NationStates Jolt Archive

As a final farewell before I officially retire from international football, I have decided to hold this little charity tournament. I have made a list of teams from my past and teams of the future that I would like to take part, and invitations will be in their TG boxes soon. If you wish to take part, all you have to do is reply saying so. All funds raised by these matches will go to the President Saakashvili Reestablishment of Ethereal Traditions, Intelligent Recesses, Eloquent Menialities and Entirely Non-Totalitarian Fund (abbreviated to the President Saakashvili RETIREMENT Fund). It would mean a great deal to me if those TGed could take part, so please, don't disappoint a poor psycho like me. Besides - it's good WC practice. ;)

Confirmed Entrants:
Bedistan
Fmjphoenix
Hockey Canada
Hypocria
Liverpool England
Sarzonia
South Osettia (obviously)
Spruitland
Vilita
Vtorbetin

Reserve List:
Tonissia

The Sarzonia Stars gratefully accept the cordial invitation to participate in the Ta'kinvali Cup Invitational tournament, as that will allow us an opportunity to give our footballers a chance to test themselves before they seek to defend their World Cup title.

Dave Wilson
Head Coach
Sarzonia Stars
World Cup XXII Champions

The Hockey Canada Canucks would love to participate in the Ta'kinvali Cup Invitational to prepare for the World Cup and try out our younger players for the U21WC. But we would do this for South Osettia, one of the greater WC participants NS has known.

The Hypocria Titans are delighted and honored to accept your invitation to compete at the The Ts'kinvali Cup. It will provide an opportunity for the Titans to compete with some of the best teams in the world and we hope we can help to give South Osettia a good send off.

Alex Scott
Hypocrian Football Association

The Tonissian Starzz Will Enter

The Tonissian Starzz Will Enter

Well, this is an invitational tournament, but if there's enough room then you can enter.

The Spruitland Wabbits would be honored to participate in the South Osettia Ts'khinvali Charity Cup. We will be sending largely the same team that is currently participating in the BoF, and hopefully - Margaret willing - we will be able to bring the trophy with us.

Martin Backer
President, SFA

The Fmjphoenix Vikings will gladly accept the invitation to in the The Ts'kinvali Cup. We look forward in taking part in anything from your friends in South Osettia.

President Smith: "Oooh, there's an invitational tournament in South Osettia, they're having it as a kind of celebration of their time in NationStates sports."

Unnamed helper: "Sports, drama, comedy, I'm glad that that place came into our little world."

President Smith: "So are we invited?"

Unnamed helper: "It seems that we're not, sir."

President Smith: "Oh. Well screw 'em then!"*

* - Note that this is just the opinion of President Smith. In reality, good luck to all the participants good luck, and we wish SO well for the future. :)

Tonissia: You apparently don't understand English? Invite only usually means INVITE ONLY, and apparently you signed up for the NSCL even after being told it was closed. Go read up on RP etiquette. </rant>

The FALE will accept the invite, with delight.

We naturally accept SO's invitation, and look forward to competing against some of the finest names in NS football.

It would be an honour to play against teams such as LE, Druida, Bedistan, Fmjphoenix, defending champs Sarzonia, South Osettia, and Vilita. Attempting to qualigy for WC23 will be priority #1, but until then the teams in the tournement will be more than enough.

Okay, that'll do. I sent out a few more invitations, but ten is enough. If you received an invite but haven't accepted yet, sorry, too late!

I'll bet that by now you're all wondering what type of format I'll be using for this mini tournament. I've been known for some crazy ideas (most strange was probably my group stage in the Ts'khinvali Tennis Open - those who took part know what I mean), but this may very well top them all.

First off, this competition will be a simple league format - ten teams, therefore one group of ten! Each team will play the other nine once, and you have the usual point allocations - three for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss. However (and this is where it gets special), the margin of your win, or loss, is also important, for for every goal that you score that your opponent does not equal, you get an additional point. So, for example, if you win 3-1, you get your usual three points, plus two more for winning by two goals.

However, if you lose, the same happens, but you lose the points. So using the same example, the team that lose will end up with a point score of -2 for that game (zero for the loss, -2 for the two goal defeat).

As I'm sure you can appreciate, this is going to lead to a very strange table, with some very strange point scores - but it's all for fun and charity, so who honestly cares?

As you may know, my love of RP Bonus is somewhat lacking, so whilst there may be a bonus, it won't be too much of one. I hope this doesn't put you off though - I know that some of you can do some great things with a blank page! I will, of course, be RPing, but it will be more of a story explaining the end of SO international football than anything else. It's big and it's explosive. Watch this space. ;)

It is therefore with the greatest pleasure that I announce the first, and last, Ts'khinvali Cup open! Go forth and roleplay!

Stars prepare for 'more than a tuneup'

The names of the Sarzonian national team may be different, but the effort won't be, according to Sarzonian national team coach Dave Wilson.

The Stars are heading into their first competitive tournament as defending World Cup champions with a different roster from the one that captured the sport's ultimate prize, but Wilson said the team was not treating the tournament as a throwaway tournament.

"This will give us an opportunity to evaluate players who haven't had much of a chance to play for the national side," Wilson said. "But we're not going to treat this as a series of glorified friendlies. We're treating this as a tournament that we want to win."

Wilson said he expected to start goalkeeper Harvey Cooley in the tournament even though World Cup Most Outstanding Player Horace Sandt will be on the roster. Wilson said Sandt played "too well to sit," in World Cup XXII and he never had a chance to see Cooley since he went with the "hot goalie."

"When you only allow one goal in qualifying, one goal in group stages, and one goal in knockouts, you keep going with it. Hor was simply amazing in the last World Cup."

The roster, which will be finalised [OOC: tomorrow IRL] will likely consist of former Under 21 national teamers and second choice national teamers who competed in the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football tournament, though Wilson also said he might sign players who haven't had an opportunity to play for any of the national teams.

"We're still trying to evaluate anyone who can help our side," Wilson said. "That doesn't change when you win a World Cup. We want to go back there and win another Cup."

if this possible, then Lovisa want start too

if this possible, then Lovisa want start too

Sorry, 'signups' - if you could even call them that - are over. The schedule for the tournament is as follows:

1.
Liverpool England - Fmjphoenix
Vilita - Spruitland
Sarzonia - Hypocria
Vtorbetin - Hockey Canada
Bedistan - South Osettia


2.
Vilita - Liverpool England
Fmjphoenix - Sarzonia
Spruitland - Vtorbetin
Hypocria - Bedistan
Hockey Canada - South Osettia


3.
Liverpool England - Sarzonia
Vtorbetin - Vilita
Bedistan - Fmjphoenix
South Osettia - Spruitland
Hockey Canada - Hypocria


4.
Vtorbetin - Liverpool England
Sarzonia - Bedistan
Vilita - South Osettia
Fmjphoenix - Hockey Canada
Spruitland - Hypocria


5.
Liverpool England - Bedistan
South Osettia - Vtorbetin
Hockey Canada - Sarzonia
Hypocria - Vilita
Spruitland - Fmjphoenix


6.
South Osettia - Liverpool England
Bedistan - Hockey Canada
Vtorbetin - Hypocria
Sarzonia - Spruitland
Vilita - Fmjphoenix


7.
Liverpool England - Hockey Canada
Hypocria - South Osettia
Spruitland - Bedistan
Fmjphoenix - Vtorbetin
Vilita - Sarzonia


8.
Hypocria - Liverpool England
Hockey Canada - Spruitland
South Osettia - Fmjphoenix
Bedistan - Vilita
Vtorbetin - Sarzonia


9.
Liverpool England - Spruitland
Fmjphoenix - Hypocria
Vilita - Hockey Canada
Sarzonia - South Osettia
Vtorbetin - Bedistan

Matchday One is tomorrow.

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http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/vn/ttov.gif




The Vilita Expo Cats will be coached by former Marine Coast United and AOCAF Head Coach Baron O' Toole for the duration of the Ts'kinavli Cup.


GOALKEEPERS:

[ 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.

[ 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.

[ 90 ] Alioum Mané [ - Hecia (STR) - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 26 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )



DEFENDERS:

[ 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 ] Tulio Arizmendi [ - Jhanna City (STR) - ]
------- D RLC ( AGE: 27 GOALS::SR: 0 U21: 1 REG: 0 )
The unknown Defender made an impact after a late call into the Under-21's, scoring once on the way to the Under-21 World Championship. Arizmendi became only the second Vilitan to win an individual award in Liga Starblaydia when he picked up the Defender of the Year award for Season 4.

[ 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

[ 65 ] Timmy Leaburn [ - Eastal Lunar - ]
------- D C ( AGE: 20 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
After starting his career with Liguon Valley, Leaburn had a brief spell with Strike FC during Season 17. The young defender finally settled into the Stellar Division with Eastal Lunar FC.

[ 63 ] Dene Shaw [ - Liguon Valley - ]
------- D LC ( AGE: 21 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Dene Shaw was the first player to ever receive international recognition from Turoki United after being called the the Under 21 squad in Under 21 World Cup 12. However, Turoki United's failure to promote from the Declasse division saw Shaw ultimately leave the club, as his stock rose so did his ego and there was no better place for his ego than Lopinka Rovers, controlled by Liverpool England's Doug Freech, newly promoted in Season 16 to the Stellar Division. Shaw moved accross the range to Liguon Valley in Season 17, but his club were knocked ironically out of the Stellar Division on the final day of the season by his former club, Lopinka.

[ 60 ] Ricata Tivalan [ - Siji~e Xkora (Rej) - ]
------- D C ( AGE: 19 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Ricata Tivalan became the first Vilitan defender to sign for a club side in Karela-laden Rejistania when he signed for Siji~e Xkora. The 18 year old was invited to the Jungle Kitties side for his first taste of international play in Under 21 World Cup 15.

DEFENSIVE MID:

[ 34 ] Daniel Oram [ - Yeaddin Owls AFC - ]
------- DM C ( AGE: 23 GOALS::SR: 2 U21: 0 REG: 0 )
Oram made one of the most predictable transfers in season 15, covering the gaping defensive midfield spot at the Yeaddin Owls after attracting attention by being called to the Under-21 Squad and being named captain while playing for Non-League Alikki-Corra

[ ] Antonis Ratuva [ - Iskara Daii (STR) - ]
------- D DM RC ( AGE: 34 GOALS::SR: 0 U21: 1 REG: 3 )
Called to the U21 side for Defensive Midfield cover in U21wcIV, Ratuva had an impressive debut season in Central Defense for Jlinal Wanderers in the Vilitan Lower Leagues, and was noticed when Baron O'Toole attended the Jlinal Wanderers v. Turoki Isle Vilitan Cup match

MIDFIELDERS:

[ 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.

[ 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

[ 93 ] Sublé Tonic [ - FC Almintora (TUR) - ]
------- M RLC ( AGE: 31 GOALS::SR: 3 U21: 1 REG: 2 )
Called up to the Vilitan National team for international experience and bench cover during the AOCAF I Finals.

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


[ 78 ] Brent Obwinyi [ - Turoki United - ]
------- M RC ( AGE: 19 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )


[ 79 ] Contall Rumaoa [ - Tournetas (STR) - ]
------- M LC ( AGE: 20 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )


[ 76 ] Rueben Laberge [ - Iskara Daii (STR) - ]
------- M C ( AGE: 24 GOALS::SR: 1 U21: 0 REG: 0 )
Thrusted into the limelight from obscurity, the Daii have hid this kid's talents well. Will form an all-Vilitan central midfield with Antonis Ratuva at the Daii

[ 52 ] Thierry Columbo [ - Makosile - ]
------- 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.

[ 78 ] Toby Tzikas [ - Basian Valley (STR) - ]
------- M RC ( AGE: 19 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Tzikas moved with his family to Starblaydia and was accepted to the Basian Valley squad on a non-contract basis after spending many successful years as a youth trainee for Arcticala Inlet of Vilita

[ 51 ] Rowan Majara [ - Internashionale (STR) - ]
------- M LC ( AGE: 19 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Majara trained at the Arcticala Inlet Youth Academy before being snapped up by Starblaydian side Internashionale when he was old enough for his first professional contract.


FORWARDS:

[ 18 ] Carmine Mbidzo [ - Iskara Daii (STR) - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 31 GOALS::SR: 12 U21: 17 REG: 11 )
Former Understudy to the inseperable strike partnership of Callum Banda and Jim Vella at Marine Coast United. Transferred to Cednia Beach after Requesting First-Team Football.

[ 49 ] Tika Massa [ - Cednia Beach AFC (TUR) - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 19 GOALS::SR: 1 U21: 3 REG: 0 )
Tika Massa was thrust into the Vilitan Spotlight after netting on his debut performance in the Jurassic Invitational Tournament after coming on as a sub. Massa's late goal sent Vilita into the Semi Finals of the inagural Jurassic competition. Massa's performances earned him a transfer to the admitedly more high profile club of Eastal Lunar, from Makosile where he trained as a youth. Massa was an instant hit at Eastal lunar netting 7 times in 18 games and helping them to the Season 15 Vilitan Cup title. Massa' impressive performances for Eastal Lunar earned him a transfer to Marine Coast United where he netted a career high 8 goals in Season 17. With Marine Coast's form slipping, and Cednia Beach's stock rising, the Season 17 champions tabled a bid for the Vilitan Under 21 International and Massa made his first appearances for the Turorian Club during the 6th NS Champions League.

[ 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.

[ 48 ] Grenville Marai [ - Makosile - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 19 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )


[ 48 ] Tristam Bumbar [ - Yutzie Sorma - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 18 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Tristam Bumbar added his name to a very short list of recognized internationals from the Yutzie Sorma acadamy by being called up to the Vilitan Under-21's for The 14th Under 21 Championships.

[ ] Germán Salomón [ - Lonngeylin City - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 39 GOALS::SR: 22 U21: 3 REG: 5 )
Helped Yeaddin Owls to their first Stellar Division Championship in Season One, Leading the Vilitan League in scoring, before transferring to Elders in Kingsford.

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
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Arctic Lands of Hockey Canada

The Hockey Canada Canucks will be coached by U21 Coach Toe Blake to lead the Canucks to a few wins.

Goalkeepers:

90- Kyle Thomas [14] (Cefn Albion)
33- Damien Marx [23] (Irkutsk)
0- Alexi Tarasov [21] (Vancouver FC)

Defenders:

4- Yanic Perrault [21] (Yakutsk)
6- Petr Sylanko [29] (Anadyr)
8- John Cormack [31] (Vancouver FC)
10- Timmy "Timmah!" Johnson [25] ("Special" Care Centre)
12- Kenny McKormick [25] (Revuocnav)
14- Evgeni Zimin [30] (Federal District)
16- Leopold "Butters" Scotch [25] (Irkutsk)
18- Pete Cugno [34] (Federal District)
20- Wladislav Shvlidky [24] (Anadyr)
22- Clyde Dunatek [28] (Yarensk)

Midfielders:

3- Rahul Kulkarni [21] (Irkutsk)
5- Ike Broflovski [15] (No Team Available)
7- Trent Tyvlov [36] (Federal District)
9- Tyrone O'Dyliile [22] (Vancouver FC)

Strikers:

13- Mike Ko [21] (Irkutsk)
29- Steven Vaughn [26] (Yakutsk)

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
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Injure Players: N
GodMod Injury Events Y

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Yellow Card Players: Y
GodMod Other Events: Y
====================

Ts’kinvali Cup Squad – Hypocria


The Staff


National Coach

Guylain N’Dumbu-Nsungu (P6-W3-D1-L2)
Former national coach of Starblaydia at both Under-21 and senior level. Has coached at 5 World Cup Finals, which included a quarter final place at World Cup 17. Left the Starblaydia helm after a poor finals performance at World Cup 21. Joined Hypocria shortly before the World Cup 22 final.

Assistant Coach

Matthias DiMarco
A favoured pawn of the FA, DiMarco was Hypocria’s first U21 coach before losing the post to former Crystilakere boss Boubacar Dragov in a reshuffle after a 7-0 hammering at the hands of The Gaian Ascendancy at U21 World Cup 15. Had been Dragov’s assistant at the last U21 cup and is now filling the same role for the new senior coach. Had initially been favourite for the senior position until the FA opted for a more experienced candidate.


The Titans


Goalkeepers


1. Ricardo Kindelan (24, Pylos Reavers) (6 caps/0 goals)
Unsurprisingly the man considered Hypocria’s finest keeper for quite some time is the chosen number one. Considered just 19 goals last season, the best record in the top flight. Has been an ever present for the national team.

13. Alex Derevko (20, Hypocrium City) (uncapped)
An ever present for the U21 side, winning 8 caps. Has firmly established himself in goal for the league champions. Could be a star for years to come.

22. Rick “Shaky” Shakes (33, Kester Town) (uncapped)
Made a surprise pre-season move to the Hyper League new boys after losing his place at Hypocrium City to Derevko last season. Hugely experienced and a cult figure in Hypocria. Also helping out as goalkeeping coach.


Defenders


2. Chris Golla (18, Hypocrium City) (6 caps/0 goals)
The youngest member of the squad. Had a good U21 tournament playing as a wingback but will have to curb his attacking instincts slightly and concentrate more on defending while playing on the right in N’Dumbu-Nsungu’s preferred flat back four.

3. Ricky Poskas (20, Hypocrium City) (6 caps/0 goals)
Also used as a wingback at U21 level. Excellent going forward but, like Golla, will have to focus more on the defensive side of his game playing as a more conventional left back. Has also played on the left of midfield.

5. Karl Nalepka (22, Pylos Reavers) (6 caps/0 goals)
Another graduate of the U21 team. Nalepka is a solid central defender with plenty of pace but there are those who question his temperament.

6. Paul Blake (26, Hypocrium City) (6 caps/0 goals)
Regarded as the best defender in the Hyper League. Ever present in the starting eleven and national team captain.

12. Neil Flynn (32, Thraxus Rangers) (1 cap/0 goals)
Veteran central defender who, if called upon, will add years of experience to the back line.

14. Kieran Drakes (26, Pylos Reavers) (uncapped)
Can play in the centre of defence or at right back. Expected to partner Blake at the heart of the defence at the expense of Nalepka.

19. Andy Harris (26, FC Hypocrium) (5 caps/0 goals)
Started as a reserve but became regular left back once Poskas was moved into midfield. With new players in squad he could be confined to the bench again.


Midfielders


4. Marcus Baxter (20, Sukatra Tigers ) (6 caps/ 1 goal)
Captain of the U21 side and a raising star of Hypocrian football. A central midfield player who specialises in breaking up attacks before releasing team mates with his wonderful range of passing. A dead ball specialist with a shot like a rocket. His performances have earnt him a move to the Apex League in Bettia.

7. Theodore Petras (24, Pylos Reavers) (5 caps/0 goals)
Tricky right winger with pace to burn. Gets into good positions and is capable of delivering excellent crosses into the box.

8. Bora Burdali (20, Pylos Reavers) (5 caps/1 goal)
An attacking midfielder who is comfortable either playing through the middle or down the flanks. Another player with a big future ahead of him. Missed the crucial spot kick in the BoF Regional Final.

11. Stephen Pope (23, Pylos Reavers) (uncapped)
A quick winger with the trickery to beat opposition players with ease. His crossing can let him down and he has been accused of being too selfish with the ball.

15. Luc Sinclair (19, DLO) (3 caps/0 goals)
Under-21 international regular with no flair to speak of but he knows what he is good at and sticks to it. Excellent, tough tackling central midfield player who breaks up attack after attack. Rarely crosses the halfway line.

17. Peter Costanzo (22, Bronkstone FC [Nedalia]) (4 caps/0 goals)
Played at U21 World Cup 15 as a wing back but has since been converted to a right sided midfield player. This makes him a better player in defensive positions than Petras but he lacks that cutting edge.

18. Michael Powell (25, Partizan Drissa) (uncapped)
Neat and tidy central midfield player.

21. Horacio Veron (24, Hypocrium City) (uncapped)
Attacking midfielder player who has recently starred for his club on the left wing in the Champions League. Could be the left winger the national team has been missing.


Forwards


9. Andrei Shirko (25, Hypocrium City) (5 caps/1 goal)
The best natural finisher in the country and last season’s top goal scorer. Can seemingly score goals out of nothing. Had a frustrating BoF tournament before finally getting his first goal, scoring the winner in the Third Place Playoff.

10. Alex Liberda (22, Partizan Drissa) (6 caps/2 goals)
Shot to prominence two seasons ago when moved from the left wing to a more central striking role and hasn’t looked back since. Partizan’s top scorer in each of the last two seasons and scored goals for fun in the Takil Cup.

16. Wolfgang Dospel (28, Partizan Drissa) (uncapped)
Big burly striker who provides a different option up front. Forms a good partnership with Liberda at club level.

20. Danny West (19, Sporting Mayo [Spruitland]) (4 caps/4 goals)
The young star of the national side. A quick, tricky striker with a flair for the spectacular. A real crowd pleaser who has become a firm favourite with the fans.


[B]Likely Starting 11



West Shirko


Burdali


Veron Petras


Baxter


Poskas Blake Drakes Golla


Kindelan

South Osettia Team Roster

Manager
Chris Salley

Goalkeepers
Curtis Larrabee
Allen Gluck
Ronald Bussell

Defenders
Victor Forrest
Travis Levine
Craig Paulsen
Carlos Breton
Mark Broussard
Paul Trinidad
Louis Wilhelm

Midfielders
Philip Rader
Lawrence Mclain
Wayne Peabody
Ronald Royster
Mike Fretwell
Willie Mccool
Joseph Vickers

Forwards
Ronald Teixeira
Thomas Crutcher
Louis Durkee
Philip Wiegand

Well, here are the first set of scores for the Ts'khinvali Cup. In case you hadn't quite worked out the point allocation, now's your chance to see it in action.

Matchday One Scores

Liverpool England [2]-[1] Fmjphoenix
Vilita [4]-[0] Spruitland
Sarzonia [1]-[1] Hypocria
Vtorbetin [1]-[3] Hockey Canada
Bedistan [1]-[0] South Osettia

Pos Team P W D L F A Po
------------------------------------
1. Vilita 1 1 0 0 4 0 7
2. Hockey Canada 1 1 0 0 3 1 5
3. Liverpool England 1 1 0 0 2 1 4
4. Bedistan 1 1 0 0 1 0 4
5. Hypocria 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
6. Sarzonia 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
7. Fmjphoenix 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1
8. South Osettia 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1
9. Vtorbetin 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2
10. Spruitland 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4

See, there's already an eleven point gap between top and bottom! It's crazy...

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Coach Dave Wilson announced the roster for the Ts'kinvali Cup Invitational.

Dave Wilson: 58 years old.

Chris Trautwig: 50 years old, assistant coach for his first World Cup qualifying campaign. Has served in administrative capacity for the Incorporated Football Federation and has served as interim head coach for the Woodstock Wild in the past. Considered the heir apparent to Wilson with Owens' departure.

ROSTER (starters in bold)

GOALKEEPERS
39 Harvey Cooley (Saugerties Snakes): He also backstopped the Under 21 nationals and won a third place title in his first stop entrenched as the starter. At 24 years old, he should be part of the team for years to come.
35 Horace Sandt (Woodstock Wild): Backstopped the Wild to the first-ever AO Champions League title and appeared in the Under 21 national team finals. At 27 years old, he is coming off leading the Stars to their first-ever World Cup title.

DEFENDERS
32 Emacio (Hallad Reavers - Starblaydia): Known as a tremendous offensive defender, has played a key role for the Reavers. (29 years old)
35 Lance Alcina (Hallad): Plays right back for the Reavers, but is playing right fullback for the Stars. This 26 year old is a teammate of Emacio's so the two are familiar with each other.
3 Trevor Crenshaw (Woodstock Wild): The right fullback for the four time champion Wild adds much defensive depth and experience to the team. At 31 year old he has finally earned a starting job.
12 Taylor Williams (Rochester): Plays right halfback for the Rage but can also play midfield. Not much pure speed, but tremendous quickness and great smarts. The 36 year old has announced that this will be his last Cup, but will play in the Ts'kinvali Cup.
2 Mike Coyle (Woodstock): Left back in the Wild's 4-4-2 alignment. Speedy defender who has added veteran savvy to his athleticism. Now 29, getting better with experience.

MIDFIELDERS
9 Darwin Russell: (Parkville F.C. - NEWI Cefn Druids): Team captain. Tremendous left-side player with a deadly accurate free kick from that side. Can be roughed up and taken out of his game, but has gotten much stronger physically. At 31 years old, has become a star on the national side.
37 "Dix" Porter (Portland): Just signed with the Timbers, is the heir apparent for the role as offensive playmaker. Spent a lot of time with Bobby Convey's dad to work on his skills. At 30 years old, may be playing for a spot on the starting 11.
4 Henrik Bastale (Turoki Isle - Vilita): Has starred for Turoki Isle since his transfer from the Portland Timbers, being named Foreign Player of the Year in the Vilitan league. He has a lot of pure speed and ball control, but needs to learn to pace himself for 90 minutes. Just turned 22.
16 John Benmont (Portsmouth): Rugged right sided midfielder who has the skill of Convey or Russell and the toughness of former national teamer Conley. Adds a little more speed than former midfielder and current assistant coach Barry Owens had. 33 years old.
33 Bronson Adelsen (Rochester): New addition to the national team, this 34 year old adds a rugged defensive presence to the team.
14 Jenna Raven (Sarzonian Under 21 National Team): Raven is the first female to get significant playing time for a Sarzonian national team. She will be a vital part of the future of the Stars. She turned 19 last week.

FORWARDS
26 Kevin Wilson (Sarzonian Under 21 national team): At 20, the younger brother of former Stars captain Brian has been a mainstay for the second choice national team that competes in the AOCAF tournament. He has more athleticism than his older brother and many of the same instincts.
19 Kenny Cooper (Tacoma): Now 26, he is the all-time leading goal scorer for the U21 national team. He still hasn't cracked the starting 11 yet.
32 Bruce Badger (Randolph): Badger scored a career low eight goals, but has become known for his veteran leadership from the player's bench. Is an avid supporter of "Sarzonian football," with an emphasis on possession and aggressive attack. Just turned 33.

Stars stumble out of gate, draw 1-1

The Sarzonian national team swore they would have the same aggressive mentality that sent the team on its way to a World Cup trophy, but needed a late goal from forward Bruce Badger in the 82nd minute to salve a 1-1 draw against relative newcomers Hypocria in the first match of the Ts'kinvali Cup Invitational tournament in South Osettia.

"We played a bit disorganised out there," Coach Dave Wilson said. "This is the first time we really had a chance to get a team assembled since the World Cup, so we had a few kinks to iron out."

Goalkeeper Harvey Cooley made four saves, but couldn't get his hands on a Andrei Shirko bid in the 28th minute. Defender Taylor Williams "completely missed his mark," Wilson said, and that left Shirko open to fire a shot that gave Cooley no chance to stop it.

"[Goalkeeper Horace Sandt] couldn't have stopped it during the World Cup run," midfielder and team captain Darwin Russell said. "We just didn't play that particular sequence as well as we should have."

The Stars (0-1-0, one point) tried desperately to equalise, starting with a second half insertion of forward Bruce Badger to replace Williams and play a 3-4-3 formation. They poured six shots on goal in the second half and eight overall, but goalkeeper Ricardo Kindelan frustrated the Stars repeatedly by stopping some bids that some observers said made the Stars feel like they were playing against Sandt.

That ended in the 82nd minute when Badger corralled a rebound of a Jenna Raven shot and beat Kindelan with a rising shot into the right corner of the net. The goal enlivened a Stars team that looked for all the world like it would end its debut match in this one-off tournament in frustration. The Stars get ready to face Fmjphoenix for the first time since the Vikings defeated the Stars in a World Cup qualifier in World Cup XXI.

"We're still alive for this Cup trophy," Wilson said. "We want to make sure we're ahead of the pace going into the last match against South Osettia. All the emotion's going to be on their side there."

Fmjphoenix Chocobos

Starting Eleven:

GK: Brian Lloyd
LB: David Johnstone
CD: Jason McLure
RB: Greg Brusso

RW: Bishop Riggs
IM: Marcel Washington
IM: Dedric Jones
LW: Sarah Powers

F: Laruen Cole
F: Alex Jasons
F: Luis Gonzolez

Spruitland coach Cor Bensen has maintained a fair portion of the Baptism of Fire squad for their participation in the Ts’kinvali Invitational Cup, with exception of the internationals belonging to clubs who are participating in the NSCL or NSFA Cup. Even though this means he will have to do without several of the first team starters, Bensen is not concerned and sees this as the perfect opportunity to give some other players a chance, in preparation of World Cup qualifying.

Another recent addition to the Spruitland national team is a mascotte: a randomly chosen unemployed Spruitlander will accompany the team to every international game, dressed in a suffocatingly hot rabbit suit. For this tournament, the mascotte, named Willy Wabbit, will carry the recently acquired BoF trophy on its head at all times.

The Spruitland Wabbits

Coach: Cor Bensen (46)

Goalkeepers:

1. Elmer Holt (28, GK), RFC Godiva – 0 caps
With the absence of Briers and Verbeek, Elmer will get his chance to prove his worth.

12. Benedict Lofts (24, GK), Lepus FC – 0 caps
Didn’t have the strongest season, but is not at the top of his ability yet.

22. Tristan Verelst (19, GK), Turoki United, Vilita – 0 caps (1 U21 cap, 0 conceded)
Virtually assured to be the Bunnies’ starting goalie at the next Under-21 World Cup, Tristan may play a few games in this tournament to gain experience.


Defenders:

2. Marino Vegnol (29, DR), Fonstown Rovers – 5 caps
Tackle-strong, head-strong, decent passing. Only lacks the pace to be a world-class defender. As it is, he’s just very good.

3. Pete Peeters (31, DLC), Sativa Stoners – 3 caps
Mature left-footer, lacks some pace but reliable and determined.

4. Nicolas Romeijn (23, DC), RFC Godiva – 2 caps
Had an impressive two seasons for RFC Godiva, man in form. To watch for the future.

5. Laszlo Bosch (27, DC), New Brux FC – 5 caps, 1 goal
Solid central defender, strong with his head, scores regularly on corners and indirect free kicks.

15. Koenraad Opdebeeck (19, DLC), Terrarokka Spirit FC, Vilita – 0 caps (5 U-21 caps, 1 goal)
Expected to feature heavily in the Under-21 squad at the next World Cup. Had a good season in the Vilitan Declasse. Added to the squad to gain experience.

16. Ugo Van Schoorl (25, DR), RFC Godiva – 0 caps
Integral part of Godiva’s defense. Decent pace, good tackler, but nothing special.

21. Zwi Kibby (23, DLC), Lepus FC – 0 caps
Hard-tackling defender, toughened up even more after Paulo Bachchan took control of Lepus. Cards galore.


Midfield:

6. Frederic Juneau (30, MC, captain), Sativa Stoners – 5 caps
Solid, defensive-minded midfielder. Model professional, gets along with everybody.

7. Samson Trouwel (23, AMR), Cranbury United, Druida – 5 caps, 1 goal (4 U-21 caps, 1 goal)
One of the stars of the Spruitland team, combining pace with technique to form a real threat on the right wing.

8. Waldo Gelmer (24, AMC), Phraen Palace, Starblaydia – 5 caps
Eccentric attacking midfielder, his speed and unpredictability earning him the nickname “Where’s Waldo?” Can suddenly show up anywhere on the field.

11. Thadeus Quintin (25, AMLC), Fonstown Rovers – 2 caps
Aggressive left winger, keeps going til he drops, which he occasionally does.

14. Louis Pierre (25, AMRC), Sativa Stoners – 1 caps
Energetic attacking midfielder, can play right wing as well. Scores easily.

17. Lee Beck (21, AML), Brickell United, Nedalia – 0 caps (9 U-21 caps, 1 goal)
The Bunnies’ starter on the left wing, might get a few chances to see if he’s ready to play along with the big boys.

19. Amos Cloet (29, MC), RFC Godiva – 0 caps
Nothing too fancy, just a solid center midfielder. Not afraid to play physical football, takes cards regularly.

20. Carlo Nicols (27, AMR), Noordlo Rovers – 0 caps
High-scoring right winger, not terribly consitent but can make a big difference when he’s in form.


Forwards:

9. Jan Wolters (25, ST), RFC Godiva – 5 caps, 2 goals
Ex-DM transformed into a powerhouse forward, can lean on a defense and play with his back to the goal. Former topscorer in the First Division.

10. Jonas Horst (24, ST), Sativa Stoners – 0 caps
Sativa’s clinical finisher. Not the most technical player, but often in the right place at the right time.

13. Mark Custers (22, ST), Lepus FC – 0 caps (1 U-21 cap)
Sub at Under-21 WC15, but was not selected for WC16. Has since matured and scores regularly in the First Division.

18. Chico Provoost (17, ST), Mavaloiao FC, Vilita – 0 caps (5 U-21 caps, 3 goals)
Young talent, emerged at Under-21 WC16, earning him a transfer to Vilita, where he had an abysmal season. Expected to mature a bit at a few more Under-21 tournaments before being ready for the senior squad, but a bit of experience at this tournament may speed up that process.



Team Kit:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/SPRkit.jpg



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Shirko Stuns Stars


Hypocria 1 – 1 Sarzonia
Shirko 28


When Sarzonia, playing their first competitive fixture as world champions, faced Hypocria in the opened match of the Ts’khinvali Cup few were in any doubt as to what the result would be. The Sarzonian fans expected their side to win, the neutrals did too. Even the Hypocrian faithful gave their team little hope. It is some measure of the performance that a draw was something of a disappointment, with the Sarzonian equaliser coming late in the game.

The moment that will live long in many Hypocrian memories came in the 28th minute. A mistake by veteran defender Taylor Williams left Andrei Shirko with the ball at his feet, facing the Sarzonian goal. Shirko had been highly criticised due to his poor form in front of goal in the Baptism of Fire but he wasn’t going to waste this golden opportunity. Sure enough the striker took aim and fired low and hard into the bottom corner to give Hypocria an unexpected lead.

It was the coach’s desire to hang on to that one goal lead that ultimately led to the Titan’s downfall. Both Burdali and West were replaced by more defensive minded players as the formation was switched to 4-5-1. The side struggled to adapt to this new formation and the Stars were able to break forward at will. Kindelan made a string of great saves but he couldn’t hold out for ever and sure enough the equaliser came 8 minutes from fulltime. Raven’s shot was blocked but the rebound was picked up by substitute Bruce Badger who lashed a rising drive into the roof of the net. It was a painful goal to concede but few could argue that it was not fully deserved.

“It’s not everyday that you match the world champions,” N’Dungu-Nsungu said after the match. “Hopefully we’ve proven that we are not just here to make up the numbers.”


Hypocria

1. Kindelan
2. Golla
3. Poskas
4. Baxter
6. Blake (c)
7. Petras
8. Burdali (replaced by 18. Powell, 65)
9. Shirko
14. Drakes
20. West (replaced by 15. Sinclair, 72)
21. Veron


It’s Vilita who top the embryonic table following a 4 – 0 win over BoF winners Spruitland. They lead Hockey Canada by two points at the top of the table after the first round of matches and are a huge 11 points above Spruitland at the bottom thanks to the innovative points system in use.

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


BoF winners trounced

Vilita – Spruitland: 4 – 0

Well, after an undefeated run in the BoF, leading to their first ever tournament victory, the Spruitland Wabbits have quickly been put with all twenty-two feet on the ground again, losing 4-0 to Vilita in the opening round of the Ts’kinvali Invitational Tournament.

“Yes, we didn’t expect to win this match, but 4-0 is a bit heavier than we had hoped for,” coach Cor Bensen said after the match. “We could blame it on excessive partying after winning the Baptism of Fire and a last minute journey to make it here on time for the match, but truthfully, I doubt even under ideal circumstances we’d have done much better. Vilita was strong today.”

Another excuse Bensen could have used was the absence of several Baptism of Fire regulars who went home to their clubs to play in the Champions League or NSFA Cup. Of the four forwards that were part of the BoF team, only Jan Wolters remains, and Elmer Holt in goal was not exactly an improvement over Simon Briers.

The 28-year old RFC Godiva goalkeeper seemed unnaturally nervous in his first international appearance and against a world class team like Vilita – ranked nr. 4 in the world – the slightest error gets punished. Holt’s first intervention set the tone as he punched a not particulary difficult shot into the path of Carmine Mbidzo, who didn’t hesitate and slammed the 1-0 home.

The 2-0 followed not much later as Holt completely misjudged his intervention on an inswinging corner, missing the ball completely. Vilitan left back Jaloey Afrikka merely had to connect his head to the ball to head it into the open goal.

Elmer managed a few saves after that, but before he could build up his confidence completely, the 3-0 was on the board, though this time there was very little he could do. Carmine Mbidzo rounded off a well executed Vilitan attack by chipping the ball over the rushing out goalkeeper, scoring his second of the match. Things looked grim for the Wabbits at half time.

Luckily, the Expo Cats lowered the pace in the second half, giving the Spruitlanders a bit more breathing space. The Wabbits managed a few half chances, but Jan Wolters and debutant Jonas Horst did not manage to put the Vilita defense under a huge amount of pressure.

Instead, it was Vilita who scored once more, with right winger Toby Tzikas putting the ball in the bottom corner from the edge of the area, just out of reach of a depressed looking Elmer Holt.

“Not the kind of debut I was hoping for,” Holt said when it was all over. “As a back-up goalie, you don’t get a lot of chances. I got one today, and didn’t take it. I hope I’ll get another soon, to show what I’m capable of.”

“It’s amazing how fast you get used to winning,” striker Jan Wolters smiled. “You win the Baptism of Fire, you feel like you’re on top of the world. But it only takes one match to wake up and realize the road ahead is still a long one.”

Vilita – Spruitland: 4 – 0
1-0: Mbidzo (12’)
2-0: Afrikka (18’)
3-0: Mbidzo (40’)
4-0: Tzikas (68’)

After the injustice that was the BoF, Vtorbetin's main aim for this Ts'khinvali Cup is to finish above Spruitland. Tony Brasket has completely revamped the team and is now hoping for some newbie magic to rub off on him and his side:

"This may only be a charity cup, but we're taking it very seriouly. We don't expect to win - we'll be lucky to finish in the top half of the table - but we have a target point score in mind. Obviously the way that points are allocated makes this harder, but we're going to try our best. Basically we're going to finish above Spruitland, just like we should have done in the BoF."

Tony Brasket's revamped team looks like this:

Goalkeepers
Ronald Wiggs
Clarence Denison
Scott Ali

Defenders
Antonio Hatley
Craig Grubb
James Kahl
Eric Peck
Billy Espinoza
Howard Nettles
Manuel Buckles

Midfielders
Earl Hagood
Antonio Bellamy
Carl Rossi
Scott Janson
Harold Heron
Adam Thorne
John Mackinnon

Forwards
Harold Larsen
Roy Jobe
Shawn Budde
Michael Gallant

The tournament began yesterday, with Vtorbetin opening against an ever-improving Hockey Canada side. Of course, they were beaten 3-1, with Roy Jobe scoring a consolation penalty in injury time at the end of the match. This wasn't quite the start we were hoping for, but then again, the same could be said for Spruitland, who went down to Vilita by an amazingly poor 4-0. Brasket had this to say:

"There's a danger that when you win a trophy, you feel invincible. It's bestto get that idea out of your head as quickly as possible, and I think last night's result will have done that. They'll have realised that they're not going to beat teams much better than them all the time - like they seem to have been doing a lot recently - and that they're, in fact, really not that good yet. I suppose this could be a blessing in disguise for them - normally the BoF winner only works that out during the World Cup, and by then it's quite too late. They now have time to prepare themselves for their utter demolition, which is good for them."

Brasket's aim to finish above Spruitland is so far so good, with Vtorbetin in ninth, one place above Spruitland. However, a little distance between the teams would be good, and with the two sides facing each other tonight (remarkably for the first time), we can expect some fireworks.

"We're going to go out there and show them what will have happened had we got to the final. They won't know what hit them."

Matchday Two Scores

Vilita [2]-[1] Liverpool England
Fmjphoenix [1]-[3] Sarzonia
Spruitland [0]-[2] Vtorbetin
Hypocria [1]-[1] Bedistan
Hockey Canada [0]-[2] South Osettia

Pos Team P W D L F A Po
------------------------------------
1. Vilita 2 2 0 0 2 1 11
2. Sarzonia 2 1 1 0 4 2 6
3. Bedistan 2 1 1 0 2 1 5
4. South Osettia 2 1 0 1 2 1 4
5. Hockey Canada 2 1 0 1 3 3 3
6. Liverpool England 2 1 0 1 3 3 3
7. Vtorbetin 2 1 0 1 3 3 3
8. Hypocria 2 0 2 0 2 2 2
9. Fmjphoenix 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3
10. Spruitland 2 0 0 2 0 6 -6

SO's having some problems tonight with his Internet connection, so asked me to put the scores up.

Massa double sinks enemies

----------------------Young Vilitan futures prospect Tika Massa netted twice for the Expo Cats as they extended their lead atop the Ts'kinvali Cup invitational table. Massa, who recently transferred to newly crowned Vilitan champions Cednia Beach AFC is now the joint top scorer in the competition for Vilita with two goals. In the opening match of the Cup, Vilita squared off with current Baptism of Fire Cup champions Spruitland. Fresh off their triumph in the Baptism of Fire, Spruitland were high on confidence and many expected the budding young nation to give Baron O'Toole's weakened Vilitan side, with many big names choosing to skip the tournament to extend their off-season holidays, a real challenge. But those fears were allayed within 20 minutes as Vilita had already put themselves 2 goals up through Carmine Mbidzo and Jaloey Afrikka. Mbidzo added his second before half time, before Toby Tzikas' second half strike sealed the game off an put the Expo Cats off to the perfect start.

----------------------Despite building an early lead, the Cup is nothing but clinched for O'Toole Vilita. The Expo Cats will now have to come up against host dolly's Vtorbetin, who have an overwhelming self confidence and are likely to use whatever means necessary, including dirty tactics and bribery, to achieve a result against Vilita. Then, following this match Vilita will come up against the host nation themselves, South Osettia, who will certainly be looking to take home the silverware in their international swan song.

Stars break out, 3-1

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Hypocria, the Sarzonian national team took the result as a wakeup call that they needed to play with more intensity and focus in the tournament. The team certainly played their match against Fmjphoenix with much more fire, getting goals from Kevin Wilson, Jenna Raven, and Bruce Badger and a five save effort from goalkeeper Harvey Cooley en route to a 3-1 win over the Chocobos.

"We're not going to take anyone lightly in this tournament," Coach Dave Wilson said. "This is going to be a grueling test for our lads and we're going to have to make sure we're every bit as focused as we were in the last World Cup."

Sarzonia got off to another slow start as the team played "tight," conceding a ninth minute goal to forward Alex Jasons that got a fired up Dave Wilson off the bench.

"We weren't focused out there in the early going, and that's probably my fault," the coach said. "It took that goal to wake this team up. We can't keep falling behind or we'll be in big trouble as this tournament wears on."

The Stars made sure the 1-0 Chocobos lead was short-lived, getting intense pressure before Kevin Wilson, the younger brother of Brian Wilson, who is sitting this tournament out as he is playing for the Woodstock Wild in the Champions League, capitalised on a breakdown in the Chocobos defence, blasting a shot past goalkeeper Brian Lloyd just six minutes after the Jasons goal.

"Kevin looked a little bit like his brother out there," midfielder and team captain Darwin Russell said. "Once he equalised, we were off to the races." The Stars generated four shots between Kevin Wilson's goal and the end of the first half, but converted the shots into goals in the second half. Raven, inserted into the lineup to start the second half, gave the team the lead for good in the 64th minute when she ran onto a long ball by Russell and chipped it over Lloyd.

"That was a great goal by Jenna," Dave Wilson said. "Now we're starting to see why the Junior Stars love her so much."

Badger essentially put the game away in the 79th minute with a rebound of a Raven miss and the Stars (1-1-0, six points) now sit in second place in the table. Dave Wilson said the team isn't looking at the standings yet, preferring instead to focus on one match at a time. The team will face Liverpool England in the third match of the tournament, a match the coach is calling "huge."

"That's the beauty of this tournament," he said. "We're getting our chance to cut our pre-World Cup teeth against some outstanding competition."

Second Game. Second Point


Hypocria 1 – 1 Bedistan
Shirko 41


Hypocrium City striker Andrei Shirko had, by his own admission, a poor Baptism of Fire tournament. In the Ts’kinvali Cup however he is showing that he can score against some of the best teams in the world as the Titans continue to punch above their weight.

For the match against former world champions Bedistan it was no surprise that the coach picked the same eleven that did so well against the reigning world champions Sarzonia. The first half was a relatively even contest with both sides creating and spurning chances to take the lead. That was until the 41st minute when the lively Danny West hit a fierce drive from the edge of the box. It proved too hot to handle for the keeper and Shirko simply tapped the rebound into the empty net.

The second half was largely controlled by Bedistan and few were surprised when they equalised just ten minutes in. From then on it was again thanks to the heroics of Ricardo Kindelan that Hypocria emerged with anything from the match. The Pylos Reavers' keeper made a number of good saves in the second half to keep the scores level and the Titans nearly snatched an underserved win in stoppage time when West’s snapshot hit the post.

“Although we’ve ridden our luck at times we’ve now matched two of the best sides around”, Kindelan said after the game. “But those results haven’t done much for our league position so we’ll be going all out to get our first win in the Hockey Canada game.”


Hypocria

1. Kindelan
2. Golla (replaced by 12. Flynn, 78)
3. Poskas
4. Baxter
6. Blake (c)
7. Petras
8. Burdali
9. Shirko (replaced by 10. Liberda, 71)
14. Drakes
20. West
21. Veron

Hosts drop Hockey Canada

When the final whistle blew to end the game with a 2-0 loss for Hockey Canada, many fans were disappointed compared to their previous game with a win over Vtorbetin. But not too much was to complain about for the goaltending as Kyle Thomas stopped 31 shots in the process, putting the defence in question for the Canucks. The penalty shot goal didn't help their cause.

The 1st half was not going well for the Hockey Canadians, who gave up 17 shots but didn't give up a goal. Ike Broflovski got off 2 good shots early in the game, Mike Ko hit the crossbar several times, and "Butters" Scotch even got a few long shots off but couldn't hit the target. The lack of goals for the canucks didn't sprprise them due to their defensive nature, but to win you need at least 1 goal.

South Osettia proved that point in the 46th minute when Ronald Teixeira took a long pass from Philip Rader. Teixeira broke in alone on Thomas who came out to challenge, but the ball managed to skip by Thomas and put the Canuck fans in agony as the ball slowly trickled into the net. Lawrence Mclain sealed the Hockey Canadian's fate when a free kick came deep into the Canuck end. Mclain got control of the ball before blasting the ball into the top left corner of the net.

Hockey Canada will have to imnprove before their next game if they're going to go very far in the tournement.

Matchday Three Scores

Liverpool England [2]-[3] Sarzonia
Vtorbetin [0]-[0] Vilita
Bedistan [2]-[1] Fmjphoenix
South Osettia [3]-[1] Spruitland
Hockey Canada [2]-[0] Hypocria

Pos Team P W D L F A Po
------------------------------------
1. Vilita 3 2 1 0 2 1 12
2. Sarzonia 3 2 1 0 7 4 10
3. South Osettia 3 2 0 1 5 2 9
4. Bedistan 3 2 1 0 4 2 9
5. Hockey Canada 3 2 0 1 5 3 8
6. Vtorbetin 3 1 1 1 3 3 4
7. Liverpool England 3 1 0 2 5 6 2
8. Hypocria 3 0 2 1 2 4 0
9. Fmjphoenix 3 0 0 3 3 7 -4
10. Spruitland 3 0 0 3 1 9 -8

Stars dip the 'Pool' 3-2

Unlike the first two matches of Sarzonia's Ts'kinvali Cup Invitational appearance, the Stars jumped out to an early lead and watched their hard work evaporate, but like those matches, the Stars rallied when they needed it, getting a late goal from defender Emacio to lift the Stars to a 3-2 win over Liverpool England and pull Sarzonia to within two points of first place Vilita in the Ts'kinvali scoring system.

"Our defence wasn't up to par," Coach Dave Wilson said. "Offensively, we played some of our best football late in the match, but we must improve our defence, especially against Vilita."

Sarzonia got the match off on a strong footing thank in no small part to the play of midfielder and team captain Darwin Russell. He deftly sent a nutmeg through a Liverpool England defender and found himself staring down the goalkeeper with visions of scoring his first goal of the tournament in his head. However, he was pulled down by a professional foul and the referee immediately signaled for a penalty kick. Forward Kevin Wilson cooly blasted the shot past the goalkeeper and the Stars had a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute.

"We'll take the goals any way we can get 'em," Russell said. "We'd have rather had [the goal] in the run of play, but they count the same on the scoreboard."

The Stars made it 2-0 just four minutes later as Kenny Cooper rediscovered his scoring touch from the fourth Under 21 World Cup, trapping a ball that caromed off the upright and slamming it past the goalkeeper. All of a sudden, it looked as though the Stars would bury Liverpool England with the Stars supporters jumping and chanting while the Liverpool England supporters sat in stunned silence.

However, Liverpool England showed some grit that surprised even their supporters, clawing back in with a textbook free kick that eluded goalkeeper Harvey Cooley in the 38th minute that made the halftime advantage 2-1 for Sarzonia. Twelve minutes after the second half kickoff, that lead was gone thanks to a defensive breakdown that resulted in Liverpool England's leading goalscorer notching another tally.

"I marked him out of the match except for that one play," defender Trevor Crenshaw said. "Just because of that one [foul] up, I'm going to look bad the whole match."

In spite of positioning mistakes by veteran defender Emacio, the skilled backliner would likely end up smelling like a rose. He made a "daring" run starting in the 88th minute and shocked everyone on the pitch with a laser shot that eluded the 'keeper and rocketed into the back of the net to give the Stars the late 3-2 lead as time wore down. Before Liverpool England could get the ball through to the Sarzonian end of the pitch, the referee's whistle sounded for the end of the match.

Sarzonia (2-1-0, 10 points) face first place Vilita (2-1-0, 12 points) in a match that some supporters are saying will be for the group stage crown, but Dave Wilson dismissed the notion.

"We have only completed the first third of this tournament," Dave Wilson said. "There's more work yet to be done."

OOC: Sorry I haven't been on in a while, was in hospital.

IC:

Hockey Canada downs Hypocria

SOUTH OSETTIA- When the Hockey Canadians took to the field yesterday, many were expecting Hypocria would beat the Hockey Canadians handily. Those many were mistaken early in the game when Rahul Kulkarni scored on a free kick in the 3rd minute of the game from 22 yards out. The Hypocrian wall took some time getting ready but the disorganized chaos was just enough for Kulkarni to put the ball around the wall out of reach of the keeper.

Hypocria's best chance of the game came when Danny West broke in away from the Hockey Canadian defenders. It was just West and 14-year old keeper Kyle Thomas who came out for the challenge. West stumbled a short while before recovering quickly. Thomas anticipated the stumble as his chance to challenge so the 2 players met head-on. West and Thomas were knocked aside but Thomas recovered the ball.

The ref came in screaming his whistle a few seconds later pointing inside the penalty area to indicate the penalty shot. West lined up the shot beautifully, but Thomas lived up to his reputation in Hockey Canada and made the save before clearing the ball out of harm's way. West had 4 more shots on Thomas within the next 10 minutes.

The rest of the game was very even between the 2 teams, with equal share of offsides, shots, corners and even possession. But the 1-0 lead increased for the Canucks in the 88th minute when Yanic Perrault shot a rocket that soared from 44 yards out catching the wind behind the ball only to be cushioned by the netting. Cheers erupted in the stadium right after the goal was scored making it the longest goal in Hockey Canadian history.

Now the next big challenge will be Fmjphoenix, who is hungry for a win going 0-0-3 in the tournement. Just 4 points over Spruitland, they'll be giving all they have to use Hockey canada as a stepping stone to advance to the next round. The Canucks have different plans though. Just 4 points out of 1st (high-flying Vilita), Hockey Canada will be giving all they have to beat the Vikings for a shot at the top. The game they're currently getting ready for is matchday 5 where they will play World Cup champs Sarzonia.

Hockey canada is here to see how they do against the giants of international soccer, as well as go far (poosibly win) in the tournement.

Canucks Topple Titans


Hypocria 0 – 2 Hockey Canada


After two excellent, battling performances against Bedistan and Sarzonia it was no surprise that Guylain N’Dungu-Nsungu named the same starting eleven for the third successive match. The players may have been the same but the level of performance was very different.

It took just three minutes for Hockey Canada to take the lead. The Canucks were awarded a freekick 22 yards from the Hypocrian goal and Rahul Kulkarni curled it around the badly placed defensive wall and just out of the reach of the diving Kindelan.

The Titan’s best chance came late in the first half. Burdali played a lovely little reverse pass to release West. It was West one on one with the keeper. The Hypocrian fans had seen this many times before, there would surely only be one outcome. Except it didn’t go as planned. West ran into the box but collided with Thomas and the referee gave a penalty. West dusted himself down and struck a sweet shot but the young keeper pulled off an excellent save to keep Hockey Canada’s lead intact.

The rest of the match was an even contest. Hypocria created chances but could find no way past Hockey Canada’s very impressive, and very young, keeper. The Canucks wrapped up the win two minutes from time. Yanic Perrault hit a speculative effort from more than 40 yards out. Kindelan could only watch as the shot caught the wind and flew into the back of his net.

“I didn’t feel we deserved to lose,” the coach said in the post match press conference. “There certainly wasn’t a two goal difference between the sides. But if you don’t take your chances you can’t win, it’s as simple as that. Give credit to Hockey Canada though, they played well.”

“My penalty was saved by an eight year old!” was all West could manage before retiring to the bar.


Hypocria

1. Kindelan
2. Golla (replaced by 16. Dospel, 70)
3. Poskas (replaced by 19. Harris, 68)
4. Baxter
6. Blake (c)
7. Petras
8. Burdali
9. Shirko
14. Drakes
20. West
21. Veron (replaced by 10. Liberda, 79)


It’s Spruitland next for the Titans. The two sides met twice at the Baptism of Fire, producing a drawn group game and a tight match in the regional final which Spruitland won on penalties. The fans will be hoping it will be third time lucky.

Matchday Four Scores

Vtorbetin [0]-[2] Liverpool England
Sarzonia [1]-[1] Bedistan
Vilita [2]-[2] South Osettia
Fmjphoenix [3]-[2] Hockey Canada
Spruitland [0]-[3] Hypocria

Pos Team P W D L F A Po
--------------------------------------
1. Vilita 4 2 2 0 4 3 13
2. Sarzonia 4 2 2 0 8 5 11
3. South Osettia 4 2 1 1 7 4 10
4. Bedistan 4 2 2 0 5 3 10
5. Hockey Canada 4 2 0 2 7 6 7
6. Liverpool England 4 2 0 2 7 6 7
7. Hypocria 4 1 2 1 5 4 6
8. Vtorbetin 4 1 1 2 3 5 2
9. Fmjphoenix 4 1 0 3 6 9 0
10. Spruitland 4 0 0 4 1 12 -11

Stars, Bears renew rivalry 1-1

The past two World Cup champions squared off for the first time since the World Cup XXII semifinal match that saw Sarzonia defeat then-champion Bedistan to advance to the World Cup championship and, in a crisp match befitting two world champions, both teams played evenly matched football en route to a 1-1 draw in the fourth match of the Ts'kinvali Cup Invitational.

"That was an outstanding football game for us," Coach Dave Wilson said. "We've played two outstanding opponents back-to-back and to get a win and a draw from those matches is pretty gratifying."

How even was the match? Both teams possessed the ball for 45 minutes, the Stars led in shots on goal 5-4, but Bedistan led in total shots 12-11. Each team had eight corners and both teams had one player draw a caution. The Stars got the early lead thanks to a strong run by forward Kevin Wilson that resulted in the forward firing a rocket past the goalkeeper for a lead 29 minutes in.

The match turned into a battle of attrition as both teams played aggressive, but clean football but the Stars went into the break with the 1-0 lead thanks to goalkeeper Harvey Cooley's point blank save on the top Bears forward just before the half. However, Bedistan took the initiative to start the second half and beat Cooley with a 57th minute tally. The Stars (2-2-0, 11 points, second place) switched to a more aggressive 3-5-2 formation in an effort to regain the lead, but the Bears defence held firm.

"We didn't think we'd get a clean sweep of both Liverpool England and Bedistan, but it doesn't get much easier from here on out," midfielder and team captain Darwin Russell said. "Hockey Canada has been playing well of late and they're already charged up to face us. We're going to have to match that intensity or we'll be in trouble."

For the Stars, that will be the recurring theme as the team prepares for its first World Cup as defending champions. The side knows it will face opponents' best efforts and Dave Wilson has discussed "a shake-up" to ensure that the Stars will be as hungry for a repeat as they were for their first title.

"Complacency is going to be our biggest enemy now, even more than Xile," he said.

Third Time Lucky


Hypocria 3 - 0 Spruitland
Blake 4
Dospel 35
Liberda 80


On a sunny afternoon in South Osettia Hypocria and Spruitland resumed their Baptism of Fire rivalry and this time it was the Titans who emerged triumphant. The two games between the nations had both been tight affairs but in this match the Titans showed some really clinical finishing, downing their local rivals and recording their first win over the Wabbits and also their first of the competition.

After the disappointment of the Hockey Canada game the coach made a number of changes to the side as Harris, Costanzo, Powell and Dospel all started in place of Poskas, Petras, Burdali and Shirko.

It was the Titans who made all the early running and forced a corner in the fourth minute. Baxter curled a pin point ball onto the head of Paul Blake and the Hypocrian captain bulleted the header past Holt.

The second goal in the 35th minute and again it was from a corner. Veron played the ball in from the left, Holt came for it but missed and Dospel headed in a simple chance at the far post.

The second half was much more even, with Spruitland clearly inspired by a fiery half time team talk from the coach. Jan Wolters and Jonas Horst both forced good saves from Kindelan but the Wabbits were to be hit by a sucker punch. Gelmer lost possession in the centre and the ball was picked up by Powell who fed a lovely ball through to Liberda, who had replaced the unusually quiet West. Liberda outpaced Peeters and fired past the advancing Holt.

“I’m pleased with the performance”, the coach said after the match. “With World Qualifiers set to start soon it is good to get wins like this to really boast the confidence of my players.”


Hypocria

1. Kindelan
2. Golla
4. Baxter
6. Blake
14. Drakes
16. Dospel
17. Costanzo
18. Powell
19. Harris
20. West (replaced by 10. Liberda, 72)
21. Veron

Apologies for not having posted anything for the past three days. BT decided it would be a good idea to cut our phone lines! Scores will be up later today.

Apologies for not having posted anything for the past three days. BT decided it would be a good idea to cut our phone lines! Scores will be up later today....

and so we wait

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Vilita Maintain Ts'kinvali Lead
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Vilita Goalscorers::
1' Carmine Mbidzo
2' Calaesa Mitaroka
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-------------------The Expo Cats opened up with a bang scoring twice before the host nation had even gotten the ball into the offensive half of the pitch. However, with the support of their fans behind them South Osettia clawed back and earned an impressive 2-2 draw with the tournament leaders. After the match, Vilita maintained a two point lead over Sarzonia atop the table, with many pointing at the meeting between those two teams later in the competition as the match that will be the ultimate decided in the final standings.


Full Time Analysis:

Vilita

Best Player: Calaesa Mitaroka
Worst Player: Jonjo Hulyer
Shots on Target: 6
Corner Kicks: 3

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Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::
[GK] Jawz Oaker, [D] Jaloey Afrikka, [D] Tulio Arizmendi, [D] Sibusiso Azaïez, [DMC] Daniel Oram, [ML] Calaesa Mitaroka, [MC] Jonjo Hulyer, [MC] Sublé Tonic, [MR] Brent Obwinyi, [FC] Carmine Mbidzo, [FC] Tika Massa,
BENCH::
[FC] Kris Wrice, [FC] Tristam Bumbar, [M] Esorijan Marelja, [M] Contall Rumaoa, [U] Rueben Laberge, [D] Timmy Leaburn, [GK] Alioum Mané,