Details: They were up there with the capital clubs in most peoples’ eyes at the start of XXV, but after a dire XXVI their aims are rather more modest. Peluso’s expected Christmas tree will feature the versatile Carroll Eriksson from Castillo, surplus-to-requirement-but-much-coveted-cross-machine Jackson Tanzani from Albrecht FC and another former Scorpion, Alex Stromberg, up front. With Dean Wilson and Almir Osim also in midfield it won’t be fun to watch, but relegation shouldn’t be an issue this time around.
Good Bench Players: Pablo López and Jamie Rawlinson have remained at the club to challenge Stromberg despite overtures from elsewhere, and 20-year-old defender Warren Crochemore could challenge the Kura-Pellandi Steve Hurston if he gets off to another shocker.
The Fans Expect: Radyukevich supporters are some of the most lively and, frankly, weird in the league; and seem to believe that this gives them the right to expect the world every season. When their not releasing pigs, they’ll be putting Peluso under pressure make no mistake.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (6), Lloyd Donnelly (5), Tom McIndoe (Bunja silf absess pan zees. Cra passover, theel striggle – merk mew erds!)

Caires Sports Club: Halford – Naylor, Bensahnoun, Jansson, Phelps – LeCass, Wiedemann, Freitas (c) – Ashby, Cole, French.
Coach: Macario Ayoví, another larger-than-life type, who recovered from condemning Cathedral City to relegation to bring the Knights up with ease.
Nickname(s): Caires Sports, CSC, the Knights.
Stadium: Kalta Online Dome, in Caires (cap. 38,838)
Details: Likely to change things around a bit and adopt a 4-3-3, the CSC are never-the-less many people’s favourites for relegation despite winning division two. The fear is that the triumvirate of Luke Cole, Archer French and their elder colleague Ashley Ashby simply aren’t top-flight quality, while tricky winger Rockdale LeCass has a great name but little else. That Bo’Selected to come to Caires is a boon, but even young Phelps cannot save a sub-par looking defence.
Good Bench Players: Midfielder Charlie Diack may bring his experience to the first team, but kids like striker Oran Baron and leggy defender Harris Matthews are just along for the ride.
The Fans Expect: Promotion perhaps came to soon for the Knights, despite the size of the club, and they suspect that relegation will be tough to avoid.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (16), Lloyd Donnelly (16), Tom McIndoe (Naah, thill beef ine! Ol’ Makky-A’s gone tea sippriz afra pepple, ah reck own.)

Cathedral City: Yaqué – Ortiz, Hall (c), Silva de Aviz – Shelton, Murch, Robson – Jerez, Taffarel, Folgueira – Ozi-Mayer.
Coach: Charlie Cunningham, the handsome blond uncle of Albrecht FC’s Joe. He’s relegated a couple of clubs in his career, but third time’s the charm.
Nickname(s): Cathedral, Catedral, the Cats.
Stadium: La Neuva Decimotercia, in El din (cap. 27,227)
Details: It’s been described as a 3-3-3-1, and is just as widthless as it sounds. Still, it worked in division two and Teddy Ozi-Meyer is a far more threatening prospect for defenders than Edward Moschopoulos. Young Russell Jobson is an unknown quantity still after his move from KT Hotspur, but waltzing winger Kurt Folgueira could prove the revelation of the CMSC in XXVII.
Good Bench Players: Moschopoulos and second striker Andrew Muambe are veterans of the Cats’ last campaign, while Robinson Zarapov is a talented young goalkeeper who should force Carlos Yaqué out of the side in time.
The Fans Expect: To beat El din Marbles in the first El din derby for years. And then relegation, in all honesty.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (15), Lloyd Donnelly (14), (Eh-he-he, Cumminghan do sit agin!)

Abiodun’s Gamboan Club: Matthews – Armstrong, Young (c), Knight, Price – Ask, Lewis, Ledor, Dobson – Katic, Castelão.
Coach: Andrew Duffy, a nice normal gentlemen with normally proportioned facial features. Clearly not cut out to be a football manager.
Nickname(s): Gamboa FC, Gamboa.
Stadium: Wallpark Road, in Abiodun (cap. 30,092)
Details: Once upon a time, and not so many years ago at that, Gamboa looked to be the only side capable of breaking Albrecht FC’s monopoly with a mixture of their own great resources and an excellent selection of kids. They may have scraped up only by the skin of their teeth and bring a eye-wateringly pedestrian 4-4-2, but they look the best equipped of the newcomers to stay up. Sam Young has returned to his boyhood club from Albrecht FC to partner the Kura-Pellandi (duh) Clayton Knight, while the strike force of veteran returning old boy Rusty Katic and the Cafundulense Sargento Castelão has real promise. Murphy Matthews is still clearly a first division goalkeeper despite his exile from Albrecht, while Gamboa have a teen hero of their own in the form of innovative little Austin Lewis.
Good Bench Players: Big Tony Thorpe essentially got them up single-handedly, but it past it at 33. They have youngsters with names like George, Casper and Hugo however, as well as the man that makes the KT Hotspur ‘There’s only one Nic Noble’ chant rather redundant; centre-half Nick Noble.
The Fans Expect: God knows. They prefer not to talk to, ugh, journalists.
Experts’ ratings: Tracker Edwards (11), Lloyd Donnelly (12), Tom McIndoe (Cannae Stan Dem. Hop the gee strat bic den.)

[Vephrall]

VTF1750 - Cintrin A Preview

The proud tradition continues, as the Vephraller Tririsec e Foutbill prepares to launch its 141st season.

But it's a slightly altered tradition. Since the league began play in 1610, the VTF has completely disallowed any foreign players. In recent years, a few Vephrallers have departed the league in favor of other nations, most notably Cafundéu, but the VTF has remained 100 percent Vephrese from the start. However, on 12 January 1750 the VTF's board of directors voted to remove this barrier and allow entry of foreign players into the league.

The restrictions for each team are:

• No more than 5 foreign players total
• No more than 2 players from outside Atlantian Oceania

The first foreign entries will be allowed during the 1751 pre-season transfer window in January (OOC: Wednesday 23 January). Note that transfer windows occur every January (OOC: every 12 days).

National team players listed in bold

Ammites FE: T. Umsaasad (D R), W. Rutako (M L)
Manager: Meniarol Minanad
Location: Netlas, Sumbobor
Previous finish: 7th
Outlook: 1749 was a bit disappointing for Ammites, who saw their first finish outside the top five since the relegation scare of 1737. They won titles in '41 and '44, but seem to have been on a slow decline since then.
Predicted finish: 6th

DFE Anhenir: (no national team players)
Manager: Frireng Prarbens
Location: Anhenir, Dettune
Previous finish: 3rd, Cintrin B (promoted)
Outlook: Until recently a consistent mid-table Cintrin B club, they managed to make the push for promotion in '49. Most experts believe that City will enjoy exactly one season in the top flight.
Predicted finish: 20th (relegated)

Boalluns FE: D. Ponten (MRC)
Manager: Coteskais Doshese
Location: Gontarthe, Shentarong
Previous finish: 4th
Outlook: A fairly consistent top-half club that suffered from a slightly poor showing in 1748. They've rebounded well and will probably be in the top five again.
Predicted finish: 5th

Bumpoogra FE: (no national team players)
Manager: Cliriputed Persas
Location: Fekliir, Riestre
Previous finish: 9th
Outlook: These guys were perennial relegation candidates a few years ago, but their fortunes have turned for the better lately. Expect another mid-table finish.
Predicted finish: 12th

Custler FE: A. Gackbang (DC)
Manager: Mantlom Maleneds
Location: Custles, Calamen
Previous finish: 17th
Outlook: They saved themselves from relegation by just three points last year, largely as a result of being plagued by injuries. They'll be looking for slightly higher ground this time.
Predicted finish: 13th

Daazyiles OC: (no national team players)
Manager: Recasang Tesaire
Location: Mersira, Bektys
Previous finish: 15th
Outlook: Relative newcomers to the top flight, Daazyiles seem to have proven they can survive...but that's about it.
Predicted finish: 17th

FE Dranacess: (no national team players)
Manager: Ocilla Going
Location: Meice, Bektys
Previous finish: 1st, Cintrin B (promoted)
Outlook: Dranacess came out on top in the tight Cintrin B title race last year, but will they be good enough to compete at the next level? Many say the gap is just too great.
Predicted finish: 18th (relegated)

Fekler FE: (no national team players)
Manager: Cilleng Hahnea
Location: Fekliir, Riestre
Previous finish: 2nd, Cintrin B (promoted)
Outlook: This may be the club that's named after the city, but it's probably going to be Bumpoogra that brings the bigger glory to Fekliir this year. Just like the other two promotions from Cintrin B, this one isn't expected to last long.
Predicted finish: 19th (relegated)

Huellim FE: P. Fihor (M L)
Manager: Dotsmens Mocks
Location: Fekliir, Riestre
Previous finish: 11th
Outlook: It seems that Fekliir is the unofficial footballing capital of Vephrall; we're not even halfway down the list and we're already on the third club from that city. There's really not much to say about Huellim other than that their offense could use some work. Look for them to stay right where they are in mid-table.
Predicted finish: 11th

Knoleier FE: P. Scezes (DM C)
Manager: Rhoetang Dotsmens, former Vephrall national team assistant manager
Location: Knolees, Shentarong
Previous finish: 5th
Outlook: Knolees' namesake football club has been among the elite for well over a century, with league championships dating back to 1613. Can they win another title this year? Some say yes.
Predicted finish: 2nd

Merpisms CE: (no national team players)
Manager: Irupe Handbosm
Location: Flaarickug, Shentarong
Previous finish: 8th
Outlook: They have an explosive attack and a pretty good defense, too, but somehow they can never manage to get it working well enough to pull themselves up out of mid-table.
Predicted finish: 9th

Mylfe CE: (no national team players)
Manager: Ebrulefa Wilopteere
Location: Netlas, Sumbobor
Previous finish: 12th
Outlook: A solid top-half team that got off to a slow start last year and couldn't really recover. We don't think they'll make that mistake again.
Predicted finish: 8th

Oillid CE: O. Shuke (GK), M. Sads (D R)
Manager: Soscren Ocilla
Location: Gontarthe, Shentarong
Previous finish: 14th
Outlook: They've been a mid-table team for as long as anyone can remember, recently tending toward the lower reaches of that zone. That inertia will be hard to overcome.
Predicted finish: 14th

Penuler OC: (no national team players)
Manager: Edroklis Einy
Location: Penuls, Riestre
Previous finish: 10th
Outlook: POC simply have to fill the holes in their leaky defense if they want any chance of success this year.
Predicted finish: 10th

Poikimitagiin FE: (no national team players)
Manager: Sperobis Wilopteere, Vephrall national team midfielder WC36-37
Location: Penuls, Riestre
Previous finish: 2nd
Outlook: After a while in mid-table, Poiki exploded onto the scene in 1746 with a third-place finish and have finished either second or third every season since. Even more incredibly, they've done it without a single player on the national team squad! What Poiki lacks in superstars, it makes up for with rock-solid teamwork and general good play all around. One of the strongest title contenders this year.
Predicted finish: 1st

Sichisers OB: (no national team players)
Manager: Claspung Pochue
Location: Tuffir, Shentarong
Previous finish: 1st
Outlook: The newest champions of the VTF are losing a few key players, which could impact their chances of defending the title.
Predicted finish: 3rd

Spoantects CE: (no national team players)
Manager: Persas Gaicass
Location: Penuls, Riestre
Previous finish: 6th
Outlook: Another strong top-half team, but not quite good enough to challenge the elite.
Predicted finish: 7th

Stestrenas OC: R. Claspung (M RC), C. Spelaad (F C)
Manager: Solivasas Hesaramba
Location: Gloem, Shentarong
Previous finish: 13th
Outlook: Despite the presence of two current Vephrese national team players, the fact is they really have nothing else going for them. Nobody can get the ball to Spelaad to allow him to score, and the defense is nothing to write home about either. Some say they may have an outside chance at the drop.
Predicted finish: 15th

Stithis FE: C. Sperobis (M RLC), E. Solivasas (AM RLC)
Manager: Speocacks Scunt
Location: Knolees, Shentarong
Previous finish: 16th
Outlook: These guys are very good at maintaining possession. The problem is, they don't tend to do much with it. Stithis also is highly susceptible to counter-attacks when they do lose the ball.
Predicted finish: 16th

Terabits CE: S. Wismalies (AM R)
Manager: Ponten Gaicass
Location: Defae, Salle
Previous finish: 3rd
Outlook: Terabits has a relatively old squad compared with the rest of Cintrin A. But what these older players may lack in speed, they make up for with experience.
Predicted finish: 4th

[Elves Security Forces]

Valanora Express
Forward Progress

Following yet another hotly contested season that saw quite a few surprises in all three leagues and a surprise run from Hondo in the Silver Cup, we once again have entered the short off season period. Clubs will be looking to bolster their ranks and get prepared for another grueling season. However, this off season has been started with a bang, as the Raynor, Swent, and Swift families have each donated 1,000,000 silver coins (approx. US$50 billion) to help fund new clubs to get the domestic league to a more acceptable structure. Using these new funds, the domestic league can now boast 100 clubs, up from just 47 previously, and now a 5 division with 20 teams a division set up. Whilst this has temporarily put the regional teams non-eligable to enter the professional ranks, the VFA and VSC promise to make them eligable again within the next three seasons.

Moving on from that, it's clear that the world has taken notice of the elite footballers being produced here in the ESF as Kareen FC's Lucas Hearts has already been transferred away to Kura-Pellandi side Porterbridge City, while Raynor City stikers Manny Kili and Kile Shu have also been approached. While it is the perogative of the VFA to keep as much of the domestic talent at home as possible, it shows the respect from the foriegn community of their evaluation of our talent. In addition, with the growing number of foriegners gracing our clubs, it brings a freshness to the league and adds some flavor that having only domestic and regional talent can not. These next few seasons shall be interesting and quite enjoyable if things continue to progress as they have the last four seasons.

Transferlisted
GK Efeirn Ace, age 753, Raynor City Rockers (M)
GK Kevin Nelmes, age 834, Monaven Breakers (M)
GK Loras Carl Michael, age 732, Hartdale Hawks (F)
GK Travis Neil, age 632, FC Longview (M)
LB Kristi Mars, age 892, Mar Sara Flames (F)
RB Rio Perrin, age 784, Char Sara Inferno (M)
CB Kris Consmith, age 632, FC Longview (M)
CB Kati Venus, age 700, Hondo Owls (F)
CB Krin Legoan, age 702, Baysleef Bombers (M)
MC Vanessa Dallows, age 546, Wexax United (F)
MC San Fernad, age 604, Juavi Reds (M)
RLC/M Ali Jokinen, age 409, Kareen FC (M)
AM RL Sven Ostiken, age 673, Kareen FC (M)
RW Rosario Mendez, age 891, Hartdale Hawks (F)
LW Zany Ataman, age 693, Kareen FC (M)
FC Brenda Lee, age 701, Gladerial Twilight (F)
FC Pablo Trini, age 593, Straightdale FC (M)
FC Cleo Fu, age 793, Baysleef Bombers (F)
FC Egypt Claire, age 678, Wexax United (F)
FC Deuce Zadora, age 749, Kareen FC (M)

Article by Ron Santapa