Rob's Games of the Week - 19.11

[robbgmaier]

After literally minutes of hand wringing, I've managed to reduce the GotW roster to 9 games this week. It remains to be seen whether or not I get around to posting something about each of them, but I know I'll get around to at least one, because...


Game #1
D-II.2
Arabia v. Airborne Penguins (8715)

<pre>
1. arabia 10 28 - 13 22
2. Tombstone Titans 10 32 - 8 21
3. Airborne Penguins 10 22 - 16 19
4. CrazyCoCo 10 26 - 22 16
5. Tallahassee Kiasu 10 17 - 29 13 </pre>

For the last eight weeks, the Airborne Penguins have been flirting with first the relegation zone, and then the qualification zone. Last week, they shrugged off the last real threats of either by punching out Kiasu 4-1. They didn’t even have time to breathe a sigh of relief, for when they turned to look at the scoreboard, they saw that an Arabia loss and a Titans tie left them in range of the top rung of the ladder. Instead of a night of drinking and strippers, the team held a closed door meeting after the game, where they discussed their dreams, and their fears, and ended with the shouts and chest thumping that go with a team on a mission to be the best. These two teams matched supernatural midfields in week 4 when the Penguins were the host, but Arabia led 3-0 most of the way, before the Penguins managed to get off the blank in the 83rd minute. Neither of these two teams are still in the cup, so there will be no major mid-week clash to clutter up the strategy. Big things are expected from the Penguins, we don't give back to back billing to just any old punks, and we aren't scared of Mr. T or Dr. T or anyone else, so you better whip these boys into shape TP :)

[PilotMan]

If I don't feel the love this week I gonna be just crushed...sniff. :(

[Coffee Warlord]

I just want my lovin' next week, when I play to officially clinch 1st place in my series. :)

(Technically we clinch 1st with a tie this week, but if we like lose 10-0 in the final 3 games, I wouldn't keep 1st. So hey.)

[sterlingice]

Well, I won't get any GotW the rest of the year and that suits me just fine.

SI

[Vince]

This is the only week I could possibly get GotW, as I play the number one team in my series. But there will probably be more meaningful matches out there, as this game could only get me to 2nd place unless there is a bit of divine intervention later...

[NYFAN]

There's gonna be a crazy game between "Blu and Yello" and the Long Island Pride. B&Y led V.90 (USA) until this week when the Pride surpassed them. The Pride's only loss has come to them, but they've lost two games recently after losing a number of players to injury. The interesting part is that now those players are injured and training, and may be ready for the B&Y vs Pride match up which will likely determine the outcome of the division. Should be quite the match.

[robbgmaier]

Originally posted by sterlingice
Well, I won't get any GotW the rest of the year and that suits me just fine.

SI

true that, SI, but not the last mention. It's quite possible that your series will be featured in the final week mega super duper double secret probation issue, unless that goal differential thingy gets out of hand before then.

fear not, the Hippos will ride again...or something :)

[robbgmaier]

D-IV.40 MoKan Mighty Bastards (70338) v. Rockets FC

<pre>
6. Rockets FC 10 22 - 33 11
7. MoKan Mighty Bastar 10 10 - 17 8 </pre>

Whoever said it is lonely at the top, must not have supported a high level soccer side, because the bottom is where the gloom and despair reside. Six weeks ago, the Bastards were sitting pretty in 3rd place, featured in another GotW clash, only 1 point out of first. Speaking of the bottom, it has fallen out, and the wheels have come off, and I’m afraid it might be the worst of the GotW curse come to life. They managed only a draw in that week 5 clash, and haven’t score a point since. If the elevator is going to stop above division V, that needs to change in a big way this week. At least they still have the goal differential going for them. The Rockets climbed out of a tie with MoKan last week by squeaking by the 4th place OC Berserkers 1-nil. They had a 60 NSI with an inadequate midfield. The Bastards lost 3-1 to the 5th place Fut Up Your Arse. They had a 59 NSI with a passable midfield. In the first encounter between these two teams, the Bastards went on the road for a 4-1 victory, 58/51 NSI advantage. If anyone wants to say a prayer to Binarous, lord of the digital realm, I’m sure it would be appreciated.

[daedalus]

Woohoo! Good work as usual, robb. Much thanks. :)

Not a good time for TP to have injured strikers.

[robbgmaier]

D-V.1
Snizzle_nizzle_a_drizzle v. Bull Dogs (8421)

<pre>
1. snizzle_nizzle_a_dr 10 44 - 2 27
2. Bull Dogs 10 41 - 7 27
3. rivendell striders 10 39 - 12 24 </pre>
Six weeks ago, the Bull Dogs had just beaten this team at home, and were featured the following week in a game between two teams in a four way log jam at the top with 3 wins and 1 loss a piece. The Bull Dogs and Snizzle each won that week, and every week after, setting up this week 11 battle with dreams of a division title and autopromotion on the line. The Dogs eeked by 1-nil at home in week 4 against Snizzle, the inadequate to poor midfield edge being just enough to overcome Snizzle’s excellent/outstanding/formidable defensive line. Last week, the Bull Dogs managed a 56 NSI and a 5-0 win at home, while Snizzle managed only a 45 NSI and 2-0 road win. The wretched midfield they sported had better have been from a PIC/away combination, or the passable Bull Dogs midfield is going to be running around attaching crawfish to their sacks at will. Oh wait, that’s somebody else.

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by robbgmaier
true that, SI, but not the last mention. It's quite possible that your series will be featured in the final week mega super duper double secret probation issue, unless that goal differential thingy gets out of hand before then.

fear not, the Hippos will ride again...or something :)

Very possible: A promotion match is almost guaranteed. My biggest hope is that whoever wins V.62 (obviously I hope it's me) gets promoted because the Dragons and I don't need to be dismantling each other again next year.

SI

[TargetPractice6]

Thanks for the write-up man! I went out and bought a new striker just for this match, so no worries of injuries here. I really want to beat this team though. They picked me to finish last before the season started, and predicted me to lose nearly every week when we a did predictions. Must... get... payback!

[PilotMan]

You go TP, MISFC will be in your cheering section.

[FrogMan]

TP6, go get 'em. You'll have cheers coming all the way from Canada!!!

FM

[robbgmaier]

D-V.85
Mississippi Strikers FC (70858) v. Lord Nut

<pre>
1. Lord Nut 10 30 - 4 25
2. Mississippi Striker 10 26 - 7 23
3. Assassains 10 25 - 17 22 </pre>

Following a loss and two draws early in the season, the Strikers have won their last 4 to stay in contention in V.85. The first encounter with Nut was a scoreless draw, despite Nut having a player sent off in the first half. The sides matched 50 NSI’s, with almost all of the fire power concentrated in the defense, Nut’s 5-4-1 v. Strikers 4-5-1. Strikers were treated to a PIC last week, while Nut had to fend off Assassains to stay in first place. If the Strikers win this week, they can look forward to a rematch with Assassains, the only team to have beaten then, back in week 1.

[robbgmaier]

D-V.90
Long Island Pride (70899) v. Blu and Yello

<pre>
1. Long Island Pride 10 36 - 6 27
2. Blu and Yello 10 40 - 10 24
3. The Cash Money Brot 10 28 - 24 22 </pre>

A return to the scene of the crime. Blu and Yello handed LIP their only loss back in week 4. Their 44 NSI was a 2-0 loser to Blu’s 48 NSI. Rather than pout about it, they’ve quietly went about beating up the rest of the league. Last week, the resurgent Cash Money Brothers pulled Blu and Yello down a peg, giving LIP, temporarily at least, a 3 point lead. LIP has made some improvements during the year, in their latest game they put up a 55 NSI, in 4-0 road win. Blu seems to be going the other way, managing only a miserable 37 NSI in their last match, losing 2-0 at home to Cash Money. Quite a turn around, especially for what seems to be an active team. If Cash Money were two points closer, you might even be tempted to PIC, heh.

[robbgmaier]

D-V.140
Scranton Slime (71299) v. Jagerhawks

<pre>
1. Scranton Slime 10 32 - 13 27
2. Jagerhawks 10 40 - 19 24 </pre>

Four weeks ago, the Slime were starting a 4 game series with the two second place teams Omaha and Vectors. They won all of those games and were perfect for nine weeks. Then, inexplicably, they got slimed, beaten 7-1 by 3rd place Cthulu. So, what was once a leisurely stroll toward division IV has now become a little more interesting. When the Slime played the Jagerhawks on the road, they put a 6-1 beat down on them. The NSI difference was 49 to 43.

[robbgmaier]

D-V.179
Spring Grove Fighting Eagles (72093) v. Richland Bombers

<pre>
1. Richland Bombers 10 50 - 17 27
2. Spring Grove Fighti 10 42 - 15 24 </pre>

Five weeks ago, the Eagles were 1 point back, and won their GotW matchup with the leaders to claim a tie at the top of the table. They remained in first place over the next four weeks, until last week when they got pounded 6-nil on the road at 3rd place FC HAUPPAUGE. HAUPPAUGE’s excellent midfield may have had something to do with that result. A setback to be sure, but it need not prevent them from winning the division. In the first meeting in Virginia, the Bombers surrendered the first two goals, but managed to rally for a 4-3 win, with a 47 to 43 NSI advantage. The Eagles have improved during the season, posting a 48 NSI in last week’s loss, while improvements in the attack of brought Richland’s NSI up to 54 for last week.
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D-V.193
Blade Bombers (71724) v. TSU Texans

<pre>
1. TSU Texans 10 63 - 14 27
2. Reign 10 38 - 14 24
3. Blade Bombers 10 31 - 15 24 </pre>

The second and third place FOFC teams have managed to bloody each other this season, opening up ground for TSU, and perhaps, setting up a really feisty rivalry for the top of V.193 next season. Hold on though, neither of them has given up on this season quite yet. Not only do the Texans need to lose to the Bombers for either FOFCer to have a chance, they need some more help down the stretch, as TSU has absolutely lit up the board in their matches this season. In the week 4 encounter, the Bombers went on the road and got beat 5-2, with NSI’s even at 50. Last week’s NSI’s were 54 to 43 for TSU, both teams PICing to prepare for this week’s game. TSU trains strikers, and their weakest attack rating is solid, which might explain the big goal difference they hold.
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D-V.234
Arkham Avengers (72049) v. OSORIO RC

<pre>
1. OSORIO RC 10 48 - 5 30
2. Arkham Avengers 10 38 - 6 27
3. Allerian Ants 10 43 - 9 24 </pre>

Arkham lost to OSORIO 3-1 in week 4, losing the NSI 55 to 51, and they have been grinding their teeth for the last 6 weeks, waiting for the rematch. Both teams had PIC games last week against teams that no longer exist. I guess if you can’t stand the heat, etc.

There you have it, an RGotW nine-pack. Good luck everyone, I hope to be deeply hungover Sunday night and most of Monday, hee-haw.

[Nyarlahotep]

Originally posted by robbgmaier
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D-V.234
Arkham Avengers (72049) v. OSORIO RC

<pre>
1. OSORIO RC 10 48 - 5 30
2. Arkham Avengers 10 38 - 6 27
3. Allerian Ants 10 43 - 9 24 </pre>

Arkham lost to OSORIO 3-1 in week 4, losing the NSI 55 to 51, and they have been grinding their teeth for the last 6 weeks, waiting for the rematch. Both teams had PIC games last week against teams that no longer exist. I guess if you can’t stand the heat, etc.

There you have it, an RGotW nine-pack. Good luck everyone, I hope to be deeply hungover Sunday night and most of Monday, hee-haw.



Wo0t!!! We made it. The game is however pretty much meaningless. I'm not going to MOTS because even if I win there is no way I can catch his goal differential. I blew my shot at winning the series in week four by PIC'ing him to raise my TS for my match with Apoc. Otherwise it really is a good match. We both started with four weeks left last season, and the only league loss for either of us is when he beat me.

[robbgmaier]

Originally posted by Nyarlahotep
Wo0t!!! We made it. The game is however pretty much meaningless. I'm not going to MOTS because even if I win there is no way I can catch his goal differential. I blew my shot at winning the series in week four by PIC'ing him to raise my TS for my match with Apoc. Otherwise it really is a good match. We both started with four weeks left last season, and the only league loss for either of us is when he beat me.

I have to say I really disagree with that. You are down 11 in the goal differential now, but your result will be a double swing this week. Even if you only win by 3 goals, the differential will be down to 5 with 3 weeks remaining. Two weeks ago, the Hippos managed a 5 goal win against their rival and wiped out a 7 GD advantage all in one game.

That said, if you are actually worried about not winning the rest of your games after a MOTS, that'd be a different story, but this definitely seems like a "kitchen sink" game to me.

2 cents in mint condition

[TredWel]

Originally posted by robbgmaier
D-V.140
Scranton Slime (71299) v. Jagerhawks

<pre>
1. Scranton Slime 10 32 - 13 27
2. Jagerhawks 10 40 - 19 24 </pre>

Four weeks ago, the Slime were starting a 4 game series with the two second place teams Omaha and Vectors. They won all of those games and were perfect for nine weeks. Then, inexplicably, they got slimed, beaten 7-1 by 3rd place Cthulu. So, what was once a leisurely stroll toward division IV has now become a little more interesting. When the Slime played the Jagerhawks on the road, they put a 6-1 beat down on them. The NSI difference was 49 to 43.

Thanks for the love - this is a huge game. If I win, I can pretty much cinch up the division and focus on getting back above the auto-promote line. If I lose, things get a LOT more interesting in our division, as the Jagerhawks and I will probably be on a goal differential race for the league trophy, and odds are we'll have to repeat that performance next year.

Thank god we're at home. That and the obligatory MOTS should keep the debacle of last week from happening again.

This is easily the biggest match of my team's career. It should be a good one.

[Nyarlahotep]

Originally posted by robbgmaier
I have to say I really disagree with that. You are down 11 in the goal differential now, but your result will be a double swing this week. Even if you only win by 3 goals, the differential will be down to 5 with 3 weeks remaining. Two weeks ago, the Hippos managed a 5 goal win against their rival and wiped out a 7 GD advantage all in one game.

That said, if you are actually worried about not winning the rest of your games after a MOTS, that'd be a different story, but this definitely seems like a "kitchen sink" game to me.

2 cents in mint condition


I was taking later games into account as well. Next week I play the number three team and I would really really hate to lose to them, plus my TS would suck for my FOFC Cup game this week. But I also have to say that even wiping out the differential in this game wouldn't help because he would still pull ahead by the end of the season. I still may decide to MOTS though. I have been going back and forth on this all week now and there is one thing that keeps brining me back to MOTS. I don't want any result here other than a win. Even if I don't win the series, I don't want him thinking he is better than me. Right now he knows that he won in week four because I chose to PIC him, so if I win here I can be happy with both of us knowing he only won the series because I didn't put doing so as my priority this season.

[NYFAN]

Happy to report a 4-1 win for the Pride!

[robbgmaier]

- Postgame Show - ROB'S GAMES of the WEEK - 19.11

Game #1
D-II.2
Arabia v. Airborne Penguins (8715) 5:1

<pre>
1. arabia 11 33 - 14 25
2. Tombstone Titans 11 35 - 8 24
3. Airborne Penguins 11 23 - 21 19
4. CrazyCoCo 11 29 - 26 16
5. Tallahassee Kiasu 11 17 - 32 13 </pre>

As quickly as the dreams for a division title arose, they were just as quickly and decisively squashed by Arabia. The good news is the CrazyCoCo and Kiasu both lost as well, and it would now take a truly horrific turn of events for the Penguins to be forced to face a qualification match.
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D-IV.40 MoKan Mighty Bastards (70338) v. Rockets FC 1:1

<pre>
6. Rockets FC 11 23 - 34 12
7. MoKan Mighty Bastar 11 11 - 18 9 </pre>

A devastating draw for the Bastards, who now need some help if they want to have a chance to remain in D-IV next season. Each team has a match against the pointless last place side remaining, so there is precious little time for the Bastards to make up those three points. They still have the goal difference edge, so we remain hopefull that they can pull something off.
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D-V.1
Snizzle_nizzle_a_drizzle v. Bull Dogs (8421) 0:1

<pre>
1. Bull Dogs 11 42 - 7 30
2. snizzle_nizzle_a_dr 11 44 - 3 27
3. rivendell striders 11 46 - 12 27 </pre>

The Bull Dogs pulled it off, and now, finally sit atop V.1. The 2nd and 3rd place side face off next week, eliminating at least one of them from the final chase. The goal difference is still close enough to have to sweat the last few games.
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D-V.85
Mississippi Strikers FC (70858) v. Lord Nut 0:2

<pre>
1. Lord Nut 11 32 - 4 28
2. Assassains 11 27 - 18 25
3. Mississippi Striker 11 26 - 9 23 </pre>

Not much to say here, the Strikers just didn’t get the job done. They should manage to hold on to a spot in the top three.
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D-V.90
Long Island Pride (70899) v. Blu and Yello 4:1

<pre>
1. Long Island Pride 11 40 - 7 30
2. The Cash Money Brot 11 31 - 24 25
3. Blu and Yello 11 41 - 14 24 </pre>

Meanwhile, LIP did get the job done, and have a fairly comfortable lead at the top of V.90. They are currently sitting under the autopromote line, so they have work left to do.
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D-V.140
Scranton Slime (71299) v. Jagerhawks 4:0

<pre>
1. Scranton Slime 11 36 - 13 30
2. Jagerhawks 11 40 - 23 24 </pre>

Another side that has all but locked up their division, but is still floundering to autopromote. There will be lots of scoreboard watching in the final weeks, looking for other teams to fail and make way for those below.
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D-V.179
Spring Grove Fighting Eagles (72093) v. Richland Bombers 4:6

<pre>
1. Richland Bombers 11 56 - 21 30
2. Spring Grove Fighti 11 46 - 21 24 </pre>

These guys left the defenders in their plastic wrap, and though exciting, the ten goal game did not end favorably for the Eagles. Better luck next season.
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D-V.193
Blade Bombers (71724) v. TSU Texans 4:3

<pre>
1. TSU Texans 11 66 - 18 27
2. Reign 11 44 - 14 27
3. Blade Bombers 11 35 - 18 27 </pre>

Well, this is pretty exciting. The Bombers pulled the Texans back into shouting distance with a slightly surprising 4-3 win this week. Next week is the best chance the Texans have of falling again, as they play 4th place Millard South. The Bombers are still on the outside looking in, but I’m sure Reign will give them a couple of keys to the executive wash room if it all works out in the end.
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D-V.234
Arkham Avengers (72049) v. OSORIO RC 1:1

<pre>
1. OSORIO RC 11 49 - 6 31
2. Arkham Avengers 11 39 - 7 28
3. Allerian Ants 11 53 - 9 27 </pre>

Aaargh! Well, Arkham ruined OSORIO’s perfect season, but the draw probably just won’t be enough with the goal difference being what it is. Still, an impressive result all the same, and with the probably departure

[TargetPractice6]

Needless to say I'm not happy about the result of my match :)

[Qwikshot]

Ultra Nox vs Riddle...I'm now in the #3 spot and Riddle is #2 after two losses. Riddle got away with a win last time round because my one defender red carded and his offense is potent...this time round I'll be using 4-5-1. Whoever wins trails Ring of Fire for that #1 slot...(I've beaten Ring of Fire).

In all honesty, the last three weeks of my season are against the elite in my league and all gotw material (should I be competitive)...Riddle, Ring of Fire and Heavy Metal Superstars...should I win against all three I should win the series, but for now I'm just going to concentrate on Riddle.