NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the official NSFA Cup 2 thread, as the title would indicate. Rosters, RPing, and scores will all go in this thread.

As a bonus, here are the matchups for the first leg of the qualifying round, as determined randomly via Excel spreadsheet. These will take place on Saturday. Sunday's matches will be the reverse. Home team is, as always, listed on the left.

Liverpool English, Turorian, and Vilitan club names will be entered as soon as I get them.

Qualifying Round - First Leg
Ahem...please move along, there's nothing to see here. Not until Friday night, at least...

OOC: Since people very rarely read anything…

NSFA CUP 2 IS ON
OXFORD IN FIRST ROUND
Liam & Co Media

OXFORD LOOKING AT QUICK EXIT
UNNAMED VILITAN SIDE TO POSE PROBLEM
Liamist States Times

SAVIOLA: I’M BETTER THAN PEDRÓS
KEEPER WILL WORK TO MAINTAIN PLACE
Liamton Observer

ZUBAR: BRING IT ON!
CAPTAIN WILL BE ‘HARD-HITTING’
Masculinist Monthly

ZUBAR POSES AND STRUTS
LACK OF PENIS SIZE TO BLAME
Feminist Monthly

Lineup
(*Starting)

Name Pos Age
(x 1.39 for proper years)

N Saviola GK 15*
W Pedrós GK 13

R Benvarrio F 15*
R Borbiconi F 16*
A Chema F 19*

N Lonfat M 16*
N Campbell M 17*
D Karpin M 22*
M Zubar M 20*
D Bakayoko M 16

A Maresca B 21*
R Palop B 18*
G Dante B 22*
V Hengbart B 18
P Martín B 22

FK Khujand vs Gabalfa Cty[
Sadirov Brothers draw unknown Bettian team as opponent

Khujand - Never before has FK Khujand, the team from Northern Tadjikistan, played a match against a non-Tadjik team, so this will be special. How will these Bettians compete against the Sadirov wall, as the Khujandese team is dubbed. Noone knows really, not even the Sadirov brothers.
The only certainty that we have is the defesive organization of the Khujand team, who will play disciplined, waiting for the other side to make a mistake. FK Khujands play is not the most beautiful, it is efficient however.

FK Khujand
Coach(es): Rezvon and Bahrom Sadirov


Starters
1. D Gurchev(24) GK
2. O Aini(22) D
3. V Sokolov(22) D
4. A Kashuba(23) D
5. Z Chistyakhov(22) D
6. S Moroviev(26) M
7. G Afansiev(29) M
8. A Torchev(25) M
9. Z Radev(28)c M
10.M Gorbatov(24) F
11.S Wathanjar(26) F

Subs
12.V Khurkin(24) GK
13.A Alekseev(24) M
14.I Denisenko(32) D
15.I Baikal(20) F
16.G Norinco(23) M

Gabalfa Observer: 14th June 2005

Titans Up Against The Wall

Gabalfa City, the fourth placed finishers in the inaugural Apex League, have been drawn against Tadjikistan's FC Khujand in the qualifying round of the NSFA Cup.

When asked for his reaction to the draw, manager Ali Arrowsmith told waiting journalists "Hmm. Should be interesting. Of course, I was rather hoping we'd get someone a bit nearer to home, like Honsfield, Drissa or Sporting Mayo. Ah well, you can't win 'em all."

When asked what his team's chances were, he stated "Them cheeky buggers called us unknown. Hmph. We'll show 'em. Of course it'll be difficult, but we're up for a fight. And perhaps a game of footy too."

The local spotlight is bound to fall on two of City's new signings: Von Bietsch, their highly-rated colossus of a goalkeeper from Vtorbetin (who stands a few inches shy of seven foot), and Bader Tayarra, a striker signed from Nedalian outfit Andestranne. Eyes will also be on young midfielder Badr Warlow, who looks set to be named in the full international squad for the upcoming World Cup.

City will be travelling to Khujand this Saturday, before hosting their opponents next Monday at Stadiwm Bettia here in Gabalfa.

City's starting lineup is expected to be:

1 GK Von Bietsch - age 27 (Vtorbetin, 10 caps at time of writing)
2 LB Rafi Mayberry - age 26
3 CB Michael Ryder - age 27 (28 caps)
4 CB Ibrahim Breeze - age 29
5 RB Alan Ashton - age 29
6 CM Badr Warlow - age 21 (7 U21 caps, 3 goals)
7 CM Troy Wilding - age 24
8 LM Mike Stoke - age 25
9 RM Nawfal Ap Glywys - age 28
10 CF Bader Tayarra - age 25 (Nedalia)
11 CF Lewis Bin-Majd - age 28

12 GK Huw Filton - age 21
13 CB Faarooq Wood - age 26
14 RB Mark Preece - age 22
15 CM Eilir Maddocks - age 22
16 CF Chris Mangotswood - age 22

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football

Hosts make error in draw, apologize for inconvenience

AMISSVILLE, Bedistan -- The Bedistan Football Association found themselves eating crow after realizing they'd done the draw for NSFA Cup qualifying round matchups much too early.

"Yeah, we kinda forgot about the losing teams from the first two qualifying rounds of the NSCL being put into the NSFA Cup qualifying round," said official group and match draw supervisor Craig McMurray.

This, of course, completely invalidates the draw made by McMurray last night. When asked why it took him fourteen hours to figure out his error, he responded: "There were representatives from several other participating nations present at the time, including Vilita, Turori, Spruitland, and Oglethorpia. As I was doing the draw, apparently none of them noticed my error either. The Spruit representative was kind enough to point it out to me this morning, though."

The BFA has issued an official statement apologizing for the inconvenience.

BFC Metrokixx
G #0 Andrea Tillosi (30)(LivEng)
M #33 Antione Gene(18)(FMJPheonix)
M #6 Lorne Van Den Jones(22)(Tonissia)
M #45 Ed Joshua(29)(Tonissia)
M #1 Joe Ford Jr (19)(Tonissian)
D #28 Rick Runnerski(27)(Packerlandian)
D #34 Fred La Iona(32)(Tonissian)
D #7 Duke Thorn(33)(Tonissian)
D #2 Rick Johnson(23)(Ineptian)
F #56 Ryan Gossage(22)(Tonissia)
F #41 Kel Drue(16)(Tonissian)

Titans Not Up Against The Wall (maybe)

"So it appears we might not be going to Tadjikistan after all?" commented a puzzled Ali Arrowsmith earlier today. "Well thats a shame, we've already booked the plane tickets."

Squornshelous to have 4 Teams in NSFA Cup

After both Vogsphere United and Damogran FK were knocked out of the first qualifying round of the NSCL Cup,


Rosters:

KF Kakrafoon Roster:

# Name pos Nationality
1 Harris Nyseth D Squornshelan
3 Silas Barredo M Squornshelan
4 Jorge Fernandina* GK Squornshelan
5 Karl Zeagler M Squornshelan
6 Lane Martins D Squornshelan
7 Frederic Ugland M Squornshelan
9 Vito Gaines F Squornshelan
10 Alonso Kaja D Squornshelan
11 Garret Nardy F Squornshelan
12 Francesco Perez M Squornshelan
13 Long Freydel D Squornshelan
14 Jose Santos M Squornshelan
15 Carlo Ottanelli M Squornshelan
17 Manuel Laval GK Squornshelan
18 Hayden Borromeo D Squornshelan
21 Brian Guerrero* F Squornshelan
22 Jaque Lemans M Squornshelan

3-5-2


FK Striterax Roster:

# Name pos Nationality
1 Titus Neild GK Squornshelan
2 Herb Kannan D Squornshelan
4 Kenneth Andregg M Squornshelan
5 Sam Fletcher* D Squornshelan
6 Rhett Devey D Squornshelan
7 Darrell Mahon F Squornshelan
9 Brett Karpe M Squornshelan
11 Franklin Osvaldo D Squornshelan
12 Joseph Hienze M Squornshelan
13 Hank Shipler D Squornshelan
14 Dario Branstad F Squornshelan
16 Newton Vatch M Squornshelan
17 Max Zebracki M Squornshelan
18 Yanni Zikov* M Squornshelan
19 Marko Antropov* GK Squornshelan
23 Steve Niedermeier F Squornshelan
25 Tor Jacobs* D Squornshelan

4-4-2


Vogsphere United Roster:

# Name pos Nationality
1 Ali Fouad* M Nedalian
2 Peter Skritsch* M Squornshelan
4 Lewis Thibaut D Squornshelan
5 Arnold Wagner F Squornshelan
6 Ronny Nayes GK Squornshelan
8 Herschel Stark D Squornshelan
9 Cyrus Tepper F Squornshelan
11 Bennett Komarek D Squornshelan
12 Arron Olinsky M Squornshelan
14 Giovanni Margiotta M Squornshelan
15 Hugh Sandhoff D Squornshelan
16 Antony Kolp M Squornshelan
19 Lon Lozowski M Squornshelan
20 Moises Hakim D Squornshelan
21 Marlin Sosna M Squornshelan
23 Jackson Demoya D Squornshelan
25 Darius Lepard GK Squornshelan

4-5-1


Damogran FK Roster:

# Name pos Nationality
3 Urlor Gregories* D Squornshelan
4 Rob Swor D Squornshelan
5 Valen Elwood F Squornshelan
6 Raphael Shortino GK Squornshelan
8 Thaddeus Muscara D Squornshelan
9 Dane Lemcke F Squornshelan
10 Armand Cowels GK Squornshelan
11 Franz Persson* F Squornshelan
12 Marcel Spaziano M Squornshelan
14 Aldo Reshard M Squornshelan
15 Isiah Lathon F Squornshelan
16 Kareem Breutzman M Squornshelan
19 Mitchel Marineau F Squornshelan
20 Jamar Malamud D Squornshelan
21 Lucien Vibert M Squornshelan
23 Boris Soboleski D Squornshelan
22 Dimitri Ulanych* D Squornshelan

4-3-3

* National Team Members

Extra news!
Draw to be redone

Earlier today a BFA spokesman announced an error in the draw, appearantly they forgot to add the losing teams from the Champions league. The draw will be redone on Friday, hopefully it will be correct this time.
When asked what he thought Rezvon Sadirov answerred: 'Incredible that they could make such a mistake, I dont know who made it' he said 'but they should fire him. we had already started training for the upcoming match and now they tell us it was a waste of time. We'll maybe it isnt that bad, maybe now we'll go up against a team that can write the name of our team correct. Its FK Khujand, without a C!!'.

Bedistan Football Association
Official Press Announcement

Once again, we'd like to apologize for our error in last night's attempted qualifying round draw. We ask that all participating clubs who already booked travel arrangements please notify us so that we can reimburse them for their expenses. In addition, the subordinate in charge of providing Mr. McMurray with the teams involved in the draw has been sacked and replaced. Thank you.

Today's headlines...

OXFORD CANTON CURSES BEDISTAN
TEAM COMES HOME EARLY AFTER DRAW BOTCH
Liam & Co Media

LFA SAYS SEASON 5 WILL GO AHEAD
PREVIOUSLY CANNED BECAUSE OF CUPS
Liamist States Times

BORBICONI RELIEVED:
WE CAN DRAW CRAP TEAM NOW
Oxford Daily Herald

Polyesterhampton F.C.

Entered into the NSFA, Polyesterhampton F.C. fields the following starting eleven under the leadership of ex-World Cup player-turned-manager Jorge White.

Manager: Jorge White

Goal:
Gunther "Gunty" Cramson (age 31)

Defense:
Daniel Swert (age 28)
Herb Moorree (age 22)

Half-field:
Phil "Phillys" Lysp (age 39)
Hank Horatio (age 43)
Nate Leonard (age 26)
Randall Peary (age 34)

Offense:
Mel Memorable (age 20)
Norman Green (age 45)
Mark Free (age 29)
Jim Herbson (age 40)

In regards to the other Bureaucratic States 1st Div team entered, Highbrow Athletic, the club reports its roster should be finalized soon.

All right, this time it's for real. All sixty-four teams have been included, and this is the OFFICIAL qualifying round draw.

Diamindokere Military Base (Cryst.) v North Island Clan (Raptor Claw)

Rearward FC (Caprine States) v FK Khujand (Tadjikistan)

Floral FC (Bedistan) v FC Albertine (Spruitland)

Denizspor (Caprine States) v Gornik Gondolin (Finrods)

Trams Union United (The Weegies) v BFC Metrokixx (Tonissia)

Gabalfa Rovers (Bettia) v Uäneres Ataï (Pedriana)

North Pole United (Hockey Canada) v Foxchester Raiders (Nova Britannicus)

Douala (Chicanada) v Skelrod Unidire (Pedriana)

Clan Home Warmasters (G. Ascendancy) v Vermiert Jaskolja (Vtorbetin)

Graviton FC (Nonesuch Street) v Silverymoon Knights (The Eagle's Nest)

Dmitrea Trevkon (Vtorbetin) v Perpignant FC (Oliverry)

Highbrow Athletic (Oglethorpia) v Megalopolis City FC (Oglethorpia)

Sunnyslope FC (Fmjphoenix) v Oxford (Liamist States)

Partizan Drissa (Hypocria) v Vecchio Victors (Starblaydia)

Rizh'peith K'druz'ba (Cockbill St.) v Polyesterhampton F.C. (Oglethorpia)

Cefn Albion (Druida) v Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba (Cockbill Street)

Enerji JK (Caprine States) v Alétike Ústin (Pedriana)

Mliona-Lpaka (Turori) v Fort Smith Eagles (The Eagle's Nest)

Magia Shantih (Finrods) v Large Rock Clan (Raptor Claw)

Orean (Liverpool England) v East Island Clan (Raptor Claw)

Thiel United (Spruitland) v Nesme Wolves (The Eagle's Nest)

Old Green...dirsk (Hockey Canada) v Mole City (Moleland)

Rappor AC (Nedalia) v Widdrington Wolves (Nova Britannicus)

Damogran Football Klub (Squorn.) v Turoki Isle (Vilita)

Honsfield Athletic (Nedalia) v Vogsphere United (Squornshelous)

Gabalfa City (Bettia) v Shoreland United (Nedalia)

TDK-Centrum Mego (Wella) v Hetlasane Hetkali (Rejistania)

Atma Teatanic (Lovisa) v Lofthu Negalia (Vtorbetin)

Kalisimu Salan (Rejistania) v West Rubbermade FC (Oliverry)

Limognon Beroniers (Oliverry) v Cedniavella (Turori)

Sporting Mayo (Spruitland) v Mackintosh Thistle Celtic (Weegies)

Hypocrium City (Hypocria) v Sand Harbor Kings (Tonissia)

The first leg will take place on Sunday and the second leg Monday.

Chicanada FA Reports

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Douala Preps For NSFA
Expects challenge against unknown Pedriana side

Skelrod Unidire is definitly an unknow for new Douala captain Waslan Rigelson.

"We've never evenheard of Pedriana but we expect their teams to play with a lot of fire and heart. We don't expect a cakewalk, that's for sure."

The Extreme look to rebound from a very solid NSCL6 campaign, only slightly tarnished by a controversal loss to the Juralhelm Clan from the Gaian Assendancy in the semifinals in west Douala and no one wants an early bounce this time either.

Coach Prada Fjozen said his team would be more prepared, with two fresher goalkeeps in line to challenge the Unidire's play and hopes that the teams 4-2-4 setup will keep the faster play the Extreme like.

Lineup is expected to be announced before the home match at the new Grand Douala Center in the western part of the city.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Nothing to report
Lineup comming soon!

Starblaydi Test for Partizan


President Cup holders and last season’s fourth placed side Partizan Drissa will host Vecchio Victors of Starblaydia in the first leg of the NSFA qualifying round.


Partizan Drissa – Drissa Sports Arena (48,000 capacity)


Coach – Michael De Winter

First Choice Lineup (3-4-3)


GK – Trevor Stoley (Druida)


DRC – Shaun Smith

DC – Sergey Kreska

DLC – Benedict Mikos


MR – Chris Cohen

MC – Michael Powell

MC – Patrick Remy

ML – Danny Coyne


FRC – Ashley Marshall

SC – Wolfgang Dospel

FLC – Alex Liberda

The rosters:

Hetlasane Hetkali

Goalkeepers:
Sehan Takil, 28
(Xiira "Desnike'tes" Sikita, 31)
(Nija Syku, 29)

Defenders:
Syku Jen, 26
Xan Etva, 24
Insedil Vira, 29
Syku Milan, 25
Isa I Sa, 29
Xiira "Vikine'tes" Sikita, 28

(Sija Kansu, 29)
(Syku I Tera, 31)
(Taka Taja, 27)
(Syku Kansu, 21)
(Ji Lyku, 23)
(Kansu Hana, 25)

Midfielders:
Asaru Ji, 29
Kiraja Lyku, 20
Hyj Valju, 25

(Siki Kan, 23)
(Tenha~o Lu, 22)
(Nanajena Isera, 26)

Forwards:
Syku Naja, 30

(Takije Karela, 21)


Kalisimu Salan:

Goalkeepers:
Xeii Sinijil, 20

(Vitane Sumil, 19)
(Ianu Sykial, 25)

Defenders:
Jana Kansu, 20
Xaiuea Heliakaru, 23
Hil Vijana, 26
Hinis Isera, 26
Tyjil Syku, 23
Namianu Sik, 26
Jyau Iniu, 21
Kansa Siru, 24
Syku Invil, 25

(Xikil Taseril, 19)
(Invaril Takadil, 26)
(Nihanil Inkatil, 27)
(Eaija Inii, 24)
(Xikili Istiri, 21)
(Inikil Sinikil, 19)
(Xiajil Aehiuei, 27)
(Haeita Iijae, 26)

Other positions:
Hiki Syku, 28
Vana Ites, 23

(Xanil "Xaeria" Rijasil, 19)
(Siki Syku)

The Bureaucratic Tribune

Highbrow Athletic finally releases NSFA Cup roster

After much ado, Highbrow Athletic has released its formalized roster of the club's starting eleven for the NSFA Cup. The Highbrow squad is largely representative of the other clubs in the fledging Bureaucratic States 1st Division (namely Megalopolis City F.C. in the NSCL, and fellow Polyesterhampton F.C. in the NSFA) in that it is primarily composed of untalented younglings and arthritic elders, all of whom being unknowns and even more prevalently all having strange names.

Despite that, CamShets predicts great success for Highbrow Athletic. "Our 2-2-6 should be met with great success, defining success as the opening moments where sheer defeat, embarassment and total squad calamity is avoided only by the impossibility of letting by a goal within five seconds."

In pointed and disdainful rebuttal, many Oglethorpians stressed the desire to bet on 'brow Athletic falling to an inextricable deficit in the match within the aforementioned opening five seconds, noting the poor quality of the league, and futher, Highbrow's consistent table languishing within that poor league.

"They're so bad, I'm sure they can lose in the manner that Willy says isn't even possible," said one skeptic.

Despite the predicted poor showing, it is widely felt that the quality of Oglethorpian football is on the rise.

"We're only going to be the laughing stocks for so long," said CamShets in a later interview. "So you better take advantage now and enjoy your 8-0 scorelines, because it won't be long before we have them down to 7-0, and then 6-0..."

Manager: William CamShets
Formation: 2-2-6

Goal:
Hip Replac (age 21)

Defense:
Dash CamGhee (age 31)
Jac Clubs (age 36)

Half-field:
Sprint Oftson (age 33)
Best CamAlliston (age 31)

Offense:
Beard Miller (age 29)
Cal Citrate (age 27)
Samule Whyson (age 38)
Ald Elderson (24)
Jed Whyaatt (27)
Duck Delaus (34)

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Roster

Standard formation: 4-1-2-1-2

Goalkeeper
1. Mark McPherson, Bedistani, age 29

Defenders
2. Samantha Harrison, Bedistani, age 22
3. Javier Aviña, Bedistani, age 25
4. William Baxter, Bedistani, age 32
5. Samuel Goss, Bedistani, age 26

Defensive Midfielder
6. Benito Álvarez, Bedistani, age 29

Midfielders
7. Sol Cervantes, Bedistani, age 29
8. Gus Dawson, Bedistani, age 35

Attacking Midfielder
9. Michael Mitchell, Bedistani, age 22

Forwards
10. Juan Carlos Tortuga, Bedistani, age 25
11. Sally Dapper, Bedistani, age 33

Umm, Bedi, I know you've had enough problems with this already, but I've looked over the fixtures thoroughly, and can't find two of my teams, FK Striterax and KF Kakrafoon. Why is that?

Umm, Bedi, I know you've had enough problems with this already, but I've looked over the fixtures thoroughly, and can't find two of my teams, FK Striterax and KF Kakrafoon. Why is that?

That is because they are starting off in the First Round and don't have to go through the Qualifying Round. :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Thiel to face Wolves from Eagle’s Nest

Spruitland runners-up Thiel United are preparing for their first encounter in the NSFA cup. They will be facing the Nesme Wolves, a team from The Eagle's Nest, a draw Thiel coach Lars Poulet is not unhappy with.

“Let’s face it, if you look at the rankings, there aren’t many teams below us. There will be no easy opponents for us, every round we’ll be hoping we can pull off an upset. So this team is as good as any other. Wolves, Eagles, whatever. We’ll give it our best shot and see how it goes.”


Thiel United

Stadium: Tootsie Field, Thiel - capacity 21,000 (9,200 seated)

Brief history:
Thiel United is one of the four original teams of the First Division. They ended third in the first season and were runners-up in Season 2 and 3, making them the most consistent First Division team so far. Their international experience is limited to an abysmal appearance in the Takil Cup, not making it past the group stage.

Coach: Lars Poulet

Team:
1. Sammy Samuelsen - GK
2. Rigoberto (Starblaydia) - DR
3. Paul Strutt - DL
4. Nico Van Dyck - DC
5. Ulrich De Ridder - MC
6. Willy Dickson - MC
7. Fred Starr - AM R
8. Carl Karlus - ST
9. Ben Thorsen - ST
10. Jeff Wong - AM/F C
11. Balt Luyckx - AM L

Internationals:
Starblaydi ex-international Rigoberto may be past his prime at 37 and not move much faster than a limping turtle, but his contributions to Thiel’s defense are still substantial.
Nico Van Dyck was captain of the Under-21 team for two World Cups and is currently a starter in the senior squad, as is left winger Balt Luyckx. Striker Ben Thorsen and attacking midfielder Jeff Wong are part of the Spruitland national squad as well, as substitutes.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Mayo gets wild card

Spruitland’s final spot for the NSFA was supposed to be awarded to the Spruit Cup winners, but since champions FC Albertine achieved the double, and were already qualified for the NSCL, a decision had to be made. Most logical candidates were RFC Godiva, ending third in the First Division, or losing Spruit Cup finalist Boontown Athletic.

But the Spruitland Football Association decided to go for a third candidate instead: Sporting Mayo, ending 6th in the First Division.

“Perhaps we’re slightly bending the rules,” SFA President Martin Backer says, “but it makes sense, really. Boontown wasn’t really an option, they’re a Second Division team. Kudos to them for making it to the Cup final, but sending them up against the top clubs in the world would just be cruel.”

“There would have been nothing wrong with sending RFC Godiva, but we decided on Mayo instead, for two reasons. They were First Division champions in Season 2, quite convincingly, and they already have international experience, winning bronze in the Takil Cup.”

The board of directors of RFC Godiva has filed an official complaint with the SFA, but Martin Backer appears to have made sure his ass is legally covered, taking advantage of a little loophole.

“We don’t have a leg to stand on,” RFC Godiva coach Pedro Merckx says. “The NSFA spot was clearly reserved for the Spruit Cup winners, and we were kicked out of the Cup pretty early. If anyone has a reason for appeal, it’s Boontown, but let’s face it, they’re too crap to play an international tournament and they know it, so they’ll let this slide.”

“The SFA’s legal explanation apparently is, since Sporting Mayo made it to the Spruit Cup semi final – where they were defeated by Boontown, by the way – they were the First Division team that made it the furthest in the Cup apart from FC Albertine, so they should get the spot. Sounds like a bunch of poppycock to me, but there you have it.”

Sporting Mayo will face either Mackintosh Thistle Celtic from Weegies or Tadjikistan’s Vaksh Qorgontheppa, who are playing each other in the Second Qualifying Round of the Champions League.


Sporting Mayo

Stadium: Vandemoortele Stadium, Mayo City - capacity 26,500 (15,000 seated)

Brief history:
Sporting Mayo is one of the six teams that got added to the First Division in its second season, and they immediately won the title convincingly. An impressive run in the Takil Cup in Fmjphoenix saw them get away with the bronze, but the sale of a few of their most prominent players resulted in a somewhat disappointing Season 3, where they ended 6th.

Coach: Dennis Friskin

Team:
1. Simon Briers - GK
2. Fabiano Vos - DRC
3. Asa Noegel - DL
4. Hakan Ostrander - DC
5. Jens Hagen - MC
6. Malovar Stokks (Vilita) - MLC
7. Jospeer Lambert - MR
8. Willy Diard - ST
9. Danny West (Hypocria) - ST
10. Edmund Kidder - ST
11. Oringo Leonard - AM L

Internationals:
Vilitan ex-international Malovar Stokks is slightly past his prime, but still a driving force in Mayo’s midfield, while young Hypocrian international striker Danny West has a great future ahead of him.
Goalkeeper Simon Briers and left back Asa Noegel are in the starting line-up of Spruitland’s national squad, with right back Fabiano Vos and striker Edmund Kidder being part of the selection as well.

Today’s headlines…

NSFA Cup 2 Is On
Again After False Start
Liam & Co Media

New Enemy: Fmjphonenix’s Sunnyslope FC
New Draw Slightly Better
Liamist States Times

Saviola: Really! I’m Better Than Pedrós
Keeper Continues To Haul Ass
Soccer and Babes Magazine

Zubar Thirsts For Blood
The “Vampire” Is Hungry
Oxford Daily Herald

Oxford Lineup
*Starting Side
(Multiply age by 1.39 for normal years)

Player Pos Age
Niamh Saviola GK 16*
Winslow Pedrós GK 14
Russom Benvarrio F 16*
Rey Borbiconi F 17*
Aden Chema F 20
Noah Lonfat M 17*
Niabi Campbell M 18*
Khoi Compan M 13*
Malia Zubar M 21*©
Denton Bakayoko M 17
Andres Maresca B 22*
River Palop B 19*
Tamal Lee B 13*
Vidal Hengbart B 19*
Declan Gargo B 13

That is because they are starting off in the First Round and don't have to go through the Qualifying Round. :)
:headbang:

Qualifying Round Fixtures Announced

It's a mixed draw. Damogran ends up against a formidable opponent in Turoki Isle, while in an interesting match. Vogsphere United and new addition Ali Fouad will play against Honsfield Athletic, from Fouad's Nedalia. Both teams have a good chance to advance to the next round to join KF Kakrafoon and FK Striterax, who are looking especially strong with, recent transfer action resulting in no less than four Squornshelan National players on their roster.

Damogran Football Klub v Turoki Isle (Vilita)
This game is very hard to predict. In league play, Damogran has shown a trend to play very well at each end of the field, while leaving something to be desired in midfield. Depending on the style of play that the Vilitans come out with, either defenders Urlor Gregories and Dimitri Ulanych or forward Franz Persson will be quite busy.

Honsfield Athletic (Nedalia) v Vogsphere United
This game is a little less evenly matched, but it should be interesting to see if Vogsphere can redeem themselves after being upset by Spruitland's FC Albertine. Expect VU's strong midfield play from Peter Skritsch and Ali FOuad to be the difference in this one.

K'haz'bak K'druz'ba - Squad (first XI formation 4-3-1-2):

No. Name Nat. Pos Age Av rat 1st XI?
1 Olaf Axethwackersson Cockbill Street GK 22 5.60 *
2 Thorstein Stonelover Cockbill Street D C 24 5.81 *
3 Arnar Eiriksson Cockbill Street D RL 21 5.48 *
4 Petter Stoneeater Cockbill Street D LC 23 5.33 *
5 Olaf Spearwielder Cockbill Street D RC 26 5.28
6 Anders Ivarsson Cockbill Street M LR 19 5.39 *
7 Bjorn Spearwielder Cockbill Street M L 22 5.86 *
8 Roger Daft Cockbill Street M RC 18 5.55 *
9 Ian Kerr Cockbill Street S C 33 5.66 *
10 John Swytherton Cockbill Street M/AM RLC 33 6.00 *
11 Olaf Spearthrower Cockbill Street S C 34 5.70 *
12 Harald Mineowner Cockbill Street F C 24 5.31
13 Ivar Bootstealer Cockbill Street M LC 22 5.47
14 Frank Sparrow Cockbill Street GK 17 5.29
15 Bjorn Oakcleaver Cockbill Street D RL 19 5.20
16 Sam Hughes Cockbill Street D LC 20 5.56 *

Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba - Squad (first XI formation 4-4-2):

No. Name Nat. Pos Age Av rat 1st XI?
1 Sam Peterson Cockbill Street GK 26 5.85 *
2 Einar Bergowner Cockbill Street D RL 20 5.48 *
3 Thor Bergowner Cockbill Street D LC 22 5.55 *
4 Alf Cavedweller Cockbill Street D/DM C 19 5.40 *
5 Gina Zamboni Bedistan D RL 22 5.91 *
6 Ivar Stonelover Cockbill Street M L 29 5.37 *
7 Predence Loeri Chicanada M C ?? 5.51 *
8 Einar Stonelover Cockbill Street M R 26 5.66 *
9 Leigh McCann Cockbill Street S C 25 5.45
10 Alan Johnstone Cockbill Street S C 23 5.78 *
11 Thorir Pickaxe Cockbill Street M C 30 5.70 *
12 Geirr Axethrower Cockbill Street S C 17 5.66 *
13 Geirr Oakcleaver Cockbill Street M RL 19 5.49
14 Greg Gadsby Cockbill Street GK 20 5.38
15 Stein Axewielder Cockbill Street D LC 19 5.59
16 William Collingwood Cockbill Street M C 22 5.41

FK Khujand vs Rearward FC

The Sadirov brothers werent sure whether they were really going to face Rearward FC but none the less started training again. An earlier false start of the NSFA draws had forced them to halt their exercises and especially the Younger Sadirov (Rezvon) wasnt too happy about it at the time :'I may have gone a bit too far in what I said, Its Khujands first match on international level, against opponents that we hardly know. You get easily frustrated when things go wrong. And I wish to apologize to our fans and the people of the organization for overreacting. It is as they say; Experience is a hard teacher, she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards. And i've learnt that lesson now. Hopefully they wont cancel this round, we are really eager to get some experience here ourselves. I dont know what to think when I read tour opponents name, maybe that they'll play with their backs in our direction. I really have no clue, we'll have to wait and see I guess. I can assure you of one thing, that we'll give them a hard time.'

Who would have thought that Foxchester Raiders would be here, considering where they are right now? Currently they're playing in Liga Omega - the mostly-amateur division below Liga Starblaydia - with barely a single pro-footballer to their name. In fact, no professional players to speak of. Manager Billie Saddler, who took an odd decision and decided to sell off all of his 'talent' and start from scratch, commented thus:

"'Ere, I were at Foxchester when we didn't ave no pro players, and look where that gorrus. It'll work, might take a bit of time, but i'm right sure of my position 'ere. T'Chairman backs me, 'undred percent."

The Raiders will now have to play either Lovisan side Visby Nestle Quarcoo or North Pole United of Hockey Canada - currently tied at 1-1 after the first leg -, with the Raiders being at home in the Second Leg.


Despite losing to the Oglethorpians of Megalopolis City, the Vecchio Victors have been rewarded by dropping into the NSFA Cup, where they will face Partizan Drissa of Hypocria. As we all know, Hypocria's national team is managed by the one-and-only Guylain N'Dumbu-Nsungu, so here's sure to give old friend and Vics' manager Ryan Garry the lowdown on the Hypocrian style of play.

"They're obviously prepared for us," Garry said, "but their Drissa Sports Arena is exactly the same capacity as our Victory Park, so in terms of noise I'm sure we'll still blow them off the park. When Bent, Peter and Sendris have linked up so far this season, they've looked pretty deadly. So we'll see."


Another Champions' League knocked-out team, Widdrington Wolves, will be facing the surprise package of the Nedalian Premier League, Rappor FC.

"Of course, playing Bentley and Matis' Honsfield would have been the dream Nedalian tie for us," said new 'keeper, Starblaydi Thanasis Gekas, "well, more for me, actually, but we'll be glad to face these Nedalians, and hopefully beat them."

http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/sports/teams/cedniavella/logo.gif


[ 1 ] Seb Abreuli [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- GK ( Non-International)

[ 3 ] Callum Edeche [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- D LR ( Non-International)

[ 2 ] Denva Mdluli [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- D LR ( Non-International)

[ 5 ] Neaali Joing [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- D C ( Non-International)

[ 4 ] Winfield Disang [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- D C ( Non-International)

[ 21 ] Dave Tomaki [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- M RL ( Non-International)

[ 24 ] Denva Magar [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- M LC ( Non-International)

[ 20 ] Zatyiah Palsoins [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- M RC ( Non-International)

[ 23 ] Patti Turckson [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- M C ( Non-International)

[ 16 ] Omar Makara [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- F C ( Non-International)

[ 19 ] Rohan Aragon [ - Cedniavella Turori - ]
------- F C ( Non-International)

http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/sports/teams/cedniavella/logo.gif




---------------------------------While Cedniavella have yet to achieve their first invitation into the league system by the Vilitan FA, their 17 seasons of existence have not been without their memorable moments. Cedniavella were quickly tapped as the best Non-League team in Turori after advancing to the Quarter Finals of the Vilitan Cup in Seasons One and Three. Many of Cedniavella's homegrown talent went on to achieve greatness, both with their club sides and the Turorian National Team. Cedniavella youth prospect Marlian Hunial went on to play for both major Turorian teams, Cednia Beach and FC Almintora, while also playing for Vilitan club Marine Coast United before settling down in Yeaddin with the Yeaddin Owls, with whom he won 4 Stellar Division titles, and the NS Champions League. Yabaiy Tbaiao would also go on to gain many caps for the Turorian National Team, as well as twice winning the Vilitan Cup with Arcticala Inlet, before moving to Makosile and taking up the position as Assistant Manager. Half Vilitan Christos Tchami became the first Cedniavella trainee to be recruited and appear for the Jungle Cats, and also playing domestically for Arcticala Inlet where he would appear in 4 of Arcticala Inlets first 5 Vilitan Cup triumphs. Perhaps the most famous of Cedniavellans, however, is Mika Sakatorra. While Sakatorra's appearances on the National Team were limited, he did not flee his home town club, putting in 10 seasons of service and being named Player of the Year by the fans on three different occasions. Eventually, near the end of his career, Sakatorra moved to Vilita where he played for Jlinal Cove FC, and was crowned Declasse Top Goalscorer in Season 13.

Gabalfa Observer: 18th June 2005

That Shore Is Better

Gabalfa City manager Ali Arrowsmith reacted to the revised draw for the NSFA Cup qualifying round, which see Gabalfa City in a local derby (of sorts) pitted against Shoreland Utd from neighbouring Nedalia.

"Thats much better. Now we don't have to bother with plane tickets at all (not that I have anything against Arorair at all - they're grrrrrrrreat!). Nope, now all we have to do is just hop on the bus and head on down the motorway."

When asked for his thoughts about the match itself, he told waiting journalists "This should be a gripping tie. Bettia has already beaten Nedalia at international level, and they'll be looking to get one back on us. What you've got are two evenly-matched teams going at it tooth and nail, hammer and tongs, blood and guts, thunder and lightning, arora and lion, blah blah blah. You know what I mean. You might see some football too."

Also included in the NSFA Cup draw are City's actual local rivals Gabalfa Rovers. Should they lose their tie against Llllllllllcwllllllll Rovers, the Flames will be up against Uäneres Ataï of Pedriana.

Milchama's Squads

Due to a yearly summer hiatus from much of Milchama's government and press corps its two teams who are not in the qualifying round but in the first round draw come out with their NSFA Cup rosters.

Great Alexandria 3-5-2

GK Mario Paquili
D Martin Stevens
D Yoni Pieleon
D Kase Rokon
M Harry Merriman
M Quentin Myler
M Billy Timmons
M Kent Yesum
M Claus Floren
F Skyler Thomos
F Yonatan Mitayel

Subs:
GK Barrett Olson
M Carl Falton
M Wally Llama
M/D Olie Kevington
F Spot Nielson.

Great Alexandria is looking foward to share their squad with the world and are particularly excited about super sub Spot Nielson from Chicanada who while flying under the radar of most Chicanadese clubs made a splash in Milchama getting a hat trick in the Milchama Cup Quarter Final.

Chaialim 3-3-1-3
GK Shawn Winnerlin
D Whayne Patrick
D Miles Brandon
D Mariosz Florfenord
M Iokay
M Smith Williams
M Avraham Rosenberg
I Dunston Copperlee
F Mikael Sorbenson
F Marlon Witherspoon
F Kenny Flinner

Subs:
F Hans Morrison
F Morris Clinton
GK Fletcher Dwame
D Kyoga Marcazumi
M Leil Culan

Chaialim is most excited about their I Dunston Copperlee who thrilled crowds as the leading goal scorer and assist maker in the MFL last year. They hope that his performance in the NSFA Cup will be good enough to sell him to a bigger club and reap the profits of his ventures.

[OOC: Correct thread, this time]

Raiders Pack Thermal Underwear
Foxchester off to Hockey Canada, sans players

With prices on flights to Hockey Canada quickly hiked up, and Foxchester Air Traffic Control only deciding to accept outbound flights involving the nation of Hockey Canada, Foxchester Raiders' Manager Billie Saddler has stated that he's prepared to give shirts to anyone from Nova Britannicus who turns up to play.

"We can just about afford to charter a luxury plane for me and the other coaching staff, plus the board of directors. The players, I'm afraid, will have to buy their own tickets to get oop North. They're a resourceful lot, it'll be reet."

When pointed out that the average wage now in operation at the Foxchester Dome was barely enough to be able to afford to run a car, let alone buy a plane ticket, Saddler gave this statement:


An Announcement:

Any professional, semi-professional, amateur or even armchair footballers who wish to represent Foxchester Raiders in the NSFA Cup 1st Qualifying round should turn up in Hockey Canada at North Pole United's ground two days before the match to undergo a short training and selection programme.

Travelling expenses will not be provided, and no Hockey Canadian citizens will be accepted into this programme.

Billie Saddler,
Foxchester Raiders Manager,
Foxchester,
Nova Britannicus.

“Floral FC… sounds like a bunch of pussies. Should be a walk in the park.”

“Erm… I wouldn’t be too sure of that, Jools. They are ranked quite a bit higher than us, you know…”

“Oh, who cares about silly rankings anyway. We’ll bury their 50-something KPB-points and put a nice bed of flowers on top.”

Lofthu Negalia

After the outrage that was their early Champions League exit to a team that simply doesn't deserve to be there, Lofthu Negalia are looking for revenge against Atma Teatanic of Lovisa. Once again, the Vtorbetin team will be the underdogs, and as usual they'll probably get a glimmer of hope from this match only to have it dashed in the return fixture by the big corporations that really decide the scores. Don't expect a lot here - people love it here when a nation's most successful team loses. It makes their other teams seem really, really poor.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vermiert Jaskolja

Jaskolja kick off their NSFA campaign against Clan Home Warmasters of Gaian Ascendancy. GA are another one of those countries whose sports teams do well in their first few tournaments for no apparent reason, s why should the trend end here. A GA win is a near certainty, and anyone who says otherwise is an optimist...and we hate them here. Of course, there's always a chance that the big corporations will let us win, but nobody really likes the big mouthed new team, so they probably won't.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dmitrea Trevkon

Vtorbetin's third team begins with a home date with Perpignant FC of Oliverry. Don't get us started on them - they sold their best player to Cefn Albion, and now they just stink...really badly. They will probably go down by about six goals, and odds have been offered of 5-1 on a eight goal drubbing. There...says it all really.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The theory of...something...suggests that at least one of our three teams will make it through to the next round, but because everybody obviously hates us so much already, we're not holding our breath. Expect every Spruitland team to get through though - everybody loves them for some reason.

North Pole United uses boxers, not thermal underwear.

It would appear that Foxchester Raiders' travel problems are over seeing how out of an act of goodwill, North Pole United and Hockey Canada will be paying for the Foxchester Raiders top-class flight to the North Pole where they will play North Pole United in the 1st leg. Damien Marx will be once again between the pipes as "Butters" Scotch will be moving up to midfield for Paul Rowntree who is being paired with Yanic Perrault on defence with 5 other players.

The plane will also be treated with the finest Hockey Canadian meat and finest (but minimal due to climate) fruits and vegetables. Yanic Perrault and Rowntree will be expected to perform up to their abilities along with all the other players for North Pole United. The anthems of both countries will be played for the event showing fierce patriotism for each country.

Planes for fans will be provided for the Foxchester Raiders fans as well. 1,000 lucky fans have been chosen at random to bring 2 friends with them to the game seeing how a section was cleared in the stadium for all the fans.

A note before I post the scores...yes, I generated all the scores myself. No, I did not tamper with them in any way - these are all using the calculated rankings, and this was the first (and only) set of scores generated for this leg. Given one of the generated scores, I feel like a bit of CYA is in order here.

NSFA Cup Qualifying Round First Leg - Scores

Diamindokere Military Base 2-0 North Island Clan
Rearward FC 0-5 FK Khujand
Floral FC 6-0 FC Albertine
Denizspor 3-2 Górnik Gondolin
Trams Union United 2-0 BFC Metrokixx
Gabalfa Rovers 1-0 Uäneres Ataï
North Pole United 0-4 Foxchester Raiders
Douala 2-0 Skelrod Unidire
Clan Home Warmasters 1-2 Vermiert Jaskolja
Graviton FC 0-4 Silverymoon Knights
Dmitrea Trevkon 2-2 Perpignant FC
Highbrow Athletic 2-2 Megalopolis City F.C.
Sunnyslope FC 3-2 Oxford
Partizan Drissa 1-2 Vecchio Victors
Rizh'peith K'druz'ba 5-0 Polyesterhampton F.C.
Cefn Albion 1-2 Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba
Enerji JK 2-2 Alétike Ústin
Mliona-Lpaka 0-1 Fort Smith Eagles
Magia Shantih 1-1 Large Rock Clan
Orean 0-0 East Island Clan
Thiel United 0-3 Nesme Wolves
Old Greenlandslaughternshireyanadirsk 1-0 Mole City
Rappor AC 0-0 Widdrington Wolves
Damogran Football Klub 1-1 Turoki Isle
Honsfield Athletic 1-3 Vogsphere United
Gabalfa City 1-0 Shoreland United
TDK-Centrum Mego 1-3 Hetlasane Hetkali
Atma Teatanic 3-2 Lofthu Negalia
Kalisimu Salan 3-0 West Rubbermade FC
Limognon Beroniers 1-2 Cedniavella
Sporting Mayo 1-0 Mackintosh Thistle Celtic
Hypocrium City 1-2 Sand Harbor Kings

Vics Stutter Towards Win
Two away goals may hold the key

The green and white of the Vecchio Victors emerged triumphant over Partizan Drissa of Hypocria. Just.

"Jarod (Dreka) has rescued us from a bad result here," said Ryan Garry, Vics Manager, "he's made some excellent saves from their guys, and he's held them off almost single-handed."

The Turorian goalkeeper kept the Vics in the match with a string of excellent saves. J.M. Aguilera and John Peter provided the Vecchio goals, though that was with no small contribution from Trevor Bent

"We'll be looking forward to the home match," the Manager continued, "and we're determined to get into the NSFA Cup proper after our Champions' League disappointment."

It would appear that Foxchester Raiders' travel problems are over seeing how out of an act of goodwill...

OOC: It would appear that Foxchester Raiders' hopes of an RPd storyline are over seeing how out of an act of goodwill... :p


IC:

Foxchester Flaunt a Frozen Four
Team scores 4, but who are they?

With no names on their backs, a completely unknown Raiders side trounced some of Hockey Canada's finest in their own icy back yard. There were some good comments from the small crowd that had flown over to see them, such as:

"That blonde lad's doing well."

"Big guy over there needs to stop buggering about and shoot."

"Go on, little'un, give em hell!"

It seemed that the majority of the Raiders' team had been made up by a group of Britannican students 'of Oriental extraction', according to the crowd. We attempted to copy the hastily-scribbled teamsheet, but it appears that the Foxchester management knew no more about their names than we did, simply stapling a hastily-photcopied list of the students' field trip participants provided by their teacher.

To guess at who was actually who is, at this point, a futile excercise, but Foxchester fans will surely be looking to sign some of these kids permanently. If not, they're gonna get creamed in the NSFA Cup proper.

There is always a home tie to get out of the way first, but if the same team turns up, Foxchester will be almost-assured of victory.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Spruitland teams fail to impress in NSFA

Sporting Mayo - Mackintosh Thistle Celtic (Weegies): 1 – 0

Well, let’s start with the good news. Sporting Mayo was the only Spruitland team that managed a decent performance in the qualifying round of the NSFA Cup. Weegies team Mackintosh Thistle Celtic was favorite for the match-up, coming out of the Champions League Qualifiers, but Mayo played eager football and got away with the narrowest of wins.

It wasn’t always pretty, with lots of physical battling on midfield and plenty of yellow cards, but the Spruitland underdogs managed to stay level with Mack Thistle, on occasion even creating the more dangerous chances. Danny West scored the only goal of the match in the second half, keeping hope alive for the return match.


Thiel United - Nesme Wolves (The Eagle’s Nest): 0 – 3

Thiel United continued their run of poor performances on the international football scene. After an abysmal Takil Cup in Fmjphoenix, the Spruitland runners-up were hoping to redeem themselves in the NSFA Cup, but the Nesme Wolves proved too strong.

A notable absence of luck in finishing their few chances resulted in a scoreline that was perhaps slightly too harsh, but at no point could Thiel make a serious claim for victory. The 0-3 was a disappointing result for the Spruitlanders, who were hoping to be left with a chance for the away match. As it stands, that chance is slim.


Floral FC (Bedistan) - FC Albertine: 6 – 0

The Spruitland First Division champions had the toughest draw of the three, and even the most die-hard optimist would have to have been on a serious Prozac high to honestly believe FC Albertine would come away from Bedistan with anything but a defeat.

Floral FC, one of the oldest professional Bedistani teams and one of the main contenders for this season’s BPL title, showed no mercy and made the Spruitlanders wish they had forfaited the game instead.

The game was one players and supporters will want to forget as fast as possible. The second leg now becomes largely redundant, only interesting for the statistics, though Industrial Stadium is still expected to sell out, with supporters hoping FC Albertine will be able to bring at least an entertaining hour and a half of football in their last international match of the season.

(OOC: No ass-covering needed, Bedi. It's a perfectly logical result. :))

Today’s headlines…

3-2
Can We Come Back?
Oxford Daily Herald

Below Par Start
Oxford Showing Wear, No Tear
Liam & Co Media

Stormy Performance In Sunnyslope
Blinding Sunlight Not A Factor
Liamist States Times

We’ll Be At Home Next Time
Borbiconi Hopeful Of 2-0 Scoreline In Return Leg
Soccer and Babes Magazine

Saviola: Pedrós Would’ve Done Just As Bad
Keeper Tries To Shift Focus After Very Poor Performance
Soccer Monthly

Gabalfa Observer: 20th June 2005 - free chocolate for every reader

Gabalfa Duo Draw First Blood

Both of Bettia's representitives got off to a winning start in their NSFA Cup ties, edging both games by a single goal.

Gabalfa Rovers 1 Ahmed 58
Uäneres Ataï 0

Rovers, fresh from their disappointing exit from the Champions League, entertained Uäneres Ataï of Pedriana at The Gasworks in front of a crowd which was rather subduded to begin with. However, some good basic ingredients of attacking play on the wings mixed in with a dollop of flair and a sprinkling of luck ensured that this was a recipe for an exciting match that deserved more than than a single goal win for the Flames.

The first half was an end-to-end affair, with both sides shooting at goal from all angles. Top scorer Gethin Ward came particularly close, lashing home from twenty yards only to see his effort denied by the woorwork.

Rovers' goal came shortly after the half-time break, as young midfielder Fadl Ahmed took advantage of some woeful defending, nicking the ball of his opponant and firing home from just outside the area.

Uäneres Ataï tried to get back into the game, forcing a number of good saves from Bettison in the Rovers goal, but the home team held on the record a much-needed victory. Will a single goal cushion be enough?



Gabalfa City 1 Warlow 35
Shoreland Utd 0

Gabalfa City emulated their city rivals in recording a one-nil win, this time against Shoreland Utd from neighbouring Nedalia. The match took place in a packed Stadiwm Bettia which has seen its capacity substantially increased after a bold move by the club - after consultation with the fans and seeing how well Sukatra's Al-Fath Stadium works, they have taken out the seats in the lower tier in favour of traditional terracing. The effect was immediately noticable, as the City fans within the national stadium generated a noisy atmosphere not seen (or heard) in many years. Many other top flight clubs are expected to follow suit.

City took to this new-found noise like a duck to water, playing some excellent attacking football which they sorely missed last season. They appeared to get carried away at times, allowing the ever-dangerous Chris Yamtech in on goal on three separate occasions. Thankfully, goalkeeper Von Bietsch (fresh from Vtoerbetin's BofF campaign) demonstrated just why City paid 10 million Groats for his services.

City's star midfielder Badr Warlow put the Titans in front shortly after the half-hour mark, latching onto an Evan Brooks free-kick and sending a fierce volley rocketing into the top corner.

City's new Nedalian striker Bader Tayarra almost doubled their advantage immediately, intercepting a loose pass across the back four and breaking into the 18-yard box before sending his shot narrowly wide.

The second half continued in a similar vein with both teams carving out opportunities, with Shoreland's midfielder Nene in particular causing problems for the City back four. City managed to hold on, and will take a narrow one-goal advantage to the Matthew VI Stadium for tonight's second leg.

No Home Help For Hypocria’s Teams




Hypocrium City 1 – 2 Sand Harbor Kings


After being dumped out of the Champions League the Hypocrian champions were looking to bounce right back with a home win over the Sand Harbor Kings of Tonissa. But it was a jaded side that walked out on to the pitch at the City of Hypocrium Stadium and their opponents took full advantage.

Young striker James Eagles scored in the second half but City were already two goals down at that point. With a tough trip to Tonissa ahead and two away goals conceded Hypocrium City are facing another early exit.



Partizan Drissa 1 – 2 Vecchio Victors


President Cup winners Partizan Drissa were left wondering how they failed to beat Starblaydia’s Vecchio Victors after a frustrating game at the Drissa Sports Arena.

Partizan went in front through an Ashley Marshall effort but after that, without strikers Liberda and Dospel who are both on international duty, they could find no way past an inspired Jarod Dreka. To make matters worse Aguilera and Peter hit back for Vecchio in the second half to leave the Starblaydi side as firm favourites to progress to the next round.

Bad day (or competition?) for kali'het

Hetlasane Hetkali could not impress on the international scene. In 3 matches, they onceded 5 goals. "Disgrace" is a really mild term for that in Karelist Rejistania. Even the fact that Hetlasane scored thrice in the last match did not help, in contrast: it is expected that this will lead to visits of yellow-clad monks.
The Wellan opponents, TDK-Centrum Mego, were also playing rather hetaki-ish, but this is no excuse for the abysmal performance. Forward Syku Naja commented: "This match was not bad, better than our matches before... We won, rather clearly even. We might have avoided the goal against by playing 10-0-0, but to say is easier than to do..."

Rizh'peith Flay Sorry Polyester
Grakh'nakh Fight For Qualification

Both Streetian sides took huge steps towards the NSFA Cup first round proper with important victories in the first leg of the qualifying round. Rizh'peith K'druz'ba, after two disappointing matches with North Fence Pushing in the second qualifying round of the Champions' League, were out for revenge against Oglethorpian side Polyesterhampton. With their opponents playing a suicidal - even by Streetian standards - 2-4-4, Rizh'peith exposed the lack of a back-line, and rammed home five goals past the hapless keeper Cramson.

Manager Ivar Stoneaxe admitted that the match was "ridiculously one-sided," but said that much of that was due to Rizh'peith playing excellent football. When confronted with the fact that the average age of the Polyesterhampton team being 32, and with three players above the age of 40 that looked to be taking zimmerframes out on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba travelled to the capital of Druida, Cefn. Grakh'nakh are famed for being poor travellers in the Compound League, but a good performance saw them come back from 0-1 at half-time, Predence Loeri and Geirr Axethrower scoring a goal each for the dwarves. They looked to be very solid in defence espcially, though the attacking flair seemed to be lacking - hopefully that comes to play in the home game, although Grakh'nakh will go through with a 0-1 loss and can afford to ride the lead a bit.

RIZH'PEITH K'DRUZ'BA 5 (Martínez 8, 79, Nicholson 39, 44, Cavedweller 72)
POLYESTERHAMPTON F.C. 0

Find the Rizh'peith squad here (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9065057&postcount=8)

CEFN ALBION 1 (??? 18)
GRAKH'NAKH K'DRUZ'BA 2 (Loeri 66, Axethrower 74)

Sadirov brothers amaze homefront

Rearward FC 0-5 FK Khujand

It was definitly amazing! FK Khujand, the team that usually plays very tight and remains cautious with offensive actions and move now blocked their opponents and worked like a well-oiled machine. In the first half they kept everything safe and awaiting their opponents to make a mistake but when they noticed Rearward FC couldnt press through the Khujandese strikers became bolder and sought for openings in the defense of Rearward. The first to find such an opening was Radev, followed by Moroviev, Gorbatov. And as if that wasnt enough, Wathanjar finished the job with two more goals.
The Sadirov brothers wondered why they hadnt been in the FA or CL cups before. Their fear of the more experienced teams of the NS world seemed exagerated. But they do realize that they did not go up against a top team. They know that the thougher, stronger teams are yet to come. But atleast they've shown what they can do, and they know that they make a good chance to get to the finals.

The Daily Druid

ALBION LOOK TO BE GOING OUT
Ron Lambealle's not up to scratch against Streetians.

Cefn Albion manager Ron Lambealle was not best pleased after he saw his side throw away a lead with home advantage in their game with Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba of Cockbill Street at Griffin Park.

Despite Eric Tree's deflected free kick on 18 minutes, the performance from albion was poor, with Trevor Quentin at the back coming in for particular abuse. Predence Loeri and Geirr Axethrower both scored for Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba, meaning that Albion will have to travel to Cockbill Street and win by two clear goals to go through, unless they fluke a high-scoring encounter.

Final score:
Cefn Albion 1 [Tree 18]
Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba 2 [Loeri 66, Axethrower 74]



Manager: Ron Lambeale (Druida)

1) Kyle Thomas (Goalkeeper, Hockey Canada)
2) Will Wright (Left Back, Druida)
3) Trevor Fender (Right back, Druida)
4) Iean Williams (Centre midfield, Druida)
5) Isreal Dooney (Centre back, Vtorbetin)
6) Trevor Quentin (Centre back, Druida)
7) Eric Tree (Left Midfield, Druida)
8) Trevor Dowley (Centre midfield, Druida)
9) Dave Garth (Centre forward, Druida)
10) Rob Walsh (Centre forward, Druida)
11) Terry Brown (Right midfield, Druida)

Subs:

12) Trevor Cadman (Centre back, Druida) [on for Quentin, 74]
13) Owen Newman (Goalkeeper, Druida)
14) Tom Harris (Centre midfield, Druida)
15) Carl Horley (Left midfield, Druida) [on for Brown, 80]
16) Colin Idda (Centre forward, Druida) [on for Williams, 74]

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The results of the second leg.

North Island Clan 1-0 Diamindokere Military Base
(Diamindokere Military Base 2-1 North Island Clan aggregate)

FK Khujand 3-1 Rearward FC
(Rearward FC 1-8 FK Khujand aggregate)

FC Albertine 1-4 Floral FC
(Floral FC 10-1 FC Albertine aggregate)

Górnik Gondolin 2-1 Denizspor
(Denizspor 4-4 Górnik Gondolin aggregate)
(Górnik Gondolin wins 2-1 on away goals)

BFC Metrokixx 0-2 Trams Union United
(Trams Union United 4-0 BFC Metrokixx aggregate)

Uäneres Ataï 2-2 Gabalfa Rovers
(Gabalfa Rovers 3-2 Uäneres Ataï aggregate)

Foxchester Raiders 2-0 North Pole United
(North Pole United 0-6 Foxchester Raiders aggregate)

Skelrod Unidire 1-2 Douala
(Douala 4-1 Skelrod Unidire aggregate)

Vermiert Jaskolja 2-0 Clan Home Warmasters
(Clan Home Warmasters 1-4 Vermiert Jaskolja aggregate)

Silverymoon Knights 4-0 Graviton FC
(Graviton FC 0-8 Silverymoon Knights aggregate)

Perpignant FC 5-1 Dmitrea Trevkon
(Dmitrea Trevkon 3-7 Perpignant FC aggregate)

Megalopolis City F.C. 0-0 Highbrow Athletic
(Highbrow Athletic 2-2 Megalopolis City F.C. aggregate)
(Megalopolis City F.C. wins 2-0 on away goals)

Oxford 2-1 Sunnyslope FC
(Sunnyslope FC 4-4 Oxford aggregate)
(Oxford wins 2-1 on away goals)

Vecchio Victors 3-0 Partizan Drissa
(Partizan Drissa 1-5 Vecchio Victors aggregate)

Polyesterhampton F.C. 1-3 Rizh'peith K'druz'ba
(Rizh'peith K'druz'ba 8-1 Polyesterhampton F.C. aggregate)

Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba 0-1 Cefn Albion
(Cefn Albion 2-2 Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba aggregate)
(Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba wins 2-1 on away goals)

Alétike Ústin 1-2 Enerji JK
(Enerji JK 4-3 Alétike Ústin aggregate)

Fort Smith Eagles 0-3 Mliona-Lpaka
(Mliona-Lpaka 3-1 Fort Smith Eagles aggregate)

Large Rock Clan 0-1 Magia Shantih
(Magia Shantih 2-1 Large Rock Clan aggregate)

East Island Clan 1-3 Orean
(Orean 3-1 East Island Clan aggregate)

Nesme Wolves 1-0 Thiel United
(Thiel United 0-4 Nesme Wolves aggregate)

Mole City 1-1 Old Greenlandslaughternshireyanadirsk
(Old Greenlandslaughternshireyanadirsk 2-1 Mole City aggregate)

Widdrington Wolves 2-0 Rappor AC
(Rappor AC 0-2 Widdrington Wolves aggregate)

Turoki Isle 0-0 Damogran Football Klub
(Damogran Football Klub 1-1 Turoki Isle aggregate)
(Turoki Isle wins 1-0 on away goals)

Vogsphere United 2-0 Honsfield Athletic
(Honsfield Athletic 1-5 Vogsphere United aggregate)

Shoreland United 2-1 Gabalfa City
(Gabalfa City 2-2 Shoreland United aggregate)
(Gabalfa City wins 1-0 on away goals)

Hetlasane Hetkali 4-2 TDK-Centrum Mego
(TDK-Centrum Mego 3-7 Hetlasane Hetkali aggregate)

Lofthu Negalia 0-2 Atma Teatanic
(Atma Teatanic 5-2 Lofthu Negalia aggregate)

West Rubbermade FC 2-6 Kalisimu Salan
(Kalisimu Salan 9-2 West Rubbermade FC aggregate)

Cedniavella 4-1 Limognon Beroniers
(Limognon Beroniers 2-6 Cedniavella aggregate)

Mackintosh Thistle Celtic 3-2 Sporting Mayo
(Sporting Mayo 3-3 Mackintosh Thistle Celtic aggregate)
(Sporting Mayo wins 2-0 on away goals)

Sand Harbor Kings 2-0 Hypocrium City
(Hypocrium City 1-4 Sand Harbor Kings aggregate)

Press release by the temple of Taderekansa:

Terrorist attack on Kalisimu Salan

The match between Kalisimu Salan and West Rubbermade FC was overshadowed by an attack on the freedom, the values and Karela. A traitor of all values of society managed to get into the stadium. He carried one of the most evil weapons ever invented by men: a va'takil! Since international regulations still put some idiotic ideas like excitement and many goals over the national security, the Kalisimu Salan Stadium had to deplug their va'karela'ny. The effect of the va'takil was extreme, both teams played as attacking as they could and an insane amount of 8 (yes, eight, jo) goals was scored (yes, in one(!) match). The Salan'he kalisimu were prepared better for an attacking opponent and were able to score more goals in one match than they did in the league so far: 6. The police caught the terrorist 16 minutes before the end of the match and arrested him. Apparently his name is Steven Kali'ana and he is fmjphoenician citizen. The temple assumes that his evil government sent him to fight the Rejistanian way of life.

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Only Mayo remains

FC Albertine - Floral FC (Bedistan): 1 – 4 (1-10 aggr.)

The home game was not quite the 6-0 humiliation of the first leg for FC Albertine, but it wasn’t a whole lot better. The Spruitland champions had a strong twenty minutes in the second half, resulting in a fine goal for Dirk Jools, but the matter was long solved by then. The Florists had already scored thrice and added another before the end of the match to bring the final score to 1-4, or 1-10 over the two legs combined.

This early exit is not unexpected, though FC Albertine supporters were undoubtedly hoping for a slightly less… convincing score line. Coach Fabricio de Souza Lima stuck to the cliché comments after the match, mentioning things like “valuable experience” and “concentrating on the domestic league.”

Striker Dirk Jools sustained an injury after the match and had to be brought to the hospital with a broken wrist. The exact circumstances are unknown, but sources indicate Jools had a little disagreement with the dressing room wall, and the wall won. He is not expected to miss any league games.


Nesme Wolves (The Eagle’s Nest) – Thiel United: 1 – 0 (4-0 aggr.)

Thiel United was facing a very difficult task in The Eagle’s Nest, trying to recover from a 0-3 home defeat, and they were – not surprisingly – unable to pull it off. The First Division runners-up played better football than in the first leg, especially on a defensive level, but were unable to make a fist. The 1-0 loss sends them packing after a brief and colorless appearance in the NSFA.


Mackintosh Thistle Celtic (Weegies) - Sporting Mayo: 3 – 2 (3-3 aggr.)

Sporting Mayo is the only Spruitland team remaining in the NSFA after a marvelous performance against Weegies team Mack Thistle. A fine 1-0 result at home laid the groundworks, though the away match was still expected to be a tough ordeal.

And despite an early goal for Mayo, that’s exactly what it turned out to be. Mackintosh Thistle Celtic put on the pressure and dominated most of the match, battling their way back to 3-1. A late corner goal from Malovar Stokks brought home the bacon for Mayo though, seeing them through to the First Round on away goals.

Players and supporters alike are now hoping Sporting Mayo can hang inthere for one more round to qualify for the Group Stage. Much will depend on who they will be drawn against though, since there are barely any “easy teams” remaining in the competition. The Sporting Mayo fanclub is organizing a large scale chicken collection to make a massive payment to Margaret in an effort to assure the next opponent will be a team from either Oglethorpia, Vtorbetin or Tonissia.

Mixed Results

Damogran eliminated in away goals tiebreaker
Damogran FK recorded a pair of draws with Turoki Isle, 1-1 and 0-0, making theirs the most evenly matched pairing in the qualifying round. However, the 1-1 match happened to be the Dragons' home game, resulting in the tiebreak going Turoki Isle's way. Both games were ferociously fought, with incredible plays by the defenders on both sides. Especially outstanding were Squornshelan national defenders Urlor Gregories and Dimitri Ulanych, along with Damogran keeper Raphael Shortino. Damogran's only goal of the series was scored by star forward Franz Persson, another member of the Squornshelan national team.

Final Scores:
Damogran Football Klub 1-1 Turoki Isle
Turoki Isle 0-0 Damogran Football Klub
(Damogran Football Klub 1-1 Turoki Isle aggregate)
(Turoki Isle wins 1-0 on away goals)

Damogran's Scorers:
Persson: 2
Marineau: 1

Imperials dismantle Honsfield to advance

Vogsphere keeper Darius Lepard, who is in the run for a position on the Squornshelan World Cup 23 team, recorded the team's first shutout, which was enough to put the Imperials through to the next round to join KF Kakrafoon and FK Striterax. After a convincing 3-1 victory in the first leg, Vogsphere was in a strong position to move on. Ali Fouad and Peter Skritsch each added a goal, bringing their totals for the NSCL/NSFA tournament to 2 and 3 respectively.

Final Scores:
Honsfield Athletic 1-3 Vogsphere United
Vogsphere United 2-0 Honsfield Athletic
(Honsfield Athletic 1-5 Vogsphere United aggregate)

Vogsphere's Scorers:
Skritsch: 3
Fouad: 2
Tepper: 1
Sosna: 1

The Bureaucratic Tribune

Oglethorpia still alive

SOMEWHERE (BT) -- With the results of the second leg in, only Megalopolis City F.C. has made it through unscathed, having entered the cup after losing aggregate in the NSCL.

Both Highbrow Athletic and Polyesterhampton F.C. were knocked out of the second NSFA Cup, the former by fellow league team Megalopolis City and the latter resoundingly by Rizh'peith K'druz'ba of Cockbill Street, on aggregate 8-1.

"We'll make the fans back home proud," said Megalopolis City F.C. manager Harry Utterer. "Perhaps we shall look honorable and skilled before the match, and then later encourage people to turn off their TV sets at the start of the match, because at that point any semblance of respect for the club shall begin to wither away."

Mike White, Jr., former goalie for the club was sacked due to his preformance in the NSCL -- he has been replaced by the goalie of the club Megalopolis City just recently beat, Hip Replac. The whole situation has been a string of good luck for the 21-year old goalie, whom would have otherwise been relegated to league matches is again in competition with Megalopolis City, and further has been promoted to the national squad goalie position.

"I'm stoked," said Replac. "I'm stoked."

Replac later elaborated at great length with no one around to record his comments.

Megalopolis City F.C. advances out of the three Oglethorpian clubs originally present to hopefully not be fully trounced by their next opponent.

"We're stoked," said Replac concerning the bright path ahead of Megalopolis City.

Chicanada FA Reports

http://img188.echo.cx/img188/4346/dpa2tv.gif

Bring On Someone!
Extreme Advance to Second Round, Await New Opponent

Douala was already thrilled to hear they would play host for when Chicanada hosts the Gaian Ascendancy in NSWC Qualifying - since the city is still smarting fromt he Jural'heim Clan's escape in the NSCL Semis that word the team won a 2-1 victory on the road over Skelrod Unidire may make the city go crazy.

Led by Golden Footer Yeo, Douala ran roughshot over the Peridian squad as they advance to the next round against an unknown opponent. With the draw expected to be announced at any moment, many hope for a lucky draw for the Extreme in order to keep hopes of a championship alive.

Some do wonder if there could be an all Chicanada grouping, as Ashley is also waiting on a squad to to around with. Douala coach Rodger Ferderan said he hoped, prefering to see both Chicanadan sides advance to the group stage and beyond.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://img188.echo.cx/img188/8339/ashpa5et.gif

Shockers prep for Someone
Ashley Coach: We're ready for anyone.

Apparently, our coach is a tad egotisitcal, as he preps both Ashley and the Chicanadan National Side for the next round of play.

While he's off in Eastentown prepping the Nationals for their upcomming qualifiers, Assistant Gavin Laslo will lead the Shockers into the next round of the NSFA Cup. The 1924 Unity Cup winners are hoping to see this tourney rejuvenate the team, which has been struggling heading into the homestreach before the Barclay Finals. Laslo has said the players want to acheive victory in this round, while holding back on promising a title.

Ashley's lineup for match one: (6-1-3)

(Pos/Name/Home City)

D: Hessian O'Ruiley (Goedi)
D: Gavin Hortence (Ashley)
D: Franzj Q'oxivna (Ashley)
D: Samuel Klazia (Acadia)
D: Evon Klerington (Cana)
D: Weston Grahmn (Cana)
M: Liamson Projesti (Ashley)
F: Harold Linkson (Central Hills)
F: Klingson Devenaou (Southampton)
F: Hero Kippler (Ashley)

Away Day Blues




It was a deeply disappointing evening all round for Hypocria’s representatives in the NSFA Cup. Both sides trailed from the home legs but both were still confident of turning the ties around. Unfortunately it was not to be as both sides crashed out of the tournament after distinctly one sided matches.


Sand Harbor Kings 2 – 0 Hypocrium City
(agg. 4 – 1)


The champions, Hypocrium City, were humbled in Tonissia, beaten 2 – 0 to go out 4 – 1 on aggregate. It was a poor result for the fans who felt they could overturn the deficit. The loss of key players to the national team has been blamed for the result.


Vecchio Victors 3 – 0 Partizan Drissa
(agg. 5 – 1)


Partizan were soundly beaten in the away leg by Vecchio Victors. The team had played so well in Drissa and were deeply unlucky to go to Starblaydia trailing 2 – 1. But they had no answer in the second leg and were overrun, losing 3 – 0 on the night and 5 – 1 on aggregate.

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Vella steal Champions Spotlight


---------------------------------With local hero Mika Sakatorra in attendance, Cedniavella Turori advanced in spectacular fashion through Oliverrian based favorites Limognon Beroniers. Cedniavella who compete outside the league system, qualified for the NSFA Cup by virtue of being the top performing non-league team during the 17th Vilitan Cup. While Cedniavella have never been able to prove themselves in the league system, with the selections commitee hesitant to include two Turorian teams from the same city, the have caused many cup upsets in their 17 seasons. Their triumph over Limognon Beroniers will certainly rank amongst the very best however, being the first for the non-professional side in international competition. Cedniavella took a 2-1 lead back to Turori for the second leg, where they delivered a crushing 4-1 defeat to their foreign counterparts. With cross town rivals and current national champions Cednia Beach AFC still awaiting to take to the NS Champions League in the group stage, the top tourist destinatioin in the Island Emirate was tuned in to see their small time club compete in a rare televisted performance. Cedniavella kept their compusre and earned the hard faught 4-1 victory and a fully deserved passage through to the NSFA Cup proper. The local media, who had previously been busy covering the day to day activities at Cednia beach and interviews with beach head coach Alexander Ostling, featured highlights of Cedniavella Omar Makara, the hattrick hero and the only snippets from coach Ostling were in regards to their cross town opposition.

" I don't mind if they take all the spotlight" the Cednia Beach AFC manager said, "Milaou has opened up his pockets and allowed me to bring in some new players. Everyones expectations of us are going to be huge now that we've stolen the title from the best team in the World, but a bunch of these guys have never even played a match together, so the more time we get to practice the better off we'll be. Cedniavella have done well just to get invited to the NSFA Cup, so to win their first matchup they must be thrilled, it's great for them and wonderful for the city as well. Performing that well they've earned the attention, and I wish them the best in the competition. I can just hope we can build on their success and steal some headlines of our own when we get out onto the pitch."



[- Cedniavella Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9090576&postcount=28) -] [- Cedniavella History (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9090659&postcount=29) -]

Today’s headlines…

Next Please!
Oxford Through On Away Goals
Liam & Co Media

Sunnyslope Rained On
Borbiconi & Benvarrio Work Together For A Goal Apiece
Liamist States Times

Zubar: Our Defence Was Patchy
Vows To Work On It Before Next Leg
Oxford Daily Herald

Saviola: Maybe Pedros Is Better
Keeper May Stand Aside
Soccer and Babes Magazine

Oxford Blames Fatigue
Chronic Jet Lag Caused Missed Goals, Sealer
Soccer Monthly

Gabalfa Observer: 22nd June 2005: chocolcate or ice cream - which is best?

Double Delight for Gabalfa

Uäneres Ataï 2-2 Gabalfa Rovers
(Gabalfa Rovers win 3-2 on aggregate)

Shoreland United 2-1 Gabalfa City
(2-2 on aggregate, Gabalfa City win on away goals rule)

It was a good night to be a Gabalfan footy fan as both of the capital's NSFA Cup representitives edged their way into the next round.

Rovers went to Pedriana defending a slender one goal advantage, and an early goal by Tariq Al-Jahani followed by an Evan Brooks free kick on the hour was enough to see them through, despite the home team grabbing two late goals to square things up on the night.

City had a slightly shorter trip to Nedalia to defend their first leg advantage, and were forced to defend for long periods. Mohammed Sakker put the home team in front just before half time, before leading scorer Chris Yamtech looked to booked his side's place in the next round by putting away a penalty on 79 minutes after he was upended in the area by Michael Ryder. However, the Panthers' hearts were broken when Nawfal Ap Glywys broke into the area and scored in injury time.

City and Rovers will be joined by Sukatra Tigers, Bettia's other team in this competition. The draw is expected shortly.

NSFA Cup First Round draw, coming right up!

FC Esten (Chicanada) OR v Nicksia Knights (Sarzonia)

Tuncastle Rovers (Nova Britannicus) v Buchanan H.F.C. (The Weegies)

Gabalfa Rovers (Bettia) v Orean (Liverpool England)

Flux United (Nonesuch Street) v Old Green...dirsk (Hockey Canada)

Akani Sands (Bettia) v Sporting Mayo (Spruitland)

Enerji JK (Caprine States) v Elendil Eresea (Finrods)

Llllllllllcwllllllll Rovers (Druida) v Górnik Gondolin (Finrods)

Lylia Foresters (The Weegies) v Atma Teatanic (Lovisa)

Sukatra Tigers (Bettia) v Crystilakere Naval (Crystilakere)

Farrukh Gissar (Tadjikistan) v Rio Liamo (Liamist States)

Vaksh Qorgontheppa (Tadjikistan) v Kionao Locals (Turori)

Trams Union United (The Weegies) v Beersheba United (Jeruselem)

Visby Nestle Quarcoo (Lovisa) v Yartar Smiths (The Eagle's Nest)

Hades Lavamje (Rejistania) v Canterbury (Liamist States)

Football Klub of Striterax (Squorn.) v Diamindokere Military Base (Cryst.)

Edda EB Ulfborg (Lovisa) v FC Almintora (Turori)

Chaialim (Milchama) v Widdrington Wolves (Nova Brit.)

Douala (Chicanada) v Kalisimu Salan (Rejistania)

Foxchester Raiders (Nova Britannicus) v Nesme Wolves (The Eagle's Nest)

Megalopolis City F.C. (Oglethorpia) v Turoki Isle (Vilita)

Ariot Lupes (Fmjphoenix) v Wella Technics Vita Villa (Wella)

Pardbo (Liverpool England) v Cedniavella (Turori)

Floral FC (Bedistan) v Parkville (Druida)

Hallad Reavers (Starblaydia) v Beverington Hawks (Nova Brit.)

Inland Peaks FC (Vilita) v Marine Coast United (Vilita)

Gabalfa City (Bettia) v Great Alexandria (Milchama)

Vecchio Victors (Starblaydia) v Perpignant FC (Oliverry)

Thunderbird Bazaar (Liverpool England) v Silverymoon Knights (Eagle's Nest)

Magia Shantih (Finrods) v Ionosphere FC (Nonesuch Street)

Mliona-Lpaka (Turori) v Vogsphere United (Squornshelous)

Hevenaii Intracella Techs (G. Asc.) v Rizh'peith K'druz'ba (C'bill St.)

Klub de Football de Kakrafoon (Squorn.) v K'haz'bak K'druz'ba (C'bill Street)

KS Nargothrond (Finrods) v Blue Diamond Destroyers (G. Asc.)

Dennis Bears (Bedistan) v Ashley (Chicanada)

Hetlasane Hetkali (Rejistania) v Jurai`alheim Clans (G. Ascendancy)

Sand Harbor Kings (Tonissia) v Vermiert Jaskolja (Vtorbetin)

Central Island Clan (Raptor Claw) v FK Khujand (Tadjikistan)

Jhanna City (Starblaydia) v Jungle Strike FC (Vilita)

Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba (Cockbill Street) v Channel Kickers (Crystilakere)

Oxford (Liamist States) v Baryon FC (Nonesuch Street)

"A Very Tough Draw"

KF Kakrafoon v K'haz'bak K'druz'ba (C'bill Street)

The Squornshelan League 4th place finishers will be hard pressed against the runners up in the Streetian Commander Cup. Stellar play will be required from keeper Jorge Fernandina, who will be tested for the first time in international competition.

Mliona-Lpaka (Turori) v Vogsphere United

The Squornshelan League and Cup Champions have the toughest draw of our three teams remaining in the tournament. More superb midifeld play will be needed to help the Imperials control the match by possession of the ball. Said Peter Skritsch, "It is a very tough draw."

FK Striterax v Diamindokere Military Base (Cryst.)

The talent laden roster of Striterax will be tested against Diamondokere. While little is known about this team by the Squornshelans, it should be a very tight match, with both teams having an even chance to advance.

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Sporting Mayo anxious to know opponent


Rolestu FC (Bedistan) OR
Akani Sands (Bettia) v Sporting Mayo (Spruitland)

Sporting Mayo, the only Spruitland team left in the competition, will try to survive one more round to make it to the group stage of the NSFA Cup. Who their opponent will be in the First Round is still not certain, as it will depend on the result of the CL 3rd Qualifying Round match between Bedistan’s Rolestu FC and Bettia’s Akani Sands.

As it stands Rolestu are favorites for that match, winning the first leg 2-1, but the margin is far too narrow to consider the matter resolved. After FC Albertine’s heavy double defeat at the hands of another Bedistani team in the NSFA Qualifying Round, Mayo will undoubtedly be hoping to avoid Rolestu.

“You better believe it,” goalkeeper Simon Briers said. “Normally we’d be neutral for this match, but we’ll be rooting for Rolestu all the way. Against Akani, we’ll have half a chance of making it through. Against those Bedistanis, we might as well forfait and play a friendly game of tiddlywinks instead, it’d be more fun.”

The Sporting Mayo players and staff gathered in the lounge of their training facilities for live coverage of the match, but it turned out to be postponed, along with all other Champions League matches.

“Not sure what’s going on,” coach Dennis Friskin shrugged. “There hasn’t been any news. The matches were supposed to start hours ago, weren’t they? Or did I get those time zone thingies confused again?”

Today’s headlines…

Could It Be A Fourway?
Four Liamist Sides Could Be Fighting For The NSFA Cup
Liam & Co Media

Tadjiks & Nonesuch Streetians
Rio & Oxford Captains Deem Them "Kickable"
Liamist States Times

Nonesuch Street: We Recap Their Matches Against Us
Will History Reveal Anything?
Soccer and Babes Magazine

Zavad Diawara's Last Games
Legend Due To Retire After Rio's International Season
Soccer Monthly

Rio Liamo Lineup
*Starting Side
(Multiply age by 1.39 for normal years)

Player Pos Age
Zavad Diawara GK 22*©
Cleveland Southgate GK 13
Peter Idangar F 15*
Venedict Kvarme F 20
Jesus Pegolo F 13
Marv Cole M 22*
Dasan Sylva M 22*
Oriel Garcia M 15*
Philander Alkorta M 21*
Umi N'Diaye M 22*
Bowen Conteh B 22*
Watson Dinet B 13*
Fran Bucci B 16*
Sirius Pitau B 20*
Step Abidal B 14

Farrukh Gissar meets Rio Liamo

The rich club from one of Tadjikistans greatest industrial centres finally makes the debut its sponsors always asked for. Furraukh Gissar goes interantional, playing its first match against an unknown side, they are all unkown to them except the teams that have played against other Tadjik clubs.

Gissars coach Talbak Nazirov, another ex-international, not knowing how strong the Liamists will be, hopes to win at home and tie in the away match: 'According to some Liamists newspapers, they have a good chance to bust through and on to the finals. But they trying to see in the future, while we try to write history. Tadjik history and maybe FA-cup history. We'll will play cautious in our first match, and then we'll see how things evolve.'

Farrukh Gissar
Coach: Talbak Nazirov


Starters
1. D Pavlov(26) GK
2. V Ashurov(20) D
3. H Amin(28) D
4. A Vlasov(25) D
5. S Ivresenko(24) D
6. G Morozov(33) M
7. S Krivoshein(20) M
8. O Kirov(24) M
9. D Priore(27) F
10.N Tanai(22) F
11.G Szarmach(25) F

subs
12.Y Egorov(31) GK
13.A Belov(28) D
14.R Kravchenko(20) D
15.D Belobordov(25) M
16.G Kantarov(30) F

Sand Harbor Kings


#33 Don Jost GK
#4 Landon Sath D
#1 Chucky Mallone D
#23 Josh Harr D
#90 Mic Hale M
#7 Geof Sigregsa M
#55 Doug Harbor M
#98 Joey Tibbs
#48 Jimmy Young F
#12 Pete Foy F
#6 Tim Hiesler Jr F

subs
#67 Wyatt Kincaid GK
#96 Hilliam Gunner F
#80 Doug MacDani D
#59 Mark Hibson D
#3 Lodian Slikovic M
F

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[ 85 ] Jimmy Kater [ - Strike FC - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 31 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Jimmy Kater took over the starting position on the National Team under the intense spotlight of the World Cup 17 Finals in Vilita. Kater has remained first choice keeper since then, despite a Quarter Final exit to Liverpool England. After leading the Vilita Under-21's to the Under-21 World Cup 7 Championship, Kater left a deflating Tivali City to join up-and-comers Arcticala Inlet, who he led to the top half of the Stellar Division tables. Kater earned a pair of consecutive Vilitan Cup titles with Arcticala Inlet, before returning to Strike FC ater the departure of Bryan 'Pop' Duiker

[ 4 ] Akin Chaswe [ - Strike FC - ]
------- D RL ( Non-International )

[ 3 ] Lione Nauseb [ - Strike FC - ]
------- D RLC ( Non-International )

[ 6 ] Bas Bodnark [ - Strike FC - ]
------- D LC ( Non-International )

[ 2 ] Che Mbambara [ - Strike FC - ]
------- D C ( Non-International )

[ 25 ] Santo Kecker [ - Strike FC - ]
------- M LC ( AGE: 42 GOALS::SR: 20 U21: 0 REG: 3 )
Captain of Vilitan National Team since the start of World Cup 13. Kecker transferred from Marine Coast United to Barcoenfuego of Kingsford for 6.2m Following World Cup 14. Kecker, a free kick specialist, was left homeless when the Kingsford Pillar League dissolved and decided the time was right for a return to the Vilitan League. While he had originally planned to rejoin Marine Coast United, Kecker ended up at Jungle Strike FC. To this day, Kecker, Strike or Marine Coast have not indicated any of the reasons behind this decision, and it is likely to remain a mystery. Whatever the reason, the effect is clear, with Strike stepping up as the main challenger to Yeaddin Owls in the seasonal challenge for the Stellar Division title, as well as counting up a handful of Vilitan Cup and Tropical Trophy victories along the way.

[ 14 ] Inaki Soler [ - Strike FC - ]
------- AM RLC ( AGE: 28 GOALS::SR: 8 U21: 9 REG: 1 )
Inaki Soler may be the greatest Vilitan talent since Santo Kecker graced the Vilitan history books with the first ever game-winning Vilitan goal against Compound Interest in World Cup 13 Qualifying. Despite a lack of goals so far in his senior career, a high profile-record transfer to the ever-improving Yeaddin Owls AFC was sure to do nothing but improve his chances of keeping his place in the Vilita side. With Helmut Vilkaus announcing an emphasis on Wings in the coming years, many expect Soler to breakthrough and take his place as the first-choice Vilitan midfielder. However, Soler left the Owls with friend Antonis Siazzu during the Season 12 Exodus to train independantly and focus on international play. After starting the first half of Season 13 with Alikki-Corra, Soler returned to Yeaddin Owls and sparked a resurretion that saw the Owls catch and pass Strike FC to earn their 10th Stellar Division title. But Once again, Soler showed an uncanny unpredictability, by ditching newly acquired friend Antonis Siazzu, and the Yeaddin faithful, after they failed to secure the championship in Season 15. Soler was talked into joining Inland Peaks FC by former Yeaddin teammate Riccardo Appolloni, and as his contract ran out with Yeaddin, Soler once again refused to resign and walked into a new and questionable chapter in his very fascinating domestic career. After two seasons at Inland Peaks, Soler was recruited back to the club where he got his start, Strike FC, by Vilitan legend Santo Kecker and the big checkbook of one of the top teams in the world.

[ 52 ] Thierry Columbo [ - Strike FC - ]
------- M LC ( AGE: 24 GOALS::SR: 2 U21: 2 REG: 0 )
Columbo left Lonngeylin Coast in search of first team action with Declasse side Mavaloiao FC. Columbo was an instant hit at the club, and helped lead them to the Declasse Division title and a place in the Stellar Division starting in Season 14. Columbo became a hot commodity after performances for new club Makosile, and signed with Strike FC for Season 17.

[ 74 ] Esorijan Marelja [ - Strike FC - ]
------- AM RL ( AGE: 17 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )

The Daily Druid

PARKVILLE GIVEN TOUGH DRAW
Floral FC provide tie of the round

With what is almost undoubtedly the biggest tie in the opening round of the NSFA Cup, the most successful side in Druid history, Parkville, are up against the most up-and-coming side in the world, Floral of Bedistan. It also means that Parkville's coach Vanessa Carpenter gets to return to her homeland.

Meanwhile, after a poor home display against Iskara Daii, Llllllllllcwllllllll Rovers are playing some team from Finrods. We didn't even know they had teams in Finrods!
Parkville's likely starting line-up to face Floral FC (Bedistan):

As chosen by Head Coach Vanessa Carpenter (Bedistan)


1) Quasim Black (GK, Liamist States)
2) Trevor Illcoombe (LB, Druida)
3) Ed Youngs (RB, Druida)
4) Trevor Rivers (CM, Druida)
5) Trevor Ellis (CB, Druida)
6) Richard Milk (CB, Druida)
7) Sebastien Diago (RM, Druida/Eauz)
8) Trefor Talbot (CM, Druida)
9) Adrian Belmore (CF, Druida)
10) Mattan (CF, Nedalia)
11) Darwin Russell (LM, Sarzonia)

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[ 95 ] Jawz Oaker [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 18 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Jawz Oaker is the son of Colonial Sile and Oaker national midfielder Arthin Oaker, who moved to Vilita early in his career after his impressive performances for Oaker in past World Cups. Jawz was called up to the Vilita Under 21 squad as Oaker did not participate in the Under-21's, qualifying through his residency and his Mother, a Vilitan. The young keeper spent most of Season 15 on loan to Mavaloiao, before being recruited by Doug Freech's Lopinka side, Declasse champions looking for a starting keeper for their return campain in the Stellar Division. However, hometown Makosile's vast improvements in Season 16 saw the youngster quick to return home to bask in the spotlight with one of Vilita's rising new powers. Despite earning the Goalkeeper of the year award, Oaker's team was not able to compete and spent more time at the bottom of the table then the top, prompting the young keeper to depart once again, this time to Champions League bound inland Peaks FC.


[ 3 ] Jaloey Afrikka [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- D LC ( AGE: 35 GOALS::SR: 0 U21: 1 REG: 1 )
Jaloey Afrikka is one of the quiet talents in the Vilita lineup. A regular in the team since graduating from the Under-21 side, Jaloey is always in the roster somewhere, either starting or on the bench, when the Vilitan teamsheet is announced. With the retirement of Vilitan defensive legends Giacomo Adika and Enzo Ahat, Afrikka finds himself as first-choice Central Defender for the World Cup 19 Finals. Afrikka will have added confidence after returning home to Jlinal Cove FC, the club where he got his start, after a stint in the Stellar Division with Turoki Isle and Strike FC. The well travelled Afrikka isone of few players known to have featured for the Vilitan Trio, after signing with Yeaddin Owls, Afrikka featured for Strike FC and Marine Coast United in addition to a host of other teams throughout his career. Afrikka has announced his retirement following World Cup 22.

[ 2 ] Dereck Rateau [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- D LC ( Non-International)

[ 5 ] Rechbai Lianoa [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- D LC ( Non-International)

[ 6 ] Kieran Gonchar [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- D RL ( Non-International)


[ 28 ] Brad Edwards [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- AM RC ( Turori International )

[ 23 ] Brent Tamang [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- M RC ( Non-International)

[ 24 ] Warwick Coleei [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- M LC ( Non-International)

[ 21 ] Calaesa Mitaroka [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- M RLC ( AGE: 35 GOALS::SR: 4 U21: 2 REG: 4 )
Mitaroka's Performances for Yeaddin in Season One earned him Youth Player of the Year Honors along with Yeaddin's Stellar Division Championship in the Inagural Vilitan season. Mitaroka never developed into the powerhouse force that was expected from his early performances, but is expected to make a great coach one day do to his leadership both on and off the field at Yeaddin Owls AFC. Mitaroka has indicated he may retire from the International scene after the World Cup Finals in Turori, to concentrate on coaching and regional competitions. After a long and successful career at Yeaddin Owls AFC, Mitaroka moved to Inland Peaks in Season 17 to take on a role as Player/Manager


[ 18 ] Noel Adiguzel [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- F C ( Crystilakere International )


[ 19 ] Riccardo Appolloni [ - Inland Peaks FC - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 28 GOALS::SR: 7 U21: 13 REG: 0 )
Riccardo Appolloni came through the youth ranks at Mavaloio before transferring to Yeaddin Owls AFC and quickly displacing Jan Christiansen from his role as first choice striker. Appolloni also one-upped Christiansen by earning a regular role in the Vilitan National team, something Christiansen was never able to do. The third largest transfer in Vilitan History at the time saw Appolloni depart his beloved Owls for up-and-coming Inland Peaks FC. The Peaks used the transfer income from the sale of Ade Hinds, Martin Watt, Aman Dedur and mostly Under-21 forward Kris Wrice to sign the Vilitan International, signalling their intentions to be respected as a top class team in Vilita for seasons to come.

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[ 82 ] Rory Issah [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 50 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )


[ 89 ] Manolis Masi [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 25 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Manolis Masi moved the Mavaloiao during Vilitan Season 13, and helped lead the team back to the Stellar Division for the first time Since Vilitan Season 1.

[ ] Elekim Cairns [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- D RC ( AGE: 48 GOALS::SR: 1 U21: 0 REG: 1 )
Trustworthy WingBack who was influential in the National Team prior to their entrance into the Inter Nation-Statal scene. Retring from Internationstatal Level after World Cup 16.

[ 4 ] Sibusiso Azaïez [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- D C (SW) ( AGE: 33 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Azaiez never realized his potential, from Marine Coast, never becoming a regular starter on the national team, but still leads his youthful teammates with his skills

[ 5 ] Petros Alfieri [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- D C ( AGE: 30 GOALS::SR: 0 U21: 1 REG: 0 )
Petros Alfieri is just the next in the ever growing list of impressive defenders coming from the Marine Coast Academy. Coached by utility player Baron O'Toole and defensive great elekim Cairns, the Marine Coast Academy has already graduated names like Cairns, Enzo Ahat and Sibusiso Azaiez. Alfieri, a strict Central Defender, has a bit of a temper to overcome before seeing a regular starting role with the National Team, being sent off multiple times in the Vilitan League season, including an embarrassing dismissal against non-league Mliona-Lpaka that led to Marine Coast's early exit from the Vilitan Cup.

[ 8 ] Alpha Siboldi [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- D LC ( Crystilakere International )

[ 51 ] Jonjo Hulyer [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- M LC ( AGE: 21 GOALS::SR: 2 U21: 0 REG: 0 )
Jonjo Hulyer is one of the most exciting prospects to come out of the Marine Coast academy in many seasons. He is expected to challenge for a place in the Marine Coast Lineup at just 16 years of age, Preferring to attack down the middle or on the left flank.

[ 18 ] Gbenga Ogunniya [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- M C ( Starblaydia International )

[ 21 ] Nene [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- M C ( Nedalia International )

[ 41 ] Kris Wrice [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 19 GOALS::SR: 0 U21: 1 REG: 0 )
Wrice made 10 appearances for Inland Peaks in Season 15, and his 5 goals helped propel the team to the top 5 in the table at the halfway point. The young striker's potential did not go unnoticed, and Turoki Isle opened up their pockets to make an offer the smaller Inlands club could not refuse, bringing the Under-21 International to Turoki Isle. Wrice would spend two seasons at Turoki Isle, netting 21 goals for the club before making a high-profile transfer to Marine Coast United during Season 17.

[ 19 ] Chris Hutton [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- F C ( Bettia International )

Head Coach:

[ 32 ] Jürgen Ramzi [ - Marine Coast United - ]
------- DM C ( AGE: 44 GOALS::SR: 13 U21: 0 REG: 0 )
Defensive Midfielder, not selected for World Cup 13 do to injury. Took up a role behind the central midfielders in a strong World Cup 14 Qualifying showing by the Jungle Cats and has retained his place in the side. Assumed Captaincy of Marine Coast following the departure of Santo Kecker to Barcoenfuego in Kingsford, and played many successful seasons in Crosaibi. With the lack of a suitable Defensive Midfield replacement, Ramzi was urged by Vilitan head coach Helmut Vilkaus to stay on the international scene well into his 30's. Ramzi agreed, while taking up a new job, as coach of Jlinal Cove FC, where he has begun a transformation which has made Jlinal Cove FC look more like a Defensive Midfield training academy, providing three Under-21 Internationals already, with more likely on the way.

NSFA Cup - First Round - First Leg - Scores

FC Esten 0-3 Nicksia Knights
Tuncastle Rovers 0-3 Buchanan H.F.C.
Gabalfa Rovers 2-4 Orean
Flux United 2-2 Old Greenlandslaughternshireyanadirsk
Akani Sands 1-2 Sporting Mayo
Enerji JK 0-0 Elendil Eresea
Llllllllllcwllllllll Rovers 1-1 Górnik Gondolin
Lylia Foresters 1-0 Atma Teatanic
Sukatra Tigers 1-3 Crystilakere Naval
Farrukh Gissar 5-1 Rio Liamo
Vaksh Qorgontheppa 2-1 Kionao Locals
Trams Union United 2-2 Beersheba United
Visby Nestle Quarcoo 5-2 Yartar Smiths
Hades Lavamje 0-0 Canterbury
Football Klub of Striterax 0-0 Diamindokere Military Base
Edda EB Ulfborg 2-1 FC Almintora
Chaialim 3-4 Widdrington Wolves
Douala 0-4 Kalisimu Salan
Foxchester Raiders 2-1 Nesme Wolves
Megalopolis City F.C. 1-2 Turoki Isle
Ariot Lupes 2-1 Wella Technics Vita Villa
Pardbo 2-2 Cedniavella
Floral FC 3-1 Parkville
Hallad Reavers 1-0 Beverington Hawks
Inland Peaks FC 3-1 Marine Coast United
Gabalfa City 2-2 Great Alexandria
Vecchio Victors 4-1 Perpignant FC
Thunderbird Bazaar 1-1 Silverymoon Knights
Magia Shantih 2-1 Ionosphere FC
Mliona-Lpaka 1-0 Vogsphere United
Hevenaii Intracella Techs 1-4 Rizh'peith K'druz'ba
Klub de Football de Kakrafoon 3-2 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba
KS Nargothrond 2-2 Blue Diamond Destroyers
Dennis Bears 1-0 Ashley
Hetlasane Hetkali 0-1 Jurai`alheim Clans
Sand Harbor Kings 3-2 Vermiert Jaskolja
Central Island Clan 2-1 FK Khujand
Jhanna City 3-1 Jungle Strike FC
Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba 0-1 Channel Kickers
Oxford 1-2 Baryon FC

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Kecker slams lackluster amateurs

------------------------Jungle Strike FC head coach Santo Kecker has today lashed out at his side for their "Amateur Performances" on the world stage, after suffering their second consecutive two-goal defeat while attempting to advance through the Internationstatal domestic competitions. Strike were automatically qualified for the third and final qualifying stage of the Nationstates Champions League, and were clear favorites to advance to the group stage and join the Yeaddin Owls and Arcticala Inlet FC after being drawn to face a mid level Lovisan squad in their two legged matchup. To little surprise, Strike were victorious in the first leg, although only with a slim 1-0 scoreline. No one was expecting the turnaround by the Lovisan squad however, who sunk Strike with a 2-0 reversal in the second leg, relegating the Vilitan favorites into the NSFA Cup first round.

------------------------Strike would be drawn with even tougher opposition in the NSFA cup, with a mouthwatering tie with Starblaydia's Jhanna City awaiting the Lonngeylin based club. Kecker and the immense Strike fanbase still very much fancied their odds up against the former laughing stock of the Starblaydian domestic scene, boasting a trio of Vilitan stars barely even considered for play in the AOCAF tournament, if they were lucky, while Strike's Vilitan trio are regular National tem starters and living Vilitan legends. Jungle Strike FC travelled to Starblaydia and came home empty handed, with only Inaki Soler's crafty away goal as a positive from what Santo Kecker deemed the "Worst performance by this lot since I've joined the club" - putting one of the favorites for the NSFA Cup title down 1-3 going into the second leg that will take place at The Shultis in Lonngeylin, Vilita.

[- Strike FC Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9123207&postcount=63) -]

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Group stage within reach

Akani Sands (Bettia) – Sporting Mayo: 1 – 2

All Spruitland eyes were focused on Sporting Mayo, the only team left with a chance to move into the group stage of the NSFA Cup. The last hurdle to overcome turned out to be Bettia’s Akani Sands, and that was a huge relief for Mayo players and supporters, who did not want to follow down FC Albertine’s path, getting trounced by a Bedistani top team.

Not that Akani Sands is an easy opponent though. Bettia football is clearly on the rise and already a few steps up the ladder from Spruitland, but a glance at the list of other possible opponents Mayo could have drawn quickly makes it clear they could have done a lot worse.

“Not to sound disrespectful,” coach Dennis Friskin said before the match, “but if we can’t get past Akani, we don’t belong in the group stage. It’s as simple as that. Getting past the Weegies team was a good first step, now we have to prove we can do it again.”

Sporting Mayo started the game as the more eager side, against an Akani Sands team that did not seem fully recovered from their rigorous Champions League match against Rolestu FC. Hypocrian international Danny West frequently waltzed through the sluggish Akani defense in the opening stage of the match, and deservedly opened the score.

With a vital away goal scored, Mayo dropped the pace a bit. Everything seemed to be going the Spruitlanders’ way when Edmund Kidder snuck a header past the Akani goalkeeper early in the second half to extend the lead, but the Sands woke up after that and tried their best to rectify the situation.

Mayo was pushed back to their own half for most of the rest of the match, and Friskin replaced an attacker with an extra defender to withstand the pounding, but that didn’t prevent the Bettians from clawing one back. Nevertheless, the 1-2 final score is a marvelous result to start the second leg, and supporters are confident their team will not let this advantage slip away.

“We’re not there yet,” a smiling Friskin said, “but this is as good a result as we could have hoped for. It’s in our own hands now, and with a twelfth man on our side, we’ll be extremely motivated for the return match.”

1-1-1
Squornshelan teams all in very close matches

Typical Game for Striterax
With two national team starting defenders and the national team's starting goalkeeper, FK Striterax is accustomed to low scoring games. "The most important thing here," said keeper Marko Antropov, is that we've held them scoreless at home. "As long as we don't lose or repeat this score in Diamindokere, we advance."
Final Score:
Football Klub of Striterax 0-0 Diamindokere Military Base


Vogsphere at Risk after loss
A defeat for the Imperials leaves them needing to score at at least two goals in a win to move on without some sort of tiebreak. "We've put ourselves in a difficult position with this loss, said goalkeeper Darius Lepard. "We'll need to play almost perfectly in the next leg to have a chance." The Squornshelan Champions are certainly in the worst position, which is to be expected playing against the toughest team.
Final Score:
Mliona-Lpaka 1-0 Vogsphere United


Karafoon On top in Five Goal Frenzy
Forward Brian Guerrero notched two goals in a defeat of one of Cockbill Street's best teams. KF Kakrafoon will need to keep the scoring up, in order to ensure they stay comfortably ahead of their opponents though. They have a better than even chance of advancing though.
Final Score:
Klub de Football de Kakrafoon 3-2 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba

No Panick!

Talbak Nazirov said the Liamists were trying to look into the future, while they were writing history. Well, he is close to the truth. Farrukh Gissar beat Rio Liamo with a nice 5-1 score, and once more it was the young Tanai who put his stamp on the match, scoring twice and giving two assists to Szarmach and Priore. The job was finished by Ivresenko. all Rio Liamo could do was save the honor, Watson Dinet surprised the Tadjiks near the end of the game and scored. Gissar can now go to Liamists States with confidence and a strong lead. Another Tadjik side that won and could jump through to the next stage is Vaksh Qorgontheppa Which after another 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Bedistani's got dropped in the NSFA cup where they beat Turorian Kionao Locals with an economical 2-1, the work of young star Salenko who beat the Turorian defenses twice. Now they can play their away match, knowing the Turorians have to go offensive if they want to go through. Qorgontheppa's coach Sharipov remains calm and believes they can make it to the next round. Not so calm today were the Sadirov brothers who saw their team lose against Central Island Clan in Raptor Claw with 2-1. FK Khujand has to win ther home game now to get anywhere, and to make sure they have a good chance, the Sadirovs said they'd add an extra striker to give them the goals they need. But it remains a matter of luck for them, the slightest mistake could end their first appearance in the NSFA cup.

Chicanada FA Reports

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Bring On Someone!
Extreme Advance to Second Round, Await New Opponent

Douala got slapped hard by the Rejistani side Kalisimu Salan in a 4-0 loss at the Grand Douala Arena. More later.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Shockers prep for Someone
Ashley Coach: We're ready for anyone.

Ashley lets one side away ina 1-0 loss to the Dennis Bears. More to come

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[center]FC Esten Pride News[/b]

With little time to recoup after its elimiation from the NSCL, it looks to be doubly quick after dropping 3-0 to Sarzonian Nicksia Knights today in Esten Stadia. More later!

NSFA Cup - First Round - Second Leg - Scores

Nicksia Knights 6-1 FC Esten
(FC Esten 1-9 Nicksia Knights aggregate)

Buchanan H.F.C. 2-2 Tuncastle Rovers
(Tuncastle Rovers 2-5 Buchanan H.F.C. aggregate)

Orean 3-1 Gabalfa Rovers
(Gabalfa Rovers 3-7 Orean aggregate)

Old Greenlandslaughternshireyanadirsk 0-1 Flux United
(Flux United 3-2 Old Greenlandslaughternshireyanadirsk aggregate)

Sporting Mayo 1-2 Akani Sands
(Akani Sands 3-3 Sporting Mayo aggregate)
Akani Sands 3-4 Sporting Mayo AET

Elendil Eresea 1-1 Enerji JK
(Enerji JK 1-1 Elendil Eresea aggregate)
(Enerji JK win 1-0 on away goals)

Górnik Gondolin 3-2 Llllllllllcwllllllll Rovers
(Llllllllllcwllllllll Rovers 3-4 Górnik Gondolin aggregate)

Atma Teatanic 1-1 Lylia Foresters
(Lylia Foresters 2-1 Atma Teatanic aggregate)

Crystilakere Naval 5-0 Sukatra Tigers
(Sukatra Tigers 1-8 Crystilakere Naval aggregate)

Rio Liamo 0-1 Farrukh Gissar
(Farrukh Gissar 6-1 Rio Liamo aggregate)

Kionao Locals 0-1 Vaksh Qorgontheppa
(Vaksh Qorgontheppa 3-1 Kionao Locals aggregate)

Beersheba United 1-0 Trams Union United
(Trams Union United 2-3 Beersheba United aggregate)

Yartar Smiths 2-1 Visby Nestle Quarcoo
(Visby Nestle Quarcoo 6-4 Yartar Smiths aggregate)

Canterbury 1-3 Hades Lavamje
(Hades Lavamje 3-1 Canterbury aggregate)

Diamindokere Military Base 2-1 Football Klub of Striterax
(Football Klub of Striterax 1-2 Diamindokere Military Base aggregate)

FC Almintora 3-1 Edda EB Ulfborg
(Edda EB Ulfborg 3-4 FC Almintora aggregate)

Widdrington Wolves 1-2 Chaialim
(Chaialim 5-5 Widdrington Wolves aggregate)
(Widdrington Wolves win 4-2 on away goals)

Kalisimu Salan 2-1 Douala
(Douala 1-6 Kalisimu Salan aggregate)

Nesme Wolves 2-3 Foxchester Raiders
(Foxchester Raiders 5-3 Nesme Wolves aggregate)

Turoki Isle 3-0 Megalopolis City F.C.
(Megalopolis City F.C. 1-5 Turoki Isle aggregate)

Wella Technics Vita Villa 0-1 Ariot Lupes
(Ariot Lupes 3-1 Wella Technics Vita Villa aggregate)

Cedniavella 0-2 Pardbo
(Pardbo 4-2 Cedniavella aggregate)

Parkville 2-4 Floral FC
(Floral FC 7-3 Parkville aggregate)

Beverington Hawks 0-1 Hallad Reavers
(Hallad Reavers 2-0 Beverington Hawks aggregate)

Marine Coast United 2-1 Inland Peaks FC
(Inland Peaks FC 4-3 Marine Coast United aggregate)

Great Alexandria 1-0 Gabalfa City
(Gabalfa City 2-3 Great Alexandria aggregate)

Perpignant FC 1-2 Vecchio Victors
(Vecchio Victors 6-2 Perpignant FC aggregate)

Silverymoon Knights 3-3 Thunderbird Bazaar
(Thunderbird Bazaar 4-4 Silverymoon Knights aggregate)
(Thunderbird Bazaar win 3-1 on away goals)

Ionosphere FC 1-1 Magia Shantih
(Magia Shantih 3-2 Ionosphere FC aggregate)

Vogsphere United 2-1 Mliona-Lpaka
(Mliona-Lpaka 2-2 Vogsphere United aggregate)
(Mliona-Lpaka win 1-0 on away goals)

Rizh'peith K'druz'ba 2-5 Hevenaii Intracella Techs
(Hevenaii Intracella Techs 6-6 Rizh'peith K'druz'ba aggregate)
(Hevenaii Intracella Techs win 5-4 on away goals)

K'haz'bak K'druz'ba 2-1 Klub de Football de Kakrafoon
(Klub de Football de Kakrafoon 4-4 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba aggregate)
(K'haz'bak K'druz'ba wins 2-1 on away goals)

Blue Diamond Destroyers 2-1 KS Nargothrond
(KS Nargothrond 3-4 Blue Diamond Destroyers aggregate)

Ashley 2-4 Dennis Bears
(Dennis Bears 5-2 Ashley aggregate)

Jurai`alheim Clans 4-4 Hetlasane Hetkali
(Hetlasane Hetkali 4-5 Jurai`alheim Clans aggregate)

Vermiert Jaskolja 2-3 Sand Harbor Kings
(Sand Harbor Kings 6-4 Vermiert Jaskolja aggregate)

FK Khujand 1-2 Central Island Clan
(Central Island Clan 4-2 FK Khujand aggregate)

Jungle Strike FC 1-1 Jhanna City
(Jhanna City 4-2 Jungle Strike FC aggregate)

Channel Kickers 2-2 Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba
(Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba 2-3 Channel Kickers aggregate)

Baryon FC 4-2 Oxford
(Oxford 3-6 Baryon FC aggregate)

Scory away games in the NSFA-cup

The big advantage of home games is that one can be sure to have infrastructure, of course also va'karela infrastructure. This means, away games are always an adventure. Especially bad is that in many countries, va'karela'ny are forbidden. This of course means, the matches lack strategy and defensive skill. Especially Hetlasane Hetkali suffered from the defenselessness. They conceded <CENSORED FOR DECENCY> goals in one match and scored the same number. Fortunately for every right thinking person, they are eliminated after this slani performance.

Also Hades Lavamje played not very karelan. The rejistani 4-4-2 was able to score 3 times against Canterbury of Liamist States. Unfortunately, they also conceded once. Sikinen Dy scored twice for the United team.

Kalisimu was able a scrape a win in a defensive but nontheless exciting match against Douala of Chicanada. Kalisimu went ahead 2:0 in the first half, but a questionable penalty kick led to the goal for Douala.

NSFA Cup - Group Stage - Draw

GROUP A
Central Island Clan (Raptor Claw)
Sand Harbor Kings (Tonissia)
Jhanna City (Starblaydia)
Sporting Mayo (Spruitland)
Pardbo (Liverpool England)

GROUP B
Lylia Foresters (The Weegies)
Dennis Bears (Bedistan)
Diamindokere Military Base (Crystilakere)
Flux United (Nonesuch Street)
Magia Shantih (Finrods)

GROUP C
Górnik Gondolin (Finrods)
Mliona-Lpaka (Turori)
Orean (Liverpool England)
Vaksh Qorgontheppa (Tadjikistan)
Hades Lavamje (Rejistania)

GROUP D
Channel Kickers (Crystilakere)
Floral FC (Bedistan)
Jurai`alheim Clans (Gaian Ascendancy)
Foxchester Raiders (Nova Britannicus)
Blue Diamond Destroyers (Gaian Ascendancy)

GROUP E
Hallad Reavers (Starblaydia)
Visby Nestle Quarcoo (Lovisa)
Enerji JK (Caprine States)
Buchanan H.F.C. (The Weegies)
FC Almintora (Turori)

GROUP F
Hevenaii Intracella Techs (Gaian Ascendancy)
Vecchio Victors (Starblaydia)
K'haz'bak K'druz'ba (Cockbill Street)
Kalisimu Salan (Rejistania)
Farrukh Gissar (Tadjikistan)

GROUP G
Beersheba United (Jeruselem)
Inland Peaks FC (Vilita)
Nicksia Knights (Sarzonia)
Great Alexandria (Milchama)
Crystilakere Naval (Crystilakere)

GROUP H
Widdrington Wolves (Nova Britannicus)
Ariot Lupes (Fmjphoenix)
Turoki Isle (Vilita)
Baryon FC (Nonesuch Street)
Thunderbird Bazaar (Liverpool England)

SCHEDULE
Sun 6/26: 2v5, 3v4
Mon 6/27: 3v1, 5v4
Tue 6/28: 1v5, 2v4
Wed 6/29: 2v1, 5v3
Thu 6/30: 1v4, 2v3

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Group struggle ahead

Sporting Mayo - Akani Sands (Bettia): 2 – 2 (AET)

There was some criticism when the SFA passed over teams like RFC Godiva, third in last season’s First Division, and awarded the last spot in the NSFA Cup to sixth placed Sporting Mayo. That criticism has now been silenced completely, however, as Mayo achieved the unexpected and qualified for the Group Stage.

It took a hard-fought victory over Akani Sands from northern neighbouring country Bettia to achieve that, though. A marvelous 1-2 away victory had given Mayo supporters plenty of hope for the second leg, but the advantage nearly wasn’t enough.

Akani battled their way to a 1-2 score after ninety minutes, forcing the game into extra time. But Vilitan veteran midfielder Malovar Stokks managed to keep the game from going to a penalty shootout, heading the ball into the net off an indirect free kick.

This gives Sporting Mayo a minimum of four more international matches. They have been drawn in Group A and the goal will be to end in the top three, which will require taking points away from some very strong teams. Supporters expect it to be a difficult task, but Mayo is starting to establish itself as a typical cup team, so with a little luck they may sneak into third.

GROUP A
Central Island Clan (Raptor Claw)
Sand Harbor Kings (Tonissia)
Jhanna City (Starblaydia)
Sporting Mayo (Spruitland)
Pardbo (Liverpool England)

Rizh'peith Manage Elimination
How The Hell Did That Happen?

Going into the home match with a 4-1 victory from the match in Hevenaii, manager Ivar Stoneaxe decided to swap half the side for the second match at home. After all, they needed a 0-4 loss to be eliminated - it couldn't possibly go wrong, right?

How very wrong they were. Hevenaii took control from the start, scoring three goals in the first hour, and suddenly Rizh'peith had to attack desperately. Stoneaxe put himself on, and that worked to some extent, as they pegged two back and it was 2-3 by half-time.

However, the Intracella had the last laugh. With two goals from their best striker, as the Rizh'peith team yet again showed their inexperience, Intracella Techs won 5-2 - and the aggregate score was 6-6. Thus, with five away goals to four, Heven Intracella proceed to the group stage of the NSFA Cup - and Rizh'peith, rightly, felt robbed.

K'haz'bak K'druz'ba managed to get through, however, beating KF Kakrafoon on away goals, while Grakh'nakh got eliminated with a 2-3 away loss to Channel Kickers of the Weegies. K'haz'bak face just Hevenaii Intracella in the second round, along with Starblaydian Vecchio Victors, who smashed Oliverrian side Perpignant FC out by 6-2 on aggregate, but only finished fifth in the Liga Starblaydia. There is also Rejistanian side Kalisimu Salan, feared by many for their ruthless counter-attacks, and Tadjik outsider Farrukh Gissar.

An interesting point is that Nonesuch Street also has two teams in - neither Baryon FC nor Flux United are expected to get very far, having been drawn in very difficult groups, but we're still hoping.

The Daily Druid

DRUIDAN MISERY CONTINUES
Bill Posters on Druidan teams in NSFA Cup defeats.

Oh whup-di-do! Yes, another international club competition, and yet another complete failure for our Druidan sides, as Llllllllllcwllllllll Rovers and Parkville tumble out in the first round.

It's as if while Druids in international football have improved over time, Druid club sides still play like they did 50 years ago when they first started. Parkville were, if not one of the favourites for the whole tournament, then at least fancied to go a considerable distance. But the Druidan luck of the draw paired them with Floral FC, one of the favourites to win the whole shebang, and a 7-3 aggregate win proved why.

Then there was Rovers, who played a team from Finrods that, by my reckoning, probably don't even exist. But yet they still managed to beat the Druidan side over two legs somehow. And so the Druid failures in this type of competition continue. Ever since Parkville lost in the qualifying for Champions League 4 at the hands of the infamous Gurg (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=5941794&postcount=21), Druid sides seem to have been cursed. And so it goes on. Cefn Albion's early exit, followed by those of Parkville and Llllllllllcwllllllll, just prove that this curse is going to prove hard to shift. But there is still one ray of hope...

Group Stage - Matchday 1 Scores

Group A
Sand Harbor Kings 0-2 Pardbo
Jhanna City 3-0 Sporting Mayo

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Jhanna City 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
2 Pardbo 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
3 Central Island Clan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Sand Harbor Kings 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
5 Sporting Mayo 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0

Group B
Dennis Bears 3-0 Magia Shantih
Diamindokere Military Base 6-1 Flux United

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Diamindokere Military Base 1 1 0 0 6 1 5 3
2 Dennis Bears 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
3 Lylia Foresters 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Magia Shantih 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0
5 Flux United 1 0 0 1 1 6 -5 0

Group C
Mliona-Lpaka 3-3 Hades Lavamje
Orean 1-2 Vaksh Qorgontheppa

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Vaksh Qorgontheppa 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
2 Mliona-Lpaka 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 1
3 Hades Lavamje 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 1
4 Górnik Gondolin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Orean 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0

Group D
Floral FC 2-0 Blue Diamond Destroyers
Jurai`alheim Clans 2-2 Foxchester Raiders

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Floral FC 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
2 Jurai`alheim Clans 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
3 Foxchester Raiders 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
4 Channel Kickers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Blue Diamond Destroyers 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0

Group E
Visby Nestle Quarcoo 3-1 FC Almintora
Enerji JK 1-4 Buchanan H.F.C.

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Buchanan H.F.C. 1 1 0 0 4 1 3 3
2 Visby Nestle Quarcoo 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 3
3 Hallad Reavers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 FC Almintora 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
5 Enerji JK 1 0 0 1 1 4 -3 0

Group F
Vecchio Victors 1-1 Farrukh Gissar
K'haz'bak K'druz'ba 0-2 Kalisimu Salan

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Kalisimu Salan 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
2 Vecchio Victors 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
3 Farrukh Gissar 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
4 Hevenaii Intracella Techs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0

Group G
Inland Peaks FC 0-1 Crystilakere Naval
Nicksia Knights 3-0 Great Alexandria

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Nicksia Knights 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
2 Crystilakere Naval 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
3 Beersheba United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Inland Peaks FC 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
5 Great Alexandria 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0

Group H
Ariot Lupes 2-2 Thunderbird Bazaar
Turoki Isle 2-1 Baryon FC

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Turoki Isle 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
2 Ariot Lupes 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
3 Thunderbird Bazaar 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
4 Widdrington Wolves 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Baryon FC 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0

Kalisimu Score
Football Match Brought Into Rejistani Courts

K'haz'bak K'druz'ba are considering bringing yesterday's match between Kalisimu Salan and the K'druz'ba into court following the Salan's 2-0 away win, which left K'haz'ba on bottom of the table.

"We have reason to believe that scoring is a criminal offence in Rejistania," Petter Thorsteinsson, Uh'gah'ni Rith'hazh (Sporting Director) of the club told the awaiting journalists after the game. "Especially away goals. Thus, we are prepared to go to Rejistani courts, charging Kalisimu Salan with excessive goalscoring with a violent intent."

Kalisimu Salan's players had little comment, but pointed out: "If no one scores, all teams get same points?"

Nicksia Knights

Coach: Ben Cartwright

ROSTER (starters in bold)

GOALKEEPERS
1 Len Crosby (24): Recently traded over from the Tacoma Tigers, Crosby won a starting job for the Knights and led the team to a rare playoff appearance.
30 Peter Howard (35): Took his demotion to second-choice goalkeeper with dignity and has helped Crosby get acclimated to his new role.

DEFENDERS
2 Travis Benoit (25): Speedy defender known for giving full effort in every practice or match. Can get a little card happy.
8 Jon Presley (28): Had the best season of an up-and-down career with the Knights, taking to his new role as a left halfback in a 4-4-2 like he was born to play the position.
13 Geoff Carson (30): The slowest of the starting back four, Carson makes up for lack of speed with great quickness and pitch awareness.
15 Brian Willingham (27): Best defender at getting into position and has a knack for anticipating a through ball with the best of them.
18 Lloyd Davis (31): Provides veteran depth for a team that doesn't have much. Scored four goals in a five year (288 game) career.
24 Bill Tankersley (21): Youngest player on the team, he is here purely for the experience of being in an international club competition.

MIDFIELDERS
3 Marty Clark (26): With his short stature (5'6", 167), he is all heart and determination. Can get under the skin of any playmaking midfielder.
7 Chris Masters (29): Team captain. Deadly left boot led to a team high 12 goals in his 27 games played. Is feared when he lines up for set pieces.
10 Mark Lewis (28): Lewis is the best playmaker the Knights have, leading the team with 19 assists, one off the league lead and three off the franchise record. He also has eight goals. Played all 32 games.
11 Joseph Spencer (32): He has the fastest shot on the Knights, but poor control often leads to his shooting high or wide. Scored six goals in 29 games.
12 Steve Howell (24): A torn ACL robbed him of his junior year at Joe Gibbs University, and he spent his senior year working back into form. Struggled with a lack of playing time.
26 Jesse Markbright (24): Converted back from forward, he scored five goals as a supersub and spot starter for the Knights. He's considered a penalty kick ace.

FORWARD
16 Brad Herrera (29): Came back from three year absence due to military training to post nine goals in 15 games. His educated right boot helped the resurgence of the Knights into the playoffs.
23 Mike Rowe (22): The second youngest member of the team, Rowe joined the team after graduating a semester early from the University of Syosset. Rowe scored 11 goals in his 19 games after sitting on the bench the first 13.
21 Raul Gomez (28): Started the first 18 games before being brought on as a substitute and scored a total of 10 goals last season after scoring a team high 27 two years ago.

Knights Joust Past 'Greats' 3-0

For a team that hasn't had much success in the Sarzonian Football Confederation until recent years, the Nicksia Knights are sure making up for lost time. The team got a hat trick from forward Mike Rowe and four saves from goalkeeper Len Crosby and dominated every facet of the match in a 3-0 win over Great Alexandria in the first match of NSFA Cup group stage play.

"This is a challenge for everyone," Coach Ben Cartwright said. "We're lucky in a way that we don't have very many national team players on our side so that we're not ravaged by World Cup qualifying like the Woodstock Wild is, but when you're playing teams from other leagues, scouting is a bit more difficult."

It sure didn't look like it. The Knights played as if they knew exactly how Great Alexandria would build up every attack or defend every set piece, thwarting some of the team's runs before they had a chance to develop. Despite facing 16 shots to Nicksia's 15, Crosby was seldom challenged, while the Knights five shots on goal all were difficult.

"They outshot us," defender Geoff Carson asked incredulously. "I could have sworn we outshot them."

"Most of their shots were easy for me to get to," Crosby said. "We had better shots than they did."

The Knights (1-0-0, first place in Group G) face Jeruselem's Beersheba United in United's group stage debut, while the Knights are hoping to build on surprising momentum from a dominant first match. While Nicksia have never faced Beersheba, the national teams are familiar with each other; however, the history is not kind to the Sarzonians.

"We've only ever beaten them once, in Under 21 play," Rowe said. "That's going to make this a key game for us."

Group Stage - Matchday 2

Group A
Jhanna City 2-1 Central Island Clan
Pardbo 1-0 Sporting Mayo

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Jhanna City 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6
2 Pardbo 2 2 0 0 3 0 3 6
3 Central Island Clan 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
4 Sand Harbor Kings 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
5 Sporting Mayo 2 0 0 2 0 4 -4 0

Group B
Diamindokere Military Base 2-0 Lylia Foresters
Magia Shantih 2-3 Flux United

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Diamindokere Military Base 2 2 0 0 8 1 7 6
2 Dennis Bears 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
3 Flux United 2 1 0 1 4 8 -4 3
4 Lylia Foresters 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
5 Magia Shantih 2 0 0 2 2 6 -4 0

Group C
Orean 3-0 Górnik Gondolin
Hades Lavamje 4-3 Vaksh Qorgontheppa

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Hades Lavamje 2 1 1 0 7 6 1 4
2 Orean 2 1 0 1 4 2 2 3
3 Vaksh Qorgontheppa 2 1 0 1 5 5 0 3
4 Mliona-Lpaka 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 1
5 Górnik Gondolin 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0

Group D
Jurai`alheim Clans 0-2 Channel Kickers
Blue Diamond Destroyers 1-2 Foxchester Raiders

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Foxchester Raiders 2 1 1 0 4 3 1 4
2 Channel Kickers 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
3 Floral FC 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
4 Jurai`alheim Clans 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1
5 Blue Diamond Destroyers 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0

Group E
Enerji JK 0-3 Hallad Reavers
FC Almintora 5-1 Buchanan H.F.C.

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Hallad Reavers 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
2 FC Almintora 2 1 0 1 6 4 2 3
3 Visby Nestle Quarcoo 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 3
4 Buchanan H.F.C. 2 1 0 1 5 6 -1 3
5 Enerji JK 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 0

Group F
K'haz'bak K'druz'ba 2-2 Hevenaii Intracella Techs
Farrukh Gissar 0-1 Kalisimu Salan

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Kalisimu Salan 2 2 0 0 3 0 3 6
2 Hevenaii Intracella Techs 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
3 Vecchio Victors 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
4 Farrukh Gissar 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1
5 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1

Group G
Nicksia Knights 2-2 Beersheba United
Crystilakere Naval 3-1 Great Alexandria

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Crystilakere Naval 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
2 Nicksia Knights 2 1 1 0 5 2 3 4
3 Beersheba United 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
4 Inland Peaks FC 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
5 Great Alexandria 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5 0

Group H
Turoki Isle 1-0 Widdrington Wolves
Thunderbird Bazaar 1-2 Baryon FC

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Turoki Isle 2 2 0 0 3 1 2 6
2 Baryon FC 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
3 Ariot Lupes 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
4 Thunderbird Bazaar 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1
5 Widdrington Wolves 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0

Tadjik clubs in trouble

Despite their victory against England Liverpools Orean, Vaksh Qorgontheppa could not win its second match against Hades Lavamje from Rejistania. The Qorgontheppa did not give up easily though and kept going for every point until the ref ended the match. goals from Salenko, Zarakovsky and Purkaev could not turn the tide.
Sharipov now prepares to take 3 points from Turorian Mliona-Lpaka.

In the meantime Farrukh Gissar lost its second match with 0-1 from Rejistanian Kalisimu Salan and if Nazirov wants to go through he must win against Hevenaii Intracella Techs from Gaian Ascendancy who havent played a single match in the group stage until now.

Matchday 3

Group A
Central Island Clan 0-2 Pardbo
Sand Harbor Kings 0-0 Sporting Mayo

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Pardbo 3 3 0 0 5 0 5 9
2 Jhanna City 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6
3 Sand Harbor Kings 2 0 1 1 0 2 -2 1
4 Sporting Mayo 3 0 1 2 0 4 -4 1
5 Central Island Clan 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0

Group B
Lylia Foresters 2-1 Magia Shantih
Dennis Bears 4-0 Flux United

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Diamindokere Military Base 2 2 0 0 8 1 7 6
2 Dennis Bears 2 2 0 0 7 0 7 6
3 Lylia Foresters 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3
4 Flux United 3 1 0 2 4 12 -8 3
5 Magia Shantih 3 0 0 3 3 8 -5 0

Group C
Górnik Gondolin 2-3 Hades Lavamje
Mliona-Lpaka 2-0 Vaksh Qorgontheppa

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Hades Lavamje 3 2 1 0 10 8 2 7
2 Mliona-Lpaka 2 1 1 0 5 3 2 4
3 Orean 2 1 0 1 4 2 2 3
4 Vaksh Qorgontheppa 3 1 0 2 5 7 -2 3
5 Górnik Gondolin 2 0 0 2 2 6 -4 0

Group D
Channel Kickers 1-1 Blue Diamond Destroyers
Floral FC 1-0 Foxchester Raiders

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Floral FC 2 2 0 0 3 0 3 6
2 Channel Kickers 2 1 1 0 3 1 2 4
3 Foxchester Raiders 3 1 1 1 4 4 0 4
4 Jurai`alheim Clans 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1
5 Blue Diamond Destroyers 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1

Group E
Hallad Reavers 0-0 FC Almintora
Visby Nestle Quarcoo 4-3 Buchanan H.F.C.

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Visby Nestle Quarcoo 2 2 0 0 7 4 3 6
2 Hallad Reavers 2 1 1 0 3 0 3 4
3 FC Almintora 3 1 1 1 6 4 2 4
4 Buchanan H.F.C. 3 1 0 2 8 10 -2 3
5 Enerji JK 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 0

Group F
Hevenaii Intracella Techs 1-1 Farrukh Gissar
Vecchio Victors 1-1 Kalisimu Salan

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Kalisimu Salan 3 2 1 0 4 1 3 7
2 Hevenaii Intracella Techs 2 0 2 0 3 3 0 2
3 Vecchio Victors 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 2
4 Farrukh Gissar 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2
5 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1

Group G
Beersheba United 1-1 Crystilakere Naval
Inland Peaks FC 4-0 Great Alexandria

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Crystilakere Naval 3 2 1 0 5 2 3 7
2 Nicksia Knights 2 1 1 0 5 2 3 4
3 Inland Peaks FC 2 1 0 1 4 1 3 3
4 Beersheba United 2 0 2 0 3 3 0 2
5 Great Alexandria 3 0 0 3 1 10 -9 0

Group H
Widdrington Wolves 0-2 Thunderbird Bazaar
Ariot Lupes 2-1 Baryon FC

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Turoki Isle 2 2 0 0 3 1 2 6
2 Thunderbird Bazaar 3 1 1 1 5 4 1 4
3 Ariot Lupes 2 1 1 0 4 3 1 4
4 Baryon FC 3 1 0 2 4 5 -1 3
5 Widdrington Wolves 2 0 0 2 0 3 -3 0

Matchday 4

Top three advance; teams in green are through; teams in red are eliminated

Group A
Sand Harbor Kings 0-3 Central Island Clan
Pardbo 2-1 Jhanna City

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Pardbo 4 4 0 0 7 1 6 12
2 Jhanna City 3 2 0 1 6 3 3 6
3 Central Island Clan 3 1 0 2 4 4 0 3
4 Sporting Mayo 3 0 1 2 0 4 -4 1
5 Sand Harbor Kings 3 0 1 2 0 5 -5 1

Group B
Dennis Bears 3-0 Lylia Foresters
Magia Shantih 0-6 Diamindokere Military Base

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Diamindokere Military Base 3 3 0 0 14 1 13 9
2 Dennis Bears 3 3 0 0 10 0 10 9
3 Lylia Foresters 3 1 0 2 2 6 -4 3
4 Flux United 3 1 0 2 4 12 -8 3
5 Magia Shantih 4 0 0 4 3 14 -11 0

Group C
Mliona-Lpaka 5-0 Górnik Gondolin
Hades Lavamje 2-1 Orean

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Hades Lavamje 4 3 1 0 12 9 3 10
2 Mliona-Lpaka 3 2 1 0 10 3 7 7
3 Orean 3 1 0 2 5 4 1 3
4 Vaksh Qorgontheppa 3 1 0 2 5 7 -2 3
5 Górnik Gondolin 3 0 0 3 2 11 -9 0

Group D
Floral FC 1-2 Channel Kickers
Blue Diamond Destroyers 1-2 Jurai`alheim Clans

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Channel Kickers 3 2 1 0 5 2 3 7
2 Floral FC 3 2 0 1 4 2 2 6
3 Foxchester Raiders 3 1 1 1 4 4 0 4
4 Jurai`alheim Clans 3 1 1 1 4 5 -1 4
5 Blue Diamond Destroyers 4 0 1 3 3 7 -4 1

Group E
Visby Nestle Quarcoo 3-1 Hallad Reavers
FC Almintora 4-1 Enerji JK

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Visby Nestle Quarcoo 3 3 0 0 10 5 5 9
2 FC Almintora 4 2 1 1 10 5 5 7
3 Hallad Reavers 3 1 1 1 4 3 1 4
4 Buchanan H.F.C. 3 1 0 2 8 10 -2 3
5 Enerji JK 3 0 0 3 2 11 -9 0

Group F
Vecchio Victors 2-0 Hevenaii Intracella Techs
Farrukh Gissar 3-1 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Kalisimu Salan 3 2 1 0 4 1 3 7
2 Vecchio Victors 3 1 2 0 4 2 2 5
3 Farrukh Gissar 4 1 2 1 5 4 1 5
4 Hevenaii Intracella Techs 3 0 2 1 3 5 -2 2
5 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba 3 0 1 2 3 7 -4 1

Group G
Inland Peaks FC 2-0 Beersheba United
Crystilakere Naval 1-3 Nicksia Knights

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Nicksia Knights 3 2 1 0 8 3 5 7
2 Crystilakere Naval 4 2 1 1 6 5 1 7
3 Inland Peaks FC 3 2 0 1 6 1 5 6
4 Beersheba United 3 0 2 1 3 5 -2 2
5 Great Alexandria 3 0 0 3 1 10 -9 0

Group H
Ariot Lupes 2-1 Widdrington Wolves
Thunderbird Bazaar 3-0 Turoki Isle

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Thunderbird Bazaar 4 2 1 1 8 4 4 7
2 Ariot Lupes 3 2 1 0 6 4 2 7
3 Turoki Isle 3 2 0 1 3 4 -1 6
4 Baryon FC 3 1 0 2 4 5 -1 3
5 Widdrington Wolves 3 0 0 3 1 5 -4 0

K'haz'bak Exit
One Draw In Three Games

A 1-3 loss to Farrukh Gissar meant that K'haz'bak K'druz'ba have an embarrassing exit from the NSFA Cup, reducing the Streetian contingent to zero again - as the third team bites the dust. Surprisingly for teams with a top-ten rankings, the Streetians have underperformed, and this loss to a Tadjik team just underpins it. However, there's always next season...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Last game coming up

Jhanna City (Starblaydia) – Sporting Mayo: 3 – 0
Pardbo (Liverpool England) - Sporting Mayo: 1 – 0
Sand Harbor Kings (Tonissia) - Sporting Mayo: 0 – 0

Sporting Mayo still has a chance of surviving the NSFA Cup group stage, but admittedly, it’s a slim one. After an expected loss to Jhanna City, a much closer but equally expected loss to Pardbo, and a disappointing draw to Sand Harbor Kings, Mayo is – surprisingly – still not out of the competition.

Advancing to the next round seems highly unlikely though. The Spruitlanders will need to win against Raptor Claw’s Central Island Clan, and that may prove to be just a tad too difficult.

“Let’s face it, we’re screwed,” a Sporting Mayo supporter says. “If we couldn’t even win against that team from Tonissia, how the hell are we gonna beat these Claw or Clan dudes or whatever?”

Mayo coach Dennis Friskin gave the usual cliché comments about "always keeping hope alive" and "never over till the fat lady sings", but it wasn't too difficult to see through his feigned optimism. The match against Central Island Clan will likely be Mayo's last international match this season.

Well, the proverbial fat lady of the group stage has just finished her song...

Matchday 5 Scores and Final Tables

Once again, the top three teams in each group advance to the next round.

Group A
Central Island Clan 4-2 Sporting Mayo
Sand Harbor Kings 0-6 Jhanna City

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Pardbo 4 4 0 0 7 1 6 12
2 Jhanna City 4 3 0 1 12 3 9 9
3 Central Island Clan 4 2 0 2 8 6 2 6
4 Sporting Mayo 4 0 1 3 2 8 -6 1
5 Sand Harbor Kings 4 0 1 3 0 11 -11 1

Group B
Lylia Foresters 2-0 Flux United
Dennis Bears 2-1 Diamindokere Military Base

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Dennis Bears 4 4 0 0 12 1 11 12
2 Diamindokere Military Base 4 3 0 1 15 3 12 9
3 Lylia Foresters 4 2 0 2 4 6 -2 6
4 Flux United 4 1 0 3 4 14 -10 3
5 Magia Shantih 4 0 0 4 3 14 -11 0

Group C
Górnik Gondolin 1-3 Vaksh Qorgontheppa
Mliona-Lpaka 2-0 Orean

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Mliona-Lpaka 4 3 1 0 12 3 9 10
2 Hades Lavamje 4 3 1 0 12 9 3 10
3 Vaksh Qorgontheppa 4 2 0 2 8 8 0 6
4 Orean 4 1 0 3 5 6 -1 3
5 Górnik Gondolin 4 0 0 4 3 14 -11 0

Group D
Channel Kickers 1-1 Foxchester Raiders
Floral FC 3-0 Jurai`alheim Clans

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Floral FC 4 3 0 1 7 2 5 9
2 Channel Kickers 4 2 2 0 6 3 3 8
3 Foxchester Raiders 4 1 2 1 5 5 0 5
4 Jurai`alheim Clans 4 1 1 2 4 8 -4 4
5 Blue Diamond Destroyers 4 0 1 3 3 7 -4 1

Group E
Hallad Reavers 7-3 Buchanan H.F.C.
Visby Nestle Quarcoo 2-0 Enerji JK

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Visby Nestle Quarcoo 4 4 0 0 12 5 7 12
2 Hallad Reavers 4 2 1 1 11 6 5 7
3 FC Almintora 4 2 1 1 10 5 5 7
4 Buchanan H.F.C. 4 1 0 3 11 17 -6 3
5 Enerji JK 4 0 0 4 2 13 -11 0

Group F
Hevenaii Intracella Techs 1-4 Kalisimu Salan
Vecchio Victors 1-1 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Kalisimu Salan 4 3 1 0 8 2 6 10
2 Vecchio Victors 4 1 3 0 5 3 2 6
3 Farrukh Gissar 4 1 2 1 5 4 1 5
4 K'haz'bak K'druz'ba 4 0 2 2 4 8 -4 2
5 Hevenaii Intracella Techs 4 0 2 2 4 9 -5 2

Group G
Beersheba United 3-0 Great Alexandria
Inland Peaks FC 1-0 Nicksia Knights

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Inland Peaks FC 4 3 0 1 7 1 6 9
2 Nicksia Knights 4 2 1 1 8 4 4 7
3 Crystilakere Naval 4 2 1 1 6 5 1 7
4 Beersheba United 4 1 2 1 6 5 1 5
5 Great Alexandria 4 0 0 4 1 13 -12 0

Group H
Widdrington Wolves 0-2 Baryon FC
Ariot Lupes 0-1 Turoki Isle

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Turoki Isle 4 3 0 1 4 4 0 9
2 Thunderbird Bazaar 4 2 1 1 8 4 4 7
3 Ariot Lupes 4 2 1 1 6 5 1 7
4 Baryon FC 4 2 0 2 6 5 1 6
5 Widdrington Wolves 4 0 0 4 1 7 -6 0

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Mayo eliminated

Central Island Clan - Sporting Mayo: 4 – 2

Sporting Mayo did not manage to upset Raptor Claw’s Central Island Clan for a place in the next round of the NSFA Cup. The Spruitlanders never had a chance and were facing a harsh 4-0 at half time. A better second half saw them come back to 4-2 in the end with goals from West and Kidder - Mayo’s first goals in the group stage.

“Well, it was already a success that we got this far,” coach Dennis Friskin says. “And we reached our goal in the group stage: we didn’t end last. Good thing we did, too – I think I’d have gotten the sack if we had ended behind that team from Tonissia.”

Final Standings:
Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Pardbo 4 4 0 0 7 1 6 12
2 Jhanna City 4 3 0 1 12 3 9 9
3 Central Island Clan 4 2 0 2 8 6 2 6
4 Sporting Mayo 4 0 1 3 2 8 -6 1
5 Sand Harbor Kings 4 0 1 3 0 11 -11 1

Knights Ride On

The Nicksia Knights do not have a long tradition of success in the Incorporated Football Federation or in international club competitions, but Coach Ben Cartwright has been pleased with his team's performance in the group stage of the NSFA Cup. The Knights finished in second place following a 1-0 loss to Vilita's Inland Peaks FC and stay ahead of Crystilakere Naval by goal differential.

"We're pleased to move on to the next stage of this competition," Cartwright said. "Winning or placing second or third in groups isn't a major consideration for us now. All I'm really concerned with is that we're through."

The Knights (2-1-1, seven points) go through on the strength of the best offense in Group G, scoring eight goals in the four matches, while conceding four. Cartwright said he wants the team to tighten up defensively, but the offense "should be fine."

"That said, I don't want us to get complacent. We're through the easy part of this competition. The hard part is ahead of us."

First Knockout Round - First Leg Fixtures

Hades Lavamje (Rejistania) v Turoki Isle (Vilita)

Hallad Reavers (Starblaydia) v Visby Nestle Quarcoo (Lovisa)

Diamindokere Military Base (Crystilakere) v Crystilakere Naval (Crystilakere)

Inland Peaks FC (Vilita) v Lovos-Renault Atma (Lovisa)

Vecchio Victors (Starblaydia) v Foxchester Raiders (Nova Britannicus)

Nicksia Knights (Sarzonia) v Lylia Foresters (The Weegies)

Ariot Lupes (Fmjphoenix) v South Island Clan (Raptor Claw)

Pardbo (Liverpool England) v Channel Kickers (Crystilakere)

Karela lines (Rejistania) v FC Almintora (Turori)

Mliona-Lpaka (Turori) v SKA Pamir Dushanbe (Tadjikistan)

Vaksh Qorgontheppa (Tadjikistan) v Kalisimu Salan (Rejistania)

Angel Core Sentinels (Gaian Ascendancy) v Farrukh Gissar (Tadjikistan)

Dennis Bears (Bedistan) v Hevenaii Intracella Techs (Gaian Ascendancy)

Thunderbird Bazaar (Liverpool England) v Harewood FC (Cockbill Street)

Central Island Clan (Raptor Claw) v Floral FC (Bedistan)

KozaX Vita Villa (Wella) v Jhanna City (Starblaydia)


First leg scores will be posted tonight at 02:00 GMT. Second leg fixtures are, as always, the reverse of these.

Yeah, I should never set deadlines like that. Sorry for the slight delay, folks.

1st KO Round 1st Leg Scores

Hades Lavamje 2-0 Turoki Isle

Hallad Reavers 2-1 Visby Nestle Quarcoo

Diamindokere Military Base 1-1 Crystilakere Naval

Inland Peaks FC 5-0 Lovos-Renault Atma

Vecchio Victors 0-3 Foxchester Raiders

Nicksia Knights 6-0 Lylia Foresters

Ariot Lupes 0-3 South Island Clan

Pardbo 1-2 Channel Kickers

Karela lines 2-1 FC Almintora

Mliona-Lpaka 2-1 SKA Pamir Dushanbe

Vaksh Qorgontheppa 0-8 Kalisimu Salan

Angel Core Sentinels 1-0 Farrukh Gissar

Dennis Bears 2-1 Hevenaii Intracella Techs

Thunderbird Bazaar 0-0 Harewood FC

Central Island Clan 2-2 Floral FC

KozaX Vita Villa 0-2 Jhanna City

nil-ja-su?

Vaksh Qorgontheppa had not a good day against the rejistanian amateur team Kalisimu Salan. Maybe someone brought a va'takil to the stadium, maybe the unpronounceable team plainly slanis. Or maybe the manager of Salan used a similar strategy as the manager of Lemekanil Veran 80'tes during the Takil Cup: One round of beer for every goal scored. Fact is: The Kalisimuans attacked like under an evil spell, or as if they were hypnotized, or under influence of a va'takil (we had the evil spell already, ed.)or... well, at least very nonkarelan. The few attacks of the unpronounceable team were fortunately off target or parried by goalie Xeii Sinijil. The match ended with a scoreline of Vaksh Qorgontheppa 0 Kalisimu Salan 8

from www.karela-lines.esv.rj

Karela'la'lehiju

Sil'ta'il. Karela'xen la'milhan 2ja1 FC Almintora. "Siki"'ma'ta kohesi nil. Almintora'la'hetaki ji divensi karela mi'mer'va minut'ra de-ke-ly. Kansu Senete mi'mer'hadada Iaji Tali ji lasane turori'tes mi'la'exkira. Karela lines 'mi'la'viki dejil. Iln'la'xkora xi. Xao Si~lk mi'la'side Karela minut'ra mji-ke lik~hat'het'rajet. Xao'la'lentine Hii Li. Hai I Simu mi'la'xkora tesjet xi'het minut'ra se-ke-da.

First Knockout Round, 2nd Leg

Turoki Isle 2-3 Hades Lavamje
(Hades Lavamje 5-2 Turoki Isle aggregate)

Visby Nestle Quarcoo 2-2 Hallad Reavers
(Hallad Reavers 4-3 Visby Nestle Quarcoo aggregate)

Crystilakere Naval 0-1 Diamindokere Military Base
(Diamindokere Military Base 2-1 Crystilakere Naval aggregate)

Lovos-Renault Atma 0-4 Inland Peaks FC
(Inland Peaks FC 9-0 Lovos-Renault Atma aggregate)

Foxchester Raiders 0-3 Vecchio Victors
(Vecchio Victors 3-3 Foxchester Raiders aggregate)
Vecchio Victors 3-5 Foxchester Raiders AET

Lylia Foresters 0-4 Nicksia Knights
(Nicksia Knights 10-0 Lylia Foresters aggregate)

South Island Clan 2-1 Ariot Lupes
(Ariot Lupes 1-5 South Island Clan aggregate)

Channel Kickers 1-1 Pardbo
(Pardbo 2-3 Channel Kickers aggregate)

FC Almintora 2-1 Karela lines
(Karela lines 3-3 FC Almintora aggregate)
Karela lines 3-4 FC Almintora AET

SKA Pamir Dushanbe 1-0 Mliona-Lpaka
(Mliona-Lpaka 2-2 SKA Pamir Dushanbe aggregate)
(SKA Pamir Dushanbe win 1-0 on away goals)

Kalisimu Salan 1-0 Vaksh Qorgontheppa
(Vaksh Qorgontheppa 0-9 Kalisimu Salan aggregate)

Farrukh Gissar 1-0 Angel Core Sentinels
(Angel Core Sentinels 1-1 Farrukh Gissar aggregate)
Angel Core Sentinels 1-3 Farrukh Gissar AET

Hevenaii Intracella Techs 0-1 Dennis Bears
(Dennis Bears 3-1 Hevenaii Intracella Techs aggregate)

Harewood FC 1-0 Thunderbird Bazaar
(Thunderbird Bazaar 0-1 Harewood FC aggregate)

Floral FC 1-1 Central Island Clan
(Central Island Clan 3-3 Floral FC aggregate)
(Floral FC win 2-1 on away goals)

Jhanna City 1-0 KozaX Vita Villa
(KozaX Vita Villa 0-3 Jhanna City aggregate)

Harewood Make It Through To Fourth Round
Solitary Goal Enough

Travis Robertson's 84th-minute winner sent Harewood into the second knock-out round of the NSFA Cup, in an exhaustingly boring two-match series. After the first match ended 0-0, Harewood pulled themselves together to beat the Thunderbird Bazaar, but are still struggling to create anything. They have even been put in front of the Streetian court of justice, charged with playing Rejistanian football, although after Kalisimu Salan won 8-0 in the knockout round you'd have to argue that the Rejistanian method of football currently consists of knocking in as many goals as humanly possible while conceding nothing. Which is, unfortunately, the most efficient method of playing football.

Meanwhile, Harewood await the draw.

Your wish is my command. ;)

Second Knockout Round - First Leg Matchups

Channel Kickers (Crystilakere) v Nicksia Knights (Sarzonia)

Inland Peaks FC (Vilita) v Dennis Bears (Bedistan)

Hades Lavamje (Rejistania) v Jhanna City (Starblaydia)

Floral FC (Bedistan) v South Island Clan (Raptor Claw)

Diamindokere Military Base (Crystilakere) v Farrukh Gissar (Tadjikistan)

Kalisimu Salan (Rejistania) v SKA Pamir Dushanbe (Tadjikistan)

Hallad Reavers (Starblaydia) v FC Almintora (Turori)

Harewood FC (Cockbill Street) v Foxchester Raiders (Nova Britannicus)

Khumdin Sharipov, coach of Vaksh Qorgontheppa said: 'Just call it a bad day, we were a bit unlucky. And I fielded several young players without experience, we'll do better next time.
Oh and while you're at it, tell the Bedistani organizers I Thank them for letting our team through anyway. Its good to know you have some friends out there.'

In the meantime, both SKA Pamir Dushanbe and Farrukh Gissar beat their opponents Mliona-Lpaka and Angel Core Sentinels, who both played against Tadjik teams before. Angel Core Sentinels was thrown out of the Champions league by a strong Tadjik Regar-TadAZ Tursunzade while Mliona Lpaka got into the Champions league group stage by beating SKA Pamir Dushanbe. Well, Yepishev showed them he thinks of them by scoring twice, the Pamir Team eventually made it to the next stage through Yepishevs away goal.

Upcoming matches:
Diamindokere Military Base (Crystilakere) v Farrukh Gissar (Tadjikistan)
Vaksh Qorgontheppa (Tadjikistan) v SKA Pamir Dushanbe (Tadjikistan)
We believe Vaksh Qorgontheppa will be replaced by Kalisimusu Salami or something like that.

[OOC: Ack! Good eye on that one...my apologies to Vaksh Qorgontheppa fans, but they will indeed be replaced by Kalisimu Salan. Sorry about the mixup.

Scores will be coming in a few hours.]

Second Qualifying Round - First Leg Scores

Channel Kickers 2-2 Nicksia Knights

Inland Peaks FC 1-1 Dennis Bears

Hades Lavamje 2-2 Jhanna City

Floral FC 3-0 South Island Clan

Diamindokere Military Base 0-2 Farrukh Gissar

Kalisimu Salan 3-0 SKA Pamir Dushanbe

Hallad Reavers 1-1 FC Almintora

Harewood FC 1-0 Foxchester Raiders

Knights slay Foresters twice

For Coach Ben Cartwright, the idea of advancing to the final eight of the NSFA Cup was far-fetched when the tournament began. The Knights struggled to advance to the SFC playoffs and were facing a team in the Lylia Foresters they knew very little about.

So much for conventional wisdom. Behind a 0:6 slaughter at the Round Table in Nicksia and a 4:0 domination away, the Nicksia Knights are playing their a team representing their southern neighbours in the Round of Eight. They played to a 2-2 draw against Channel Kickers from Crystilakere in the road leg and eagerly await the home fixture.

"For us to continue the momentum we've created would be a major boon to Knights football," Cartwright said. "We've made a statement that the SFC isn't just all about the Woodstock Wild or the Portland Timbers. There are other good football programmes in Sarzonia."

The Foresters surely won't argue that point. They have been left to figure out what went wrong against a Sarzonian team that isn't known for spectactular tradition. But with the Portland Timbers advancing to the second round of an attackers cup in Fmjphoenix and the Wild dominant in the AO Champions League, the future is looking bright for Sarzonia's domestic league.

"This stopped being a league of weekend footballers long ago," Cartwright said. "The league got a great boost at the outset with its performance in the first-ever AOCAF and in the Baptism of Fire Cup way back in the pre-World Cup XVI days. We're bound to see an era of world class Sarzonian football."

Second Knockout Round - Second Leg Results

Nicksia Knights 0-2 Channel Kickers
(Channel Kickers 4-2 Nicksia Knights aggregate)

Dennis Bears 1-2 Inland Peaks FC
(Inland Peaks FC 3-2 Dennis Bears aggregate)

Jhanna City 1-2 Hades Lavamje
(Hades Lavamje 4-3 Jhanna City aggregate)

South Island Clan 1-4 Floral FC
(Floral FC 7-1 South Island Clan aggregate)

Farrukh Gissar 2-1 Diamindokere Military Base
(Diamindokere Military Base 1-4 Farrukh Gissar aggregate)

SKA Pamir Dushanbe 0-2 Kalisimu Salan
(Kalisimu Salan 5-0 SKA Pamir Dushanbe aggregate)

FC Almintora 1-4 Hallad Reavers
(Hallad Reavers 5-2 FC Almintora aggregate)

Foxchester Raiders 1-2 Harewood FC
(Harewood FC 3-1 Foxchester Raiders aggregate)


Since I seem to have somehow managed to get ahead of schedule for once, the draws for the quarterfinals will be announced tomorrow and the first leg of the quarterfinals will take place on Thursday (second leg Saturday), returning to the original schedule.

"KaMaRi'lil lasane'het raju! KaMaRi mi'lil xen!"

The Hades Lavamje song was heard in the night after the second round in the entire region, which is informally known as Hades the region between Hanin and Desnike in KaMaRi kali. The Hades'he'ny defeated Jhanna City of Starblaydia to qualify for the third round of the NSFA cup. "Veka!" shouted a drunk fan as he found out that I am a reporter: "these AOans need be defeated! more high, more good!" Also other parts of KaMaRi were suffering. The traffic broke down and the only one who cared where from Karela which means: alsready eliminated or simply annoyed that their lasane didn't make it there. Even Hanin'he'ny and Desnike'he'ny joined the celebration.

Quarterfinals - First Leg Fixtures

Hallad Reavers (Starblaydia) v Channel Kickers (Crystilakere)

Inland Peaks FC (Vilita) v Floral FC (Bedistan)

Farrukh Gissar (Tadjikistan) v Kalisimu Salan (Rejistania)

Hades Lavamje (Rejistania) v Harewood FC (Cockbill Street)

Apologies for the delay...

Quarterfinals - First Leg Results

Hallad Reavers 2-2 Channel Kickers

Inland Peaks FC 0-1 Floral FC

Farrukh Gissar 1-3 Kalisimu Salan

Hades Lavamje 1-2 Harewood FC

Quarterfinals - Second Leg Results

Channel Kickers 1-0 Hallad Reavers
(Hallad Reavers 2-3 Channel Kickers aggregate)

Floral FC 1-0 Inland Peaks FC
(Inland Peaks FC 0-2 Floral FC aggregate)

Kalisimu Salan 2-0 Farrukh Gissar
(Farrukh Gissar 1-5 Kalisimu Salan aggregate)

Harewood FC 2-0 Hades Lavamje
(Hades Lavamje 1-4 Harewood FC aggregate)


Semifinals - First Leg Matchups

Floral FC v Kalisimu Salan

Channel Kickers v Harewood FC

Harewood Makes It Into Semis
Quiet Achievement

After being tossed out of the NS Champions' League by an excessively poor first three games, Harewood have quietly gone about their business in the lower-profile NSFA Cup. Today, they completed their biggest victory with a 2-0 home win over Hades Lavamje.

Harewood had won the first game by 2-1, but despite that, Hades Lavamje showed little will to attack, possibly on the grounds that any team moving beyond the centre line in Rejistania is shot on sight. Thus, the challenge became to break through the Hades defence line, and that was achieved with good running from striker Tony Orr, who has so far made four goals in the NSFA Cup - including two today. With two goals on either side of half-time, Harewood are through to the semis, and finally enjoy a slice of luck.

While Kalisimu Salan and Floral FC play off in the other semi-final for a place in the one-legged final game, Harewood have drawn the easier lot, with Channel Kickers of Crystilakere. However, Crystilakeran sides have had their fair bit of luck so far, and could well go one better as they seek to eliminate Harewood.

Semifinals - First Leg Results

Channel Kickers 4-1 Harewood FC

Floral FC 1-0 Kalisimu Salan

Semifinals - Second Leg

Harewood FC 0-0 Channel Kickers
(Channel Kickers 4-1 Harewood FC aggregate)

Kalisimu Salan 1-0 Floral FC
(Floral FC 1-1 Kalisimu Salan aggregate)
Floral FC 1-1 Kalisimu Salan AET
Floral FC 5-6 Kalisimu Salan APK*

* Bedistani notation, in which scores are reset to 0-0 at the start of a penalty shootout.


NSFA Cup Final
Channel Kickers v Kalisimu Salan
...(Crystilakere).........(Rejistania)
Fillmore National Stadium, Sonoma City, Sonoma, Bedistan

NSFA Cup 2 - Final

Channel Kickers 0-0 Kalisimu Salan
Channel Kickers 1-0 Kalisimu Salan AET

Congratulations to Channel Kickers and Crystilakere, and the greatest of commiserations to Kalisimu Salan and Rejistania.