The Legion Championship is the highest level of domestic football in the Legion, and membership is open to all Legionnaires - but is extended to all those who are registered on the Legion's forums at avelegio.net, with a few exceptions (most notably PremierApex's Porto Ordono Juniors). The league was established on October 22, 2008 and is nearly one year old - and ready to start its fourth season.

Season 1
The first season started out as the 'LSA Champions League', with seven teams entering: Pikachu FC, FC Malawi, Illawarra Steelers, The Hasselhoffs, Wolf Team, Prosperus Penguins and the Sharks. Two of these teams are still inhabited by their original managers, FC Malawi coached by Legion MoD totem, and Pikachu FC coached by Legion MoIA Arcadian Empire. The season started November 5, and ended December 21. Pikachu FC won out in the end on 29 points with a 9-2-1 record with a +27 goal difference, while FC Malawi finished 2nd on 27 points. After that there was a considerable drop off with the third placed Illawarra Steelers on 20 points. The Sharks finished last on 7 points.

Season 2
Season 2 heralded the use of the name 'Legion Championship' and with 16 teams, with the second division, 'The Praefectus League' being utilised for the first time. afrey22's FC Firedogs won the Praefectus League while totem's FC Malawi managed to beat out Pikachu FC. Season 2 was also the start of the use of Cups, the Legion Super Cup (a single-elimination knockout tournament) was won by FC Malawi as well, completing a double - while Illawarra Steelers won the Senator's Cup (a two-legged cup).

Season 3
Season 3 featured only one division, of 11 teams. With a large 22 matchday schedule, and two Cups, the season stretched from April to September. The two divisions were reverted back to one, with FC Malawi again claiming the Legion Championship. The Copa Arcadia, a Cup that is hosted by nation's that bid for it, was featured - with FC Firedog shocking FC Malawi in the final to claim the prize. The Senator's Cup was renamed the Imperator's Cup, symbolising the name change in the Legion Government - with FC Malawi again claiming a double, winning the Imperator's Cup as well.

Season 4
Season 4 of the Legion Championship is due to start on October 11, and finishing on January 10. 28 teams have signed up, up from 11 last season, with the candidature split into four divisions: The Legion Championship, The Premiership, SS Liga (Senior Staff Liga) and the Conference. The restricted number of teams, and failure for the organisation to get to 32 has meant only the Imperator's Cup will be carried over this season. The seven teams that will contest for the Legion Championship are: Beached Whales (Legion MoE Konkrage), FC Malawi (Legion MoD totem), FC Firedog (Legion: afrey22), Peanuts Envy (Quantum: Hymenbreach), Phoenix FC (Legion: IronPhoenix), Pikachu FC (Legion MoIA Arcadian Empire), Tampa Bay Rowdies (Legion: LeonidasRexII).

Notable international sides start as follows: PremierApex's Porto Ordono Juniors will start in the Premiership, Tora FC from Toraoji (Quantum) also start there. Pacifica (coached by Pacifism) representing the NPO start in the SS Liga, along with The Blue Muffins (mojo882, Monos Archein) - while Expatriates' (Osafune), Insane FC (MildlyInsane), South Park Butters (ProfessorChaos) and Syran FC (SeaJunky) get the bad end of the draw starting in the Conference.

GENERAL INFO

Matchdays: Sundays and Wednesdays
Matchtime: 10:00am
Current Champions: FC Malawi (Imperator's Cup and Legion Championship) and FC Firedog (Copa Arcadia)
Season Start: October 11
Season End: January 10

Legion Championship Weekly

For those too lazy to check the thread...

Quick-Bits

Pikachu FC Tops

Arcadian Empire's Pikachu FC has raced to the top of the Legion Championship after a 3-1 away win over LeonidasRexII's Tampa Bay Rowdies. Nil-all at the break, and going one-nil down, reigning League MVP Gary Garland produced two spectacular late goals along with the help of reigning top scorer Cyrus Brumwell to win 3-1 in the end.

Konk Red Faced

MoE Konkrage was left red faced after IronPhoenix's red-shirted Phoenix FC stunned them. At home, it took 21 minutes for the home side to grab the lead, only for the differential to be cancelled out on 30 minutes. However two quick goals on 34 and 38 minutes sealed all three points in a match that Konkrage will probably don't want to talk about.

Injury Worries for Hymenbreach

Key defender Einar Woxlin may be out for two weeks after going off stretchered in their 2-0 loss to afrey22's FC Firedog. Both goals coming in the second half, they capped off a good performance by this side who must be kicking themselves for letting the league title slip away last season. After all, they were first in the league for a time. Can they repeat the feat?

That is no country for actives.

Lord Fingolfin's The Noldor somehow notched up a win despite the manager leaving the team for dead, 3-1 victors over RyanM's Drunk Dogs FC - who also have suffered with a boat of no-coach-ia, after their coach went missing. Despite this, Lord Fingolfin will be eager to know how he did it - with him not seen in the Noldor-ese camp since 30 September. Legion Proconsul Hubb's Appalachian FC did not disappoint, and upheld the glory of the Legion in a 3-0 drubbing over Porto Ordono Juniors, despite Hubb attending to Legion matters (we hope) instead of coaching his football team. Midas' Kumatians outfit managed a 2-1 win over Sylar's New York Soccer Club as well, with Sylar not seen since mid-September. As of course the league Admin is writing this now, anyone want to take over his team?

In the SS Liga, SiCkO and Nsh4rpy played out a 1-1 draw with both sides' managers not attending the match. Vanik Hardil's AFC Southampton was very unlucky not to win against an inactive Blue Muffins' side.

Activity - yay!

FreeMason's Ron Pauls Army and CodFCS's Ocean's Silver were the only two managers to care about their team (along with VH), and in the end in this great match - CodFCS' side won in the end 2-1, pushing them to the top of the SS Liga (3rd division).

In the Conference!

Nedved's Muscovy Mighties and SeaJunky's Syran FC also had the activity bug - and it's good to see active participants in the league, as it always enhances the quality. Their activities were very much the same, and so too the result, 1-1 after the game. MildlyInsane's Insane FC defeated an inactive MTG FC 2-0, and another great victory for those who care. As I have always said, if you log in, and put some effort - you will be rewarded. Lastly, ProfessorChaos' South Park Butters and Osafune's Expatriates played out a 1-1 draw with both managers quite inactive.

Inactivity Notices

If your name is here, log into your team before next matchday or be demasked.

Pacifica - Pacifism
Bristol City FC - Nsh4rpy
Ahora FC - SiCkO
Tora FC - Toraoji
New York Soccer Club - Sylar
MTG FC - Matt the Great

Quick-Bits

To the Top!

FC Firedog flew to the top of the Legion Championship with a 3-0 drubbing of Beached Whales. After a very intense first 14 minutes, in which five yellow cards were shown to Whale players, FCF found the opening and scored. After, an injury to their goalkeeper did not help them, conceding another two goals, before garnering their sixth yellow card, and then their seventh with a sending off.

Meanwhile, Pikachu FC fell 1-1 to Peanuts Envy in a boring match, where defender Jude McCall, at only 18 took up the role of substitute goalkeeper after first choice Phil Joyce was injured, despite being a defender. He did concede a goal however. Pikachu FC now sit second.

A Good Start

FC Malawi began their title defence with a 2-0 win over Tampa Bay Rowdies, in a clean match up that was only hampered by an injury to Kyle Dickens for the away side. Despite a crappy first half, which saw only a goal from the only chance of the half, FC Malawi made five chances in the second half, unfortunately not scoring all, but one of their chances.

The youth shall inherit the world

Midas, who is well known to be the Legion's youngest member defeated the Proconsul Hubb's side Appalachian FC 1-0 in a match that really should've gone Midas' way. The narrow scoreline did not truly reflect the ways of the match, and only a 90th minute free kick (yes, they did leave it quite late!) was the difference after an injury, showing great resilience.

"Now this is entertainment"

1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, injury, injury, 4-2. That was how the Drunk Dogs ovecame an NSO outfit New York Soccer Club - in a match that, after the equaliser seemed to go bad for the away side, conceding three straight goals. However the more telling sign is that of NYSC's deadly accuracy in front of goal, scoring twice from two chances, while DDFC had chance after chance, scoring four times from their nine chances. With key midfielders knocked out on both sides, could this affect them?

HOW CAN YOU SCORE TWICE IN STOPPAGE TIME?!

Well, The Noldor did it. Nil-all at the break, hard to believe I know - a goal on 59 minutes, followed by a sending off that caused Tora FC to play with a weird 3-4-2 formation (from a 4-4-2), sparked a flurry of goals. A penalty on 80. A shot on 88, a header on 92, a set piece on 94. I think this would be a great match to watch for the kids, so they know that you don't have to blast it from 35 yards out to score - although that makes much better television.

Tight Race in SS Liga

Three people on 4 points after two matchdays, and SiCkO, Nsh4rpy and Vanik Hardil will have quite a race on their hands. AFC Southampton managed a 2-0 win over Ocean's Silver who is not far behind on 3 points, while Ahora FC dismissed a returning FreeMason with his Ron Pauls Army 3-1. Pacifica, the NPO entrant is still winless, going down 2-0 to Bristol City FC.

Everyone's a winner! Well, not really

Everyone has points, at least in the Conference. MTG FC somehow scored a win over an inactive South Park Butters side (both managers are inactive). Syran FC racked up a great scoreline over Expatriates, 4-1, with goals nice and spaced out, with their goals on 18, 46, 59 and 82 minutes. Nice and spread out.

Damned complainers...

HoF'er Sinatra won a great match over Nedved I's Muscovy Mighties 1-0 (the winner coming on 40 minutes after a spectacular free kick) - it should be noted that many a fan went home disappointed, "pissed off that both teams wore blue". Well, to that complaint, the Rat Pack wore a nice dark blue while the Mighties wore a lighter shade. So I see nothing to complain about

Legion Championship Weekly

For those too lazy to check the thread...

Issue III

Quick-Bits

This week's listening music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-4J5j74VPw

Please listen to that while reading =) It'll set the tone.

Karma.

FC Firedog came out with a win over Phoenix FC but at a price. A major injury to an influential midfielder, and a slight injury to a defender of comparable influence. 2-1 winners, the losers got double-whammied with a red card to think about, and a slight injury to one of their own defenders. However all is not so bad for them, they are 4th in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Pikachu FC had their 1-0 win over Beached Whales but at a price for them as well. Away from home, jeers galore when the Whales' captain Vanni Almerigo was injured and had to be substituted, meanwhile an up-and-coming midfielder for Pikachu FC was slightly injured as well - but the real blow was with the injury of Howey Aderson who has played 56 matches for Pikachu FC. Ouch. He's gonna be gone for a long... time. Still, Pikachu FC are still 2nd and must wait for a FC Firedog slip up.

Now for some juxtaposition.

While the rest of the Championship was getting their players bashed like in a rugby match, the Envy and FC Malawi had a nice clean encounter with the reigning Champions 3-1 winners, although a penalty should have made it 3-2 to Envy, and who knows... maybe even 3-3 point sharers if we assume that the Envy would get a boost from their goal. Still, 2-0 down at the break and another goal conceded early in the second half did not help, probably explains the missed penalty...

First points!

New York Soccer Club and Tora FC shared the points in their 2-2 draw, and these points are significant as it gets them off the duck egg in points. In this completely foreign encounter, the Quantum v NSO clash was quite boring with the absence of both managers - but it was the efforts of the players that made this a good match. A double to NYSC captain Aidan Atkins and a major injury to their goalkeeper (now since when have you seen those happen?) made this quite an entertaining show for the... 13 000 people who watched it on 6-AFC. Still, NYSC really should've won it.

Proconsul falls again...

Could it be a sign of impending doom for the Legion? Let's hope not! RyanM's Drunk Dogs FC dispatched of Appalachian FC quite easily 2-0 in a high chance making encounter which really should have been higher scoring, especially for the home side. Drunk Dogs aren't left unscathed, one of their forwards is down and out for the count. Seriously, is this a trend? Perhaps Legion football is like American Football, very rough. I suppose it matches the personalities of those who play in it.

...but Midas doesn't in the high-low clash

Midas' Kumatians won over Porto Ordono Juniors 3-0 in a perfect match up for them, except with two yellow cards. Still, with good strategies, these two yellow cards shouldn't do much to them. Unfortunately for POJ, they are still bottom of the table and with an injury (only a slight one however) from their clash. Kumatians lead the charge to the Championship and along with the Noldor who had a bye this week, are true Championship contenders. Get it? AHHH! I should start writing these down...

SS Liga Wrap-Up

FreeMason's Ron Pauls Army found their first points, three of them, against an out of sorts Pacifica side wrapping it up 4-0. Still, they are 5th in the SS Liga, but it's a great improvement considering they were last before this match. Still the RPA have a player in the emergency room somewhat, with their goalkeeper needing minor treatment after being subbed off.

In the other matches, AFC Southampton and Ocean's Silver had narrow wins over their opponents - with Ahora FC getting a horrible hand with one of their midfielders being injured seriously, and with the winning goal against them just 2 minutes later... was it just a case of double bad luck? While that was happening, a similar situation occurred at the Pond with a late winner on 88 minutes for Ocean's Silver, coming on the back of an 81st minute injury to a Blue Muffins' defender. Coincidence? I think not!

WOAH!

The Conference is truly the most entertaining division in the Championship, at least for this matchday, with a total of 14 goals scored in three matches. 7 of them coming from a 6-1 demolishing of Expatriates by the Rat Pack. An injury to the Expatriates captain on 2 minutes set the bad tone, and despite being at home, The Rampant Rats took apart the home defence, with goals on 11', 35', 47', 53', 69' and 88'. The home side only got one goal, a 25th minute penalty. Youch. Rat Pack are now deservedly in 2nd place. Nice work.

MTG FC fell 3-1 to away opposition in Syran FC, and with two stunning goals within the space of two minutes, on 6' and 8', the tone was set and with all four goals in the first half, the two sides decided to play defencively for the second half. Still, entertainment came in the form of an injury to each side - albeit minor. This had potential, but still, a good match.

Insane FC routed South Park Butters 3-0 although a penalty miss by the Butters should have made it 3-1. With goals spaced out on 9', 51' and 64', this provided good all-round entertainment. Worse, a prominent SPB defender will be out for a few weeks after injuring himself majorly in the match, along with another injury to their teammate. For good measure, the winning side had to deal with a slight injury to their goalkeeper.

Imperator's Cup Draw

The Imperator's Cup is a two-legged Cup match featuring all participants in the Legion Championship. It will run from October 28 to December 30, with matches every Wednesday. It is seeded via the team's performance in the league and last season's Copa Arcadia. The draw for the first round, which is to be played on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 is:

Expatriates - Tora FC
The Noldor - Tampa Bay Rowdies
New York Soccer Club - Drunk Dogs FC
Pacifica - Kumatians
Ocean's Silver - Beached Whales
AFC Southampton - Porto Ordono Juniors
South Park Butters - Peanuts Envy
The Blue Muffins - Appalachian FC
Ron Pauls Army - Syran FC
The Rat Pack - Muscovy Mighties
MTG FC - Bristol City FC
Insane FC - Ahora FC

12 simultaneous matches. Wow. It shall be an epic cup, and so be it, it's the only one this season.

Expatriates 0-0 Tora FC
Expatriates and Tora FC, both inactive teams played a boring matchup at the Nova Roma, with the only 'good bits' some yellow cards that were shown. Still, the absence of the managers was noted - and made for a lovely attendance of a few hardcore fans, and a few teenagers who wanted to 'look cool'. Nevertheless, Tora FC should have dispatched of the homeside with their superior strength - or maybe they are saving it for the return leg...
Prediction: Tora FC

The Noldor 0-1 Tampa Bay Rowdies
Two good active teams, Lord Fingolfin's The Noldor, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies clashed - but at the final whistle it was LeonidasRexII's experience in the league that drove them to victory, controversial as it was - a penalty in the 17th minute deciding it. The Noldor will look to nullify that away from home, but in a match that they dominated possession wise 63-37, they really should have done better in making more chances, only 2 in the entire game for them. Still, at least now LF will have a goal to aim for - and perhaps just pip this one, by forcing him to go on the attack.
Prediction: The Noldor

New York Soccer Club 3-2 Drunk Dogs FC
Sylar's New York Soccer Club narrowly beat out Drunk Dogs FC, whose manager has gone on a holiday of some sort for the time being, with the winning goals all scored before 10 minutes. Now how close can that get! An NYSC side blessed with a strong home crowd (although arguably the stadium was filled with Drunk Dogs) took the lead and tripled it within 10 minutes, before DDFC pulled one back on 26. A missed penalty a minute later for the home side should have sealed it, but it allowed the some-what comeback. After the break, the goals dried up before DDFC put some respectability into the scoreline with a late consolation. Still, if RyanM can get back - there's no reason why he can't pull off a comeback. He does have 2 away goals.
Prediction: Drunk Dogs FC

Pacifica 0-1 Kumatians
Midas' team had some trouble breaking down the defence of a Pacifica outfit that has seemed to be abandoned by its manager, still, that did not stop Midas from showing any mercy - with his attacking style being threatened somewhat with a Pacifica that seemed to be able to play on the counter. But in the end, I suppose, the right team won - Kumatians with superior, almost 60-40 possession and with the majority of the chances got their target on 51 minutes. With the away goal, and the strength of the side - this is easily Kumatians' to win.
Prediction: Kumatians

Oceans Silver 4-0 Beached Whales
The SS Liga's team stunned the Legion Championship's Beached Whales thrashing them 4-0. A late goal on 40 minutes made sure that the Ocean's Silver side would enter the lead on a high note, but their preformance would shoot to higher heights in the second period with a further three goals against a disjointed and unprepared side, who were obviously not ready to play with this slick, attacking team. Konkrage will be livid. He's been embarrassed... and now he's exiting first round. Unless he can pull an amazing comeback. He is in the Championship for a reason.
Prediction: Ocean's Silver

AFC Southampton 0-1 Porto Ordono Juniors
Wins don't come often for POJ, but against AFC Southampton - whose manager is actually quite active, he will be furious with his defence. A slow passing movement from the away side ensured that they scored once on 16 minutes, and that was to be their only chance for the entire game. A perfect 100% goal rate. Meanwhile, AFC Southampton was unable to capture that kind of heroics, failing to score from their three chances. Still, with Southampton a stronger side, this second leg will be interesting to see.
Prediction: AFC Southampton

South Park Butters 0-4 Peanuts Envy
Hymenbreach's Peanuts Envy took the initiative early, scoring four times within 20 minutes - in a match that they dominated. 7 chances all up in the half, scoring from over half of them - while they put the brakes on in the second half, it still was quite a match considering the kind of goal tally this racked up. South Park Butter's owner will be furious, losing by such a large margin at home, but he hasn't shown up for quite a while. I wonder why.
Prediction: Peanuts Envy

Blue Muffins 2-0 Appalachian FC
The Legion's newest member, mojo882, stunned the Proconsul's side 2-0 in the first round. With both sides' managers obviously off to do more important things, the sides did put on a good show, with the Muffins pressing the issue, putting their 53% of possession, which was as high as 65% in the first half, to good use. Although they only scored once in that period, they did double the tally on 58 minutes. Still, Appalachian FC are at home - but with Hubb away on birthday parties, can he steer his team to victory?
Prediction: The Blue Muffins

Ron Pauls Army 3-2 Syran FC
FreeMason's Ron Pauls Army narrowly pipped SeaJunky's Syran FC 3-2 in an exciting match at Ron Pauls Underground Lair. The winner, on 89 minutes, was left very late for the home side - who despite taking the lead and doubling it on 14 minutes, they managed to lose it to a standstill within the next 20 minutes. 2-2 at the break, both teams pushed for more possession but cancelled each other out, while FreeMason had coached his team well on the art of using possession properly. In the end, the stats pointed to a home win, which occurred.
Prediction: Ron Pauls Army

The Rat Pack 3-1 Muscovy Mighties
Hall of Famer Sinatra put in a star studded performance against Nedved's Muscovy Mighties in a battle of two managers. 3-1 winners in the end, the Rat Pack got the early goal within a minute to press the issue, and keeping it until the break. In this high chance making match, both sides were exposed as being quite unable to convert their chances, as really, the score should've been something like 9-4, chance-wise. TRP doubled their lead after the break after the Mighties goalkeeper had to be subbed off due to an injury, and while the Mighties were able to pull a goal back - a crucial away goal - the game, and maybe all hopes of qualifying stopped with the 89th minute winner.
Prediction: The Rat Pack

MTG FC 1-1 Bristol City FC
Matt the Great FC, or MTG FC managed a win despite their manager not showing up as of yet - while Nsh4rpy will be annoyed that his team was only able to notch up a draw against win fodder. Both goals in the second half, the home side took the lead, but the superior possession enjoyed by the away side was to come into play when the 82nd minute equaliser was scored. In the end, the chances were even, and Bristol will have to work on making more chances, as at the higher levels, they will be exploited badly. Still, an away goal to their credit.
Prediction: Bristol City FC

Insane FC 3-1 Ahora FC
MildlyInsane's Insane FC defeated SiCkO's Ahora FC 3-1 where superior possession and chances, especially in chances, were the downfall of the away side. Taking the lead in the 15th minute via a free kick, they managed to equalise, but that only spurred the home side to excel in the second half, to ensure a good show for the crowd. Goals on 53 and 60 minutes put the lead in place and then doubled it, leaving Ahora FC quite disjointed and will look to see if they can salvage anything from this Cup campaign.
Prediction: Insane FC

Legion Championship Weekly

For those too lazy to check the thread...

Issue IV

Quick-Bits

New Leader
Pikachu FC regained the top of the Championship with their 2-1 win over Phoenix FC. However it's not decisive, due to all three of the Championship Contenders (PFC, FCM and FCF) playing matches next week - these things can change the shape of the title race dramatically. FC Firedog plays Pikachu FC next matchday, which ponders the question, who will be the first to lose their un-losing-streak? Meanwhile, FC Malawi plays Phoenix FC, who aren't exactly win fodder.

Consul Derby and the Legion v Quantum Derby
Firstly to the Legion v Quantum Derby. Tampa Bay Rowdies fell 3-1 to Peanuts Envy, in a match that would've been 3-0 except for some last minute heroics. But yet again, both sides do not escape completely unscathed - the Rowdies have to deal with a slight injury, while the winner has to deal with an injury to their captain plus a red card.

Now to the Consul Derby, the MoD v MoE. In this? The Defence ministry reigns supreme! In a hotly contested match, the Whales got the first goal, before a free kick equalised it just before the break. Immediately after the break, FC Malawi put it 2-1, but an injury to Richard Ndo (who scored the 46' minute goal) enabled the Whales to get to 2-2, and a glimmer of hope in getting their first points for the season. But alas, it was not to be, two late goals on 81' and 84' pushed the scoreline out of reach to the Whales side, and Coach Konk will not be happy. Coach totem however will be... happy.

4-0's all around
The Premiership was a great symbol of what football is all about, with all teams winning their respective matches 4-0. Needless to say, this played hell with the goal difference

The Noldor defeated Sylar's NYSC 4-0, in a match that may be criticised for going soft - as the Noldor held a 3-0 lead at the break, and only added one in the second half. DDFC defeated Porto Ordono Juniors 4-0 with all four goals coming in the second half, with Coach RyanM probably screaming to his team to attack the weakened side. In the other Quantum-Legion Derby, Hubb did the Legion proud with his Appalachian FC whooping Tora FC 4-0, despite him not appearing to set tactics. Well, whateever works, I suppose.

NPO-Legion Derby
No, not as epic as the SocCarolina v Arcadian Empire derby back then... but still, a derby nonetheless where Pacifism pitted his team against Vanik Hardil's AFC Southampton. The sides cancelled each other out, 1-1 in the end, with Pacfica wanting to kick themselves after throwing away superior possession and a 1-0 lead.

In other matches in the SS Liga, Bristol City FC headed by co-DoRFL TGSH4RPY, defeated FreeMason's Ron Pauls Army 3-2 in a match that got good after the half, with Ron Pauls Army again kicking away a 1-0 lead to lose 3-2. If you are going to watch a bit of this, start the tape from 70 minutes, and end it at 80 minutes. That's three goals right there . Ahora FC, SiCkO's team, beat mojo's Blue Muffins 4-1 in a masterful display of tactical breaking down in an open match. Despite going 1-0 down, Ahora equalised before the break before rampaging three goals through in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

Sinatra reigns supreme!
Sinatra's The Rat Pack leads the Conference after a 5-0 drubbing of MTG FC, in a match that was pretty equal in both sides. Despite an injury to one of their first choice midfielders, it did not stop them smashing this side to pieces. A lone chance on goal by MTG was spewed, and failed to be converted.

In other matches, Nedved I's Muscovy Mighties took out their leader's frustrations in not getting into the second and final round of the IG vote with a 2-0 win over Expatriates. With a major injury to both sides, it's not looking good, especially for the Mighties who lost a further two players to minor injuries. Eek. Let me tell you, it's rare that a team has to use all three substitutes. Then, Syran FC, like many other teams lost their 1-0 lead over Insane FC at the Syran Stadium - despite having superior possession, they were unable to convert it to goals.

Tora FC 0-0 aet. 4-2 PK Expatriates, Tora FC advance 4-2 on penalties (0-0, 0-0)
I told you so! Well, not really. After 120 minutes of THE MOST BORING FOOTBALL I HAVE EVER WITNESSED, in which ONE chance from the away side was spewed wide - fans were happy to see some action, and in this commentator's opinion, the best action possible in football - the penalty shootout. Yes. All you have to do is find the net from twelve yards... that's all they had to do. But it was two consecutive misses for Expatriates on their 3rd and 4th kicks that spelled doom for them, and for them to exit early out of the Cup.
Prediction: Tora FC. I WAS RIGHT!

Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-1 The Noldor, Tampa Bay Rowdies advance 2-1 on aggregate (1-0, 1-1)
1-0 up on the first leg, the Rowdies came back to home confident that they had a good lead to defend, and they lost it on 33 minutes when the Noldor took their only chance of the half. At 1-1 on aggregate, this would have gone to penalties, but an unfortunate end for Lord Fingolfin's men occurred when Marcus Bodin found the net for the home side on 52 minutes, and despite the goal turning the chances on - none were converted past that point, and Tampa Bay Rowdies won out 2-1 on aggregate.
Prediction: The Noldor. I was wrong =(

Drunk Dogs FC 4-0 New York Soccer Club, Drunk Dogs FC advance 6-3 on aggregate (2-3, 4-0)
Gone were the nerves of last week where Drunk Dogs FC collapsed to a 3-2 loss, a shock loss, to NYSC. But no, at home, confident, and one goal down, they somehow managed to conjure the strength and character needed to turn their -1 difference into a +3. An own goal on 23 minutes did not help NYSC's chances, and from then on, their effectiveness dried up against a passionate and supporting home crowd and of course, an angry manager.
Prediction: Drunk Dogs FC. YEAH!

Kumatians 2-0 Pacifica, Kumatians advance 3-0 on aggregate (1-0, 2-0)
In this match dominated by the home team, the Kumatians' left it quite late to score goals, on 69 and 91 minutes sealing the 3-0 win on aggregate, to the delight of their manager who seemed to struggle on the first leg. Pacifica will head home disappointed in a failed cup campaign, while Midas will relish the opportunity to finally showcase his legendary managerial skills to the Legion in the second round, whoever he faces.
Prediction: Kumatians. What is that... 3-1 now?

Beached Whales 1-3 Ocean's Silver, Ocean's Silver advance 7-1 on aggregate (4-0, 3-1)
CodFCS defeated the Legion's MoE, who has conveniently taken a break from coaching probably due to this event, after the home side backfired completely to cause even a threat to the Silver goals. 4-0 down and probably demoralised, the away side showed no mercy, taking the chance to score more goals - and hype themselves up for their second round clash, while the Whales will have to wonder what's going wrong with their campaign.
Prediction: Ocean's Silver. 4-1

Porto Ordono Juniors 3-0 AFC Southampton, Porto Ordono Juniors advance 4-0 on aggregate (1-0, 3-0)
Wins don't come often for POJ, but against AFC Southampton - whose manager is actually quite active, he will be furious with his defence. What I said last week echoes again this week, this is really a defining moment for POJ who lost almost every match last season - and now racking up their largest win in history, a 3-0 win over AFC Southampton. In a match they dominated, the home side managed to make chances, goals and prevented their opponents from scoring - despite losing one of their forwards in the process.
Prediction: AFC Southampton. Darn, what an upset... 4-2

Peanuts Envy 2-0 South Park Butters, Peanuts Envy advance 6-0 on aggregate (4-0, 2-0)
No goal rush in the first half here, a more moderate game for this side - who now have to deal with an injury to one of their best midfielders, but in the end, the result was all that mattered and two spaced out goals, one on 14 and the other on 73 enabled this expected aggregate win over the South Park Butters. Let me say, 4-0 deficits are hard to break even in.
Prediction: Peanuts Envy. Yeah! 5-2

Appalachian FC 0-1 The Blue Muffins, The Blue Muffins advance 3-0 on aggregate (2-0, 1-0)
A lone goal on 64 minutes from a free kick sealed the fate of Appalachian FC's first season in the Legion Championship - failing 3-0 on aggregate to mojo's Blue Muffins, in a match the away side dominated as if they were at home. Despite this, the goal scorer in this game had a cruel twist of fate, being injured and now having to be rested. He should be able to play next week though.
Prediction: The Blue Muffins. 6-2! Like a tennis score, really.

Syran FC 0-0 Ron Pauls Army, Ron Pauls Army advance 3-2 on aggregate (0-0, 3-2)
A scoreless draw ended Syran FC's cup dreams prematurely, in a case of a bad draw, where two good active teams had to be pitted against each other in such an early stage... it's a shame really. But a match played defencively by the away side prevented a last ditch attack by the home side to steal a victory, but they could not notch up the 2 goals required to win, while in a cruel irony, Syran FC now have to deal with two injuries - one major, one minor.
Prediction: Ron Pauls Army. 7-2

Muscovy Mighties 3-3 The Rat Pack, The Rat Pack advances 6-4 on aggregate (3-1, 3-3)
The Mighties started well to push the deficit to one after 9 minutes, putting the aggregate to 3-2, but this match will be forever remembered for all the wrong reasons, as "The-Match-Where-Half-The-People-On-The-Field-Got-Booked". It was true anyway, with two yellow cards to the Rat Pack, and five cautions to the home side, plus a red card. Not exactly brilliant and clean, but it was entertaining! But it was the sending off on 41 minutes that allowed the Rat Pack to score a minute later, and after the two sides traded again goals on 51 and 52 minutes, the deficit was still two - and 2-2 on the night, the two teams once again traded goals on 66 and 75 minutes, with the Rat Pack equalising. And in the midst of this, cautions all around.
Prediction: The Rat Pack. 8-2

Bristol City FC 1-0 MTG FC, Bristol City FC advance 2-1 on aggregate (1-1, 1-0)
Bristol City FC did not have the best of starts with two injuries, one minor and one major on 52 and 59 minutes, but with the away goal, everything seemed to be going good... until they scored making it 2-1, and that was how it stayed. Now the question is if the Bristol coach can deal with the injuries he now has...
Prediction: Bristol City FC. YEAH! 9-2

Ahora FC 0-1 Insane FC, Insane FC advance 4-1 on aggregate (3-1, 1-0)
In a day to forget for the Econ Department, the CoFS SiCkO failed to progress, while his brother in DDFC did - maybe a cause for a rivalry? Well, all joking aside - Insane FC dominated this match, shutting out the home side from any chances, keeping the home crowd eerily quiet. But this win came at a cost, two minor injuries will be dealt with by the Insane coach, before wondering about next round...
Prediction: Insane FC! 10-2!

Tampa Bay Rowdies 4 - 0 Beached Whales
The Tampa Bay Rowdies won their first match of the season with ease, against the Beached Whales. The Rowdies asserted dominance early in the match, with goals at the 5, 9, and 15 minute markers, finishing the scoring streak at the 30 minute mark with a beautiful header from Mabbutt. To top it all off, Beached Whales player Reeves was injured at 88 minutes. However, the Rowdies did recieve 3 yellow cards amongst some of their top players.


FC Firedog 1 - 0 Pikachu FC
The battle of the undefeated teams was a fairly quiet affair, with only one goal scored at the 85 minute mark by Firedog's Noonan. One Yellow card per squad, and a couple of minor injuries for FC Firedog topped off the action for the match. It certainly seems like FC Firedog is the team to beat this season, although to count out Arcadian's squad at this point would be foolish. With this match, FC Firedog has an undisputed hold on 1st, while Pikachu FC moves down to 3rd.


Phoenix FC 2 - 2 FC Malawi
FC Malawi needed a win in this match to maintain a tie for first place in the Legion Championship, while Phoenix FC needed the win to cement themselves into 4th place. However, both teams had to settle for a draw, and 1 point each. A solid match by each side, with some spectacular goals to be seen! Phoenix FC now has a rather tenuous hold on 4th spot, while FC Malawi has an equally delicate hold on 2nd.



Other scores from around the Championship:

Porto Ordoño Juniors 0 - 0 Tora FC
Kumatians 4 - 0 Drunk Dogs FC
Appalachian FC 0 - 2 The Noldor

The Blue Muffins 2 - 0 Pacifica
Ocean´s Silver 3 - 0 Ahora FC
AFC Southampton 2 - 2 Bristol City Fc

South Park Butters 0 - 1 Syran FC
MTG FC 0 - 1 Muscovy Mighties
Insane FC 2 - 1 The Rat Pack

Bristol City FC 0-2 FC Firedog
TG SH4RPY's team did not fare well against an afrey22 side who wants the double - that is, the Imperator's Cup and the Legion Championship, which they currently lead. A goal in both halves ensured the expected win occurred, while the home side must contemplate their losses in losing one of their better midfielders - and asking the question if they can make it by a big win in the second leg.
P: FC Firedog

The Rat Pack 2-2 FC Malawi
Sinatra's Rat Pack gloriously drew the reigning Legion champions 2-2 in an encounter which the Rat Pack were quite lucky to escape with the draw. After losing Rigobert Billong on 9 minutes, FC Malawi scored against the run of play, and two cautions to the home side meant punters did not rank the home side well. But a comeback ensued, starting with a 48th minute equaliser, before the away team put another away goal in on 69 minutes - before the Rat Pack saved face with an 87th minute header-equaliser. Still, FC Malawi enters the second leg with two away goals, which will probably turn the tables on the Rat Pack. Still, the Rat Pack probably should've won out in this high chance making match, but poor finishing dampened it.
P: FC Malawi

Ocean's Silver 3-2 Phoenix FC
In a match that should've been 3-3, an 80th minute penalty miss by Phoenix FC ensures this match is really down to the wire - when the age old question is asked. Is an away goal worth more than a one goal advantage into the second leg? History says the goals will win, but this is really, really close. My opinion is that away goals certainly help - and Phoenix FC started positively taking the lead on 2 minutes, but successive goals on 25, 26 and 29 gave CodFCS' team the 3-1 lead into the break making nine chances and arguably should've scored more. The second half saw two chances for each side, but a penalty miss was the downfall of the away team despite getting solace in an 84th minute taken chance. Ocean's Silver will be kicking themselves for allowing so many goals in with the majority (59-41) of possession they had.
P: Ocean's Silver

Insane FC 1-2 Pikachu FC
Going 1-0 down, Pikachu FC scored on both sides of the half-time interval to take two away goals plus a goal advantage into the second leg - and while their first choice goalkeeper Terence Hendrie is currently injured, this match made for good viewing as 18 year old Mitch Edison stepped onto the field as a goalkeeper, instead of a defender. Kudos to him for making some saves and keeping the goals quite well, even better (goals conceded wise) than his actual team-mate who is a goalkeeper.
P: Pikachu FC

Ron Pauls Army 4-1 Drunk Dogs FC
FreeMason demolished RyanM's team 4-1 in this match where no team was left unscathed with the Drunk Dogs goalkeeper being injured (although this was not a factor in the high scoreline), along with a first-choice midfielder, and the Army taking a red card and a caution as well. A 2-0 lead at the break set up the second half, and the team traded goals before a 90th minute free kick sealed the win. In between all this, DDFC was lucky to have a goalkeeper on hand when theirs had to be subbed off, while FreeMason must think on his tactics for next match where he will be down one striker choice. Still, this is pretty obvious on who's going to progress... bar bad luck.
P: Ron Pauls Army

The Blue Muffins 3-0 Tora FC
Something must've spurred The Blue Muffins to win 3-0 over Tora FC, but it wasn't their manager - mojo. No, he's gone on an LoA along with the Tora FC manager. In this boring match manager-wise, when one of Tora FC's players had to go due to injury, Tora was left playing with 10. Meanwhile, when a Blue Muffins player was injured - both times there was someone to come in fresh and ready. A 0-0 score at the break, a late surge with goals on 66', 81' and 90+5' allowed the nine chances to none demolishing, allowing also a 65-35 possession line. Looks like bye-bye Tora FC.
P: The Blue Muffins

Porto Ordono Juniors 0-4 Kumatians
Midas made sure it was symmetrical, two goals before the break, two goals after the break. In this clean encounter, Midas' team made eight chances to the home side's zero, with goals on 14, 25, 46 and 72' with two players getting doubles - an admirable feat. What will be more admirable if POJ can bounce back from this defeat and win.
P: Kumatians

Peanuts Envy 1-1 Tampa Bay Rowdies
Hymenbreach and LeonidasRexII played out a 1-1 draw with both goals in the second half, after HB's goalkeeper had to be subbed off - and luckily for him, a replacement was on hand. When the home side scored on 58', the crowd was ecstatic, but the joy was cut on 87 minutes when a penalty decided the outcome - it shall be 1 goal a piece, with TBR having a narrow advantage into the second leg.
P: Tampa Bay Rowdies