Manchester United - The Changing of the (Defensive) Guard

[Eaglesfan27]

Greetings to everyone reading this. This is the electronic journal of Christopher Engles.

I'm a 39 year old manager who is considered something of a phenom. I started out my first season of managing professional football at Harrogate Town in the English Conference North back when I was 29. During my first season, I didn't know if I was going to make it through to a second. We had some rocky games in that first season. Fortunately, I showed enough improvement in the 2nd half of the season, that they gave me a chance to come back for another season. You can read about my first season as manager in this thread:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=32963 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=32963)


In my second season as manager, I really developed a system and brought in some good talent. Thanks to their play, I managed to help Harrogate win promotion from the English Conference North. You can read about that season in this thread:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=33340 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=33340)


In my third season, we continued to gather talent and we continued to win. We won the English Conference National Title and were promoted to League Two. You can read about that season in this thread:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=33908 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=33908)


In my fourth season, after some early struggles, the team adapted to League Two play and we went on a tear in the second half of the season. Thanks to our hot play, we won the English League Two Title and were promoted to League One. You can read about that season in this thread:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=34430 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=34430)


In my fifth season, I had to make a very hard decision. The team was struggling in League One as the board had continued to refuse to expand the stadium over the years. We were losing money. We didn't have the money to keep our top players. We were floundering. My status was very high and I was being offered several high profile jobs because of what I had done with Harrogate. I made the hard decision to leave Harrogate in midseason and I moved to Wigan. I suddenly had massive amounts of money. I sent some of it to Harrogate Town for a few of my favorite players. You can read about my fifth season in this thread:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=35300 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=35300)


In my sixth season, I managed to bring in some potent talent to Wigan via Bosman signings. Thanks to that talent, we won the English Championship with a 99 point season in which we had 30 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses. I was glad to see that my new system worked nicely at this higher talent level. You can read about my sixth season in this thread:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=36645 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=36645)


Then, in my seventh season, I knew that Wigan would have a hard time staying in the EPL and I also knew that Manchester United had a coaching vacancy. It took well over a month, but just before league play started Manchester United approached me and offered me the manager's job. I felt bad leaving Wigan after only a year and a half, but this was the golden ring I had been trying to reach. I quickly took the job. I had moderate to good success in my seventh season as I brought in a few very talented players, including wonderkids Adriano and Craig King. We also brought in the very talented Stewart Downing at left wing. As a result, we improved from the previous finish of 5th place to a 2nd place team. You can read about the seventh season here:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=36968 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=36968)


In my eighth season, we enjoyed great success. We had an early battle with Chelsea for the EPL lead. Eventually, our offense really started popping. Wayne Rooney had his best season ever as a Red Devil. Our defense came together. We won the EPL Title. We also won the English Cup Title. However, we fell short of the quadruple and lost in the final of the Champions League and the English FA Cup. Those were both disappointing losses. A developing story all year long was Wayne Rooney's dissatisfaction that I would not let him go to Milan or another "more prestigious club" that made huge offers for him. You can read about the eighth season here:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=37396 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=37396)


In my ninth season, the big question going in was if I would be able to sign Wayne Rooney or if I would have to sell him. Fortunately, just before I was about to sell him, I managed to sign Rooney to a new deal. Behind the dynamic duo of Wayne Rooney and Adriano at striker, along with a solid defense we finished 1st in the EPL for a second straight year. Perhaps, more importantly, we won the Champions League for my first time as a manager.

Read all about the 9th season here:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/...ead.php?t=37735 (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=37735)


In my 10th season, things had settled down. We had Rooney under a long term contract and our offense looked set. However, our defense had questions as Lucio and Rio Ferdinand were aging. Also, Wes Brown was aging and losing his skills. Would these guys be able to hold on for one more season? Would my replacements such as Salva, Marchetti, and Cahais step up? I gradually started the phasing out of Lucio and Ferdinand but they both played in some key games. However, Salva and Marchetti generally did well and proved they can play on this level. Also, we had an explosive offense led by Wayne Rooney who had his best year ever for me with 36 goals and 14 assists in 36 starts. I also saw the surprising developing of Antonio Ortega and Carlos Godoy. We did well and we won the EPL Title for the third straight year. However, we faltered in the quarterfinals of the Champions League and we only pulled off a double. We want.. no we need to build on that success and do better next season. Oh yeah, I helped guide England to one their best World Cup Finishes in a long time. There was a suprising villian that ended our run.

You can read about my 10th season here:

http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?t=38819


Now we start my 11th season. Lucio, Rio Ferdinand, and Wes Brown are three of my all time favorite players. Unfortunately, I will be phasing Lucio and Ferdinand out much more this year. Salva and Marchetti are the guys right now. The jury is still out on Cahais, but I need to use him more and see if he can really play at this level. Wes Brown and Zdenek Grygera still have a bit left, but I need to acquire a star right back to further strengthen our defense. That will be a major focus early in the season. We scored 100 league goals last year, and I hope to match that level of excellence again this year. Can we do it?

[Eaglesfan27]

July 9, 2014 -

The transfer budget for the upcoming year will be 41 million dollars.


The board is delighted with my performance. They expect us to repeat and win the EPL Title.

I've decided to target Everton's star right back Sean Brady who is only 21 and has already become a premier right back/centreback who can also play in the midfield. He lacks footspeed, and this concerns me a bit, but he has been very effective because he does everything else so well including anticipating the action. Besides, signed an Everton star worked out for Manchester United fairly well about 10 years ago. Everton knows this kid is special and they have rejected a 30 million dollar offer. I've countered with 33 million plus 40% of next sale.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 10, 2014 -

According to the media, Roma wants Salva :( They are reported to be willing to offer about 20 million dollars for him. I don't want to let him go at any price...


I know Salva loves his native country and I'm afraid this could end badly for us...


Chelsea's Freddy Adu just signed a new 3 year deal worth 28.5 million dollars :(

Darn, he was just about to become an unprotected player.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 11, 2014 -

Salva has told Soccernet.com that it would take a very attractive offer to lure him away from Old Trafford, but that he would be interested in talking to Roma :(


Chelsea has signed Stefano Di Stefano on a Bosman deal. This kid is a young promising keeper. Interesting signing.

Everton rejected my 33 million dollar offer for Brady. This kid is one of the best jumpers and most physical defenders in the game. I offer them 35 million and 50% of next sale.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 11, 2014 -

Today we play at FC Kobenhavn in a friendly match. My goal is to warm up the guys who didn't play in the WC (much), and to try out our new acquisition. I'll phase him into the game.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 60's.

GK: Adriano
DL: Chivu
DC: Cahais
DC: Marchetti
DR: Grygera
ML: Alfonso
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: McFadden
SC: Adriano

S1: Howard
S2: Djemba
S3: Godoy
S4: King
S5: Wood
S6: Ortega
S7: Smith
S8: Ferdinand
S9: Lucio
S10: Rooney
S11: Barbosa
S12: Cook

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Marchetti with a good defensive play.

15 minute mark: Grygera with a key defensive play.

34 minute mark: Marchetti has picked up a knock. I put Ferdinand on for him.

I just wanted to see a taste of Adriano, so I put King on for him.

44 minute mark: Cahais tripped Asmussen just outside the box.. Thomas Nielsen takes a shot.. it deflects off the wall.. towards the left corner.. Adriano dives.. gets a hand on it.. it still goes in. GOAL. Down 1-0.


Halftime: 1-0 deficit.


I put Cook on for Fletcher and Barbosa on for Alfonso. Let's see what the new guy can do.

45 minute mark: Cook steals it at midfield.. passes it to McFadden.. Mcfadden passes between two defenders to King just outside the box.. King dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

54 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick.. to the near post.. Schreurs heads it.. the keeper saves it.

55 minute mark: McFadden steals a pass from the keeper to the defender.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-1. Great play by McFadden to intercept that one.

61 minute mark: I put Godoy on for McFadden, Wood on for Parker, Ortega on for Schreurs, Lucio on for Cahais.

70 minute mark: Jensen with a point blank shot.. Adriano with an acrobatic save.

86 minute mark: Ferdinand starts the counterattack.. long pass to King in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.

88 minute mark: Barbosa passes it to King in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. over the bar.


Game over. 2-1 win for us.

We outshot them 17-10 (8-4 on target)

Adriano had a 9 for form and played very well in goal. Chivu, Parker, McFadden, and King all had 8's for form. Everyone else had a 7.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 13, 2014 -

WOW! I'm shocked to be offered the manager job for both Portugal and Argentina today! While both have some good young talent, I'm determined to try to bring glory to England. I turn down both offers.

Everton rejected my latest offer. I make my final offer (not because I'm at my transfer limit, but because this is almost twice his "value) of 40 million dollars plus 50% of next sale for Sean Brady.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 15, 2014 -

Milan Boss Luca Trucchi has been named the new manager of Italy.


Hmm.. my England U19 squad faces Serbia & Mont. in the European U19 Championship Group B match while my Manchester United squad has a friendly. I decide to focus on the friendly, and just offer Steve some minor suggestions for the U19 match.


Today we play Beveren in a friendly match. I don't have many friendly matches scheduled this year and this one will be important for conditioning.

GK: Howard (He's still the better keeper and will start most of our important matches.)
DL: O'Shea
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Brown
ML: Alfonso
MC: Djemba
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Barbosa (he has all the talents to play striker)
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Wood
S3: Cook
S4: Smith
s5: Cahais
S6: Godoy
S7: Ortega
S8: Ferdinand
S9: Downing
S10: Adriano
S11: Schmidt
S12: Fletcher

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Alfonso passes to Barbosa in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. good save by the keeper.


(OOPS: I was getting the laundry out to pack for my trip and missed the first half - despite the fact that I swore I paused it. Looks suspiciously at the cat.)


Halftime: 0-0 tie.


Downing on for Alfonso who has picked up a minor injury. Cahais on for Marchetti who is playing badly.

55 minute mark: Downing dribbles down the left sideline.. crosses to the middle of the box.. Barbosa heads it.. the keeper pushes it over the bar.

60 minute mark: I bring on the entire bench including Adriano in goal and my other Adriano at striker.

64 minute mark: Downing with a corner.. to the middle of the box.. Adriano heads it.. the keeper pushed Adriano down! Penalty awarded.. Cook steps up.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

77 minute mark: Janssen shoots from 20 yards out.. Cahais deflects the ball.. to the lower left corner.. past Adriano. Rough play by Cahais. GOAL. 1-1 game.

86 minute mark: Cook passes to Adriano in the box.. he shoots.. over the bar.


End of match. 1-1 tie.

We outshot them 13-5.

Schreurs won MoM. Downing and he had an 8 for form. Everyone else had a 7.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 18, 2014 -

WOW! Everton have countered my 40 million dollar offer. They want 29 million up front, 26 million over 6 months and Andy Ford for Sean Brady. I'd like to have this talented defender, but I can't afford that. I'll pass.


I decide to target Mark van den Boogaart. He is a 28 year old dutch defender/midfielder who can play on the right side or in the centre. He is very fast and highly skilled. My only concern is that the scouts think his teamwork isn't always very good. However, he is a very gifted defender who is always positioned well. I offer Betis 20 million for this player.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 20, 2014 -

Newcastle spent 18 million dollars to sign Dutch Goalkeeper Michel Testerink from PSV.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 23, 2014 -

Betis have rejected my offer of 20 million for Mark van den Boogaart. I counter with 24 million.


Portugal have named Atletico de Madrid boss Victor Fernandez as the new national coach.

Argentina have hired Gerardo Martino to be their new manager.


Arsenal have decided to pursue Leeds' Striker Gregory Maury as the long term replacement to Javier Saviola.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 24, 2014 -

My AM reminds me each of the following player's contract expires in the next year:


Zdenek Grygera - 34 year old right back is already starting to decline. I don't plan on offering him a new deal.


Carlos Godoy - This 23 year old right winger/midfielder is becoming a very good rotation player. He is currently making 4,000/week. I contact his agent. Godoy wants 59,000/week plus he wants to be a key player. I can't promise him that. However, I promise him a rotation spot and that 59,000/week. I also offer him the requested 1 million dollar signing bonus.


Alan Smith - This 33 year old striker is slipping and I don't plan on offering him a new deal.


Eric Djemba Djemba - This 33 year old midfielder still has great skill. He is willing to take a small pay cut to 70,000/week. I offer him an additional year on his contract.


Tim Howard - He is 35 and he is starting to decline, but he is still an effective keeper. He wants to be promised a starter role and 77,000/week which is his current salary to do a 1 year extension. I agree, but Adriano will be rotating in more. I also give him the requested 1.5 million dollar signing bonus.


Cristian Chivu - He is 33 and injuries are speeding his decline. I won't offer him a new deal.


Rio Ferdinand - He is 35, but he is still an effective defender at times. He is declining, but I'm going to offer him an extension for 1 year out of loyalty to this long time player. I'm asking him to take a paycut down to 70,000/week.


Lucio - He is 36 and he is declining some, but he still has a bit of football left in him. I'll offer him a 1 year extension to be a rotation player if he wants to do that and take a pay cut.


craig King - This 24 year old striker is our 3rd best striker. He would be a #1 on many teams. He is currently making 70,000/week. I contact his agent about a long term extension. He wants 2.8 million up front, 130,000/week and a first team spot. While he won't be an every game first team player, I will use him plenty. I agree to his terms which will extend his deal for 3 more years.


Alfonso - This 22 year old left winger is becoming a very reliable player. He is currently making 25,000/week. I want to offer him a long term extension. He is requesting 70,000/week and a 1.5 million signing bonus. I agree to his terms.


Matais Cahais - This 26 year old defender is my third best defender and is a good player. He is currently making 26,000/week. He is willing to take a 4 year extension at 28,000/week with a signing bonus of 500,000. I agree to his terms. He also realizes he will be a rotator which is great.



Andy Ford - This 22 year old striker is just too slow. I'll let him go after this season.

Anthony Morris - This 20 year old striker has some potential. I might sign him at the last minute if he develops a bit more.

Souleymane Mamam - This 29 year old midfielder has good abilities, but he has never fit in. I'll let him go when his contract expires.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 26, 2014 -

Tim Howard signed a new 2 year deal worth 9 million dollars.

Eric Djemba Djemba signed his new 2 year deal worth 7.2 million dollars.

Matias Cahais signed a new 4 year deal worth 5.4 million dollars.

Ferdinand signed his extension and indicated that he will retire after the deal is done.


Craig King rejected our contract offer :( I tried to get him to sign a 4 year deal. I back it down to a 3 year deal that he was requesting.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 26, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Chievo in our final friendly match before the Community Shield match. Chieve has a very talented team and this match is going to be televised. However, I'm really just worried about finishing our conditioning for the real matches.

GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva
DC: Marchetti
DR: Grygera
ML: Alfonso
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Cook
S3: Godoy
S4: Chivu
S5: Wood
S6: Downing
S7: Barbosa
S8: Cahais
S9: Ortega
S10: Brown
S11: Lucio
S12: Djemba

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Rooney passes to Adriano.. he shoots from 30 yards out.. powerful banana shot.. upper right corner.. it hits the crossbar.

12 minute mark: Marchetti passes long to Alfonso.. he heads it to Rooney in the box.. Rooney shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper pushes it over the bar.

16 minute mark: Alfonso passes to Rooney left of the box.. Rooney dribbles past two defenders.. draws another over.. crosses it to the far post.. Schreurs heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

22 minute mark: Rooney takes the corner kick.. lifts it towards the center of the box.. Adriano outjumps two defenders.. heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0!

27 minute mark: Fletcher shoots from 25 yards out.. the keeper barely parries it.. Adriano gets the rebound.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0! That is Adriano's second.

44 minute mark: Schmidt throws it in.. to Fletcher who is left of the box.. Fletcher crosses it to the far post.. Schreurs heads it.. into the upper right corner! GOAL!!!! 4-0! Schreurs's second of the game.


Halftime: 4-0 lead.


52 minute mark: Fletcher passes to Schreurs on the right wing.. he passes to Alfonso in the left side of the box.. he centers to Rooney in the middle of the box.. Rooney shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 5-0.

66 minute mark: I've been trying to get a stoppage in play for the last 6 minutes. I finally get one and bring in the bench players.

77 minute mark: Ortega dribbles into the right corner of the pitch.. crosses it.. beautiful curling cross.. to the near post.. Godoy heads it.. wide right of the net.

89 minute mark: Silva de Arujlo bodychecks Barbosa hard.. Barbosa is hurt.. Silva gets a red card.


Game over. 5-0 win.

We outshot them 19-1 (10-1 on target)

Adriano wins MoM for his 2 goals. He and Rooney both had 10's for form. My entire midfield starters all had 9's for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Helder Barbosa suffered a calf strain and will miss about 2 weeks.

Betis have accepted my offer for Mark van den Boogaart. His agent states that he wants 74,000/week for 2 years with a 1.4 million dollar signing bonus. Interestingly, Carlos doesn't believe he is worth signing. That is worrisome, but I trust my eye. I go through with the deal, but I up the years to 3 to see if he will accept it.


Lucio signed his new deal and indicated that he plans on retiring after this contract is up.

Alfonso signed a new 4 year worth 14 million dollars.

[weinstein7]

I'm must admit, I'm a little confused by the van den Boogaart signing. If your primary objective is to get younger, what good will a 28 year old MF do for you?

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm must admit, I'm a little confused by the van den Boogaart signing. If your primary objective is to get younger, what good will a 28 year old MF do for you?
He is a stop gap. I'm not convinced that Wes Brown or Zdenek Grygera can be competitive on the top level of competition for this year. Boogaart is good enough to play in the EPL. There weren't any young right backs who are available that are good enough to play in the EPL now or even a year from now. Of course, I would have much rather had Sean Brady, but I was not going to pay 55 million for a right back who is a bit slow (even if he is great at everything else.) Heck, I don't think I'd pay 55 million for any right back.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola - the other thing about this signing is that 28 isn't too old. Downing was 26 when I signed him. This guy probably has 3 or 4 quality years in him. So, he isn't a very short term stop gap. Remember Grygera and Brown are in their mid 30's and they are just finally becoming ineffective.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 28, 2014 -

Gary Megson has been sacked by Newcastle. Micky Adams is believed to be the favorite to take over the job.


Carlos Godoy signed a new 3 year deal worth 9 million dollars.


Craig King rejected my latest contract offer :(

He is now asking for 140,000/week. Carlos thinks we should offer up to 150,000/week. I offer 140k plus 2.8 million for a 3 year deal (this year plus 2 more.)


Arsenal paid 30 million dollars to sign Hatem Ben Arfa from Liverpool.

[weinstein7]

OK, fair enough. You obviously know your team better than I do :)

Do salaries increase over time in FM?

[Eaglesfan27]

July 29, 2014 -

Mark van den Boogaart has accepted my contract offer. He said that he is thrilled to be working with such a good manager. At least he knows how to kiss up ;)



Today the odds for the EPL were announced:

We are the favorites with 6-4 odds.

Chelsea is second with 7-4 odds, Arsenal has 2-1 odds, Liverpool has 5-2 oods.

Tottenham and Aston Villa are next with 33-1 odds.




The media have asked if I think we will win like the experts are predicting. I give my standard pat response, "We have a chance of winning the title but the players must stay focused and give their best in every match."

[Eaglesfan27]

OK, fair enough. You obviously know your team better than I do :)

Do salaries increase over time in FM?
It depends. Some players demand escalator clauses in their contracts such as 10% annual raise. However, most of my players are on flat contracts right now.

However, if they start "outperforming" their contracts, they will start complaining quite vocally to the media ;)

[weinstein7]

It depends. Some players demand escalator clauses in their contracts such as 10% annual raise. However, most of my players are on flat contracts right now.

However, if they start "outperforming" their contracts, they will start complaining quite vocally to the media ;)

No, no, I mean is there inflation, like in FOF?

[Eaglesfan27]

July 30, 2014 -

Fans surrounded the stadium and cheered in droves at the signing of Mark van den Boogaart. Our Commercial Director reports that he thinks this will boost sales of shirts.

Matias Cahais sees Mark van den Boogaart as a threat to his job and he is mouthing off to the media. Doesn't the idiot realize I plan on playing this new signing exclusively at right back?

I tell Cahais to shut up and play football through the media. I also tell him that I hope the competition brings out his best.


Speaking of idiots, Craig King rejected our latest contract offer :(

I'm offering him the exact fee that he wants and I assume he is angry about not being a more regular first team member :( I offer him 150,000/week and a 4 million dollar signing bonus. If he doesn't sign this, I'm just going to try to play him more and make him happy that way.

[Eaglesfan27]

No, no, I mean is there inflation, like in FOF?
Not that I've seen. The best players in the world generally make around 160,000 - 200,000 dollars/week in 2004 or 2014.

I'm fairly certain that finances remain static throughout time.

[weinstein7]

Not that I've seen. The best players in the world generally make around 160,000 - 200,000 dollars/week in 2004 or 2014.

I'm fairly certain that finances remain static throughout time.

That's nice. I always lost interest in FOF when punters started asking for 5mil salaries, and I realized they actually weren't that out of line.

[Eaglesfan27]

That's nice. I always lost interest in FOF when punters started asking for 5mil salaries, and I realized they actually weren't that out of line.
I absolutely agree.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 2, 2014 -

The board is delighted with my performance as manager.

Milan cancelled the sale of Frank Wolf to Liverpool at the last minute. Liverpool is reportedly livid.

Craig King finally signed a new deal that will be worth 26.5 million over 3 years.



Wow! The board has announced that due to our excellent financial position they are making 20 million more available to me in transfer funds. Therefore, I now have almost 40 million available again for transfers. I might pick up a young right back if I can find one as my scouts continue to look.


Newcastle have hired Micky Adams as manager.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 3, 2014 -

Today we play Leicester in the English Community Shield. This game is always an important "friendly." Leicester's best player attacking midfielder Hector is injured and won't be playing. Dean Ashton is a great striker and he will be difficult to stop from scoring. Jafeth Asprilla is a good supportung striker. Ari Nyman is a decent centreback. Martin English and Edgar Barreto are good midfielders. Paul Gallacher is still a good keeper.


We are 1-6 favorites.

It's sunny and over 100 degrees today!!!

GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva
DC: Marchetti
DR: Grygera
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Alfonso
S4: Ortega
S5: O'Shea
S6: McFadden
S7: King

[thealmighty]

What is your total weekly wages now and what is your wage budget? Those numbers seem to add up to quite a hefty sum.

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Downing passes to Fletcher in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. over the bar.

7 minute mark: Downing dribbles past two defenders.. crosses it to the center of the box.. Parker heads it.. over the bar.

15 minute mark: Schreurs dribbles past two defenders.. to right of the box.. crosses it to the near post.. Adriano with a powerful header.. upper right corner! GOAL!!!!! 1-0.

20 minute mark: Asprilla burns Grgygera.. dribbles into the box.. crosses it to the far post.. Ashton heads it.. Howard saves it.

27 minute mark: Howard stops a point blank shot from Ashton.

35 minute mark: Barreto passes to Marquinhos just outside the box.. he shoots.. it deflects off Marchetti into the right side of the net! GOAL. 1-1 game.

45 minute mark: Downing crosses to Parker.. he heads it.. it hits the crossbar.. Adriano hits it on the half-volley as it cannons off the crossbar.. GOAL!!!! 2-1! That is Adriano's second of the game.


Halftime: 2-1 lead for us.

There are over 90,000 fans here today.


The heat is tiring my guys out, but I'll leave them in for a few more minutes.


60 minute mark: O'Shea on for Schmidt (I want to keep Schmidt as fresh as possible for the important games), McFadden on for Rooney, and King on for Adriano.

70 minute mark: Parker intercepts it at midfield.. passes to McFadden.. he dribbles between two defenders.. shoots.. lower left corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.. Downing gets the rebound.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-1.


Game over. 3-1 win :)

We each had 12 shots. We each had 7 shots on target.

Tim Howard wins MoM, 8 for form, 19 of 26 passes, 6 saves.

[Eaglesfan27]

What is your total weekly wages now and what is your wage budget? Those numbers seem to add up to quite a hefty sum.
The board is currently allowing me to pay up to 2.8 million dollars/week! That stadium expansion has really added to our revenue stream and the wage budget.

We are currently approximately 500,000 dollars under the wage budget.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

The board is very pleased with our win in the Community Shield.

Jeroen Schreurs sprained his ankle and will miss about a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 5, 2013 -

Gabriele Marchetti is devasted after he injured his ankle in practice today. He is expected to be out about a week, but he is desperate to play in the season opener and is hoping to play sooner. (OOC: I'm paraphrasing slightly, but this has to be one of the coolest news stories I've ever seen in FM.)

I promise Marchetti that he will play plenty this year, and we are just going to focus on getting him healthy.


Carlos Godoy suffered a groin strain and will miss about 2 weeks.



OH MY!! Liverpool has offered Chelsea 115 (that is not a typo) Million dollars for Freddy Adu! They have also offered unspecified future incentives.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 7, 2014 -

Juventus have signed Dani, a 25 year old stud midfielder, for 20 million dollars from Coventry.


Coventry fans and players are furious that Dani was sold and that the squad is becoming too small to be competive.

[Eaglesfan27]

(OOC Note: I really should be going to bed as I have to fly tomorrow, but I hate flying and am not tired enough to go to bed. Depending upon the weather in KC, this dynasty might not get too many updates for the next 4 days after tonight. Of course, if it is raining quite a lot [which the early forecasts are saying it might] I might play some FM to relax in the hotel.)


Aug 9, 2014 -

We open up the season on the road against Tottenham. They are considered a blackhorse to win the title. They have a good team. Tottenham is led by striker Carlton Cole who at 30 shows no signs of slowing down. Andrea Conte is a relatively new striker who looks skilled. Paul Robinson is their keeper and as evidenced in the World Cup, he is still an excellent keeper. Momo is a good left winger. Cani is a good midfielder. Jesus is angry that he isn't being used in goal. Mbuelelo Mabizela is a good defender.


We are 4-6 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 80's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva
DC: Lucio
DR: Boogaart (in his debut)
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Ortega (Schreurs is injured)
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Chivu
S3: Cook
S4: King
S5: Stevanovic (I do need to play him a bit this year. If we get a lead, I'll use him.)

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Ryan passes to Braaten in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. excellent save by Howard.

2 minute: Boogaart with a long pass to start the counter attack.. Adriano gets to it.. centers for Rooney in the middle of the box.. he shoots from 8 yards out.. great save by their keeper.

4 minute mark: Schmidt gets a yellow card for a trip on Cole.

12 minute mark: Boogaart with a good defensive play on Cole.

14 minute mark: Fletcher passes to Rooney in the box.. he puts a spin move on the defender.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. it hits the post.. and bounces in! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

16 minute mark: Adriano gets a yellow card for arguing an offside call.

31 minute mark: Ortega crosses it to the middle of the box.. Adriano heads it.. the keeper pushes it over the bar.

38 minute mark: Schmidt with a great defensive play on Cole.



Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. They have over 36,000 fans here today.



49 minute mark: Schmidt passes the ball into the box with a high curving pass.. Adriano outjumps the defender.. heads it.. into the upper right corner! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

51 minute mark: Braaten gets it left of the box.. he centers to Cole.. Cole heads it.. Howard dives.. pushes it over the bar.

55 minute mark: Boogaart starts the counterattack with a long pass.. Ortega gets it.. passes it between two defenders to Rooney in the box.. Rooney fakes out the keeper.. shoots it into the open left side of the net! GOAL!!!! 3-0.

72 minute mark: Chivu on for Schmidt, Cook on for Djemba, and King on for Rooney.

82 minute mark: Boogaart starts the counter attack.. passes it to Cook.. Cook passes it to Ortega just right of the box.. Ortega passes between two defenders.. to Adriano.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0!

88 minute mark: Boogaart gets a yellow card for obstructing Momo.


Game over. 4-0 win :)

We outshot them 19-6 (13-3 on target)

Great game by all of our starters.

Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 15 of 17 passes, 1 key pass, 1 of 3 tackles, 2 of 9 headers, 8 runs, 1 foul drawn, and 2 goals.


Adriano, Downing, and Ortega all had 10's for form.

Boogaart, Salva, and Fletcher had 9's for form.

All other starters had 8's for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Oops, I forgot to use Stevanovic.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 10, 2014 -

West Ham beat Chelsea 2-1 at home today - Surprising result.



Aug 13, 2014 -

Today we host Liverpool. Liverpool has a great team, but they haven't replaced Hatem Ben Arfa yet and they are going to miss him IMHO. Also, Andres D'Alessandro, Nigel Reo-Coker, and Steven Gerrard are all injured. The only good midfielder playing for them today is Nuno Ferro. Yakubu and Cisse are still a dominant pair of strikers. Chris Kirkland is questionable for this match due to a shoulder injury. Ryan Warner might start in goal for them today.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 90's!


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva
DC: Lucio
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Ortega
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Alfonso
S4: King
S5: Ferdinand

[Eaglesfan27]

The backup keeper is starting.. we should be able to score easily against him.

15 minute mark: Downing crosses it to the far post.. Ortega heads it.. over the bar.

17 minute mark: Lucio and Cisse collided... Cisse has to be carried off the pitch. He is done today.

28 minute mark: Boogaart with a good defensive play.

44 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. over the bar.

44 minute mark: Rooney has a breakaway after a great long pass from Lucio.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. pushes it wide.. This keeper is playing well.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. We have over 91,000 fans here at this home opener.



46 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick.. to the near post.. Adriano heads it.. into the upper right corner! GOAL!!!! 1-0! That is Adriano's 50th career league goal for us.

53 minute mark: Boogaart with a long pass down the pitch to Rooney just outside the box.. he passes to Downing in the box.. Downing fakes right.. dribbles left.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0!

58 minute mark: Adriano gets a yellow card after arguing an offside call.

61 minute mark: Our midfielders pass it back and forth probing the defense.. Fletcher passes it to Parker just inside the box.. Parker shoots.. strong curving shot.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0!

King on for Adriano, Alfonso on for Downing, and Ferdinand on for Lucio.

65 minute mark: Boogaart with a long pass to King in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. excellent save by the keeper.


Game over. 3-0 win :)

We outshot them 12-6 (7-0 on target)

Downing wins MoM, 8 for form, 9 of 13 passes, 1 key pass, 2 of 5 headers, 2 of 4 tackles, 5 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist, and 1 goal.

[daedalus]

Have a fun trip.

Since you don't plan to re-up Ford anyhow, have you tried a cheaper deal than Everton expected (the 26 + 26) but with Ford included? Like a 10 + 15 and Ford?

Failing that, there is the ever hated Real Madrid method of going to the press. :D

But I hate that one.

Coming to FM '06 near you . . . play the home-version of Chelsea's transfer style and use the TAPPING UP OPTION! :D

[daedalus]

It's really tough to tell that I'm a bitter, bitter Arsenal fan, isn't it? :D

[Eaglesfan27]

ROFL :)

I could never tell ;)

Thanks for the well wishes on the trip :) Does hoping the Memphis airport (where I have a 2 hour lay over) has a hot spot to play and update my dynasty make me an FM addict ;)

[DeToxRox]

You're making me want this game. I just need a non POS computer.

Keep up the excellent work.

[Eaglesfan27]

You're making me want this game. I just need a non POS computer.

Keep up the excellent work.
Thank you!

I almost logged on at the Memphis airport just to play and post. I'm such an addict. In any case, I just had a really crappy trip up to KC due to some bad weather in Memphis apparently. So, I'm going to take a break and play with my dynasty for a bit before I get back to studying.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 15, 2014 -

Roma have offered 25 million for Salva. I don't want him to go, but I don't want to upset him either. I agree to let him go for 65 million dollars. Let's see if they want to pay that much.


Craig King injured his knee in practice yesterday and will miss about a week. I was planning on starting him in our game tomorrow, so now I need to make some last minute changes (which I don't like doing.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 16, 2014 -

Arsenal have paid 21 million dollars to Leverkusen for Nicky Platt. Nicky is a 26 year old striker who has some skills, but is VERY slow. I personally find this a peculiar signing although he might have some utility as a stationary target man as he is good at heading the ball and finishing.


Today we play an EPL match at Fulham. Fulham is doing well very early in the season. Michael Rensing has been dominant in goal early. Thomas Hitzlsperger remains a very effective midfielder at the age of 32. Collins John is doing well at the striker position. Collins is an excellent finisher. Helder Postiga is also a very good striker. The young Joaquin is developing into a very good midfielder. Enrico Gaede has become a decent defender.

We are 4-5 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 70's.


GK: Howard
DL: Chivu
DC: Salva
DC: Marchetti
DR: Brown
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Barbosa
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Lucio
S3: McFadden
S4: Ortega
S5: O'Shea

[Eaglesfan27]

Well a big oops! I forgot to plug my laptop in, and it just died (immediately after giving the warning message.) I'm running again, but I presumably lost the last 3 days of the game universe (including a 3-0 lead over Fulham with Schreurs having 2 goals and an assist) :(

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 15, 2014 -

Well at least a small part of history repeated itself. Roma offered 25 million for Salva. I again countered with 65 million dollars.

Unfortunately, King didn't get hurt (I say unfortunately because I hate the incongruity with history - however, I have to play him if healthy or risk pissing him off.)

[Eaglesfan27]

OOC: Sorry for the delay, but roomservice just delivered a delicious steak from Benton's. Anyway, I'm going to get to finish at least one game before I go back to studying (I studied on the plane and at the airport for about 7 hours today.)


Aug 16, 2014 -


We used the same lineup except I rested Adriano (as initially intended) and I started King at striker.


1st minute: Chivu passes it down the left sideline to Downing.. Downing passes to Barbosa in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0! Barbosa scores in his debut!

12 minute mark: Downing centers it to King by the far post.. he heads it.. good save by the keeper.

22 minute mark: Downing tripped Serhat.. Yellow card for Downing.

25 minute mark: Hitzlsperger shoots from 25 yards out.. past Howard.. we get lucky as it hits the crossbar.

28 minute mark: Schreurs argues an offside call.. he gets a yellow card.

35 minute mark: John has a breakaway.. shoots from 10 yards out.. upper left corner.. Howard tips it over the bar.


Halftime: 1-0 lead. They have over 22,000 fans here today.

48 minute mark: Joaquin with a 5 yard shot.. Howard saves it!

61 minute mark: Ortega on for Djemba and McFadden on for King (just a bit out of position.)

71 minute mark: McFadden gets it at midfield.. passes it long into the box to Barbosa.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper saves it cleanly.

82 minute mark: Barbosa steals it from a defender.. dribbles into the box.. blasts a shot into the upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.

90 minute mark: Howard with a trio of great saves..


Game over. 1-0 win. The margin wasn't as big, but at least we still got our win. I still feel like an idiot for getting to plug in the computer. At least dinner was delicious.

We were outshot 17-12 (9-5 on target in our favor)

Barbosa wins MoM in his debut! 10 for form, 15 of 20 passes, 5 key passes, 0 tackles, 1 of 6 headers, 2 interceptions, 10 runs, and 1 goal.

Oh well, time to go study for a few hours.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 17, 2014 -

Roma have withdrawn their bid for Salva :)

Newcastle paid 12.5 million to sign Jozef Adam from Blackburn. He is a good striker but very slow. Again, I don't think this is a very good signing for a serious EPL team.


Mark van den Boogaart, Wes Brown, and Darren Fletcher were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Aston Villa have offered 4 million plus 30% of next sale for Paul Kelly. Paul has potential, but at 22 he hasn't really shown much of that potential. I counter with 6 million. If they agree, I will be glad to move him.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 20, 2014 -

Newcastle spent 16.5 million to sign 23 year old Spanish striker Ignacio from Mallorca. Ignacio isn't going to win too many foot races, but at least he can beat a turtle. He also is a great finisher and a great target man. I think is a much better signing for them.

The Champions League groups were drawn, and I must say I'm not particularly happy with my grouping. I will be in Group G with Milan, Paris, and Trabzonspor.


We've been given 4.8 million for participating in the Champions League Group Stage.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 21, 2014 -

Chelsea have spent 21 million dollars to sign Nicky Platt from Leverkusen. Nicky is a 26 year old striker who is SLOW. He is a great leaper though and a good header. I still think this is an interesting signing that I wouldn't have made.

Bolton are interested in signing David Harper from me. I let them know I will sell him for 5 million dollars.

Aston Villa withdrew their offer for Paul Kelly.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 23, 2014 -

Arsenal have paid 50 million dollars to sign 24 year old Italian Striker Mauro Di Mauro from Marseille. Remember, this is the kid that helped one of the EPL Teams (Everton?) do very well a year or two ago. Mauro is my ideal of a terrific striker and I would have gone after him if that was a need. He is lightning fast, he is agile, he has a great first step, great dribble, and he can finish with the best of them. I've very sad to see Arsenal get him as he should be a big boost for their team.

[Eaglesfan27]

Aug 25, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Aston Villa in an EPL Match. Aston Villa has had a rough start to the year. Jermaine Jenas is playing VERY well early, but he is getting precious little support from his strikers. Luke Moore has been average at best early. He clearly has the talent to play much better. Jhon Jairo Mosquera has been horrible as a second striker. Mourad Meghni is the leading scorer with 2 goals. Chris Miller and Steven Taylor are playing well along the defensive line. Paul Lancaster is unhappy that he isn't getting to start enough games, but he is scheduled to start against us.

We are 4-5 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Adriano (I want to get him some work and aid his development this year)
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Howard
S2: Lucio
S3: Barbosa
S4: Godoy
S5: King

[Eaglesfan27]

15 minute mark: Salva starts the counter attack.. short pass to Fletcher.. Fletcher with a superb pass the length of the pitch practically.. it stops just outside the box.. Adriano races to it.. the keeper races to it.. Adriano wins the race.. dribbles to the right of the keeper.. fires it into the open net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

18 minute mark: Meghni dribbles into the box.. fires a shot.. upper right corner.. Adriano dives.. saves it.

20 minute mark: Jenas shoots from 20 yards out.. upper left corner.. Adriano catches it cleanly.

23 minute mark: Djemba gets a yellow card for tripping Meghni.

26 minute mark: Jenas passes to Mosquera in the box.. he fakes left.. dribbles right.. Adriano backpedals.. Mosquera with a blistering shot.. upper right corner.. Adriano dives.. it is by him! GOAL. 1-1 game. Mosquera scores his 1st of the season.

32 minute mark: Meghni with a corner kick.. to the near post.. Arzu outjumps Boogaart.. heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL. Down 2-1.


Halftime: Down 2-1. They have over 42,000 fans here today.


46 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney in the left corner of the pitch.. he crosses it over the defenders to Schreurs in the right half of the box.. Schreurs shoots.. upper right corner.. great save by the keeper.

55 minute mark: Barbosa on for Downing and Godoy on for Djemba.

70 minute mark: Lancaster stops a pair of shots by Rooney.

74 minute mark: Schreurs passes to Godoy.. he shoots from 5 yards out.. great save by Lancaster.

84 minute mark: Barbosa has a magical dribble past three defenders.. he looks like Downing back in his prime.. he fakes out a fourth defender on the edge of the box.. centers it to Rooney.. Rooney shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-2.


Game over. Tough tie. 2-2 game.

We each had 8 shots. We each had 7 shots on target.

Despite coming on at the 55 minute mark, Barbosa wins MoM! 10 for form, 13 of 14 passes, 4 key passes, 0 tackles, 1 of 1 headers, 13 runs, 1 foul drawn. That is impressive for 35 minutes of work. I guess he has proved I have to give him more time at left wing and not just striker (where he isn't even rated)

I can't help but wonder if starting Adriano in goal was a bad choice. I'm going to give him another game for his confidence now.

[daedalus]

That's a rough group on Champie's League.

Woohoo! The great Power Outage saved Arsenal 21M!!! :D

Except then we spend 50. At least it's suppose to be a good signing. :)

I say we stage a footrace between Platt and Ignacio.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, I hate the power outage changed history, but oh well :)

I kind of like Arsenal as my main villain anyway ;)

Anyway, time to play one game before I go swim and try to go to bed.

[Eaglesfan27]

12 minute mark: Schmidt shoots from outside the box.. 25 yards shot.. strong curving shot.. upper left corner.. past the keeper.. it hits the crossbar.

22 minute mark; Ortega passes to King in the box.. he heads it back to Ortega.. Ortega shoots.. it hits a defender.. deflects to Barbosa in the left half of the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. Barbosa does it again.

31 minute mark: Skjaerback passes to Lazovic in the box.. he fakes out Salva.. shoots.. upper right corner.. Adriano dives.. gets a hand on it.. but it still goes in! GOAL. 1-1 game.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. We have over 70,000 fans here today.



59 minute mark: Parker on for Cook.

66 minute mark: King crosses to McFadden by the far post.. he heads it.. over the bar.

75 minute mark: Godoy on for Cook and Alfonso on for Wood.

87 minute mark: Ortega passes to Barbosa in the box.. he is tackled before he can shoot.

90 minute mark: Barbosa crosses it to the far post.. Godoy heads it.. over the bar.


Game over. 1-1 tie :(

We outshot them 10-7 (4-2 on target)

Barbosa won MoM, 9 for form, 20 of 27 passes, 2 key passes, 2 of 4 tackles, 1 of 6 headers, 11 runs, 5 fouls drawn, and 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oops.. I forgot to post the preview I had typed up. Oh well, we just tied Sunderland 1-1 despite being at home :(

That tie will drop us back into 2nd place.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 1, 2014 -

Liverpool's Benoit Grange is upset that he isn't getting first team football. The 21 year old keeper wants to be traded if he doesn't get some starts soon.


The board is delighted with my performance.


Helder Barbosa has won the EPL Player of the Month Award! Wayne Rooney came in 2nd, and Mourad Meghni of Aston Villa came in 3rd.


Antonio Ortega has won the EPL Young Player of the Month award. Sean Brady of Everton came in 2nd, and Chris Miller of Aston Villa came in 3rd.


Chelsea's Mane has won the EPL Manager of the Month. I came in 2nd, and Steve Coppell of Fulham came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 3, 2014 -

The following international roundups all apply to European Championship Qualifying Play:


Salva played brilliantly for Italy but they still tied Belgium 2-2.


John O'Shea played poorly, but Ireland tied the Ukraine 0-0.


Zdenek Grygera had a goal for the Czech Republic in their 5-0 win over San Marino


Cristian Chivu played very well in Romania's 2-1 win over Andorra.



James McFadden had Scotland's only goal in their 1-0 win over Germany.


Mark van den Boogaart played well for Holland in their 2-0 win over Slovenia.


Mickael Schmidt played well for France in their 0-0 tie with Norway.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 6, 2014 -

Today we play Charlton at home in an EPL match. Charlton is doing suprisingly well so far in the EPL. Their offense is almost non-existant but their defense has been very good. Alan Harrison is the leading scorer with 3 goals and he is a good midfielder. No other player has more than 1 goal, and only 2 other players have a goal. Rob Morgan has had a rough year so far at the striker position. Andy Gibson, Manuel Mariotti, and Dudu Paraiba have been dominating for the defense. Stephan Andersen has also played very good in goal.

We are 1-6 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the mid 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Ferdinand (Schmidt is tired from his international game)
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Brown
ML: Downing
MC: Parker
MC: Djemba
MR: Godoy (Schreurs and Ortega just played in international matchs)
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Cook
S3: Barbosa
S4: King
S5: Cahais

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Ross McCormack elbows Lucio.. yellow card for McCormack.

10 minute mark: Downing passes to Djemba in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. wide left.

11 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick... to the near post.. Adriano heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0! Adriano is having a great start to the season.

23 minute mark: Parker intercepts it at midfield.. passes it to Rooney.. Rooney with a sharp pass into the box.. Adriano gets to it.. he fakes out the keeper.. dribbles right.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0! Adriano doubles his talley.

32 minute mark: Steve Gardner gets a yellow card for tripping Rooney.. he argues the call.. he keeps arguing.. he gets a second yellow card.

42 minute mark: Downing dribbles past two defenders.. crosses it long to the far post.. Adriano with a diving header.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0! He has his hattrick!



Halftime: 3-0 lead for us. We have over 70,000 fans here today.



58 minute mark: Parker passes to Rooney in the box.. he fakes right.. dribbles left.. around the keeper.. shoots.. upper left corner! GOAL!!!! 4-0.

60 minute mark: King on for Adriano, Barbosa on for Rooney, and Cook on for Djemba.

Rooney and Adriano each get standing ovations as they come off the pitch.



Game over. 4-0 win.

We outshot them 17-0 (8-0 on target)

Adriano wins MoM, 10 for form, 7 of 10 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 3 of 7 headers, 1 foul drawn, and 3 goals.

Downing and Rooney also had 10's for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 7, 2014 -

Chris Taylor has come into my office and told me that he is very unhappy with not being part of the 1st team. I decide to transfer list him.


Sep 8, 2014 -

Brown, Ferdinand, and Parker were all selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Sep 9, 2014 -

As I prepare to face Milan in a Champions League match, I realize they have acquired one of my favorite players (who was sold before I arrived at Manchester United) Cristiano Ronaldo.

[Eaglesfan27]

sep 10, 2014 -

We've been made 3-1 favorites to win the Champions League!

Real Madrid is second at 5-1, Valencia is 6-1, Milan is 7-1, Arsenal is 8-1, and Barcelona is 9-1.


(I think I have time for one more game before I go catch my first in person MLS match!)

Today we play Milan on the road in a Champions League Group Match. They have a masterful team led by an amazing keeper in Andreas Isaakson. New acquisition Cristiano Ronaldo is playing the left wing masterfully so far (I'd really like to reacquire him but he is 29 already and isn't worth his value at this point.) Fernando Torres is a very good striker. Fabian Estoyanoff is quick and skillful at the other striker position. Fabricio Coloccini and Frank Wolf work together well for the defense.


We are 5-4 favorites.

It's windy with temperatures in the 60's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Brown
S3: Ortega
S4: Barbosa
S5: Lucio
S6: McFadden
S7: King

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Ronaldo with a great dribble into my box.. passes to Torres who is 10 yards out.. he shoots.. over the bar.

12 minute ark: Ronaldo dribbles past Boogaart.. past Salva.. into the left half of the box.. passes to Silberbach.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. Howard dives.. it's past him! GOAL. Down 1-0.

34 minute mark: Schmidt starts the counter attack.. long pass to Rooney.. he is breaking away.. dribbles around the keeper.. whistle.. offside on Rooney.

37 minute mark: Ronaldo passes to Torres in the box.. Torres fakes out Marchetti.. shoots.. upper left corner.. Howard dives but misses it.. GOAL. Down 2-0.


Halftime: Down 2-0. They have over 85,000 fans here today.


72 minute mark: Downing passes to Adriano.. he passes to Schreurs in the right half of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper saves it.

We aren't doing much, I decide it is time to bring in subs.. Lucio on for Marchetti, Barbosa on for Downing, and King on for Adriano.


Game over. 2-0 loss :(

We were outshot 14-6 (7-5 on target)

Cristiano Ronaldo won MoM, 9 for form, 19 of 20 passes, 1 key pass, 1 of 3 tackles, 6 of 10 headers, 4 interceptions, 10 runs, 1 foul drawn, and 1 assist.


(Time to save and go to the soccer game! :))

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 13, 2014 -

Today we travel to play West Ham in an EPL match. West Ham is currently 12th in the EPL. They have a new keeper who is keeping them in matches with truly spectacular play. Vlada Avramov is a 35 year old veteran who is still on top of his game and playing VERY well for them. Dickson Etuhu is providing their meager offense from the midfield. Conor Casey, the American Veteran, is having a very poor start to the season. Matthew Naylor is also doing poorly at the other striker position. Richard Duffy and Giuseppe Campisi are playing strong defense. Neil Danns is doing ok on the right wing.

We are 1-2 favorites.


It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Howard
DL: Chivu
DC: Ferdinand
DC: Lucio
DR: Brown
ML: Barbosa
MC: Wood
MC: Parker
MR: Ortega
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Godoy
S4: Stevanovic
S5: Grygera

[Eaglesfan27]

17 minute mark: Chivu with a great pass into the box.. King gets to it.. shoots from 10 yards out.. great job by the keeper to get in front of it.

21 minute mark: Danns passes to Casey in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. Howard dives.. pushes it over the bar.

44 minute mark: Danns passes to Casey just barely inside the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. Howard dives.. pushes it over the bar.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. They have over 35,000 fans here today.



46 minute mark: Ortega passes to King in the box.. he shoots from 12 yards out just right of center.. over the bar!

56 minute mark: Barbosa with a stupid dribble out of bounds. I'm disappointed with the lack of offensive fire against this weaker team. I tell the guys to open it wide up.

66 minute mark: Ferdinand gets called for bodychecking Casey in the box! Penalty shot awarded! Campisi steps up.. he looks confident.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0. That is his first goal for West Ham.

We are getting dominated by an inferior team. We aren't playing like ourselves.

I'm putting Stevanovic on for McFadden who is playing pathetically, Godoy on for King who is playing poorly, and Djemba on for Wood who is playing well but is tired.

72 minute mark: Ortega passes to Stevanovic in the left side of the box.. Stevanovic shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. pushes it over the bar.

75 minute mark: Djemba passes to Ortega in the right side of the box.. he shoots.. wide left.

88 minute mark: Chivu is called for obstructing Powell in the box.. penalty awarded.. Edman gets the penalty shot.. shoots right at Howard. Easy save!


Game over. We just got our butt kicked on the road 1-0. Our team morale is plummeting and I need to get the ship righted quickly.

We were outshot 21-13 (8-6 on target)

Their keeper, Vlada Avramov, wins MoM.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Craig King injured his calf and will miss about 2 weeks.

Helder Barbosa twisted his knee and will miss about a week.

James McFadden suffered a rib injury and will miss several days.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 16, 2014 -

Lucio was selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

Rio Ferdinand dislocated his shoulder in training today. He will miss at least 3 weeks.


Sep 19, 2014 -

We had a horrible draw in the 3rd round of the English League Cup. There were plenty of L2 and L1 teams left, but we will play Aston Villa on their pitch.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 20, 2014 -

Today we play Leeds at home in an EPL match. They are in 11th while we are in 3rd. Their team is led by a tough defense. Frazer Richardson is a 31 year old defensive midfielder who is strong quick, and usually has good positioning. Gregory Maury is their leading striker and he has excellent physical ability but is having a rough year so far. Hopefully, we aren't his breakout game. At the age of 29, Zander Diamond remains a decent centreback. So far, he has played great (well above his normal ability.) Jason Brown is a 32 year old keeper who has relied on excellent positioning to play very well. He isn't the best at acrobatic saves, but good fundamentals serve him well.

We are 1-2 favorites, and I consider this a must win game.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: O'Shea
S3: Parker
S4: McFadden
S5: Marchetti

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: Schreurs had a good cross heading towards Adriano, but their defender headed it back over the endline before it reached him.

13 minute mark: Djemba passes to Schreurs in the right side of the box.. their defender stops Schreurs before he can pass or shoot.

18 minute mark: Djemba gets a yellow card for a trip on Shane Paul.

28 minute mark Rooney with a great through ball into the box.. Adriano has it.. shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it.

37 minute mark: Long pass from Djemba to Downing just inside the left half of the box.. Downing dribbles towards the goal.. shoots.. upper left corner.. into the side netting.

44 minute mark: Boogaart passes to Fletcher who is just inside the box.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. inches wide left.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. We have over 91,000 fans here today. I tell the offense to open it up more.


62 minute mark: Parker on for Djemba.

68 minute mark: Downing crosses it to the far post.. Adriano jumps.. the keeper jumps.. the keeper gets the ball.

77 minute mark: Parker gets a yellow card for holding Maury's jersey.

McFadden on for Rooney who is very tired, and Marchetti on for Lucio who is tired.

80 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick to Parker in the middle of the box.. he heads it.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it.

83 minute mark: Downing crosses it to the far post.. Adriano heads it over the bar.

86 minute mark: Downing crosses it to Fletcher by the near post.. he heads it.. the keeper pushes it over the bar.


Unbelievable. 0-0 tie. We just couldn't get our offense clicking.

We outshot them 12-1 (6-1 on target)

Their keeper, Jason Brown, won MoM.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sep 23, 2014 -

Today we play Trabzonspor from Turkey in an EPL Match. They have a decent team, but it is not too talented. Their best player is striker Sezer Ozturk who has 4 goals in 8 appearances. Yildiz Emrah is their best defender. Hasan Ilker is an okay keeper.

We are 1-2 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva
DC: Cahais
DR: Brown
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Cook
MR: Ortega
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Godoy
S3: Schreurs
S4: Marchetti
S5: McFadden
S6: Parker
S7: Barbosa

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Downing with a long cross to Adriano.. he heads it.. the keeper blocks it.. Cook has an open shot from the rebound.. he shoots.. a defender deflects it back.

37 minute mark: Howard starts the counter attack.. long pass to Adriano.. he heads it to Rooney.. Rooney has four guys between him and the net.. he dribbles past two defenders.. shoots from 25 yards out.. curving shot.. it sails between the two defenders.. curls.. into the upper right corner! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

40 minute mark: Yusef passes long to Hassan.. he has a breakaway.. dribbles into the box.. Howard backpedals.. he shoots.. Howard blocks it.


Halftime: 1-0 lead. We have over 68,000 fans here today.


64 minute mark: Downing passes to Cook just outside the box.. he shoots.. it hits the left post and bounces wide.

Marchetti on for Cahais, Schreurs on for Ortega, and Barbosa on for Rooney.

76 minute mark: Schreurs passes to Adriano outside the box.. he passes to Downing in the left half of the box.. Downing shoots.. upper left corner.. it hits the crossbar.

79 minute mark: Downing steals it from a defender.. passes to Barbosa.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. it is past him! GOAL!!!! 2-0! Barbosa with another goal.


Game over. 2-0 win. Their keeper played better than I thought he would.

We outshot them 12-7 (8-3 on target)

Downing wins MoM, 9 for form, 13 of 19 passes, 1 of 4 tackles, 1 of 4 headers, 1 interception, 16 runs, 2 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post match Info:

Wes Brown injured his knee and will miss about a week.


Sep 27, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Norwich which is currently in 18th place in the EPL. We are currently in 4th. Norwich is having problems with their offense and defense. Greg Halford and John Arne Riise are the only defenders playing well. Enrico Colombo isn't playing particularly well in goal. Michael Collins is playing well in the midfield, but no one else is. Eddie Johnson (not THAT Eddie Johnson) is their leading striker, but he only has 2 goals.


We are 1-3 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano
S2: Djemba
S3: Ortega
S4: McFadden
S5: Grygera

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Downing passes to Rooney left of the box.. Rooney passes it to far post.. great pass. . Adriano heads it.. at a sharp angle.. into the upper left corner! GOAL!!!! 1-0! That is Adriano's 10th goal of the year already.

26 minute mark: Rooney dribbles into the left side of the box.. dribbles towards the keeper... Rooney tries to pass to Adriano.. the keeper partially blocks it.. Rooney races around the keeper to get the ball.. fires it into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0! Wierd goal for Rooney.

43 minute mark: Fletcher passes o tDowning.. he passes to Rooney in the left half of the box.. Rooney shoots a sharply angled shot.. upper right corner.. it hits the right post.. bounces in! GOAL!!!! 3-0.


Halftime: 3-0 lead for us. They have 24,000 fans here today.



50 minute mark: Howard stops a long range shot from Collins.

58 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney in the left side of the box.. Rooney fakes left.. goes right.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0! That is Rooney's hattrick.

60 minute mark: McFadden on for Rooney and Djemba in for Fletcher.


Game over. 4-0 win for us :)

We outshot them 11-5 (6-4 on target)

Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 9 of 12 passes, 1 key pass, 1 of 2 tackles, 1 of 4 headers, 3 interceptions, 7 runs, 1 assist, and 3 goals.

Downing also had a 10, Adriano had a 9 for form.

I'm going to praise Rooney in the media after this performance.

[SirFozzie]

Today we play Trabzonspor from Turkey in an EPL Match. They have a decent team, but it is not too talented. Their best player is striker Sezer Ozturk who has 4 goals in 8 appearances. Yildiz Emrah is their best defender. Hasan Ilker is an okay keeper.

I ASSUME that is a CL match and you just had a brain freeze :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Barry Parker injured his groin and will miss about 2 weeks.


Oct. 1, 2014 -

Boogaart, Downing, and Rooney were all selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


The board is pleased with my performance as manager.


Stewart Downing has won EPL Player of the Month. Wayne Rooney came in 2nd, and Jorge Pina of Southampton came in 3rd.


Bolton's Phil Gardiner has won the EPL Young Player of the Month. Gavin Murray of Leeds came in 2nd, and Sean Brady of Everton came in 3rd.


Chelsea's Mane has won Manager of the Month. Tony colbert of Liverpool came in 2nd, and Bruce Arena of Aston Villa came in 3rd.


Adriano's curling shot against Charlton on the 6th won Goal of the Month.

[Eaglesfan27]

I ASSUME that is a CL match and you just had a brain freeze :)
Yes, that was a pre-massage brain freeze. I'm now post-massage and feeling great! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 1, 2014 -

Today we host Manchester City in an EPL match. We are in 3rd while they are in 7th. Rob Davis is a 27 year old midfielder who is having the best season of his career and is really playing with great authority. He is a wonderful passer. Andrew Davies and Gary Borrowdale are tackling hard and playing strong defense. Damien Delaney is still a great leader for the defense. Said Boutahar is playing well at the left wing position. Giorgio Rossini is a 22 year old striker who leads the team with 3 goals.

We are 4-6 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the high 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Grygera
S3: Barbosa
S4: King
S5: Marchetti

[Eaglesfan27]

20 minute mark: Arenas stops a flurry of shots from my team. I really hate that keeper.

32 minute mark: Our midfielders pass it back and forth.. finally Downing passes into the box to Fletcher.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0! That is Fletcher's 1st of the year.



Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. We have over 91,000 fans here today.



59 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney in the left side of the box.. he passes to Adriano in the right side of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it.. he blocks two more rebound attempts as well.

62 minute mark: Downing passes it to Rooney in the left side of the box.. he draws two defenders.. passes it between them to Fletcher.. Fletcher is in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner! GOAL!!!! 2-0! Fletcher with 2 goals!

King on for Adriano and Barbosa on for Downing.

77 minute mark: Rooney gets the ball at midfield.. passes it long to King just outside the box.. King shoots.. lower left corner.. the keeper dives.. it is past him! GOAL!!!! 3-0! That is King's first goal of the year. That should help boost his low morale.


Game over. 3-0 win for us.

We outshot them 14-2 (10-0 on target)

Fletcher wins MoM, 9 for form, 28 of 30 passes, 2 key passes, 3 of 3 tackles, 2 of 2 headers, 1 interception, 2 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 2 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

WOW! My trainer thinks Downing needs more rest. I guess age is starting to catch up with him.

Eric Djemba Djemba strained his neck and will miss about a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 4, 2014 -

Today I coach England in a European Championship Qualifying Match against Moldova. Moldova is an average team that we should beat easily.

We are 1-10 favorites!

It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Paul Robinson
DL: Steve Turner
DC: Ben Bennett
DC: Robert Morris
DR: Glen Johnson
ML: Stewart Downing (I know he needs rest, but Joe Cole is really starting to age badly and we don't have many options at left wing.)
MC: Nigel Reo-Coker
MC: Michael Wood (wierd that I don't use him on Manchester that much, but I actually think he is one of the best English Midfielders)
MR: Christopher Eagles
SC: Wayne Rooney
SC: Craig King

S1: Paul Lancaster
S2: Owen Hargreaves
S3: Jamie Cook
S4: Jermain Defoe
S5: John Terry
S6: Joe COle
S7: Mark Tucker

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney in the left side of the box.. he centers it to King.. King shoots.. blistering shot.. upper right corner! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

13 minute mark: Downing dribbles past two defenders.. passes it to Rooney who is by the endline.. Rooney shoots.. a powerful shot.. parallel to the endline.. it curves.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

22 minute mark: Downing crosses it to the far post.. Eagles heads it.. into the upper right corner! GOAL!!!! 3-0.

27 minute mark: Eagles dribbles past two defenders.. crosses it long to Downing.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. upper left corner... GOAL!!!! 4-0.

40 minute mark: Eagles dribbles down the right sideline.. crosses it to the far post.. Rooney with a diving header... into the upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 5-0!


Halftime: 5-0 in front of our home crowd of over 77,000 fans :)

Tucker on for Rooney and Cole on for Downing.

48 minute mark: Tucker steals the ball from a defender.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!! 6-0! Tucker scores on his debut. I think he is going to end up a very impressive striker. Not surprising, since he is starting for Real Madrid regularly.

65 minute mark: Cole passes to Tucker in the left side of the box.. Tucker with a spin move past two defenders.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 7-0.

74 minute mark: Cole dribbles past two defenders.. crosses it to the far post.. King dives.. heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 8-0.

75 minute mark: Hargreaves on for Eagles.

88 minute mark: Cole passes ot Reo-Coker.. Reo-Coker heads it to Tucker who is by the left post.. he shoots from 5 yards out.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 9-0! Tucker has a hattrick in his debut!


Game over. 9-0 win for us.

We outshot them 19-1 (13-0 on target)

Craig King won MoM, 10 for form, 11 of 11 passes, 1 key pass, 1 of 1 tackles, 3 of 9 headers, 2 interceptions, 3 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 2 goals.

Tucker and Downing also had 10's for form. Every starter besides the keeper had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Other European Championship Qualifying results:

29 year old Mark van den Boogaart played well for Holland, but they lost to Russia 1-0.

Zdenek Grygera had a great game for the Czech Republic and they beat Northern Ireland 3-1.

Cristian Chivu played well in Romania's 2-0 win over Finland.

Scotland beat Bosnia 2-1. Fletcher had an assist in the game and McFadden had a goal.

Dalibor Stevanovic had an assist for Slovenia in their 2-0 win over Kazakhstan.

Helder Barbosa had 2 assists in Portugal's 4-0 win over Iceland.

Mickael Schmidt had an assist for France in their 3-0 win over Israel.

John O'Shea played well for Ireland in their 1-1 tie with Turkey.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 5, 2011 -

Stewart Downing suffered a strained ankle yesterday and he is going to miss at least a week, including our crucial match against Arsenal in 6 days.


I've called up 22 year old John Hall to the international team. Perhaps he is finally ready to become a star for the international team.


Steve Turner who played left back for me last game can also play left wing and he thanked me in the press for allowing him to get his 1st cap. I gotta say, I like the kid's style.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 6, 2014 -

John Terry was injured and I had to pick a replacement on the English Squad. Fortunately, Wayne Dunn is freshly headed from his injury and I call him up.


Boogaart and Fletcher were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 8, 2014 -

Today England travels to play Greece in a European Championship Qualifying match. Greece has a respectable team with a strong defense led by Efstathios Tavlaridis and Antonis Rikkas. Striker Giorgos Matzios has been quite effective. Kistas Kanakousakis is a good keeper.

We are a 4-6 favorite.

It's supposed to be sunny with temperatures in the 60's.


GK: Paul Robinson
DL: Owen Hargreaves
DC: Ben Bennett
DC: Robert Morris
DR: Glen Johnson
ML: Steve Turner
MC: Nigel Reo-Coker
MC: Michael Wood
MR: Christopher Eagles
SC: Mark Tucker
SC: Wayne Worthington

S1: Paul Lancaster
S2: Billy Jones
S3: Jamie Cook
S4: Jermain Defoe
S5: Wes Brown
S6: Joe COle
S7: Craig King

[Eaglesfan27]

19 minute mark: My midfielders pass it back and forth.. finally wood passes to Eagles in the right edge of the box.. he shoots.. over the bar.

25 minute mark: Eagles takes a corner kick.. sends it to the near post.. Worthington heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.


Halftime: 1-0 lead for England :)


Cole on for Turner who is tired.

53 minute mark: Reo-Coker is hurt. I put Billy Jones on for him.

62 minute mark: Joe Cole with a corner kick.. to the near post.. Ben Bennett heads it.. GOAL!!!! 2-0! That is Bennett's first goal for England.


Game over. 2-0 win.

We outshot them 12-7 (4-2 on target)

Worthington won MoM, 13 of 16 passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 7 of 14 headers, 1 interception, 2 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 11, 2014 -

Jamie Cook injured his groin and will miss about 2 weeks.


Today we travel to play Arsenal in an important EPL Match. We are in 3rd and they are in 8th. Arsenal is led by new star striker Mauro Di Mauro who already has 9 goals in just 8 games with Arsenal. Striker Lukas Podolski is doing better with a great threat alongside him and he has 6 goals. Right winger Salomon Kalou remains a good assist man. Left winger Hatem Ben Arfa isn't doing as well as he did with Liverpool but he is still a good player. Michael Smith and Joseph Yobo are playing good defense. Arsenal has a new keeper this year. Yes, they have acquired Jesus from his previous team. Jesus is having a bit of a rough start, but he does have 4 clean sheets in 13 starts.


We are 6-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Godoy
S3: Alfonso
S4: King
S5: Cahais

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Salva misplays a ball giving Mauro a breakaway, but Schmidt got back and tackled him.

10 minute mark: Reyes shoots from 25 yards out on a free kick.. Howard gets lucky as the ball hits the crossbar and bounces back to him.

11 minute mark: Boogaart starts the break with a pass to Adriano in the middle of the pitch.. Adriano passes to Rooney just outside the box.. Rooney dribbles between their two centrebacks.. into the box.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

15 minute mark: Rooney dribbles into the left side of the box.. draws two defenders.. passes to Schreurs.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. Rooney gets the rebound.. shoots from 5 yards out.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. That is Rooney's 10th of the season.
17 minute mark: Michael Smith gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Rooney.

22 minute mark: Howard stops a flurry of shots with two very acrobatic saves.

28 minute mark: Boogaart with an excellent play on Podolski.

44 minute mark: Michael Smith trips Adriano just outside the box.. Smith gets his second yellow card.. he is ejected!

They pull Podolski off and bring in another defender.


Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. Arsenal has about 60,000 fans here today.


52 minute mark: Crisp passing up the pitch from Salva to Djemba.. to Rooney just outside the box.. he splits the centrebacks.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!! 3-0! Rooney has his hattrick.

67 minute mark: King on for Rooney and Godoy on for Schreurs.

82 minute mark: Howard stops a flurry of shots.

92 minute mark: King gets it at midfield.. long pass into the box.. Adriano gets to it.. shoots.. lower left corner.. Jesus dives.. saves it.


Game over. 3-0 win on the road. This is more like it :)

We were outshot 14-11 (7-6 on target)

Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 14 of 17 passes, 1 key passes, 1 of 7 tackles, 3 of 8 headers, 1 interception, 6 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 3 goals.

Howard and Boogaart both had 9's for form. All other starters had an 8.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 13, 2014 -

Boogaart, Djemba, and Rooney were all selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Oct 14, 2014 -

Today we host Paris in a CL match. Paris is 7th in the French First League, but they have plenty of talent. In particular striker, Coro is very good. Coro is 31 years old, but he is still a skilled player who has 7 goals and 4 assists in 11 starts. Lorik Cana is a 31 year old midfielder who is EXTREMELY skilled but slow. Steeve Elana is their 34 year old keeper who can still be tough to beat, but he is not so good at one on ones. Hopefully, we can get him in a few of those tonight.

We are 4-5 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Adriano (I know I'm taking a huge chance, but I need to start developing him...)
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa (Downing is still injured)
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Howard
S2: Brown
S3: Parker
S4: Wood
S5: Marchetti
S6: Ortega
S7: King

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Schmidt starts the counter attack.. long pass to Barbosa in the left corner of the pitch.. he passes to Rooney who is in the 6 yard box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. great positioning by the keeper to stop that.

11 minute mark: Brilliant dribble by Barbosa into the left side of the box.. he draws two defenders.. passes to Fletcher who shoots.. over the bar.

19 minute mark: Adriano stops a flurry of shots.

23 minute mark: Djemba passes to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. the rebound bounces to Fletcher who immediately kicks it into the open left portion of the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

36 minute mark: Barbosa picked up a minor injury, but it appears he can continue.



Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. We have over 76,000 fans here today.



50 minute mark: Barbosa passes it to Rooney in the left half of the box.. he blasts a powerful curving shot towards the upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. somehow gets his finger tips on it to block it.

60 minute mark: Barbosa passes it to Djemba in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0! Djemba's 1st goal of the year.

64 minute mark: King on for Adriano who is tired, and Ortega on for Schreurs.

65 minute mark: Barbosa fakes out two defenders.. dribbles into the left half of the box.. draws over another defender.. fires a very sharp pass to Fletcher.. he heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0!

75 minute mark: A flurry of passes between my midfielders ends with Barbosa passing it through the box to Djemba in the center of the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. it hits the left post.. and bounces in! GOAL!!!! 4-0! That is Djemba's second.

78 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner to the middle of the box.. King kicks it on the half volley.. into the upper left corner.. that was a powerful shot.. it's by the keeper before he can react.. GOAL!!!! 5-0.

88 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past two defenders... crosses it to the far post.. Ortega with a diving header.. GOAL!!!! 6-0! That is ortega's 1st of the year.

90 minute mark: Barbosa gets the rebound of a shot by Fletcher.. quickly passes it to Ortega by the far post.. Ortega hits it on the half-volley.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 7-0! Ortega with his second goal, and I think that is Barbosa's 5th assist. He is making GREAT passes.

92 minute mark: Barbosa fakes out two defenders.. passes to Fletcher in the middle of the box.. Fletcher shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.


Game over. 7-0 win!

We outshot them 24-4 (19-3 on target)

Helder Barbosa won MoM, 10 for form, 24 of 26 passes, 2 key passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 3 of 4 headers, 30 runs! 6 fouls drawn and 6 assists!

Fletcher and Djemba each had 10's for form and 2 goals.

Rooney and Ortega each had a 9. Every other player had an 8.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 18, 2014 -

Today we host Everton in an EPL Match. We are in 2nd while they are in 11th. Everton is led by the strong play of super youngster Sean Brady who plays some right back and some centreback. Left winger Andy Reid has been great, but he is injured for this game. Henrik Lantz is a 25 year old striker who uses excellent speed to make himself a dangerous scoring threat. He has 6 goals in 8 starts. Cristian Zaccardo is a 32 year old right winger who still has a decent skill level. Ceiran Hutcheson is a good enough keeper who is playing erratically this year.

We are 4-6 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 60's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Adriano
S3: Grygera
S4: Downing
S5: Ortega

[Eaglesfan27]

Brady is doing an excellent job of shutting down Barbosa.

43 minute mark: Schmidt throws it into McFadden.. he heads it back to Barbosa.. Barbosa with a great pass between three defenders to Schreurs who is just outside the 6 yard box.. Schreurs shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.


Halftime: 1-0. Boring first half with us converting our only real scoring opportunity. We have over 78,000 fans here today.



56 minute mark: Barbosa passes to King in the right side of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.

63 minute mark: Ortega on for Schreurs.

72 minute mark: Salva starts the counter attack with a pass to McFadden at midpitch.. he passes to King.. King dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. inches wide right.

75 minute mark: Everton gets a good breakaway, but Howard comes up with an acrobatic save.

79 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles up the left side of the pitch.. passes it to McFadden in the left side of the box.. McFadden shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it.. Ortega gets the rebound.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.


Game over. 2-0 win for us.

We each had 6 shots. We had 4 shots on target, they had 1.

Barbosa wins MoM, 9 for form, 19 of 21 passes, 3 key passes, 0 tackles, 2 of 13 headers, 3 interceptions, 10 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 1 assist.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 21, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Aston Villa in a League Cup 3rd round match. Aston Villa is 3rd in the EPL and they have a talented team. Fortunately, their two best midfielders Arzu and Mourad Meghni, are both injured. However, new left winger Chris Cohen is a 27 year old with great passing ability who is doing very well this year. Jermaine Jenas is playing like a rejuvenated player who is on top of his game. Daniel Bierofka is playing very well on the right wing. Luke Moore is doing well from the striker position. Leo Franco has used is 36, but he has great athleticism and continues to play well and has 6 clean sheets in 11 starts.

We are 4-5 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Alfonso
S4: King
S5: Grygera

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Parker passes to Fletcher up the pitch.. he passes to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper saves it.

12 minute mark: Downing dribbles down the left line.. beats two defenders.. crosses it to the near post.. Adriano with a header.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

31 minute mark: Downing dribbles down the left line.. centers it to Adriano in the middle of the box.. Adriano traps.. shoots.. upper right corner.. blistering shot.. the keeper dives.. brilliant save to tip it over the bar.

34 minute mark: Downing gets a yellow card for a trip on Bierofka.

35 minute mark: O'Shea gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Jenas.



Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. They have over 42,000 fans here today.



50 minute mark: Howard with three saves of a flurry of shots.

55 minue mark: Mosquera passes to Moore in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. Howard partially blocks it.. Marchetti clears it before it crosses the goal line.

57 minute mark: Moore shoots.. Howard blocks it.. Moore shoots the rebound.. Howard blocks it.. Bierofka has the rebound.. shoots it into the upper left corner. GOAL. 1-1 game.

62 minute mark: Downing dribbles past a defender.. crosses it to far post.. Adriano heads it.. upper right corner.. the keeper gets his finger tips on it to tip it over the bar.

71 minute mark: Alfonso on for Downing and Grygera on for O'Shea.

78 minute mark: Howard stops a long range shot from Dalmat.

82 minute mark: Alfonso passes to Rooney just left of the box.. he dribbles between two defenders.. sharp pass to Adriano by the far post.. he hits it on the half-volley.. the keeper blocks it.


End of regulation. Gulp! I thought this was going to be a replay.. oops.. it's extra time. Glad I didn't use my 3rd sub yet.


91 minute mark: Alfonso with a corner kick.. to the near post.. Adriano witha powerful headers.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

Schreurs with the next corner kick.. to the far post.. Adriano heads it.. into the upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him! GOAL!!!! 2-1.

101 minute mark: Marchetti gets a yellow card for tripping Moore just outside the box.


Halftime of extra time.


I put Djemba on for Fletcher who is tired. I move Djemba into a more defensive midfielder position.

106 minute mark: Luukonnen passes to Moore in the box.. he shoots from 10 yards out.. Howard blocks it!

116 minute mark: Schreurs passes into the right side of the box for Adriano.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. great save by the keeper.

119 minute mark: Dalmat dribbles into the left side of the box.. shoots a powerful banana shot.. upper right corner.. Howard dives.. catches it cleanly!

120 minute mark: Leo Franco comes forth to join their corner kick attack.. Howard punches the ball out to Rooney just outside our box.. Rooney shoots down the length of the pitch.. long slow shot.. it is floating.. floating.. their players aren't going to catch it.. it is online.. it drops in front of the goal.. and rolls in! GOAL!!!! 3-1!


Game over. 3-1 win :)

They outshot us 24-20 (16-14 on target in our favor)

Howard wins MoM for his 13 tough saves. 10 for form.

Adriano also had a 10 for form.

Salva, Boogaart, Downing, and Rooney all had 9's for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 22, 2014 -

Preston North End (2nd in EC) upset Chelsea 4-2 in their 3rd round League Cup match! We play Chelsea next in an EPL match. Should be interesting to see which team plays better.


C.D. Leganes upset Real Madrid 3-1 in the 1st round of the Spanish Cup!

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 25, 2014 -

The English League Cup 4th round was drawn and we will be traveling to play the Wolves.



Today we play Chelsea in an EPL match that will decide who takes control of 1st place. We are on their pitch and Chelsea has a very talented team. Adriano is 32 and he is starting to age a bit, but he still has 11 goals in 12 starts but he has been taking more games off than in the past. Freddy Adu and Joe Cole generally start as a dynamic pair of attacking midfielders, but they are starting to work Julien Ribeiro into that rotation. Rafael van der Vaary, Arjen Robben, and Sanli Tuncay still form a good midfield. In a surprising move, they have recently acquired Jimmy Murphy, my former player, to be their left back. As expected, he has been struggling at left back and I'll be shocked if they actually start him there against us. Urby Emanuelson is a 28 year old Dutch centreback who is playing very well this year. Vincenzo Guidetti has also played centreback well. Jordi is a good tackler at right back. Petr Cech is still a world class keeper.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the low 50's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Ortega
S3: Godoy
S4: King
S5: Lucio

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Rooney gets the ball in our own half and dribbles all over the pitch to get into the opposition box.. he dribbles into the right half of the box.. the keeper comes out.. he chips it.. wide left. What a goal that would have been.. amazing dribble.

12 minute mark: Salva stops an Adriano dribble into our box.

13 minute mark: Adu passes between two defenders into the box.. Adriano immediately blasts a shot.. upper left corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

18 minute mark: Howard with a long kick past midfield.. Adriano (mine) heads it along to Rooney.. he splits the two centrebacks with his dribble.. the keeper comes out to meet him.. he chips it over the keeper... it drops just under the crossbar! GOAL!!!! 1-1.

30 minute mark: Howard stops a long range shot from Adriano.

42 minute mark: Howard stops a flurry of shots from Adu and Adriano.




Halftime: 1-1 tie. Chelsea has over 42,000 fans here today.




50 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney in the left side of the box.. Rooney fakes out the keeper.. shoots.. upper left corner.. wide left.

71 minute mark: Ortega on for Schreurs and King on for Adriano.

77 minute mark: Ortega passes it to King in the right side of the box... King shoots.. upper left corner.. past the keeper.. barely wide left.


Game over. 1-1 tie.

We were outshot 15-7 (9-3 on target)

Mark van den Boogaart wins MoM, 9 for form, 42 of 53 passes, 2 key passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 5 of 10 headers, 20 interceptions, 15 runs! 1 foul drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

After that tie, we are tied with Chelsea for points but due to our better overall goal differential we are now in 1st place in the EPL :)

Our record is 8 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss which is the same as Chelsea's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 27, 2014 -

Boogaart was selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Oct 28, 2014 -

Mickael Schmidt sustained a groin injury and will miss about 2 weeks.

Salva broke his collarbone today! He will miss 2-3 months :(


Boogaart sprained his ankle in practice today and will miss about a week :(

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 29, 2014 -

Today we play on the road against Paris in a Champions League Match. We really need to watch out for their strikers Coro and Oscar particularly with our defense banged up.


We are 4-5 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Chivu
DC: Marchetti
DC: Cahais (he becomes critically important and will get the chance to really show if he can play or not)
DR: Brown
ML: Downing
MC: Parker
MC: Cook
MR: Schreurs
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Adriano
S3: Rooney
S4: Godoy
S5: Ortega
S6: Lucio
S7: Barbosa

[daedalus]

Oct. 22, 2014 -

Preston North End (2nd in EC) upset Chelsea 4-2 in their 3rd round League Cup match! We play Chelsea next in an EPL match. Should be interesting to see which team plays better.


C.D. Leganes upset Real Madrid 3-1 in the 1st round of the Spanish Cup!That's a good day. Two evil entities losing to small teams. Oh, yeah. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Chivu passes to DOwning who centers it for McFadden.. he shoots from 15 yards out.. upper right corner.. nice save by their keeper.

31 minute mark: Schreurs dribbles past his man.. crosses it to the middle of the box.. McFadden heads it.. into the crossbar.

36 minute mark: King passes to McFadden left of the box.. McFadden crosses it to the right side of the box.. Schreurs uses his chest to knock it down.. shoots.. over the bar.

44 minute mark: Brown gets a yellow card for a trip on Oscar.



Halftime: 0-0 tie. They have over 48,000 fans here today.



King is playing horribly. I put Adriano on for him. Downing is hurt, I put Barbosa on for him.



46 minute mark: McFadden centers it to Parker who is 10 yards out.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper partially blocks it.. into the goal post.. the keeper pounces on the rebound.

52 minute mark: Cook shoots from 20 yards out.. it hits the crossbar.

61 minute mark: Barbosa with a great pass into the middle of the box.. Adriano with a powerful half-volley... into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0!

78 minute mark: Howard stops a flurry of shots from Oscar and Coro.

88 minute mark: Bertrand (their keeper) joins the attack for a corner (I've never noticed this before, but now it is happening frequently).. Howard punches it out to Adriano.. Adriano passes to Schreurs.. Schreurs shoots from midpitch.. online... GOAL!!!! 2-0.


Game over. 2-0 win for us. :)

We were outshot 18-10 (8-5 on target in our favor)

Barbosa wins MoM (off the bench), 10 for form, 11 of 13 passes, 2 key passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 2 of 4 headers, 1 interception, 14 runs, 1 foul drawn, and 1 assist.

[Eaglesfan27]

That's a good day. Two evil entities losing to small teams. Oh, yeah. :D
I most certainly agree :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

James McFadden strained his calf and will miss about 2 weeks :(

I decide to hire a few new physios and coaches to add to the staff.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 1, 2014 -

The board are pleased with my performance as manager.


Mark van den Boogaart has won EPL Player of the Month! Wayne Rooney came in 2nd, and Andres D'Alessandro of Liverpool came in 3rd.


Sean Brady of Everton won EPL Young Player of the Month. Darren Bennett of Norwich City came in 2nd, and Phil Gardiner of Bolton came in 3rd.


Tottenham's Manuel Delgado Meco has won EPL Manager of the Month. Micky Adams of Newcastle came in 2nd, and I came in 3rd.


All of the coaches and physios have agreed to join us. I've added 2 physios and 3 coaches to my staff.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 1, 2014 -

Today we host Newcastle in an EPL Match. We are in 1st while they are in 6th. Newcastle depends on Jermain Defoe to provide most of their offense and he has 10 goals in 13 starts. Dion Dickoff from the centreback position and KAsper Lorentzen from the midfield are providing great defense. Michel Testerink has become a good keeper and he has 5 clean sheets in 15 starts.

We are 4-5 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Grygera
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
s2: Alfonso
S3: Ortega
S4: King
S5: Cahais

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Adriano gets a yellow card for tripping Dickoff.

11 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick.. to Adriano in the box.. the keeper pushed him.. penalty awarded! Grygera steps up.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

24 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles down the left sideline.. passes to Rooney outside the left side of the box.. he threads pass between two defenders to Adriano.. one dribble.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

26 minute mark: Barbosa gets a yellow card for holding Robson's jersey.

35 minute mark: Howard stops a pair of shots from Defoe and Hector.

36 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past two defenders.. into the box.. passes it sharply to Fletcher who is 12 yards out.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0!



Game over. 3-0 lead for us. We have over 91,000 fans here today.



57 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past two defenders.. draws another defender over.. passes it to the near post.. Rooney heads it.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0.

60 minute mark: Alfonso on for Barbosa, Ortega on for Rooney, and King on for Adriano.

67 minute mark: Ortega with a corner kick.. to the near post.. King heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 5-0.

83 minute mark: Benjamin Bernard passes it to KAsper Lorentzen in the left edge of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. Howard can't get to it.. GOAL. 5-1 game.


Game over. 5-1 win :)

We outshot them 18-9 (11-3 on target)

Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 14 of 17 passes, 1 key pass, 0 tackles, 4 of 6 headers, 1 interception, 11 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist, and 1 goal.


Barbosa also had a 10 for form. Schreurs had a 9 for form.

[Barkeep49]

Can you tell us about the coaches?

[Eaglesfan27]

Can you tell us about the coaches?

Sure. I'll update that info this afternoon/evening.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov 3, 2014 -

O'Shea and Rooney were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

Nov 3, 2014 -

I ask Mr. Queiroz to give me a full report on my entire staff which has grown recently. Here is a summary of the highlights of his report:


"Peter Webb is a new coach that we just hired. He is not well known and I'm not sure how good he is going to do yet. However, he is 31 and he relates to players well. He is particularly good working with outfielders. As per your request, I've assigned him to work with the defenders as he used to be a defender himself in his early days. The guys seem to like him, but it will take time to see how they respond to him."

"Fabien Barthez is one of our keeper coaches, and he is great at his job. He works very well with youngsters and he is viewed well world wide. He is the rare star player who can teach as well as he played. He is rumored to be considered for several manager jobs and we might lose him at some point in the future."

"Tony Coton is another fairly longtime coach. He is also a keeper coahc and he is very good at what he does. He is viewed well by the players and he is good at teaching his craft."

"Kevin Poole is a new hire that is a virtual unknown. He is believed to be very good at working with young players and teaching good technique. As per your request, I've had him start working with our strikers to further their development."

"Arthur Albiston is a long time coach who is well respected throughout the world. He is an excellent teacher and is rumored to have been considered for several jobs in Scotland. He has a great eye for talent. He is working with our defenders and the guys love his personality."

"Dave Ryan is a long time coach who continues to thrive at teaching young players. He is probably our best at developing young talent. Dave is currently working with our midfielders and is viewed as a tough taskmaster, but guys respect him."

"John Cooke is a 54 year old longtime coach who has been working with our strikers for the last 7 years. Wayne Rooney considers him his favorite coach. It would be wise to keep this coach happy."

"Paul Thompson is a recent hire who is one of the best at teaching technique. This 35 year old New Zealand coach works well with midfielders."

"Ruud van Nistelrooy is working with our strikers but he has been a failure so far as a coach. I know he was one of your favorite players, but you may have to consider letting him go after this contract is up. He isn't a good teacher and his charges aren't getting better. Certainly don't let him work alone with any promising players. He can't seem to teach strikers nearly as well as he could play. You might want to consider having me re-assign him to a different group of players."


To summarize the physio comments, Mr. Queiroz thinks they are all top notch physios who are among the best in the business. Here is a summary of his comments:

- Jose Luis Runco is a 46 year old who has been with us several years and is working with our defenders.

- Neil Hough is a 46 year old who has been with us for several years and has been working with our keepers.

- Milton Graneolatti is a 57 year old Argentinian physio who we hired last year. He is working with our strikers to keep them limber.

- Garry Armer is 49 years old and is my longest standing physio. He has seniority and he gives me most of my reports. He is working primarily with midfielders.

- Kevin Kilbane is a 37 year old Irish Physio that we hired two years ago. He works with our keepers.

- Ivo Ulich is a 40 year old Physio who is very good at working with youngsters. He works primarily with our young midfielders.

- Christian Roberts is a 35 year old physio that we just hired from Wales. He is obscure, but he is good at working with tough injuries. I hired him specifically to help our defenders.

- Paul Underwood is a 41 year old physio who has been with the team for several years working with my strikers. He primarily keeps Rooney and Adriano healthy but gives a bit of attention to the rest of the guys as well.

(Note that I've taken plenty of artistic license with these reports.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov 4, 2014 -

Today we travel to play the Wolves for the League Cup 4th round match. The Wolves are 12th in the EPL and they have a few talented players. In particular, keeper Michele Sardo is playing quite well. Sardo is a 24 year old keeper who is showing good athleticism and good positioning. Darren Carter is playing well in the midfield and he is showing excellent positioning, tackling, and passing. Leandro is a 31 year old striker from Brazil who is starting to lose his speed, but he is still a good striker and he has 8 goals in 16 starts. Abubakari Yaukbu is a good defender who plays well in front of his keepers. Stuart Taylor has started some in goal for them as well. Taylor is 33 and is still very skilled.

We are 4-7 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Cahais
DC: Marchetti
DR: Grygera
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Cook
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Parker
S3: Barbosa
S4: King
S5: Brown

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: O'Shea tackles Juli hard outside the box.. I'm fortunate that didn't draw a flag. Howard stops the close direct kick with an easy save.

3 minute mark: Cook passes to Adriano in the box.. he shoots from 15 yards out.. upper left corner.. Taylor saves it.

11 minute mark: Noble passes to Faulkner in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. Howard dives.. catches it!

18 minute mark: Downing takes the corner.. their keeper punches it out of the box.. Cahais gets it.. shoots from 25 yards out.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0! The keeper was screened from seeing that shot.

29 minute mark: Downing passes it to Fletcher who flicks it on to Rooney just inside the left edge of the box... Rooney blasts a curving shot from 20 yards out.. curving.. the keeper dives.. it is out of his reach.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. That is Rooney's 15th goal of the year.

37 minute mark: The defenders stop Rooney's advance.. the ball rolls out of the box to Schreurs.. he passes it to Cook who is 25 yards out.. Cook shoots.. hard shot.. it deflects off Juli.. into the left side of the GOAL!!!! 3-0. Cook's 1st of the year.

44 minute mark: Paul Townsend elbows Rooney in the face hard! Rooney is down on the ground.. he looks hurt. The ref comes over.. he gives Townsend a red card! Rooney gets up and shakes it off.



Halftime: 3-0 lead. They have over 28,000 fans here today.



71 minute mark: Rooney tackles their defender hard. Yellow card for Rooney.

I pull Rooney for Barbosa and Adriano for King. Also, I put Parker on for Cook.



Game over. 3-0 win.

We outshot them 11-7 (5-4 on target in their favor)

Howard won MoM, 8 for form, 5 saves, 7 of 15 passes.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Rooney has a bruised cheek and is expected to need a day or two to recover.

Tim Howard stubbed a finger and will need a day or two to recover.

Zdenek Grygera suffered a rib injury and will miss about a week.

[weinstein7]

[QUOTE]"Ruud van Nistelrooy is working with our strikers but he has been a failure so far as a coach. I know he was one of your favorite players, but you may have to consider letting him go after this contract is up. He isn't a good teacher and his charges aren't getting better. Certainly don't let him work alone with any promising players.

That's kind of ominous. What is he, a child molester?

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 8, 2014 -

Nice draw for the Quarterfinal of the English League Cup as we will travel to play Preston which is in the English Championship and is in 5th place.


We will play them on Nov 26, 2014.

[Eaglesfan27]

[QUOTE]"Ruud van Nistelrooy is working with our strikers but he has been a failure so far as a coach. I know he was one of your favorite players, but you may have to consider letting him go after this contract is up. He isn't a good teacher and his charges aren't getting better. Certainly don't let him work alone with any promising players.

That's kind of ominous. What is he, a child molester?
Just an incompetent coach :(

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov 15, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Bolton in an EPL match. We are in 1st while they are in 5th. Bolton is led by a strong defense and a few scorers. In particular, Kevin Nolan is having a very good start to the season with 6 goals in 16 starts. Nolan isn't slowing down much at the age of 32. Striker Filipe Oliveira is 30 and is slowing down, but he has 7 goals and 5 assists in 14 starts. Igor de Camargo has 5 goals and 3 assists in just 7 starts at the striker position. Piotr Trochowski is providing solid 2 way play from the left wing position. Rhys Weston is leading the defense. Keeper Alexandre Negri is having the best season of his career so far. He has 7 clean sheets in 16 starts.

We are 4-7 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Parker
MC: Fletcher
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Ortega
S3: Godoy
S4: King
S5: O'Shea

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: Fletcher dribbles up the pitch.. passes it to Parker just outside the box.. Parker shoots.. powerful curving shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. he can't reach it! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

10 minute mark: Emania with a corner kick.. to the near post.. Trochowski outleaps Boogaart.. he heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL! 1-1 game.

19 minute mark: Howard starts a quick counterattack by running out of the box.. he passes to Barbosa at midpitch.. Barbosa with a perfect pass to the edge of the box.. Adriano outraces two defenders to the ball.. he dribbles to his right around the keeper.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-1.

36 minute mark: Their keeper stops a flurry of our shots.


Halftime: 2-1 lead for us. They have over 27,000 fans here today.



47 minute mark: Schreurs cross leads Rooney just a bit too much.

51 minute mark: Howard stops a flurry of shots by Oliveira and Trochowski.

59 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick to the near post.. Adriano heads it.. just over the ball.

60 minute mark: Ortega on for Schreurs.

66 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney in the left side of the box.. he dribbles between two defenders.. passes it to Parker in the middle of the box.. he heads it.. the keeper blocks it.

70 minute mark: Ortega passes to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper with a great save.

Godoy on for Parker and King on for Adriano.

74 minute mark: Ortega passes to King in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. past the keeper.. it hits the crossbar. They clear the rebound.

76 minute mark: Barbosa collided with Weston and he is hurt :( I've used all of my subs so I will have to play down a man.

I go to a 4-3-2 sliding Godoy out to the left wing.

81 minute mark: Ortega passes it to King in the right side of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. good save by the keeper.

85 minute mark: Lucio with a great defensive play on Nolan in the box.

88 minute mark: Schmidt starts the counter attack.. long pass to Godoy on the left wing at midpitch.. Godoy with a very fast pass into the box.. King gets it.. turns.. shoots.. upper right corner.. blistering shot.. the keeper can't get to it! GOAL!!!! 3-1.


Game over. 3-1.

We outshot them 21-11 (13-6 on target)

Howard wins MoM, 9 for form, 5 saves, 12 of 21 passes.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post match info:

Helder Barbosa suffered a rotator cuff strain and will miss about a week.


Nov. 16, 2014 -

Millwall has sacked Kevin Keegan. Wigan manager Paul Scholes is being touted as the favorite to take over.


Nov. 17, 2014 -

Lucio was selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 18, 2014 -

Today we play Milan at home in a CL match. We are in 2nd place in the group with 9 points and a tie or win will guarantee advancement. Of course, a tie or win in our last match will also guarantee advancement. I considered resting my guys, but we want to send a message to Milan in front of our home fans. We will have to watch out for Cristiano Ronaldo in the midfield and Fabian Estoyanoff at striker. Andreas Isaksson is going to be difficult to score against.


We are 5-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Cahais
S3: Ortega
S4: Cook
S5: Brown
S6: McFadden
S7: Cook

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Lucio was judged to have pushed Estoyanoff. Adriano argues the call.. I'm fortunate he gets away with a warning.

8 minute mark: Boogaart with a goal saving tackle on Estoyanoff.

23 minute mark: Estoyanoff goes down in front of Marchetti.. whistle.. Estoyanoff is judged to have dived.

37 minute mark: Downing crosses it to Schreurs in the right side of the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. Rooney is racing the keeper to the rebound.. Rooney beats him to it.. taps it in! GOAL!!!!! 1-0.



Halftime: 1-0 lead. We have over 91,000 fans here today.



46 minute mark: Fletcher passes to Adriano at midpitch.. Adriano passes to Rooney.. Rooney is 30 yards out.. he unleashes a quick powerful banana shot.. it curves around two defenders.. the keeper dives.. he isn't there in time.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0! Great strike from Rooney.

47 minute mark: Downing passes to Fletcher in the box.. Bonera trips Fletcher.. whistle.. penalty awarded! Downing steps up.. shoots.. to the keeper's left.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.. Bonera clears it.

70 minute mark: McFadden on for Downing and Ortega on for Schreurs.

71 minute mark: Schmidt passes it long to Rooney left of the box.. Rooney crosses it to Ortega on the right side of the box.. he takes two dribbles towards the right goal post.. slams a shot.. upper left corner.. the keeper can't cut down the angle.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

75 minute mark: They start a counterattack.. long pass from Francesco Bilardo to Dimitry Berbatov.. he breaks into the box.. fakes out Lucio.. shoots.. upper right corner.. Howard can't stop it... GOAL. 3-1 game.


Game over. 3-1 win :) I just hope that Rooney and Adriano aren't ready to fall over dead by the middle of the season.

We each had 13 shots (we had 10 on target to their 6.)

Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 10 of 14 passes, 2 key passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 10 headers, 1 interception, 8 runs, 1 foul drawn, 1 assist, and 2 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

That win guaranteed that we will advance to the 1st knockout round of the Champions League.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 22, 2014 -

Today we host Coventry in an EPL Match. Coventry is currently 14th in the EPL. Tey have two star strikers and not much else other than a decent defense. Wayne Worthington is a very skilled striker but he has been held back the lack of talent around him. Actually, I'm tempted to liberate him from his surroundings. This 23 year old striker has 8 goals in 15 games despite defenses focusing on him. Shola Ameobi is 33, but he is the 2nd best striker on this team. He is losing some of his abilities, but the focus that Worthington has drawn has allowed Ameobi to score 5 goals in 13 starts. The defense is led by Martin Scott and midfielder Igor Collado. Marco Tedeschi is playing well in goal.


We are 4-7 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the high 30's.


GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Cook
MC: Parker
MR: Ortega
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Godoy
S4: Alfonso
S5: Chivu

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Craig King collides with Scott on a corner kick.. King is hurt.. the ball bounces out to O'Shea.. O'Shea shoots from 25 yards out.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him! GOAL!!! 1-0! That is O'Shea's 1st of the year.

King has to be carried off the pitch. I put Godoy on for him.

21 minute mark: Parker and Worthington collide.. Worthington is hurt.. he has to be helped off the pitch. He is done for today.

43 minute mark: Their defenders and keeper stop a flurry of shots from within the box.


Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. We have over 70,000 fans here today.



51 minute mark: Richie Partridge passes back to their keeper.. he misplays it... it's an own goal! GOAL!!!! 2-0! Richie Partridge scores the fluke goal for us.

70 minute mark: Alfonso on for Downing who is tired.

81 minute mark: Howard stops a long range shot from Worthington.

90 minute mark: Boogaart with a long pass to the right corner of the pitch.. Ortega gets to it.. he centers to Godoy in the middle of the box.. Godoy shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0. Godoy's 1st of the year.


Game over. 3-0 win for us.

We outshot them 14-1 (10-1 on target)

Ortega wins MoM, 9 for form, 20 of 27 passes, 0 of 3 tackles, 5 of 9 headers, 1 interception, 18 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 1 assist.

Boogaart also had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Craig King injured his knee and will miss at least a week.


Boogaart and O'Shea were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 26, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Preston the Quarter Final of the English League Cup. Preston is currently 7th in the English Championship and they are a significantly inferior team to our own. However, striker Ador is a dangerous player. This 29 year old from Spain has good skills and excellent speed. He has 12 goals in 17 starts and he could be dangerous if we don't pay close attention to him. Dhonatan is a 25 year old Brazilian striker who is a powerful leaper and target man. We need to keep him constantly covered as well. However, their defense is not that good. We outclass them in the midfield by a large margin. Paul Smith is a 22 year old Welsh keeper who we should be able to overwhelm.

We are 1-3 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Stevanovic
S4: McFadden
S5: Ferdinand

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Schreurs dribbles past three men.. crosses it to the far side of the box.. Rooney gets it.. spins past a defender.. shoots.. lower left corner.. the keeper dives.. it is past him! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

42 minute mark: Danny O'Donnell holds Barbosa's jersey and gets a yellow card.


Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. We played a lackluster first half in which we didn't press our clear advantage. I'm rather disappointed.

They have over 20,000 fans crammed into their stadium.



59 minute mark: Rooney gets the ball in the left side of the box after a very long pass from Adriano deep in our zone.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. Rooney gets the rebound on the left edge of the box.. he takes two dribbles.. shoots the sharply angled shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper misplays it.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

Stevanovic on for Fletcher and Ferdinand on for Lucio.

62 minute mark: Long pass from Boogaart to the right edge of the box.. Adriano gets to it.. tries to fake out the keeper.. shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it.

63 minute mark: Ferdinand intercepts a keeper kick at midpitch.. heads it to the edge of the box to Rooney.. he dribbles between the two centrebacks.. into the box.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0! That is Rooney's hattrick. It is also his 20th of the year.

70 minute mark: Adriano steals the ball from a defender just outside the box.. fights his way past another defender with a powerful dribble.. into the box.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0.

McFadden on for Rooney.


Game over. 4-0 win.

We outshot them 9-7 (6-1 on target)

Rooney wins MoM, 10 for form, 10 of 12 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 2 of 6 headers, 2 interceptions, 7 runs, 1 foul drawn, and 3 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 28, 2014 -

Millwall have hired Paul Scholes away from Wigan.

The draw for the semi-final of the English League Cup has us playing either Cardiff or Tottenham depending upon who wins their rematch.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 29, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Middlesbrough in an EPL Match. They are in 13th place currently. Their offense is practically non-existant, but their defense is rock solid. Milan Baros is the leading scorer with 4 goals in 16 starts at the striker position. Paul Adams and Leon Andreasen are playing excellent position defense at the centrebacks position. John Yates is a hard tackling right back. Manu (my former youth keeper) has developed some and he is their starting keeper. However, I don't think the 24 year old is that good from my videotape of him and I still think we made the right move. He has two clean sheets in 10 starts. I think we should be able to score fairly easily if we can get past the strong defensive line.

We are 4-7 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Adriano (he needs the occasional start to develop some more)
DL: Chivu
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Brown
ML: Downing
MC: Wood
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: McFadden
SC: Adriano

S1: Howard
S2: Cahais
S3: Barbosa
S4: Alfonso
S5: Godoy

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: McFadden gets the ball at midpitch... fakes out one defender.. turns on the speed.. fakes out two more defenders.. dribbles into the box.. fakes out the keeper.. dribbles to his right.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0! Magical goal from McFadden. That was his 1st of the year!

16 minute mark: Marchetti steals the ball from their striker.. passes it the length of the pitch.. Schreurs outraces both defenders to the ball.. dribbles into the box.. dribbles to his left.. crossover dribble to his right.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

42 minute mark: Baros gets a breakaway.. dribbles into the box.. shoots from 15 yards out.. upper left corner... Adriano dives.. catches it cleanly!


Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. They have over 35,000 fans here today.



61 minute mark: Alfonso on for Wood and Godoy on for Schreurs.

86 minute mark: McFadden collides between a defender and the goal post.. ouch. He looks hurt. I put Barbosa on for him.


Game over. 2-0 win for us.

We outshot them 17-7 (4-3 on target)

Adriano won MoM for his 3 saves and 9 of 15 passing. He had an 8 for form.

[daedalus]

Adriano (he needs the occasional start to develop some more)Y'know, I was just going to comment that it'd been awhile since he saw first team action.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

James McFadden broke his arm in that hard collision :(

He will be out for at least a month.


I recall Bob Wright from loan and plan on finally using him some with the first team.


Dec. 1, 2014 -

The board is very pleased with my performance as manager.

Leeds' Gregory Maury has won the EPL Player of the Month. Helder Barbosa came in 2nd, and Jose Antonio Reyes of Arsenal came in 3rd.

Antonio Ortega has won the EPL Young Player of the Month. Sean Brady of Everton came in 2nd, and David Garcia of Newcastle came in 3rd.

I won manager of the month for guiding the team to victory in all 4 league games. Steve Coppell of Fulham came in 2nd, and Bruce Arena of Aston Villa came in 3rd.

We have had a reasonably favorable draw for the third round of the English FA Cup. We will be traveling to play Millwall. Millwall are currently 17th in the English Championship.

The match will be played on January 3, 2015.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 2, 2014 -

Darn! Mark van den Boogaart broke his jaw in training yesterday. He will miss about 3 weeks including a big match against Liverpool on Dec. 21.

Jamie Cook suffered a back strain in practice yesterday and he is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 3, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Trabzonspor in what is essentially a meaningless CL Group match (except for the money.) I'm going to rest my biggest names and I would have started Bob Wright if he wasn't ineligible.

We are 4-7 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Adriano (He deserves another start)
DL: Chivu (Schmidt needs the rest)
DC: Lucio
DC: Cahais (he deserves some starts and Marchetti needs rest)
DR: Brown (I need him to show he can still play with Boogaart's injury)
ML: Barbosa (Downing is more tired between them, and Alfonso is ineligible)
MC: Wood (I really need to get him more PT)
MC: Parker
MR: Ortega (He deserves more starts too)
SC: King
SC: Godoy (I would have started Wright if he was eligible. Rooney and Adriano deserve rest.)

S1: Howard
S2: Downing
S3: Fletcher
S4: Marchetti
S5: Stevanovic
S6: Djemba
S7: Adriano (injuries and ineligible players make me use him a sub.)

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past two defenders.. sharp curving cross to the center of the box.. Godoy heads it.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

16 minute mark: Parker's pass for King by the left post sails over his head.. just a little bit high.

21 minute mark: Barbosa passes to King in the box.. King shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper partially blocks it.. a defender gets to it just before it crosses the line.

33 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick.. into the center of the box.. Godoy outjumps his man.. powerful header.. upper right corner.. the keeper can't get there in time.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.


Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. They have over 21,000 fans here today.



68 minute mark: Ortega dribbles past two defenders to the right corner of the pitch.. sharp cross.. near post.. Godoy heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0. That is Godoy's hattrick!

Stevanovic on for King who is tired, and Djemba on for Wood who is also tired.



Game over. 3-0 win.

We outshot them 11-4 (7-2 on target)

Godoy wins MoM, 10 for form, 15 of 19 passes, 2 key passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 10 of 15 headers, 1 interception, 1 run, 3 goals.

Barbosa also had a 10 for form.

Ortega had a 9 for form.

All of my other starters had an 8 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 5, 2014 -

This is a rough year for injuries!

Darren Fletcher suffered a strained neck in training today and will miss about a week.

Craig King suffered strained knee ligaments and will miss about a month! :(

[rexallllsc]

OH MY!! Liverpool has offered Chelsea 115 (that is not a typo) Million dollars for Freddy Adu! They have also offered unspecified future incentives.

lol. I'm playing as Liverpool in my career, I got a $60 mil. transfer budget, so I decided to make a play for Cristiano Ronaldo (now @ Milan) who is valued @ $66 mil. Milan asked me for $130 mil. haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[Eaglesfan27]

lol. I'm playing as Liverpool in my career, I got a $60 mil. transfer budget, so I decided to make a play for Cristiano Ronaldo (now @ Milan) who is valued @ $66 mil. Milan asked me for $130 mil. haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I never did update that. Chelsea refused the 115 million dollars!

[rexallllsc]

Nov. 16, 2014 -

Millwall has sacked Kevin Keegan. Wigan manager Paul Scholes is being touted as the favorite to take over.

lol. Keegan gets hired and fired more than any manager in my game. It's pretty nuts.

[illinifan999]

Yeah except he always goes back to the club that he either resigned from or was fired from about 2 weeks later. It's great to see "So and so fired Kevin Keegan." "So and So welcomes Kevin Keegan back"

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 6, 2014 -

Today we host Southampton in an EPL Match. Southampton has been hit hard by injuries and they are 19th in the EPL. Robbin Kieft, their star striker, is reportedly demanding to be traded and this team is on the verge of coming apart. Besides Kieft, we have to watch out for Jonathan Douglas in the midfield. Philippe Senderos is a good centreback. Iain Tuner is playing well in goal despite the lack of defensive or offensive support.


We are 4-7 favorites.

In the last 10 years, Manchester united has a record of 19 wins, 5 draws, and 0 losses against Southampton.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Grygera
ML: Downing
MC: Wood
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Cahais
S3: Ortega
S4: Wright (time for him to get his first big time action)
S5: Godoy

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Grygera (who I think has lost it) steals the pass.. passes it long down the right side of the pitch.. Schreurs catches up to it.. dribbles to the right corner.. centers for the middle of the box.. Rooney heads it.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

14 minute mark: Schmidt passes it long to Rooney.. great pass.. Rooney dribbles into the box.. the keeper comes out to challenge him.. Rooney floats a chip shot.. over the keeper.. just under the bar! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

16 minute mark: Tobrsensen passes to Grondin in the right portion of the box.. Grondin fakes out my centrebacks.. shoots from 10 yards out.. upper left corner.. Howard dives.. he can't reach it. GOAL. 2-1 match.

22 minute mark: Wood intercepts a pass from the keeper at midpitch.. passes it ahead to Rooney.. Rooney dribbles past a defender.. into the box.. unopposed.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-1. Rooney has his hattrick in under 25 minutes!

28 minute mark: Downing gets a yellow card for a trip on Kieft.

31 minute mark: Wood passes the ball between two defenders to Rooney in the left edge of the box.. Rooney shoots immediately.. strong banana shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper misplays it.. GOAL!!!! 4-1.

44 minute mark: Lucio steals the ball at midpitch.. passes it long to Rooney just outside the 6 yard box.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 5-1. Rooney has 5 goals in the first half! Rooney has 25 on the year :)


Halftime: 5-1 lead :) We have over 68,000 fans here today. I always planned on pulling both of my strikers at the half, and I'm sticking to that plan.


Wright on for Rooney and Godoy on for Adriano.

The crowd gives Rooney a standing ovation as the substitution is announced.


57 minute mark: Grygera passes to Wright outside the box.. he heads it to the middle of the box.. Godoy gets to it.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 6-1.

66 minute mark: Schreurs dribbles down the right sideline.. crosses it to far post.. Wright heads it.. good save by the keeper.

75 minute mark: Cahais on for Schmidt.


Game over. 6-1 win. :)

We outshot them 17-6 (13-2 on target)

Rooney wins MoM (in 45 short minutes), 10 for form, 5 of 5 passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 6 headers, 2 runs, 5 goals (on 5 shots.)

Wood also had a 10 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 8, 2014 -

Grygera, Lucio, and Wood were all selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Dec. 11, 2014 -

Not the best of draws, but not the worst of draws. We will play Werder Bremen in the 1st knockout round of the Champions League.



Dec. 12, 2014 -

England has been drawn in Group A of the Confederations Cup. We will be in that group along with Australia, Uruguay, and Holland. Matches will be begin June 24, 2015.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 13, 2014 -

Today we travel to play the Wolves in an EPL Match. The Wolves are in 16th while we are in 1st. The Wolves top three scorers are all injured. As a result, they shouldn't be much of a challenge for us. Michele Sardo is a decent keeper. Abubakari Yakubu is a good centreback. Bruno Moreira is the healthiest of the strikers.

We are 4-7 favorites.


It's raining with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Adriano (Time to work him more and more into my playing rotation)
DL: Chivu
DC: Ferdinand (probably his last start barring injures. Salva is still hurt and Lucio is tired, but Ferdinand is losing it quick.)
DC: Marchetti
DR: Brown
ML: Barbosa
MC: Parker
MC: Djemba
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney (I'm hoping to get a big lead again. If so, I will rest both strikers after the 1st half.)
SC: Adriano

S1: Howard
S2: Ortega
S3: Godoy
S4: Wright (Bob deserves another more PT after a solid reserve debut.)
S5: Cahais

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Barbosa passes to Rooney in the center of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. excellent save by their keeper.

6 minute mark: Marchetti starts the counterattack.. long pass to Rooney.. he is way ahead of the defense.. oops.. too far ahead. Offsides call.

16 minute mark: Chivu intercepts a pass in our zone.. he passes it long to the left side of the box.. Rooney beats the defender to it.. dribbles towards the left post.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

36 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles down the left sideline.. centers it to the middle of the box.. Rooney heads it.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.


Halftime: 1-0 lead. Not as big of a lead as I was hoping for.. I'm going to rest Rooney anyway and put Wright on for him. They have over 27,000 fans here today.


46 minute mark: Ben Watson with a corner kick.. the near post.. Adriano punches it out.. Bothroyd gets it on the edge of the box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. Adriano dives.. it is past him. GOAL. 1-1 match.

51 minute mark: Chivu starts the counterattack.. passes it to Adriano at midpitch.. he passes long to Wright.. he has a breakaway.. the keeper backpedals.. Wright shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it.

66 minute mark: Ortega on for Schreurs and Cahais on for Marchetti who is playing poorly.

77 minute mark: Djemba passes it to Adriano.. he forces the ball into the box.. Wright has it.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. good shot.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.

80 minute mark: Parker steals it at midpitch.. passes it to Djemba.. Djemba passes it to Wright in the box.. Wright immediately shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper can't get to it.. GOAL!!!!! 2-1. That is Wright's first career goal for us!

87 minute mark: Parker passes to Wright in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. good save by the keeper.

89 minute mark: Ferdinand intercepts the offense.. has a perfect 50 yard pass up the length of the pitch.. into the box.. Adriano gets to it.. fakes out the keeper.. dribbles to his right.. shoots... upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-1.



Game over. 3-1 win.

We outshot them 16-10 (9-7 on target)

Barbosa wins MoM, 8 for form, 24 of 33 passes, 4 key passes, 1 of 6 tackles, 1 of 3 headers, 4 interceptions, 5 runs, 4 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

We are at the halfway point of the season.

We are in 1st place with 14 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss. That gives us a total of 46 points. We have scored 50 league goals which is 1st by a wide margin (32 is the next highest total.) WE have only allowed 9 league goals which is the lowest allowed. Therefore, our GD of plus 41 is by far the best.


Chelsea is 2nd in every category. They have 12 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses for 41 points. They have scored 32 goals. They have allowed 11 goals. They have a GD of plus 21.


Aston Villa is 3rd with 10 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses. They have 36 points. They hae scroed 27 goals and allowed 14 goals. Their GD of plus 13 is 3rd in the EPL.


Newcastle is 4th with 10 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses for a total of 34 points. They have scored 30 goals, but given up 23 goals.


Liverpool is 5th with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses for a total of 31 points. They have scored 27 goals and allowed 18 goals. They have a GD of 9.


Other notables:

Arsenal is 8th in the EPL with 7 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses for a total 26 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 14, 2014 -

Salva has resumed full training. Good to see him back at it.

Interesting, Arsenal manager Martin Jol has publicly fined Salomon Kalou 2 weeks wages for missing training. Kalou is a talented right winger. I wonder if they are going to trade him on the cheap.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 17, 2014 -

Today we host Tottenham in an EPL match. They are currently 8th in the EPL and they are doing well due to a powerful offense. Striker Carlton Cole is the leader of the team and he has 15 goals. They have a few guys also aiding him including new midielder Davide Chiumiento who has 8 assists and 6 goals. Chiumiento is 30, but he is really on top of his game this year. Ledley King is playing good defense, but the rest of the defenders aren't giving him much help. Paul Robinson is a very good keeper, but he is finally showing the first signs of decline at 35 years old. Also he is getting overwhelmed with a high number of shots. However, he can still shut down a team when he is on top of his game.

We are 4-7 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Howard
DL: Chivu
DC: Salva (gotta throw him back into the fire)
DC: Marchetti
DR: Grygera
ML: Downing
MC: Djemba
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Godoy
S3: Barbosa
S4: Wright
S5: Cahais

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Downing passes to Rooney in the left edge of the box.. he draws two defenders over.. he draws the keeper over.. Rooney fires a beautiful pass through all of the traffic.. finds Adriano by the far post.. alone with a defender.. he heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!!! 1-0.

7 minute mark: Djemba steals it at midpitch.. passes it to Rooney just outside the box.. Rooney draws two defenders over.. fires a pass to Parker just outside the box.. Parker shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it is past him.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

10 minute mark: Downing takes the corner kick.. to the middle of the 6 yard box... Adriano outjumps his defender.. heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

18 minute mark: Salva with a good defensive play on Cole.

44 minute mark: Djemba steals it at midpitch.. fakes out a defender.. passes it between two defenders into the box.. Rooney outraces them to the ball.. he fakes out the keeper with a shoulder fake right.. dribbles left.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0.


Halftime: 4-0 lead. We have over 67,000 fans here today.



53 minute mark: Wright on for Rooney and Godoy on for Adriano.

63 minute mark: Parker gets a yellow card for pushing Ledley King.

75 minute mark: Djemba passes to Wright in the left side of the box.. he fires a pass between two defenders.. up high.. Godoy with a diving header.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it is past him.. GOAL!!!! 5-0.

Cahais on for Salva.



Game over. 5-0 win for us. :)

We outshot them 12-2 (9-0 on target)

Djemba wins MoM, 9 for form, 36 of 45 passes, 4 key passes, 0 of 1 tackles, 3 of 6 headers, 3 interceptions, 3 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist.

Downing also had a 9 for form. Every other starter had an 8 (except for Howard who had a 7.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 18, 2014 -

Everyone and their mother is offering Everton 30-35 million dollars for Sean Brady. I decide to throw my bid as well for 33 million dollars.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 21, 2014 -

Today we travel to play Liverpool in an EPL Match. They are currently in 4th while we are in 1st. They are led by a superb duo of strikers in Dhibril Cisse (who leads the team with 17 goals) and Yakubu (who is 2nd on the team with 7 goals.) Andres D'Alessandro is a premiere midfielder. Nigel Reo-Coker plays a strong midfield. Jeroen Beekmans and Andrew Black are struggling at times in the centreback position. Chris Kirkland has been very solid in goal.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 40's.



GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Brown
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Wood
S3: Ortega
S4: Wright
S5: Lucio

[Eaglesfan27]

16 minute mark: Howard blocks a lazy shot from D'Alessandro from 25 yards out.. Yakubu gets the rebound.. shoots from 5 yards.. great block by Howard.. Cisse gets the rebound.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0. Terrible handling by Howard on that first shot.

22 minute mark: Ridgewell races back to stop a Rooney breakaway and he catches him one-on-one to stop a potential scoring opportunity.

37 minute mark: Ridgewell stops Rooney again to prevent a breakaway.

41 minute mark: Schmidt is called for pushing D'Alessando.. yellow card for Schmidt.. Barbosa argues the call.. he gets a yellow card too.

I Scream at the ref as he blows the halftime whistle ending a Rooney breakaway!



Halftime: Down 1-0. They have over 60,000 fans here today.



53 minute mark: Schmidt passes it long.. diagonal pass up the pitch from midfield.. into the center of the box.. it's over Rooney's head.. Adriano jumps.. outjumps his man.. Kirkland was covering Rooney.. Adriano heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

65 minute mark: Wright on for Adriano who is tired, and Ortega on for Schreurs who is also tired.

75 minute mark: Wood on for Parker.

85 minute mark: Wood passes to Ortega in the right side of the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it.. Wright is racing to the rebound.. the defender just beats him to it.

92 minute mark: Reo-Coker passes the ball into the box.. Great pass.. Yakubu gets it.. he fakes to his right.. dribbles left.. gets Howard off balance.. shoots.. upper right corner.. Howard can't get to it.. GOAL. Down 2-1.

92 minute mark: We pass the ball back to Brown.. he passes it to Ortega just right of the box.. Ortega dribbles into the right side of the box.. Ortega centers it for Wright.. Wright hits it on the half-volley.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-2. I LOVE the immediate response!


Game over. 2-2 tie. I'm satisfied with our effort in this tough road match. I'm particularly happy to see our team respond to the late goal.

They outshot us 16-12 (9-7 on target in our favor.)

Barbosa wins MoM, 9 for form, 13 of 18 passes, 1 key pass, 4 of 6 tackles, 7 of 11 headers, 1 interception, 20 runs, 4 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 22, 2014 -

Grygera, Downing, and Djemba were all selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Bob Wright came into my office and told me he is glad that I'm finally starting to use him, and he is convinced that he will show me he has the talent to become a first team regular.

I like the kids' attitude.




Dec. 24, 2014 -

Everton refused my 33 million dollar offer for Sean Brady, but sold him to Real Madrid for 30 million (I guess they didn't want to sell to a rival.) Brady is thrilled to go to Real Madrid. At least, I don't have to compete against this talented kid any longer.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 26, 2014 -

Today we host Fulham in an EPL Match. They are in 6th place in the EPL. They have a small squad and injuries have their best played, Thomas Hitzlsperger, sidelined for this match. Helder Postiga, David, and Collins John are a trio of strikers that each have 10 goals and each can be dangerous. John Hall and Enrico Gaede play excellent defense. Phil Dunn is settling into the left wing role well. Michael Rensing has been inconsistent in goal, and I'm hoping we can catch him on an off night.


We are 4-6 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart (back from injury fully!)
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Cook
S4: Wright (he continues to do well. Soon my regular 3rd striker will be back from injury, will Wright continue to get significant PT?)
S5: Lucio

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Barbosa gets a yellow card for a trip on Jay Tabb.


Very boring first half. They are playing 8 to 9 men back and they are stifling our offense.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. We have over 66,000 fans here today.


55 minute mark: Our midfielders pass it back and forth.. probing the defense.. Flethcer passes it to Parker in the middle of the box.. Parker shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

58 minute mark: Fletcher passes it to Barbosa in the left half of the box.. Barbosa blasts a shot.. upper right corner.. it deflects off Dunn, a defender, in the 6 yard box.. sails into the left side of the net! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

63 minute mark: Cook on for Fletcher and Wright on for Rooney.

68 minute mark: Phil Dunn collides with Adriano.. Adriano is hurt. I put Djemba on for Adriano.


Game over. 2-0 win.

We outshot them 10-2 (6-1 on target)

Barbosa wins MoM, 9 for form, 10 of 16 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 4 of 8 headers, 19 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Adriano twisted his knee and will miss at least a week.


Dec. 29, 2014 -


Wow. One of the former Manchester United players has made it as a coach. Louis Saha has been hired by Paris to be their new manager.


James McFadden is back from his injury.


Boogaart was selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 1, 2015 -

The Board is delighted with my performance as manager.


Wayne Rooney has won the World Footballer of the Year Award. Cristiano Ronaldo of Milan came in 2nd, and Adriano of Chelsea came in 3rd.


Wayne Rooney has won the World Player of the Year Award. Stewart Downing came in 2nd, and my Adriano (the striker) came in 3rd. Wow! I think that is the first time I've ever swept that award.


Wayne Rooney has won the European Footballer of the Year Award. Cristiano Ronaldo came in 2nd, and Stewart Downing came in 3rd.


Barcelona's Victor Valdes has won the European Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Tim Howard came in 2nd, and Iker Casillas of Real Madrid came in 3rd.



Felipe of Milan won the European Defender of the Year Award. Salva (mine) came in 2nd, and Fabricio Coloccini of Milan came in 3rd.


Cristiano Ronaldo has won the European Midfielder of the Year Award. Stewart Downing came in 2nd, and Jeroen Schreurs came in 3rd.



Wayne Rooney has won the European Striker of the Year Award. Adriano of Chelsea came in 2nd, and my Adriano came in 3rd.





Helder Barbosa has won the EPL Player of the Month. Freddy Adu of Chelsea came in 2nd, and Achille Emana of Bolton came in 3rd.


Charlton's Rob Morgan has won the EPL Young Player of the Month Award. David Turner of Bolton came in 2nd, and Darren Bennett of Norwich came in 3rd.


Chelsea's Mane has won the EPL Manager of the Month. Martin Jol of Arsenal came in 2nd, and Micky Adams of Newcastle came in 3rd.


Wayne Rooney won the goal of the month for one of his strikers against Southampton.

[nfg22]

SO I have been playing with harrogate, and I won promotion to the EC now, and have won promotion every year but my assistant manager always tells me that every player I either look at or buy is not worthwhile yet I keep winning, also all my players are one star when I ask for a team report, how should I evaluate players then?

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 3, 2014 -

Newcastle has offered a Bosman contract to Souleymane Mamam.


Today we play Millwall in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. This match is on their pitch. Millwall is currently 17th in the English Championship and we should significantly outclass them. Their best players are striker Przemyslaw Potrzasaj, right winger Alexander Baumjohann, midfielder Mark Douglas, centreack Simon Marshall, and keeper Maurizio Tommasi. We shouldn't have too much trouble with any of their players.

We are 2-5 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 40's.



GK: Adriano
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: McFadden
SC: Wright (he has earned a start and I think I can rest Rooney this match.)

S1: Howard
S2: Rooney (will only play if we are down at the half.)
S3: Ortega
S4: Godoy
S5: Cahais

[Eaglesfan27]

SO I have been playing with harrogate, and I won promotion to the EC now, and have won promotion every year but my assistant manager always tells me that every player I either look at or buy is not worthwhile yet I keep winning, also all my players are one star when I ask for a team report, how should I evaluate players then?
I rarely pay attention to my AM and particularly ignore him at the lower levels where he isn't likely to be too good at evaluating talent.

I use Marc's general guidelines which are:

16 is a good rating for an EPL player.

14 is a good rating for an English Championship Player.

12 is a good rating for a League One Player.

10 is a good rating for a League Two Player

8 is good for an English National Conference Player.

Of course, I try to find better attributes than this guideline, but I do my best to make sure that my players have at least these attributes in whatever I consider the key attributes for that position.

Those change depending upon my system. With my current 4-4-2, I'm looking for a keeper with good reflexes, one-on-one, handling, aerial ability, and handling. (of course if everything is good that is a big plus.)

I want each of my fullbacks to have good tackling, pace, positioning, and passing. Also decision making is particularly important for me in all of my defenders.

For my centrebacks, I want them to have good positioning, heading, jumping, and pace (not as important but I still like it.) Of course, I want other attributes to be good as well, but I'll overlook somethings if those areas are high, particularly at lower levels.

For my wingers, I want good crossing ability, good passing, good dribbling, and good pace. Marking is a nice plus as well.

For my midfielders, I want decent strength, tackling, heading, passing, and determination. At higher levels, I want long shooting, creativity, and flair here as well.

For my strikers, I usually look for at least 2 with good pace, finishing, first touch, long shooting, and heading (not as important but still nice.)

For my other two strikers, I usually look for good heading, strength, jumping, and preferably good pace as well. Of course, if I can get strikers with all of these attributes plus long shooting, finishing, first touch, and passing than that is the best.

However, it really depends upon your system. You can make many different systems work if you have an idea of what you want to accomplish and make sure you acquire guys who fit that vision.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oh yeah, of course there are always exceptions to the rule. Some guys just outperform their attributes. Wright is playing much better than his attributes would indicate that he should play. Some times, you just gotta throws guys out on the pitch and watch them. Some may really surprise you :)

[Eaglesfan27]

One other thing is that I always want my players to have at least a decent score in the teamwork attribute. I'll reject guys with low teamwork ratings unless they are truly amazing. At lower levels, it is hard to be picky about this at times, but on my current team, I've rejected several guys just because a low teamwork rating.

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Bill Barron elbows Schreurs.. yellow card for Barron.

15 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick to the near post.. Marchetti heads it.. the keeper with a good save.

21 minute mark: Schreurs passes it to McFadden just outside the box.. he heads it to Wright in the box.. Wright shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.

31 minute mark: McFadden intercepts the ball at midpitch.. passes it 40 yards nto the edge of the box.. Wright beats two defenders to it.. great anticipation.. he fakes to his left.. dribbles right.. around the keeper.. fires a shot.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

44 minute mark: Downing passes to McFadden in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it.. Wright gets to the rebound.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. Wright with 2 in the first half.


Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. They have almost 20,000 fans here today.


56 minute mark: Adriano stops a long range shot from Barron.

68 minute mark: Adriano stops a long range shot from Barron.

Cahais on for Schmidt, Ortega on for Downing, and Godoy on for McFadden. I have Godoy move to the right striker, and Wright to the left striker.

73 minute mark: Cahais with a long diagonal pass into the box.. Godoy outjumps his man.. heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

84 minute mark: Kamanan dribbles down the left sideline.. crosses it to the right side of the box.. Baumjohann shoots.. upper right corner.. Adriano dives.. it is past him. GOAL. 3-1 match.

92 minute mark: Kamanan passes it into the left side of the box... Barkins shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL. 3-2 match.


Game over. 3-2 win for us. I'm a little disappointed with our lack of defensive intensity the last 10 minutes, but otherwise a good win.

We outshot them 15-10 (11-5 on target)

Bob Wright wins MoM, 9 for form, 22 of 25 passes, 2 key passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 2 of 12 headers, 3 interceptions, 2 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 2 goals. He showed some really smart passing skill.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 5, 2015 -

We always seem to have an unfavorable match in the 4th or 5th round of the English FA Cup. This time we will be hosting Chelsea in the 4th round of the English FA Cup.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 7, 2015 -

Today we host Tottenham in the League Cup Semi Final Leg 1. You can read about Tottenham's team in our Dec. 17, 2014 preview of that recent match. We beat them that time 5-0. Hopefully, we can pull off a similar result here.

We are 4-6 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Wood
MC: Cook
MR: Ortega
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Wright
S3: Downing
S4: Godoy
S5: Cahais

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Marchetti stops a Cole incursion into our box.

8 minute mark: Marchetti with a goal saving tackle on Cole.

10 minute mark: Salva starts the counterattack.. long pass to Rooney.. he outraces two defenders.. into the box.. blasts a powerful shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. gets a finger tip on it and pushes it wide.

12 minute mark: Schmidt starts our counterattack.. long pass to Barbosa at midpitch.. he passes it ahead to Rooney.. Rooney dribbles between two defenders into the left side of the box.. draws another defender over.. fires a pass to Adriano in the middle of the 6 yard box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. Ortega immediately taps in the rebound for the goal! GOAL!!!! 1-0. That is ortega's 5th of the year.

30 minute mark: Ortega gets a yellow card for a trip on Ryan.

45 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick to Salva in the box.. the keeper outjumps Salva and punches it away.. Ortega gets it 25 yards out.. he blasts a shot.. will it make it through heavy traffic.. yes.. upper left corner.. the keeper has no chance! GOAL!!!! 2-0. Ortega with his 2nd of this match.


Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. We have about 80,000 fans here today.



50 minute mark: Rooney gets a yellow card for a trip on Cani.

55 minute mark: Ortega passes to Adriano in the right side of the box.. he shoos.. upper left corner.. good save by their keeper.

61 minute mark: Ortega passes to Barbosa just inside the box.. Barbosa hits a powerful left footed shot.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. it is just beyond his reach.. GOAL!!! 3-0. That is Barbosa's 5th of the year.

65 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney.. he draws the defense over.. fires a pass to Ortega by the far post.. he heads it.. over the bar.

Wright on for Rooney and Godoy on for Adriano.

75 minute mark: Cahais on for Schmidt.


Game over. 3-0 win.

We outshot them 8-7 (7-1 on target)

Ortega wins MoM, 10 for form, 15 of 20 passes, 0 of 2 tackles, 4 of 7 headers, 9 interceptions, 18 runs, 3 fouls drawn, 1 assist, and 2 goals.

Barbosa had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 8, 2015 -

WOW. Milan has offered 31 million dollars plus 40% of next sale for Barry Parker. I'm looking at my notes on this kid and I'm realizing that he is becoming my most dominant defensive midfielder. I need to use him more consistently. I don't want to lose Parker so I counter with an offer of 60 million dollars. If they offer that, I'll let him go.


Craig King has resumed full training from his injury.


Stewart Downing will miss our upcoming match against Aston Villa after he injured his ankle in training today. He will miss at least a week.


Southampton have offered 6 million dollars plus 30% of next sale for Paul Kelly. Paul is an interesting guy. He is only 23, and he has many good qualities. He has excellent agility, balance, he is a good finisher. However, he doesn't have many of the qualities I want in an all around midfielder, nor does he have the qualities I want in an attack midfielder. For one, he doesn't show good teamwork. He makes poor decisions. He lacks bravery or aggression. He isn't a very good passer. However, he does many things well, and he could do well in the right system. I just don't see him fitting in my system. I decide to take the 6 million for him.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 10, 2015 -

Today we host Aston Villa in an EPL Match. They are 3rd in the EPL while we are in 1st. Aston Villa has a good offense and an excellent defense. Quentin Westberg has recently taken over in goal for them, and the 28 year old American is playing very well so far this year with 4 clean sheets and 3 goals conceded in his other 3 matchs. Steven Taylor and Joao Dias are playing very solid defense. Mourad Meghni has been a very creative midfielder who has played superbly this year. Luke Moore is the leading striker with 11 goals on the year. Jhon Jairo Mosquera is a good #2 striker with 8 goals.

We are 4-5 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Cook
S3: Alfonso
S4: Wright
S5: Brown

[Eaglesfan27]

13 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick.. to Salva by the near post.. he outjumps his man.. heads it.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!! 1-0. That is Salva's 1st goal of the year.

24 minute mark: Salva with a good tackle to stop a Luke Moore breakaway.

32 minute mark: Adriano is tackled by a defender from behind in the box.. penalty awarded.. Fletcher steps up... shoots.. lower left corner.. Westberg dives.. blocks it.. Fletcher gets to the rebound.. shoots it into the upper right corner before the keeper can recover.



Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. We have over 73,000 fans here today.



46 minute mark: Barbosa with a cross from the left side of the box.. Schreurs with a half-volley.. he deflects off two defenders and rolls into the right side of the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

63 minute mark: Cook on for Adriano and Wright on for Rooney.


Game over. 3-0 win.

We outshot them 13-0 (8-0 on target)


Fletcher wins MoM, 8 for form, 36 of 42 passes, 5 key passes, 0 of 2 tackles, 0 of 3 headers, 1 interception, 1 run, 1 foul drawn, and 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 11, 2015 -

Milan have withdrawn their offer for Barry Parker :)


Jan 12, 2015 -

Boogaart and Fletcher were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Paul Kelly reached an agreement with Southampton and that deal is now complete. We have received 6 million dollars.



Middlesbrough have paid Sunderland 5.4 million for Charlie Wilson. Charlie is a 23 year old defensive midfielder that my predecsor probably sold to Sunderland. We have received almost 2 million as part of that old deal and future transfer considerations.



January 13, 2015 -

Wigan have hired David Platt from Watford to become their new manager.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 14, 2015 -

Today we travel to play Charlton which has been doing suprisingly well in the EPL this year. They are currently in 11th place and might be one of the first teams in a while to be promoted into the EPL and hang out for a while. Charlton's Talent isn't that good which makes their total team effort even more impressive. Their offense is doing just barely enough and their defense is playing very solid football. In particular, Centreback Dean Leacock is playing well. Leacock is a 30 year old centreback who relies on very good positioning to help him play solid defense. Steve Gardner is playing well too. He hs ia 26 year old right fullback who gets by on sheer determination. Dave Wood is a young talented Welsh Right winger who is hampered by a severe lack of footspeed. Otherwise, he might be an excellent right winger. Stephen Andersen is a 33 year old keeper who has been key to their success. He is playing VERY well this year with 13 clean sheets. Ross McCormack is their leading scorer with 5 goals. Ross is a 28 year old striker with good speed, and a nice finishing touch around the net. He is also very good at heading the ball.

We are heavy 1-3 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 40's.

GK: Adriano
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Djemba
MC: Parker
MR: Ortega
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Howard
S2: Godoy
S3: Stevanovic
S4: Wright
S5: O'Shea

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: Salva passes to Parker who gets the counterattack really going with a long pass to Barbosa.. he heads it to McFadden.. McFadden is whistled for being offside.

21 minute mark: Parker gets a yellow card for pushing Harrison.



Halftime: 0-0 tie. Boring first half as they kept a man back at all times. They have over 27,000 fans here today.



55 minute mark: King is tired, and he hasn't played very well in his first game back. I put Wright on for him.

75 minute mark: I slide Wright over and put Godoy on for McFadden. I also put Stevanovic on for Djemba. This might be our most boring game ever. Hopefully, the new blood can mix it up.

80 minute mark: Salva passes to Parker just outside the box.. hard shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper saves it.

92 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Stevanovic in the box.. he is tackled before he can shoot.


Game over. I'm disgusted with the lack of effort. There was no effort against this weaker team. 0-0 tie.

We outshot them 8-2 (4-1 on target)

Their keeper won MoM, 8 for form, 4 saves, 28 of 43 passes.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Souleymane Mamam has accepted a Bosman contract from Sunderland. He rejected offers from Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and Southampton.


Jan 16, 2015 -

Roma has offered 36 million dollars for Alfonso. Alfonso is hardly being used this year with Barbosa's arrival, but Downing is getting older and Alfonso is a great 23 year old left winger. I need to keep Alfonso and start making sure I keep him happy. I decide to counter with 65 million dollars. If Roma wants to pay that much, I'll go ahead and take it.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 17, 2015 -

Today we host Chelsea in our FA Cup 4th round match. Chelsea has a dynamic team led by Adriano. At the age of 32, this striker shows no signs of slowing down. He has 20 goals in 22 starts this season. Freddy Adu is the main attacking midfielder behind him. Freddy plays consistently well, but doesn't have big stats this year. He has 6 goals and 4 assists in 25 starts. Stefan De Weerd is playing the other attacking midfield spot, and he has 5 goals and 5 assists. Stefan is a very good player who is an excellent leaper. Rafael van der Waart is aging and he isn't starting regularly in the midfield anymore. However, he is still dangerous in limited action. Diego, Sneijder and Robben are starting more frequently and they are doing very well despite their advancing age. Left back Fernando Navarro is a very good 32 year old left back who has done well for the team in his last 20 starts. Naldo and Urby Emanuelson have done well as the centrebacks since John Terry was injured. Glen Johnson has been a rock at right back for them this year. Petr Cech continues to play like a top flight keeper.


We are 5-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Chivu
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Alfonso
S4: Wright
S5: Lucio

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Rooney passes to the ball to Adriano.. he shoots from 30 yards out.. blistering banana shot.. upper left corner.. Cech can't reach it! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

9 minute mark: Navarro trips Schreurs.. just outside the box.

11 minute mark: Howard stops a 25 yard blast from their Adriano.

17 minute mark: Rooney steals a pass from Johnson far right of the box to the keeper.. Rooney dribbles into the 6 yard box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. Rooney with a great steal and goal.

22 minute mark: Adu with a great pass between both of my defenders.. into the box for Adriano.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL. 2-1 lead for us still.

27 minute mark: Salva starts the counterattack.. long pass to Schreurs just right of the box.. Schreurs dribbles past the left back.. into the box.. fires a quick pass to the far post.. Adriano with a diving header.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-1.

42 minute mark: Adu with a great pass into the box.. Adriano shoots.. upper left corner.. Howard dives.. catches it.

44 minute mark; Parker gets a yellow card for a trip on Ribiero.



Halftime: 3-1 lead for us. We have over 91,000 fans here today.



52 minute mark: Chivu gets a yellow card for tripping Adriano.

60 minute mark: Sneijder gets a yellow card for pulling Barbosa's jersey.

64 minute mark: My heart leaps through my chest as Rooney collides with Naldo and goes down in a heap.. he is holding his ankle.. we carry him off the pitch. I put Wright on for Rooney, and also Alfonso on for Barbosa.

66 minute mark: Adu dribbles into the box.. blasts a powerful left footed shot.. upper right corner.. Howard dives.. saves it.

73 minute mark: Cole passes to De Weerd just outside the box.. De Weerd fakes out Marchetti.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. Howard dives.. it is past him.

76 minute mark: Alfonso gets a yellow card for obstructing Jordi.

78 minute mark: Fletcher gets a yellow card for tripping Adu.

80 minute mark: Sneijder passes to De Weerd on the edge of the box.. he fakes out Salva.. dribbles further into the box.. shoots.. lower left corner.. it's past Howard.. it hits the post.. and bounces in. GOAL. 3-3 game :(


Game over. 3-3 tie. We will be replaying this at Chelsea :(

They outshot us 13-8 (7-6 on target)

My Adriano wins MoM, 8 for form, 14 of 17 passes, 1 key pass, 0 of 3 tackles, 2 of 7 headers, 3 fouls drawn, and 2 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 19, 2015 -

Zaragoza have sent 29 million to Arsenal to acquire Mathieu Fernandes. Mathieu is a 24 year old midfielder who is very promising, but he had been stagnating at Arsenal.


Lukas Podolski, Ashley Cole, Jose Antonio Reyes, and Joseph Yobo have all expressed concern about the shrinking Arsenal squad. They feel the team isn't keeping enough quality players to be competitive.


Zdenek Grygera went to the press demanding that he be inserted into the first team. The paper did a poll and 87% of fans think that Grygera should be getting more first team football! Don't those fans realize that he has lost most of his speed, his tackling ability, and that he is a shadow of himself?


CRAP!!! This was the only bad thing about getting Adriano as a keeper.... Both Howard and Adriano have been called up for the North American Gold Cup :(

I let out a sigh of relief as I re-read the announcement. They are asking for Adriano the striker, not my keeper :)


The draw for the 5th round of the English FA Cup was again unfavorable for us. If we beat Chelsea, we will play Arsenal on their pitch. There were over a half dozen EC teams left, and I can't believe we didn't get one of them.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 20, 2015 -

Roma withdrew their offer for Alfonso :)

Dalibor Stevanovic injured his groin and will miss a few weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 21, 2015 -

Today we travel to play Tottenham in the 2nd leg of the English League Cup Semi-final. We are up 3-0 over Tottenham. Manchester City is up 3-0 over Norwich in the other Semi-Final. A Manchester City - Manchester United has a promising sound for a final.

We are 4-6 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Adriano (This is his time to shine)
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: McFadden
SC: King (must do better than his last match.)

S1: Dani (He has surprassed Chris Taylor in my reserve system and he gets the callup.)
S2: Alfonso
S3: Wayne Rooney (he is doubtful due to his injury last match and will only play if we fall to even score.)
S4: Lucio
S5: Wright

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Adriano stops a long range shot from Chiumiento.

15 minute mark: Ledley King passes to Mabizela in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. Adriano misplays it.. GOAL. Down 1-0 (up 3-1 on aggregate.) That was a rather weak play by Adriano.

17 minute mark: Adriano stops a long shot by Momo.

19 minute mark: Downing dribbles into the box.. Mabizela trips him.. Penalty awarded! Yellow card for Mabizela. McFadden steps up.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

25 minute mark: King passes to McFadden.. he is tripped just outside the box.. Ledley King gets a yellow card.

28 minute mark: Parker's pass to McFadden sails over his head and across the endline.

30 minute mark: Adriano dives and catches a 15 yard shot by Chiumiento.




Halftime: 1-1 tie. They have over 36,000 fans here today.




48 minute mark: Jakobsen with a shot from 20 yards.. Adriano misplays it.. it sails over his shoulder... it hits the crossbar. Conte taps the rebound into the upper right corner.. GOAL. Down 2-1.

55 minute mark: Adriano with a good save of a shot from Conte from 15 yards out.

57 minute mark: Momo passes to Conte in the box.. he shoots from 10 yards out.. upper left corner.. Adriano dives.. blocks it.

58 minute mark: Lucio on for Marchetti (who is having a fairly poor match) and Wright on for King who is tired.

60 minute mark: Schreurs gets a yellow card for tripping Chiumiento.

70 minute mark: Boogaart passes to Parker just outside the box.. Parker blasts a shot.. strong curving shot.. upper left corner.. it's past the keeper.. under the bar.. GOAL!!!! 2-2. That is Parker's 5th of the year. Not only is he a great defensive midfielder, he can shoot.

85 minute mark: Adriano with a flurry of saves.

86 minute mark: Alfonso on for Downing.

87 minute mark: Wright gets a yellow card for tripping Turner.


Game over. 2-2 tie. 5-2 win on aggregate.

We were outshot 20-10 (12-5 on target)

In that light, Adriano did a remarkable job.

However, Downing won MoM, 9 for form, 14 of 17 passes, 3 key passes, 4 of 6 tackles, 0 of 1 headers, 1 interception, 14 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 1 assist.

Adriano also had a 9 for form with 10 saves, 4 of 18 passing.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

We were awarded 900,000 dollars for advancing to the Final.

Manchester City beat Norwich 3-1 and we will be playing them in the final on Feb. 22, 2015.


Jan. 22, 2014 -

Liverpool have offered us 13 million for Jamie Cook. I have to admit that he has disappointed me some, but I can't believe they think I will let this former Wonderkid go so cheaply. He is worth 21 million. I counter with an offer of 60 million which is as cheap as I would let him go. I still think he will be a key player, particularly as Fletcher and Djemba continue to age.


Jan 24, 2014 -

Adriano had a goal and an assist in Brazil's 3-0 win over Guatemala.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 25, 2015 -

Liverpool have withdrawn their offer for Jamie Cook :)

Today we play West Ham at home in an EPL match. West Ham is another team that joined the EPL this year, but they aren't doing as well as our last team was. They are currently 15th, but could easily fall into the relegation zone. Their defense is ok, but their offense is very poor. Their leading scorer is centreback Giuseppe Campisi, but he is injured for this match. Their second leading scorer is striker Craig Powell who is also injured for this match. Their third leading scorer is Dave Shaw, an attacking midfielder, who is also injured for this match. Victor will be their most dangerous scorer on the pitch, and he isn't much of a scoring threat. Michael Tonge is a good midfielder. No one else on the team is playing veyr well. Keeper Vlada Avramov has been overwhelmed this year.

We are 2-5 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.

GK: Adriano (I expect a more consistant performance this match.)
DL: O'Shea
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Ortega
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Dani
S2: Godoy
S3: Cook
S4: Wright
S5: Lucio

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Their defenders stop a flurry of shots from my players.

10 minute mark: We are applying heavy pressure, but their defenders are flooding the box and blocking our shots early.

17 minute mark: Boogaart passes to Djemba outside the box.. he shoots from 22 yards out.. strong curving shot... upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

23 minute mark: Ortega gets a yellow card for a trip on Lennon.

31 minute mark: Paul Anderson pulls Ortega's jersey.. Anderson gets a yellow card.



Halftime: 1-0 lead :) We have over 84,000 fans here today.



62 minute mark: Barbosa passes to McFadden in the left side of the box.. he puts a good cross over dribble on his defender.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

68 minute mark: Wright on for King, Godoy on for Ortega, and Cook on for Fletcher.

89 minute mark: Barbosa crosses it to the near post.. Wright heads it.. just wide left of the goal.


Game over. 2-0 win.

We outshot them 19-1 (8-0 on target)

Boogaart wins MoM, 10 for form, 41 of 42 passes, 2 key passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 3 of 5 headers, 9 interceptions, 14 runs, 1 assist.

Barbosa also had a 10 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Barbosa picked up a one match ban for too many yellow cards.


Tim Howard played well for the USA and they beat Belize 3-0.


Jan. 27, 2015 -

Boogaart and Djemba were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Betis has offered 26 million dollars plus Francisco Javier Lopez Lopez for Antonio Ortega. Francisco is a VERY promising 19 year old defensive midfielder. However, I really like Ortega. I counter with an offer of 60 million plus this kid for Ortega.


Chelsea have offered 7 million plus Peter Merkestijin for Antonio Ortega. Peter is a promising 22 year old Dutch keeper. I counter with 80 million plus this kid for Ortega (I'm over my Adu infatuation as my midfielders are generally young and there isn't a need there.)


Tim Howard played well, but the USA tied Canada 0-0 in their North American Gold Cup Match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan 28, 2015 -

Liverpool have made an enquiry about Antonio Ortega and want to know how much I want for him. I declare my standard rival rate for this high calibre player, 85 million dollars :)


Today we play Chelsea in the English FA Cup Replay. Chelsea is reportedly using the same lineup as they did last time against us.


We are 6-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Adriano
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Wood
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: King

S1: Dani
S2: Cook
S3: Ortega
S4: Lucio
S5: McFadden

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Ouch.. Adu dribbles down the left side of the pitch.. crosses it to the middle of the box.. Adriano heads it.. right over my Adriano's right shoulder.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

4 minute mark: Salva starts the attack with a good header to Rooney at midpitch.. he dribbles past two defenders.. around another defender.. around another defender into the box.. Rooney with an amazing dribble.. stutter steps... shoots.. lower right corner... Cech is offbalance... GOAL!!!! 1-1.

6 minute mark: Glen Johnson gets a yellow card for pulling Downing's jersey.

10 minute mark: Diego passes to Adriano in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. my Adraino dives.. saves it!

12 minute mark: Adu shoots from 30 yards out.. powerful shot.. Adriano saves it cleanly.

22 minute mark: Adu passes to Diego in the box.. Diego dribbles.. shoots from 10 yards out.. upper left corner.. Adriano dives.. catches it!

33 minute mark: Adriano with a long range curving shot.. upper left corner.. Adriano dives.. pushes it over the bar.

36 minute mark: Long range striker from Sneijder.. quick powerful shot.. Adriano clutches it to his chest.

38 minute mark: Rooney gets a yellow card for obstructing Glen Johnson.



Halftime: 1-1 tie. They have over 42,000 fans here today.



47 minute mark: Downing with a corner.. to the near post.. Marchetti heads it.. just over the bar.

49 minute mark: Johnson starts the counterattack.. long pass to Adriano.. he puts a spin move around Marchetti... he shoots.. upper right corner.. he squeezes it in the crack just between the keeper and the post.. GOAL. Down 2-1 :(

55 minute mark: Boogaart with a long pass to Rooney.. just inside the box.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. excellent save by Cech.

59 minute mark: Adu passes to Adriano in the box.. he fakes left.. shoots.. upper right corner.. powerful shot from 15 yards.. Adriano can't get to it.. GOAL. 3-1. That is Adriano's hattrick.

65 minute mark: McFadden on for Rooney who is exhausted, Cook on for Parker, and Ortega on for Schreurs. I also tell the offense to open it wide up...

76 minute mark: Naldo shuts down a McFadden breakaway.

79 minute mark: Wood passes to McFadden in the box.. he tries to fake Cech out, but Cech maintains good position.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. Cech saves it.

82 minute mark: Cook passes to McFadden in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. excellent save by Cech.


Game over. 3-1 loss :( Chelsea always seems to knock us out of this particular competition. If I'm not mistaken they have knocked us out of this competition the last 3 years.

They outshot us 28-9 (17-6 on target)

Their Adriano won MoM, 10 for form, 23 of 24 passes, 2 key passes, 0 tackles, 5 of 19 headers, 3 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 3 goals.

I'm particularly annoyed that we blew our 3-1 lead in the first play of this match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Adriano is playing well for Brazil. He had 2 goals and an assist in their 4-0 win over Anguilla in the North American Gold Cup Match.

Aston Villa have paid Manchester City 11 million dollars for 27 year old midfielder Rob Davis.


January 30, 2015 -

Well, that was unexpected. Chelsea have agreed to my offer of 80 million dollars plus Peter Merkestijin for Antonio Ortega :(


You know what, the kid is only 20 and he is already becoming VERY special. He is very fast, he has great passing ability, great first touch, great dribbling, great heading, great technique, great creativity, great flair, good determination, great pace, great acceleration. I decide to talk to Ortega. He says that he is really happy about his potential future at our club. I decide to turn down Chelsea's offer *gasp*.

Betis have accepted my counter offer of 65 million plus Francisco Javier Lopez Lopez for Ortega. I'm going to reject this deal too, but this might be the one that pisses Ortega off.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 31, 2015 -

DARN! Ortega is upset that I rejeced the offer from Chelsea. He says that he would rather be at Chelsea than Manchester United :(


I decide to try to solve this problem in the Manchester United way. I offer him a fat new contract. He is currently only making 2,000/week!!! Thus, he is vastly underpaid. I'm surprised he hasn't complained about this. I offer him 70,000/week plus 3 million signing bonus on a new 3 year deal. I'm also going to start using him frequently. He has surpassed Jeroen in ability according to my coaches (or they are very close.)


Liverpool have added 28 year old Portuguese full back Joao Dias from Aston Villa for 10 million dollars.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jan. 31, 2015 -

Today we host Norwich in an EPL Match. We are currently 1st while Norwich is 18th. They are a relatively weak team that has been floundering in the EPL. They have a few good goal scorers, but their defense has consistently let them down and their offense has ben't that good. Striker Eddie Johnson has been their main scoring threat with 9 goals on the year. Luis is a 23 year old Spanish midfielder who is a sniper from long range and can be a dangerous scorer. Phil Tomlinson and Zesh Rehman try to work together well at the two centreback positions, but they frequently are beaten. Enrico Colombo is a 27 year old keeper who has some very good technical abilities, but also some fundamental flaws to his game. We should be able to score against him.


We are 1-6 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Adriano
DL: O'Shea
DC: Salva
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: fletcher
MC: Godoy
MR: Ortega
SC: Mcfadden
SC: Rooney

S1: Dani
S2: Alfonso
S3: Schreurs
S4: Wright
S5: Chivu

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Boogaart dribbles up the right sideline.. crosses it to the middle of the box.. Rooney heads it.. over the bar.

7 minute mark: Barbosa crosses it long from the left sideline.. Rooney heads it.. over the bar.

10 minute mark: Boogaart gets a yellow card for a trip on Pablo Cesar.

13 minute mark: Godoy gets a yellow card for a two footed tackle on Johnson.

17 minute mark: Barbosa gets a yellow card for obstructing Bennett.

18 minute mark: Quick pass from Salva to Barbosa at midpitch.. he passes to Rooney just outside the box.. he blasts a shot from 20 yards out.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. flicks it over the bar.

21 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles up the left sideline.. centers it to the middle of the box.. Fletcher with a header.. upper left corner.. the keeper slips.. he can't get to it! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

28 minute mark: Barbosa passes the ball between two defenders to McFadden in the left side of the box.. McFadden fakes the pass to Rooney.. quick shot.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

40 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney just outside the box.. quick curving shot.. upper left corner.. the keeper saves it.




Halftime: 2-0 lead. We have about 65,000 fans here today.




50 minute mark: Rooney clearly hates playing the right striker position, he is having a bad game. I decide to pull him early and end his misery. I apologize to him for putting him at right striker, and promise not to do it again. I put Wright in for him.

58 minute mark: Salva with a corenr kick.. to the near post.. Salva heads it.. just over the bar.

62 minute mark: Alfonso on for Barbosa who has picked up a minor injury, and Chivu on for Boogaart who is winded. Barbosa is given a standing ovation by the crowd.

84 minute mark: Godoy passes it into space on the right corner of the pitch.. Ortega beats his man to it.. he centers it to the near post.. Fletcher with a powerful header.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0. Great pass by Ortega.


Game over. 3-0 win for us. :)

We outshot them 22-1 (9-0 on target)

Barbosa wins MoM, 10 for form, 9 of 11 passes, 1 key pass, 1 of 2 tackles, 0 of 1 headers, 17 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 2 assists.

Ortega also had a 10 for form. Fletcher had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Helder Barbosa sprained his wrist and will miss about a week.


Feb 1, 2015 -

The board is delighted with my performance as manager. We are in 1st place in the EPL, but are only 3 points ahead of Chelsea. However, we are 14 points ahead of 3rd placed Liverpool.


Helder Barbosa won EPL Player of the Month. Antonio Ortega came in 2nd, and Jose Antonio Reyes came in 3rd.


Antonio Ortega has won the EPL Young Player of the Month. David Turner of Bolton came in 2nd, and Jonathan Nicholson of Southampton came in 3rd.


Tony Colbert of Liverpool won EPL Manager of the Month. Martin Jol of Arsenal came in 2nd, and Mane of Chelsea came in 3rd.


Eric Djemba's goal against West Ham on the 25th won goal of the month.



Tim Howard played well for the USA in their 2-0 win over Guatemala in their North American Gold Cup Match. The USA will advance to the Semi Final.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 2, 2015 -

Boogaart, Ortega, and Fletcher were all selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Antonio Ortega signed a new 3 year deal worth 14 million dollars :)

Of course, he is no longer upset at me turning down Chelsea's offer and is thrilled to be with the club.


Feb 3, 2015 -

International Roundup:

Dani started in goal for Spain's U21 team and did well. Antonio Ortega played on the right wing and had 2 assists in Spain's 3-0 win over the Czech Republic.


Brazil and the USA played in the semi final of the North American Gold Cup. Tim Howard played well, but Brazil overwhelmed the USA with superior firepower. Brazil won 2-0. Adriano had one of the goals for Brazil. Thiago Motta, a 32 year old midfielder, won MoM for his 2 assists.


Feb 7, 2015 -

Adriano had 2 goals and an assist in Brazil's 4-0 win over El Salvador in the North American Cup Final.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 8, 2015 -

Today we travel to play Manchester City in an EPL Match. They are currently in 14th place while we are in 1st. Their defense has been very solid led by the trio of Andrew Davies, Wayne Dunn, and Michael Dawson. Right winger Stephen Whelan is playing well, but their left wingers have been inconsistent. Benjamin Lauth is the leading goal scorer with 9 goals from his striker position. Libis Andres Areanas is having a down year in net, and I might finally be able to beat this frustrating keeper throughly.

We are 4-6 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Adriano (Howard should be back soon)
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Wood
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: King

S1: Dani
S2: Ortega
S3: Godoy
S4: McFadden
S5: Lucio

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: Boogaart passes to Rooney just outside the box.. beautiful pass.. Rooney dribbles between two defenders.. Rooney tries a low chip shot that barely goes over the keeper's head.. however, it clears the keeper.. a defender dives back.. partially blocks it.. but it is still a goal!! GOAL!!!! 1-0!

11 minute mark: Schmidt starts the counterattack.. long pass to King outside the box.. he dribbles.. two steps.. shoots.. between the two defenders.. it curls.. around the keeper.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0! That is King's 5th. Injuries have really hurt his production this year.

19 minute mark: Rooney gets a yellow card for diving in the box.

20 minute mark: Wayne Dunn gets a yellow card for a trip on King.

36 minute mark: Rooney passes it forward to Downing.. he dribbles into the left side of the box.. draws the defense to him.. passes it over the keeper's head.. to a wide open Schreurs by the far post.. he heads it.. GOAL!!!! 3-0. That is Schreurs' 5th of the year.



Halftime: 3-0 lead for us. They have over 47,000 here today.



65 minute mark: McFadden on for Rooney, Godoy on for King, and Ortega on for Schreurs.

75 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick to the middle of the box.. Salva heads it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 4-0.

90 minute mark: David Miller with a corner kick to the near post.. Damien Delaney outjumps Salva.. heads it.. into the upper left corner.. GOAL. 4-1 match.


Game over. 4-1 Final score.

We each had 8 shots, we had 6 on target, they had 5.

Downing won MoM, 9 for form, 13 of 18 passes, 4 of 5 tackles, 2 of 9 headers, 1 interception, 12 runs, 1 foul drawn, and 2 assists.

Salva also had a 9 for form. All other starters had an 8 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 9, 2015 -

Boogaart, Salva, and Downing were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Feb 11, 2015 -

Today we travel to play Leeds in an EPL Match. They are currently in 10th place. They are led by the scoring of Gregory Maury who has 12 goals in 25 starts and has been playing great lately. Shane Paul is a good secondary striker. No one else on the team has more than 2 goals, and if we can shut these two guys down we should win this without any trouble. Their defense is led by the ageless Zander Diamond who continues to play fairly well. Nick Porter is also providing solid defense. Richard McDonald is having a poor year in goal.

We are 1-2 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Howard
DL: Chivu
DC: Salva
DC: Cahais
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Ortega
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: O'Shea
S3: Godoy
S4: Wright
S5: Cook

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Ortega dribbles past two defenders into the right side of the box.. he passes it to Djemba.. he shoots.. a defender blocks it.


They are keeping 8-9 men back and are shutting us down.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. They have about 40,000 fans here today.



52 minute mark: Simon Walton bodychecks Ortega in the box stopping a good scoring opportunity.. Ortega is hurt.. I'm screaming at the ref as I can't believe we didn't get a penalty shot or yellow card for that. I have to put Godoy on for Ortega.

65 minute mark: Baines passes to Martins who passes to REmy.. Remy passes to Paul in the box.. Shane Paul with a point blank shot.. upper left corner.. Howard can't get to it.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

74 minute mark: Godoy passes to Djemba in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper with a great save.

Wright on for McFadden and Cook on for King. I also tell the offense to open it wide up.

84 minute mark: Cook takes a free kick from 22 yards out.. over the wall.. just wide right.

92 minute mark: Djemba passes to Godoy right of the box.. he centers for Wright.. Wright heads it.. upper left corner.. good save by the keeper.


Game over. A disappointing 1-0 loss to weaker team. We just seem to have let downs sometimes when Rooney isn't on the pitch.

We were outshot 16-11 (7-5 on target)

Simon Walton, their centreback, won MoM, 9 for form, 23 of 30 passes, 6 of 10 tackles, 9 of 9 headers, 1 inteception, 2 runs, 1 foul drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Antonio Ortega has 2 broken ribs :( He will miss 3-4 weeks. I still can't believe that wasn't a penalty shot or whistle.

[finkenst]

DARN! Ortega is upset that I rejeced the offer from Chelsea. He says that he would rather be at Chelsea than Manchester United :(

can you blame him? :)

[Eaglesfan27]

can you blame him? :)
Hey!

We are better than Chelsea :)

[finkenst]

Hey!

We are better than Chelsea :) hehe.. i just couldn't resist, ef27..

also, my three adrianos could kick your two adrainos' butts.
http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif


side note: it's fun looking at team of the week and having adriano listed three times.

[Eaglesfan27]

hehe.. i just couldn't resist, ef27..

also, my three adrianos could kick your two adrainos' butts.
http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif


side note: it's fun looking at team of the week and having adriano listed three times.

:D

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 12, 2015 -

With 10 EPL Matches to go, Chelsea and I have identical records of 20 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses for a total of 66 points. Our GD is plus 58 which puts us ahead of Chelsea that has a GD of plus 40.


Feb 15, 2015 -

Today we travel to play sunderland in an EPL Match. They are in 19th place while we are in 1st. Sunderland has a good offense, but their defense has been horrific and that is why they are in 19th place. Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor has 22 goals in 37 starts and he is the leader of a dynamic offense. Danko Lazovic is a good secondary scoring option at the other striker position. Thomas Hassing Skjaerbaek has 9 goals from his attacking midfield position. Harmen Boven is playing solid two way midfielder. Philippe Senderos is their best defender but he hasn't had much help. Luca Brunoni has been like a sieve in goal this year.

We are 4-7 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Brown
S3: Barbosa
S4: Godoy
S5: Wright

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Schreurs passes to King in the box.. he blasts a shot.. the keeper parries it.. McFadden gets the rebound.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. McFadden's 5th of the year.

21 minute mark: Howard stops a long range shot from Boven.

26 minute mark: Hill passes to Dominque Michel who immediately shoots from 26 yards out.. powerful curling shot.. upper right corner.. Howard dives.. it is out of his reach.. GOAL. 1-1 match.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. They have over 48,000 fans here today.



48 minute mark: Schreurs passes to Downing in the left side of the box.. Downing dribbles towards the goal.. shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.

59 minute mark: Schreurs crosses it to McFadden in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. wide right by a few inches.

60 minute mark: Barbosa on for Downing.

62 minute mark: We start our counterattack with a long pass from Barbosa to Schreurs right of the box.. he passes to King in the middle of the box.. King passes to O'Shea on his left.. O'Shea shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-1.

75 minute mark: Wright on for Mcfadden, Godoy on for King.


Game over. 2-1 win for us.

We outshot them 13-12 (9-4 on target)

McFadden wins MoM, 8 for form, 21 of 22 passes, 4 key passes, 0 of 0 tackles, 6 of 14 headers, 2 interceptions, 8 runs, 2 fouls drawn, and 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 17, 2015 -

O'Shea was selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Feb. 18, 2015 -

Today we host Werder Bremen in the 1st leg of the 1st knockout round of the Champions League. Werder Bremen are currently 2nd in the German First Division and they have an exceptional team. Robert Vittekis a 32 year old striker who uses his solid strength and leaping ability to be dangerous around the net. Ruben Saramago is a 28 year old Portuguese striker who has top notch speed and exceptional finishing ability. He is their most dangerous player. Tiago is a 33 year old midfielder who still is formidable despite some declining physical ability. Stipe Pletikosa is a 36 year old keeper who is still above average and has retained a great deal of ability. Sebastian Becker is a 25 year old centreback who is a high flying leaper with great heading ability. He also has superb strength.


We are even odd favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 30's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Wood
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Alfonso
S3: Cahais
S4: McFadden
S5: Godoy
S6: Djemba
S7: King

[Eaglesfan27]

6 minute mark: Their defenders are definitely saving goals. Two times I've had the keeper beat and their defender blocked the shot.

25 minute mark: Robert Vittek and Marchetti collide.. Vittek is hurt bad.. he has to be carried off the pitch.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. We have over 91,000 fans here today. We need to get our offense going for this home leg...


54 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney in the left side of the box.. he blasts a banana shot.. upper right corner.. excellent save by their keeper to parry it.

58 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney just outside the box.. he blasts a shot.. upper right corner.. excellent save by the keeper.

70 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick.. to the near post.. Adriano heads it.. excellent save by their keeper.

71 minute mark: Djemba on for Wood, Godoy on for Schruers, and Alfonso on for Barbosa.

74 minute mark: Rooney gets the ball at midpitch.. passes it up the pitch to Adriano.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. upper right corner.. blistering shot.. the keeper dives.. too late.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

77 minute mark: Godoy dribbles down the right sideline.. past two defenders.. centers it to Adraino who is just outside the 6 yard box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

82 minue mark: Parker steals the ball at midpitch.. passes it to Alfonso.. Alfonso with the immediate long pass to Adriano just outside the box.. Adriano splits the two centrebacks.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0! That is his hattrick. That is his 25th of the year. About time our offense woke up!


Game over. 3-0 win. I'm glad we finally started pressing things.

We outshot them 19-1 (14-1 on target)

Adriano won MoM, 10 for form, 10 of 10 passes, 1 key pass, 1 of 2 tackles, 3 of 10 headers, 3 goals.

Schreurs and Barbosa also had 10's for form.

[daedalus]

I'm surprised that after all this time you didn't use Adu as the return player when Chelsea came in for Ortega. [Even in spite of you being over him.] :D

Also nice to see the young guns getting some action in the middle of the pitch.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm surprised that after all this time you didn't use Adu as the return player when Chelsea came in for Ortega. [Even in spite of you being over him.] :D

Also nice to see the young guns getting some action in the middle of the pitch.
I seriously considered it, but I'm fairly sure Adu could only play either forward or attacking midfielder. Looking at Schreurs age, right wing is the more immediate future need. Therefore, I kept Ortega (who is looking amazing at right wing for a 20 year old. He has mostly 20's in my key areas for a right wing along with 18 pace and acceleration.) :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Sheesh.. Jeroen Schreurs injured his groin this match and will miss 2-3 weeks. Suddenly, my right wing goes from being a position of true strength to a relative weakness. Godoy isn't a premiere true right winger, but I will need him to play there with Ortega and Schreurs out.


Feb 22, 2015 -

Today we play in the English League Cup Final. We have a chance to win it for either the third or fourth consecutive time (I've lost track) Today we will play Manchester City in the final and this should be a good grudge match. Manchester City's main defenders are Wayne Dunn, Michael Dawson, and Andrew Davies. Benjamin Lauth is a good striker who has 12 goals on the year. Owen Hargreaves is suspended for this game and that will cause them some problems. Damien Delaney is actually going to start at left wing which is an unusual position for him.


We are 4-7 favorites.


It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Djemba
MC: Fletcher
MR: Godoy (Ortega and Schreurs are both injured. Hopefully, Godoy can hold down the position.)
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Lucio
S3: Parker
S4: King
S5: Alfonso

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Andrew Davies with a hard two footed tackle on Rooney outside the box.. yellow card for Davies.

7 minute mark: Fletcher shoved Delaney.. yellow card for Fletcher.

14 minute mark: Robert Earnshaw gets a yellow card for a push on Fletcher.

27 minute mark: Godoy gets a yellow card for a hard slide on Delaney.

30 minute mark: Rooney gets the ball left of the box.. centers it for Djemba.. he shoots from 10 yards out.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.

36 minute mark: Gary Borrowdale tripped Rooney at midpitch.. yellow card for Borrowdale.

42 minute mark: Barbosa steals it from Wayne Dunn.. passes to Rooney in the center of the box.. he has a 1-1 with the keeper.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it.. the defense clears the rebound.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. There are about 90,000 here today.



46 minute mark: Borrowdale trips Godoy.. he gets his second yellow card! Goodbye Borrowdale :)

61 minute mark: Parker on for Fletcher.. I tell the offense to open it up more.

67 minute mark: Barbosa crosses to Adriano.. he heads it.. upper right corner.. the keeper catches it. Areanas is killing us today.

73 minute mark: King on for Rooney who is exhausted.

76 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Djemba.. he unleashes a banana shot from 25 yards out.. upper right corner.. the keeper saves it.

80 minute mark: Barbosa passes to King in the left side of the box.. King passes to Djemba to his right.. Djemba has some open space.. he shoots.. around the keeper.. wide left.

85 minute mark: Boogaart starts the counterattack.. long pass.. over 50 yards.. to King.. he is breaking away from the defense.. dribbles towards the box.. has two defenders catching him from behind.. he shoots from 22 yards out.. powerful curling shot.. it is around the keeper.. will it curl enough.. YES!! Upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.


Game over. 1-0 win for us.

We outshot them 13-3 (6-1 on target)

Barbosa won MoM, 10 for form, 14 of 17 passes, 3 key passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 1 of 7 headers, 1 interception, 16 runs, 2 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

We were awarded 1.8 million for winning the English League Cup.

We've retained the League Cup. We've won the League Cup in 3 of the last 4 years since I've been here.

I just wish we could win that FA Cup which the team hasn't done since 2006. Hopefully, I can get that one next year.



Now, we just need to focus on the EPL Title and winning the Champions League.

[Eaglesfan27]

Feb 28, 2015 -

Fulham suffered a major blow as Thomas Hitzlsperger suffered a broken leg and will miss the rest of the season and possibly most of the offseason.


March 1, 2015 -

The board is delighted with my performance as manager.



The Wolves' Darren Carter has won the EPL Player of the Month! Darren is a 31 year old midfielder who had a dominating month. Michael Tonge of West Ham came in 2nd, and John Terry of Chelsea came in 3rd.


Leed's Gavin Murray has won the EPL Young Player of the Month. Gary Cox of Tottenham came in 2nd, and Chris Miller of Aston Villa came in 3rd.



Aston Villa's Bruce Arena has won the EPL Manager of the Month. Mane' of Chelsea came in 2nd, and Joe Roach of Leeds came in 3rd.



Julien Ribeiro of Chelsea swept all 3 spots for goal of the month.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 1, 2015 -

Today we host Arsenal in an EPL Match. They are in 6th while we are in 1st. Arsenal has many unhappy players and they are reportedly on the verge of mutinee against Martin Sol. Jose Antonio Reyes continues to be a dominating player despite being 31 now. He is fast, skilled, and can do it all. Right winger Salomon Kalou is also a very good player. Mauro Di Mauro has done well for Arsenal this year, and he has 20 goals in 32 starts. Lukas Podolski ihas 16 goals alongside Mauro Di Mauro. The offense is powerful and Reyes also has 14 goals. Javier Saviola has 9 goals as a third striker. Hatem Ben Arfa has 6 goals as a backup left winger/midfielder. However, the defense has been bad. Jesus has been a failure as a keeper. He is giving up way too many goals. He has given up over 60 goals in 40 starts. He also has 12 clean sheets in those 40 starts, so he can play well at times. Anthony Petit and Michael Smith have been very inconsistent at centreback this year. Ashley Cole is still playing well at left back at times, but he is having more bad games now too. Joseph Yobo has been their most consistent defender.


We are 5-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 60's.


GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Downing (an experiment to see how well these two dynamic players can play together.)
MC: Parker
MR: Godoy
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Lucio
S3: Djemba
S4: King
S5: Alfonso

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Downing with a nice pass to Barbosa on the left wing.. he centers it for Parker in the middle of the box.. he heads it.. upper left corner.. good save by Jesus.

4 minute mark: Long pass from O'Shea to Adriano... Adriano witha spin move on Yobo.. dribbles into the middle of the box.. blasts a shot.. upper right corner.. Jesus dives.. it is out of his reach.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

12 minute mark: Downing with a pretty dribble past two defenders... Kalou steals the ball from him.

17 minute mark: Nifty passing around the box by our midfielders.. finally godoy passes to Barbosa.. he leaves a pass for Rooney.. Rooney shoots from 10 yards out.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it... Adriano gets to it.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. Adriano doubles his talley.

31 minute mark: Podolski passes into the box.. Mauro Di Mauro gets to it.. Marchetti is chasing him.. Mauro goes down.. whistle.. yellow card to Mauro for diving :)



Halftime: 2-0 lead. We have over 91,000 fans here today.



50 minute mark: Mauro is offside.. he argues the call.. he gets a yellow card.. Podolski argues the call.. he gets away with a warning.

51 minute mark: Godoy passes to Barbosa on th eleft wing.. Barbosa dribbles past a defender.. into the box.. shoots from 15 yards out.. severe angled shot.. the keeper misses it.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

60 minute mark: Adriano collides with Jesus.. Jesus is hurt.. Roberto comes on for Jesus.

62 minute mark: Yobo bodychecks Adriano. I can't believe there is no foul there. Adraino is clutching his side.. he is hurt. I put King on for Adriano.

65 minute mark: Yobo trips King in the box.. penalty shot awarded! Downing steps up.. shoots.. right at the keeper! Roberto saves it.

75 minute mark: Boogaart joins the attack.. dribbles up the right sideline.. past three defenders.. great move on the last defender.. crosses it to the center of the box.. Godoy hits it on the half-volley.. upper left corner.. wide left by a slim margin.

Alfonso on for Barbosa and Djemba on for Downing.



Game over. 3-0 win.

We outshot them 13-6 (9-2 on target)

Barbosa wins MoM, 8 for form, 15 of 19 passes, 2 key passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 4 of 9 headers, 7 runs, and 1 goal.

Every starter had an 8 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

NO!!! The early word is that Adriano partially tore his ACL! He will miss at least a month rehabbing it.

He likely will miss our big EPL match against Chelsea on March 29, 2015.


March 2, 2015 -

Those vultures. The media have already heard that Adriano is out for a month and now I have bunch of media types asking me how will we survive without Adriano and do we have enough coverage while he is gone?

I reply. "Adriano is an important player and this is a blow to our team, but we have good players that can cover for him. Craig King and James McFadden are excellent strikers."

(I would have thrown Godoy in there, but he is too busy playing right wing. I should have mentioned Wright, but he isn't an excellent striker yet.)


March 2, 2015 -

I've gotten good news today. Jeroen Schreurs and Ortega are healing quicker than expected. Either one of them might be ready to start our next game in a few days!

O'Shea and Boogaart were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.


Jose Antonio Reyes, Lukas Podolski, Joseph Yobo, and Ashley Cole have all talked to the media about their concern about the lack of depth for Arsenal.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 4, 2015 -

Today we travel to play Werder Bremen in the 2nd leg of the 1st knockout round of the Champions League. We are up 3-0 on aggregate. Werder Bremen will be missing Robert Vittek and Cesare Bovo who are both hurt.

All of our players are back except for Adriano.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Djemba
MR: Ortega
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Cahais
S3: Alfonso
S4: Cook
S5: Rooney (only if they pull into a tie with us.)
S6: Parker
S7: Godoy

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: The keeper passes long to Testa left of the box.. Testa crosses it for Saramago.. Howard comes out to cut off the pass... Salva decides to intercept the ball.. he misplays it.. Salva hits it back towards the goal.. upper left corner.. GOAL. Own goal :( Down 1-0. Salva is crushed.

14 minute mark: Barbosa with a long pass from midpitch to the edge of the box.. King has it.. fakes out the keeper.. shoots.. lower left corner.. wide left.

22 minute mark: Fletcher passes to King in the middle of the box.. King shoots from 10 yards out.. upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it.

37 minute mark: Howard stops a flurry of shots.


Halftime: Down 1-0. Up 3-1 on aggregate. They have about 43,000 fans here today.


47 minute mark: Salva gives the ball away to Saramego.. he shoots.. Howard tips it over the bar.

53 minute mark: Barbosa passes to McFadden in the left side of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. wide right.

68 minute mark: Godoy on for Ortega who has picked up a slight injury. Alfonso on for Barbosa.

77 minute mark: Alfonso passes to Mcfadden in the left side of the box.. McFadden with a short pass to his right.. King has it 8 yards out.. diving header.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1. That is King's 50th of his career for Manchester United.

80 minute mark: Cahais on for Schmidt who is tired.

89 minute mark: Godoy burns two defenders.. crosses it for King.. over his head.. way high.. out the opposite sideline.


Game over. 1-1 tie. 4-1 win on aggregate. I'm proud of Salva for recovering from that early mistake and having a good second half.

We were outshot 19-8 (4-3 on target)

Rang Shawkat, their centreback, won MoM, 8 for form, 28 of 38 passes, 1 key pass, 5 of 7 tackles, 11 of 11 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 7, 2015 -

YES! We will be playing Shakhtar in the champions League Quarter Final. This Ukrainian team is talented. However, I think they are the weakest of the remaining teams. The other matchups are:

Inter vs Arsenal
Bordeaux vs Real Madrid
Liverpool vs Barcelona.


I'm thrilled to be playing this team when I consider the options.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 14, 2015 -

Today we travel to play Everton in an EPL match. We are in 1st while Everton is in 14th place. Everton's offense has been weak but their defense has been decent. Their defense is led by centrebacks Aleksandar Djuric and Joleon Lescott. Dennis Cagara is playing well as a left back. Verza is a good midfielder who can play solid defense as well as offense. Ceiran Hutcheson has been doing well in goal this year. Henrik Lantz is the leading striker with 9 goals which is the team high.


We are 4-7 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 50's.



GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Marchetti
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Barbosa
S4: Wright
S5: Godoy

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Downing with a corner.. to the middle of the box.. Salva heads it.. upper left corner.. it's by the keeper.. it hits the crossbar.

15 minute mark: Howard stops a pair of shots with two acrobatic saves.

25 minute mark: Parker gets a yellow card for a trip on Verza.

44 minute mark: Parker passes to King in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. We are being outworked in this game so far :(


67 minute mark: Godoy on for Schreurs.

68 minute mark: We get off a flurry of shots, but their defenders and their keeper stop all of them.

75 minute mark: Downing gets a yellow card for arguing an offside call.

Barbosa on for Downing and Wright on for Rooney.

76 minute mark: Godoy dribbles past two defenders.. centers it for Wright.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

84 minute mark: ugh.. we have a flurry of shots too fast for me to follow.. two of them hit the crossbar.. the keeper stops the other two. King and Wright are looking very active in front of the net.

92 minute mark: Godoy gets a yellow card for a trip on Reid.


Game over. 1-0 win.

We each had 14 shots. We each had 9 shots on target.

Tim Howard won MoM, 9 for form, 9 saves. 8 of 17 passing.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Salva sprained his wrist and will miss 5-7 days.

Fortunately, we don't have a match for 2 weeks due to international play.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 15, 2015 -

Antonio Ortega was diagnosed with a pulled hamstring, and he is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.


Manchester City has sacked John Ward. Sammy Lee is being touted as the favorite to take over the position.


March 18, 2015 -

Howard, O'Shea, and Boogaart were all selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 21, 2015 -

Today England hosts Austria in a European Championship Qualifying match. Austria isn't a particularly talented team and we should be able to beat them easily. Their best player is striker Martin Six who has 5 international goals.

We are 4-7 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Paul Robinson
DL: Steve Turner
DC: Robert Morris
DC: Ben Bennett
DR: Billy Jones
ML: Stewart Downing
MC: Nigel Reo-Coker
MC: Michael Wood
MR: Christopher Eagles
SC: Wayne Rooney
SC: Craig King

S1: Paul Lancaster
S2: Wes Brown
S3: John Hall
S4: Wayne Worthington
S5: John Terry
S6: Joe Cole
S7: Jermain Defoe

[Eaglesfan27]

12 minute mark: Long pass to Wallner.. Wallner heads it to Ivansec.. he passes to Six.. Six burns the defender.. dribbles into the box.. fakes right.. dribbles left.. shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL! Down 1-0 :(

16 minute mark: Wood passes to Downing left of the box.. he centers for rooney.. Rooney shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.

26 minute mark: Eagles passes to Nigel Reo-coker in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1. That is Reo-coker's first goal ever for England!


Halftime: 1-1 tie. We have over 78,000 fans and I think they are getting a bit restless.


55 minute mark: Their keeper and defenders stop a flurry of shots from King and Rooney.

58 minute mark: Wood collided with one of their midfielders and is slightly hurt.

60 minute mark: Reo-Coker shoots from 20 yards out.. the keeper easily saves it.

62 minute mark: Their defenders shut down Rooney yet again.

68 minute mark: Reo-Coker passes it to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. the defense beats King to the rebound.

73 minute mark: Defoe on for King, Cole on for Downing, and Terry on for Turner.

76 minute mark: Cole takes a corenr kick.. Morris by the near post.. outjumps his man.. heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-1.

80 minute mark: Robinson punches away a corner kick.. Eagles gets it outside our own box.. passes it the length of the pitch.. Defoe beats the defenders to it.. dribbles to his right.. around the keeper.. shoots... upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-1. That is Defoe's 20th career goal for England.

83 minute mark: Eagles passes to Rooney outside the box.. he passes to Defoe in the box.. Defoe shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!! 4-1.


Game over. 4-1 win :)

We outshot them 25-5 (13-4 on target)

Eagles won MoM, 10 for form, 16 of 21 passes, 5 key passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 2 interceptions, 13 runs, 1 assist.

Downing also had a 10 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Mar. 22, 2015 -

Salva sprained his ankle during his international match yesterday. He will miss at least 3-4 weeks. Fans are flooding the club's website wishing the 22 year old a speedy recovery whilst hoping that the team can still pick up vital points without him.


March 29, 2015 -

Today we have a big match at home against Chelsea for 1st place in the EPL. We are currently 2 points ahead of them. Chelsea's Adraino is their star and he has 30 goals in 30 starts. Freddy Adu is injured for this match so Diego and Arjen Robben will start at attacking midfielder. Julien Ribeiro, Sanli Tuncay, and Wesley Sneijder are a tough trio in the midfield. Naldo and John Terry are a strong pair of centrebacks. Glen Johnson is an able veteran at right back. Petr Cech is still a very good keeper.


We are 5-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 70's.

GK: Adriano (He needs some more starts, and I want to see if he can get it done against a good team with pressure on... I hope I don't regret this gamble.)
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio (Salva is still jurt)
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Cook
MC: Wood
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: King (Adriano is still hurt)

S1: Howard
S2: Djemba
S3: Parker
S4: Wright
S5: O'Shea

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Adriano saves a long shot from Adriano.

17 minute mark: Barbosa passes it to Schreurs on the right side of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper saves it.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. We are dominating possession and keeping the ball in their half, but the defense is rock solid. We have over 91,000 fans here today.


72 minute mark: Djemba on for Cook, and Wright on for King.

78 minute mark: Cole with a shot from 17 yards out.. Adriano saves it cleanly.

92 minute mark: Rooney dribbles into the left half of the box.. draws two defenders.. fires a pass to the far post.. it's over Schreurs head.. and out of bounds.


Game over. 0-0 tie. We dominated possession, but just couldn't get it past their defense.


We outshot them 6-3 (2-2 on target)

Barbosa won MoM, 9 for form, 16 of 19 passes, 1 key pass, 0 tackles, 0 of 3 headers, 1 interception, 1 run, and 1 foul drawn.

[weinstein7]

Tough game. A win sure would have helped, but at least Adriano didn't let you down.

Have you played the same number of games as Chelsea?

[Eaglesfan27]

April 1, 2015 -

The board is delighted with my performance. Once again, no awards for the month of March. Perhaps there weren't enough EPL matches in March to determine awards?


Manchester City has hired Glenn Hoddle to be their new manager.


April 1, 2015 -

Today we travel to play Shakhtar in the 1st leg of the Champions League Quarter Final match. Shakhtar is a fair team, but not a great team. Their best player is left winger Victor Yermak who has 5 assists and 8 goals.

We are 4-6 favorites.

It's very windy with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Chivu (I never made O'Shea eligible and Schmidt is too tired to play :()
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: McFadden
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Alfonso
S4: Cook
S5: Cahais
S6: Godoy
S7: Rooney (hopefully will be able to rest this match.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Tough game. A win sure would have helped, but at least Adriano didn't let you down.

Have you played the same number of games as Chelsea?
Yep. We each have 6 games left I think. We just need to win them all and we are golden.

[Eaglesfan27]

17 minute mark: Yermak trips Schreurs.. Yermak gets a yellow card.

44 minute mark: Schreurs gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Yermak. Their defense is playing all back and are crowding the box stifling our offense.


Halftime: 0-0 tie. They have about 25,000 here today.



46 minute mark: Schreurs is tripped by Razvan Dinca Rat.. ruled.. just outside the box.. boo. That was inside the box.

54 minute mark: Schreurs passes to King in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.

60 minute mark: Alfonso on for Barbosa, Godoy on for King. I also tell the offense to open it up some. We don't want to just settle for the nil-nil tie today.

68 minute mark: Schreurs passes to Parker just outside the box.. Parker shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.

72 minute mark: Godoy dribbles past his man.. crosses it to Alfonso in the left side of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. catches it.

73 minute mark: Parker gets a yellow card for tripping Rat.

78 minute mark: Alfonso passes to Schreurs just outside the box.. he shoots.. strong curving shot.. upper right corner.. it's barely wide right.


Game over. 0-0 tie.

We outshot them 10-2 (5-0 on target)

Razvan Dinca Rat wins MoM, 8 for form, 44 of 48 passes, 3 of 4 tackles, 13 of 13 headers, 5 key headers, 1 foul drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

EPL Update:

Every team has 6 matches left.


1. Manchester United - 23 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses. 76 points. 77 goals scored. 14 goals against. GD of plus 63.

2. Chelsea - 22 wins, 8 draws, 2 losses. 74 points. 59 goals scored. 15 goals allowed. GD of plus 44.

3. Aston Vila - 18 wins, 8 draws, 6 losses. 62 points. 50 goals scored. 26 goals allowed. GD of plus 24.

4. Liverpool - 17 wins, 8 draws, 7 losses. 59 points. 47 goals scored. 25 goals allowed. GD of plus 22.

5. Fulham - 14 wins, 10 draws, 8 losses. 52 points. 48 goals scored. 34 goals allowed. GD of plus 14.

6. Newcastle - 14 wins, 10 draws, 8 losses. 52 points. 52 goals scored. 45 goals allowed. GD of plus 7.

7. Arsenal - 14 wins, 9 draws, 9 losses. 51 points. 55 goals scored. 42 goals allowed. GD of plus 13.

8. Bolton - 12 wins, 11 draws, 9 losses. 47 points. 41 goals scored. 34 goals allowed. GD of plus 7.

9. Leeds - 12 wins, 8 draws, 12 losses. 44 points. 38 goals scored. 34 goals allowed. GD of plus 4.

10. Tottenham - 11 wins, 7 draws, 14 losses. 40 points. 40 goals scored. 45 goals allowed. GD of - 5


And the bottom dwellers:


15. West Ham - 8 wins, 9 draws, 15 losses. 33 points. 23 goals scored. 39 goals allowed. GD of -16.

16. Wolves - 8 wins, 7 draws, 17 losses. 31 points. 33 goals scored. 54 goals allowed. GD of -21.

17. Manchester City - 5 wins, 14 draws, 13 losses. 29 points. 29 goals scored. 48 goals allowed. GD of -19. They are in danger of slipping from the EPL!

18. Norich - 6 wins, 11 draws, 15 losses. 29 points. 24 goals scored. 54 goals allowed. GD of -30.

19. Sunderland - 5 wins, 10 draws, 17 losses. 25 points. 31 goals scored. 59 goals allowed. GD of -28.

20. Southampton - 5 wins, 7 draws, 20 losses. 22 points. 33 goals scored. 66 goals allowed. GD of -33.

Southampton seems almost certain to be relegated. This would be their first time being relegated in a VERY long time (I think over 30 years!)

[Eaglesfan27]

April 3, 2015 -

WTF!?! Stewart Downing is complaining that he is not in the first team enough. I starterd rotating Barbosa in more because Downing was getting tired (to the point where the physio was mentioning it.) Barbosa has been good, so I've been resting Downing quite a bit, but still... sheesh. Anyway, I'm planning on starting him tomorrow anyway.


April 4, 2015 -


Today we travel to play Newcastle in what is surely one of our most difficult remaining matches. Newcastle is currently in 6th and they have two dynamic scorers. Jermain Defoe has 21 goals and is still a very effective goal scorer. Ignacio is a 24 year old Spanish player who is starting to light the world afire. He has great skills and he has 12 goals and 10 assists in 30 starts this year. Kasper Lorentzen is a good left winger who can really set up the men around him. James Milner is an effective midfielder. Luis Carlos is an acrobatic leaper at centreback. Michel Testerink is a solid keeper who has great communication and command of the keeper's area.


We are even odd favorites.


It's sunny with temperatures in the 50's.


GK: Howard
DL: O'Shea
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Downing
MC: Fletcher
MC: Wood
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: King

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Godoy
S4: Wright
S5: Stevanovic

[Eaglesfan27]

Before the match started, I was just notified that our U18 team won their League Title for the 4th consecutive time.

2 minute mark: Downing passes to Wood just inside the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. solid save by the keeper.

4 minute mark: Downing dribbles past two defenders.. and right over the endline.

5 minute mark: Downing gets a yellow card for arguing an offside call.

11 minute mark: Rooney dribbles into the left side of the box.. passes it to the far post.. King heads it.. over the bar.

16 minute mark: Ignacio passes it to Defoe right of the box.. Defoe passes to Dickhoff just inside the box.. Dickhoff blasts a shot.. upper left corner.. Howard dives.. but it is out of his reach.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

30 minute mark: Downing has his dribble stolen by Robson.

33 minute mark: Downing gets the ball at midpitch.. long pass to Rooney in the box.. he dribbles.. shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper blocks it.. King is too far behind the play to score the rebound.

37 minute mark: Robson throws it in.. Milner lobs a cross to the far post.. Miguel with a diving header.. upper left corner.. Howard can't get to it. GOAL. Down 2-0.

44 minute mark: Rooney dribbles left of the box.. crosses to King in the right side of the box.. he hits it on the half-volley.. upper left corner.. the keeper catches it.



Halftime: Down 2-0. They have about 52,000 fans here today.


I tell the offense to go wide open. We need to come back.

52 minute mark: King gets a yellow card for an aggressive tackle on the keeper.

53 minute mark: Howard stops a point blank shot from Ignacio.

58 minute mark: Dickoff passes to Defoe in the box.. he fakes out Lucio.. shoots.. upper left corner.. GOAL. Down 3-0. Howard was beat badly there.

61 minute mark: O'Shea with a long pass to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.

62 minute mark: Fletcher gets the ball at midpitch.. passes it long to Rooney.. he fakes out the defender.. fakes out the keeper with a dribble to his right.. shoots.. upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-1.

66 minute mark: Downing passes to Rooney in the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.

I put Godoy on for Schreurs, Stevanovic on for Fletcher, and Wright on for King. I also move Stevanovic up into a more true attacking midfielder position which I think he is more suited for.

74 minute mark: Godoy with a great through ball.. Rooney gets to it.. Robson tackles him before he can shoot.

75 minute mark: They start the counterattack.. long pass from the keeper to Dickoff.. Dickoff heads it to Defoe.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. Howard dives but can't reach it. GOAL. Down 4-1.

We are being dominated. Lucio was hurt on the play and can't continue. He has to be carried off the pitch.

I move Wood back towards the defender position and go with a 4-3-2 since we've used all of our subs.


Game over. 4-1 loss. We were completely beat in all phases of the game :(

We were outshot 16-12 (12-4 on target)

Kasper Lorentzen won MoM, 9 for form, 33 of 41 passes, 6 key passes, 1 of 7 tackles, 1 of 4 headers, 4 interceptions, 4 runs.

Most of my team had 6's for form. Howard was given a 5 :(

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Lucio strained his neck and will miss 5 days.

Chelsea has not played their match, yet. So, I do not know if we lost 1st place or not.

Of note, Chelsea's next match is at Liverpool on April 15th.


Their last 5 matches are:

home vs Fulham
home vs Tottenham
AT Sunderland
home vs Aston Villa
AT Charlton.


Our remaining 5 are:

Home vs Bolton
AT Coventry
Home vs Middlesbrough
AT Southampton
Home vs the Wolves.

[Eaglesfan27]

April 6, 2015 -

Adriano is fully recovered from his injury.


April 8, 2015 -

Today we host Shakhtar in the second leg of the Quarter Final. We are tied 0-0 on aggregate. This time, we will have almost all of our weapons out there (Salva is still hurt.)

We are 4-7 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 60's.

GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Marchetti
DC: Cahais
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Schreurs
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Alfonso
S4: Cook
S5: Godoy
S6: McFadden
S7: King

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Boogaart passes to Schreurs.. he dribbles past his man.. right of the box.. fires pass between two defenders to Adriano in the right side of the box.. Adriano dribbles towards the keeper.. fires a shot from 8 yards out.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. can't block it.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

6 minute mark: Hokolovo trips Barbosa in the box.. penalty awarded.. Rooney steps up.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

12 minute mark: Cahais gets a yellow card for a trip on Melinyk just outside the box.

22 minute mar: Marchetti is kicked by Hokolovo.. yellow card for Hokolovo.. I thought he should have gotten a red card!

33 minute mark: Barbosa passes to Rooney left of the box.. he centers the ball towards the near post.. Fletcher with a half volley.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.


Halftime: 3-0 lead. We have over 68,000 fans here today.


I'll rest Rooney in 10 minutes or after we score our 4th goal whichever comes first.


47 minute mark: Schmidt gets a throw in just outside the box.. blasts a banana shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.

54 minute mark: Barbosa collided with Namitv.. he looks hurt.. he shakes it off.

56 minute mark: Alfonso on for Barbosa and McFadden on for Rooney.

71 minute mark: Alfonso passes to Fletcher outside the box.. Fletcher shoots.. strong curling shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper isn't in position to stop it.. not even close.. GOAL!!! 4-0. Fletcher's 10th of the year.

Cook on for Parker. I need to help get Cook his confidence back.

89 minute mark: We have a flurry of shots on goal.. their defenders and keeper block them all.



Game over. 4-0 win :)

We outshot them 16-2 (10-1 on target)

Fletcher wins MoM, 9 for form, 23 of 25 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 3 of 4 headers, 1 interception, 1 run, 3 fouls drawn, 2 goals.

Schreurs also had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

In other Champions League News:

Inter beat Arsenal 4-2 on aggregate thanks to a 3-0 win at Arsenal today.

Liverpool beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate with a 2-2 tie at Barcelona today.

Real Madrid beat Bordeaux 4-0 on aggregate with a 3-0 win at home today.




We have been awarded 3.2 million for advancing further in the Champions League.

[Eaglesfan27]

April 11, 2015 -


It has been announced. We will play Liverpool in the Semi Final of the Champions League. The first leg will be at Old Trafford (our home stadium) on April 22, 2015. Inter will play Real Madrid in the other Semi Final.


West Brom has won the English Championship and will be promoted to the EPL.

[Eaglesfan27]

April 12, 2015 -

Today we host Bolton in an EPL Match that is critical to our title chances. Bolton is in 8th place. Bolton's offense is led by Filipe Oliveira who has 11 goals on the year. Midfielder Kevin Nolan has chipped in 9 more goals. Right winger, Achille Emana, is a great assist man who is playing as well as just about any right winger in the EPL. Rik Thijssen is a 29 year old centrback who uses good positioning to stop his man. Lee Reid is a 24 year old keeper who has been starting just the last few games for them. He looks to be a bright keeper for the future, but he looks a bit raw still.

We are 4-6 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the 60's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Downing
MC: Parker
MR: Ortega
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: wood
S4: King
S5: O'Shea

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Marchetti with a key clearance of an Emana pass into the box.

11 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles past two defenders.. into the left side of the box.. crisp pass to Rooney.. he shoots from 5 yards out.. a defender blocks his shot.

19 minute mark: Rooney steals it at midpitch.. passes it to the edge of the box.. Adriano beats the defenders to the ball.. shoots.. the keeper came out.. blocks it.

27 minute mark: Trochowski gets a yellow card for tripping Ortega who was about to blow by him.

30 minute mark: Emana fakes out Barbosa.. dribbles down their right sideline.. centers it for oliveira.. he shoots immediately.. lower left corner.. Howard dives.. misses it. GOAL. Down 1-0 :(

36 minute mark: oliveira with a two footed tackle on Barbosa.. yellow card for Oliveira.

43 minute mark: Barbosa with a corner kick.. to the near post.. parker heads it.. upper left corner.. the keeper can't get to it! GOAL!!! 1-1.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. we have over 90,000 fans here today.


47 minute mark: Barbosa fakes out two defenders.. fires a pass to rooney in the left side of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. over the bar.

50 minute mark: Rooney steals it from a defender.. shoots immediately from 25 yards out.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. catches it.

61 minute mark: Lucio gets a yellow card for a trip on oliveira.

62 minute mark: wood on for ortega who is exhausted. I tell the offense to be a bit more aggressive.

71 minute mark: Barbosa crosses it to Parker who heads it to Adriano in the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. wide right.. that was a missed opportunity.

75 minute mark: King on for Rooney who is very tired. I tell the offense to open it wide up.

85 minute mark: Barbosa dribbles to the left corner of the pitch.. crosses it to the center of the box.. Adriano heads it.. the keeper pushes it over the bar.

91 minute mark: Barbosa passes to king left of the box.. he centers for Adriano.. he heads it.. the keeper blocks it.

93 minute mark: Thijssen has been foiling passes to Adriano all match.. he is playing great defense.


Game over. 1-1 tie at home :( I feel the EPL title slipping away...

We each had 15 shots. we each had 8 shots on target.

Barbosa won MoM, 10 for form, 20 of 29 passes, 3 key passes, 2 of 4 tackles, 0 of 4 headers, 1 interception, 18 runs, 4 fouls drawn, and 1 assist.

Parker had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

April 14, 2015 -

Lucio and Parker were named to the EPL Team of the week.


April 15, 2015 -

Jeroen Schreurs injured his neck and will miss about a week.

I can't wait to watch the Chelsea match... go Liverpool!




Liverpool let me down :(

Chelsea won 2-1. Adriano had both goals (5,85) Sneijder assisted on the first goal and Rafael van der Vaart assisted on the second goal.


I need Chelsea to lose one of their final 5 games now, and I have to win every game to win the EPL.

[Eaglesfan27]

April 18, 2015 -

Today we travel to play coventry in an EPL match. They are in 12th place. Coventry is led by star striker Wayne worthington who has 20 goals on the year. shola Ameobia is still an effective second striker and he has 8 goals on the year. Jay McEveley and Martin Scott lead the defense. Dalibor Glavina is a 26 year old Croatian midfielder who has become one of the better midfielders in the EPL. Ryan warner is their new keeper. He is a skilled 24 year old who is becoming quite good in the net.

We are 4-6 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Salva (welcome back!)
DC: Marchetti
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Ortega
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: Downing
S4: King
S5: O'Shea

[Eaglesfan27]

29 minute mark: Rooney dribbles into the left side of the box.. passes it quickly to Adriano by the right post.. Adriano heads it.. the keeper blocks it.

32 minute mark: Rooney with a breakaway.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it.

37 minute mark: Adriano steals it at midpitch.. passes to Rooney at the edge of the box.. strong banana shot.. over the bar.

39 minute mark: ortega passes to Adraino right of the box.. he centers it towards the far post.. Rooney with a diving header.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.



Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. They have about 32,000 fans here today.



50 minute mark: Glavina passes to Worthington in the box.. he shoots.. Howard blocks it.. Glavina running behind him hits the rebound on a full gallop.. upper right corner.. no chance for Howard.. GOAL :( 1-1.

59 minute mark: Parker passes it to Ortega right of the box.. Ortega passes it to Adriano in the middle of the box.. he blasts a shot.. upper left corner.. past the keeper.. wide left.

80 minute mark: Downing on for Barbosa, Djemba on for Fletcher, and King on for Adriano. I tell the offense to open wide up.

83 minute mark: Downing with a corner kick.. to the near post.. Salva heads it.. over the bar.

85 minute mark: Downing passes to Ortega.. he heads it to Parker.. Parker shoots.. over the bar.

Come on offense, we can't afford another draw or loss.

93 minute mark: Rooney passes to king in the right side of the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.


Game over :( 1-1 tie. We aren't playing with the same passion that we had at the beginning of the season. This is a terrible time for this sort of slump.

We were outshot 21-14 (11-8 on target)

Howard wins MoM for his 10 saves. 10 for form. 7 of 13 passes.

Rooney had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

April 19, 2015 -

I'm hoping Fulham can upset Chelsea today.....

YES! Fulham played Chelsea to a 0-0 tie. I needed at least one tie in one of their remaining games. Now, I just need them to lose one of their remaining games.

Aston Villa is the best bet to do that, and that match will be on May 2, 2015.


April 20, 2015 -

Howard and Rooney were selected to the EPL Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

April 22, 2015 -

Today we play Liverpool at home in the 1st leg of the Semi Final of the Champions League. Our chances are improved because Djibril Cisse is injured for this game! Actually he is out for both legs as he is injured for 3 weeks. His 26 goals will be missed by this team. They will start Markus Stradler who has 14 goals and Yakubu who has 9 goals at their striker positions. Nuno Ferro is a talented do it all midfielder. Wayne Bridge is still a good left back even at 34 years old. Andres D'Alessandro is finally slipping and he isn't starting all of their matches any longer. Chris Kirkland is having one of his best seasons in goal, and he will be difficult to score against.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the 40's.


GK: Howard
DL: Schmidt
DC: Lucio
DC: Salva
DR: Boogaart
ML: Barbosa
MC: Fletcher
MC: Parker
MR: Ortega
SC: Rooney
SC: Adriano

S1: Adriano, GK
S2: Djemba
S3: McFadden
S4: Cook
S5: Marchetti
S6: Alfonso
S7: King

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: Rooney dribbles into the left side of the box.. passes to Fletcher.. he blasts a shot.. upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it.. Rooney gets to the rebound.. shoots.. open net.. over the bar!

4 minute mark: Fletcher passes to Rooney in the box.. the keeper comes out to cut down his angle.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. around the keeper.. barely wide left.

9 minute mark: Ortega passes to Adriano in the box.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. Kirkland dives.. blocks it.

13 minute mark: Rooney is hurt!!! He collided with Nuno Ferro. Rooney can't go on :( I put McFadden on for him.

19 minute mark: Boogaart joins the attack.. dribbles past two defenders.. crosses it to the middle of the 6 yard box.. McFadden rises above the keeper.. heads it.. upper left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

27 minute mark: Ortega dribbles past a defender.. right of the box.. he centers it for Fletcher.. header.. upper right corner.. Kirkland dives.. catches it.

33 minute mark: Boogaart dribbles into the box (he really likes to venture forward more than any fullback I've had in a long time)... he centers it for Parker.. Parker shoots.. upper left corner.. great save by Kirkland.

38 minute mark: Lucio fires a pass down the left side of the pitch.. to the corner.. Barbosa beats the defender to it.. centers for Flethcer just outside the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. over the keeper's shoulder.. it hits the crossbar.. the defense clears the rebound.

44 minute mark: Valdo tackles Fletcher very hard from behind just outside the box.. vicious tackle.. the ref shows Valdo.. the Red card!

46 minute mark: We get off a flurry of shots on goal.. the keeper blocks them all.


Halftime: 1-0 lead. We have over 91,000 fans here.


51 minute mark: Ortega pushes Yakubu in the chest.. yellow card for Ortega.. things are getting heated out there.

58 minute mark: Lucio with a long pass to McFadden in the left side of the box.. McFadden shoots a very sharply angled shot.. upper right corner.. the keeper flails at it, misses it... GOAL!!!! 2-0.

63 minute mark: Howard stops a long shot from Gerrard.

70 minute mark: Schmidt passes to McFadden.. he dribbles into the left side of the box.. passes to Adriano by the far post.. Adriano heads it.. upper right corenr.. the keeper dives.. blocks it.

76 minute mark: Lucio trips Yakubu in the box :( Penalty shot awarded.. D'Allesandro takes it.. blasts a shot into the lower right corner.. no chance for Howard. GOAL. 2-1 match.

Alfonso on for Barbosa and Cook on for Fletcher who is very tired.

83 minute mark: We get off a flurry of shots.. their keeper and defense blocks them all.

88 minute mark: Yakubu gets a breakaway.. shoots.. lower right corner.. Howard dives.. blocks it.. jara shoots the rebound.. Howard blocks it.


Game over. 2-1 win. Not as big of a margin as I would have liked, but we generally dominated.

We outshot them 21-8 (13-6 on target)

McFadden wins MoM, 10 for form, 15 of 18 passes, 2 key passes, 0 of 1 tackles, 4 of 8 headers, 6 runs, 3 fouls drawn, and 2 goals.