Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

[bhurst99]

Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

What a dream season you had.

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

What a dream season you had.

Yeah it was a good one. El Shaarawy is an assist machine. When he feeds Allen its almost always put in the perfect spot. Plus the spacing of the 4-3-3 really gives great lanes for Allen. I usually like speedy strikers in career mode, but Allen has really taught me to play without speed and using proper positioning to get good strikes on net.

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

v.

Copa America
Group Stage

United States (4-1-3-2)	Colombia (4-2-2-2)
GK Guzan	GK Ospina
RB Chandler	RB Arias
RCB Ream	RCB Zapata
LCB Gonzalez	LCB Trellez
LB Johnson	LB Armero
CDM Bradley	RDM Guarin
RM Gatt	LDM Sanchez
CM Diskerud	RAM Rodriguez
LM Shea	LAM Zuniga
RS Allen	RS Falcao
LS Bruin	LS Ibarbo

It was a clear, beautiful day in Chile, the host country for the 2015 Copa America. The fans were in for a treat with a resurgent Colombia team determined to prove itself on the world stage and a scrappy United States looking to prove that its World Cup success was not a fluke. The always dangerous Falcao led the offensive attack of Colombia. They would look to use their superior ball handling with their odd 4-2-2-2 formation to try to catch the United States back line out of position. The United States would counter with Allen fresh off his stellar season at AC Milan. He was now looked at as the most dangerous of the Americans, and Colombia would look to mark him constantly.
The match would start with the United States firmly in control as Bradley led the charge into Colombian territory. Possession offense was the strategy for the United States as the crisp passing exposed numerous gaps in the Colombian midfield. Gatt would end the build up with a mini-run through the middle past Sanchez as he tried to lay off for Allen. The ball would be tackled away by Trellez before being cleared away by Arias for the Colombia counter.
The match would continue on in a battle of the midfields as both Falcao and Allen were shut down in the first half, sharing one shot on goal between the both of them. The lone bright spot came just before the half as Ibarbo took Falcao’s absence as a cue to shine, cutting past United States defenders in a blur of speed from a beautiful through ball by Rodriguez. Ibarbo would get inside the box, using his strength to fend off a last ditch effort by Ream before poking a ball towards the right corner of the net. Guzan just happened to guess the correct way in his dive, and that was the only way he was barely able to get a hand on the ball, pushing it wide so it could be cleared away by Chandler. An excellent half had come to an end, with the match even at 0-0.
The second half opened up with both Allen and Falcao finally being free to make some plays. Falcao finished where Ibarbo had started in the first half, coming right up the middle with force on a counter attack. He caught Bradley backpedalling as he cut around the American captain and let off a screamer from his foot from just outside the box that bent just wide of the target. Allen would answer soon after, taking his chance after a long build up by the Americans as he took a chance on a long shot of his own, putting the ball down to the bottom left corner that Ospina barely got a hand on to keep it out. The clock would keep tickling with more chances coming from both sides, but still the score held at 0-0.
The match held pretty evenly with the United States controlling possession by using the wide passing lanes that the Colombia midfield gave them to work with, balanced against the quick counter attack up the middle in numbers by Colombia against the American side. Eventually something had to give, but the question was against which side would it come? After all the strategy, the breakthrough would come on a set piece. The United States won a corner kick off of one of their long possessions. Alonso would send it in and freshly subbed Altidore would find with his head, putting it into the back of the net in the 71’
Colombia would make a final push with Falcao and Muriel leading the charge, finally putting together a long build up of their own. Muriel would give to Falcao in the middle, before doing a give and go with Guarin to get inside and send off a finesse ball to the corner. Chandler would get a piece of it on the block and Guzan would jump in to cover before punting the ball away. The United States would hold on to the ball as the final whistle blew as the US won their opening round match 1-0 over a tough Colombia team. The United States played efficient football, playing possession football and taking as many shots on target as possible and eventually one broke through. Colombia would have to play tremendously to make sure they made it to the knockout stage by putting up a good showing against their next foe Venezuela. The Untied States would get to face the vaunted Brazil in their next match.

Altidore comes through with a clutch header late

Jul 1, 2015 - United States vs Colombia
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
United States (0-0-0)	0	1	1
Colombia (0-0-0)	0	0	0

Team Stats Comparison
United States		Colombia
1	Goals	0
11	Shots	5
9	Shots on Target	3
5	Tackles	6
1	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
81%	Shot Accuracy	60%
85%	Passing Percentage	86%

Substitutions:
54' Alonso in - Diskerud out
62' Muriel in - Ibarbo out
64' Altidore in - Bruin out
71' Cuadrado in - Zuniga out


Notable Allen statistics:
6.4 Rating
3 shots on/1 shot off target
1 Key Pass
1 1v1 victory

Group stage results:
Brazil 4 - 1 Venezuela

Group C Standings
TEAM	W	D	L	GD	PTS
Brazil	1	0	0	3	3
United States	1	0	0	1	3
Colombia	0	0	1	-1	0
Venezuela	0	0	1	-3	0

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

The Rumor Mill is Ablaze with Hypothetical Destinations for Allen
by Dave Seville


Could Alvin Allen be on the move?

Every year the transfer window heats up with potential names that will be on the move, and the hot name on everyone's lips is the 21 year old American Alvin Allen. No transfer request has been submitted by the young star, but Milan rumpored to be sending out feelers on a possible deal that would more than triple their original investment in Allen more than 2 years ago and the club may just be ready to cash in. Money laden clubs such as Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are all licking their chops at adding the young talent to their roster, but what remains to be seen is if Allen himself is ready to move on.

"I enjoy my life in Milan," Allen said recently in a post game press conference during the Copa America. "I've enjoyed tremendous success with the team and I am excited for the challenge to compete in the Champions League once again with them."

Is this a negotiating strategy by Allen? If one reads between the lines, it could mean that he is only interested in moving to a team that is already in the Champions League. Or maybe he is truly happy in Milan and all of the noise surrounding Allen is unfounded. Either way, these rumors make the Copa America more intriguing to watch as more teams will tune in to see how Allen does on the world stage.

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

v.

Copa America
Group Stage

United States (4-1-3-2)	Brazil (4-3-3)
GK Guzan	GK Diego Alves
RB Chandler	RB Danilo
RCB Ream	RCB Thaigo Silva
LCB Gonzalez	LCB Juan Jesus
LB Johnson	LB Marcelo
CDM Bradley	RCM Romulo
RM Gatt	LCM Hernanes
CM Diskerud	CAM Lucas
LM Shea	RW Hulk
RS Allen	ST Neymar
LS Bruin	LW Joaozinho

The beautiful Chilean weather was an excellent backdrop for the match between two excellent teams in the United States and Brazil. Brazil’s team had blossomed into one of the world’s best with names like Neymar and Hulk leading the way. The United States wanted to build their team in a similar fashion by developing their young stars into a future contender. The stage was set for a battle between a team that was already at the mountaintop and a team that fancied itself as the next generation to get there.
Brazil uses a 4-3-3 attacking formation which tends stretch a defense with the wide wingmen as the center midfielders to push forward all while highlighting their star Neymar’s skill set by allowing him to create up front. The one weakness of Brazil was how vulnerable this made their back line. The Americans would take advantage of this early, as an early mistake by Lucas would be stolen away by Bradley and just like that the US was on the counter attack. Bradley would give to Allen who would take it up the middle as Danilo came over to mark him. This would leave Shea open on the wing, and Allen would send it over. This small window was all Shea needed to take it the rest of the way and send in a cross. With only two defenders in the middle, the advantage was with the United States and Bruin would find the ball with his head, poking it into the corner of the net past Diego Alves to go up 1-0 in the 8’.
The United States victory was short lived, however, as Brazil began to take control as the first period wore on. The midfield was just too strong as they began to press deep into the American side with quick passes that took the Americans out of position. Lucas would take one of these chances and center the ball to Neymar as he cut across the face of the defense just outside the box. He would get the ball and take the one time shot, sending it just wide of the post. The corner kick would be taken and cleared away by the US, but the ball was still controlled by Brazil in dangerous territory. Romulo would get the ball and slot it just in between two defenders into Hernanes. Hernandes took the excellent pass and one timed the ball past Guzan for the equalizing goal.

Romulo's goal in the 37' got Brazil back on track

On the restart, the United States would answer right back with a quick attack, getting into Brazil’s penalty area between the large gaps on their wing. A give and go between Diskerud and Allen would find the young striker on the right side all alone. He would cross the ball in on a high arc through the air. Bruin would just out jump Marcelo on the inside and get a head on it. Diego Alves got a hand on the ball, but it wasn’t enough as the ball would roll into the bottom of the net for Bruin’s second headed goal of the match.
The back and forth would continue, with Brazil coming forward with another big wave up the gut of the United States defense. Hulk would push past Johnson in an attempt to cross, but the lane wasn’t open so he gave it right back to Romulo at the corner of the penalty area. Romulo would give to Lucus inside, then cut back toward the middle just outside the box. Lucas would give it right back to him as Johnson and Gonzalez got tangled up around him. Romulo would receive it and send in a rocket left footed shot. Guzan would dive to his right but couldn’t catch up to the heat as it went into the back of the net. The match would head into the half at 2-2.
The beginning of the second half would be about missed opportunities for both teams. Gatt and Bradley would led the American charge back into Brazil territory, starting a long build up to try to get someone open. That person would be Allen as he would get to line up a shot with his left foot, sending a bending ball toward the left corner. Diego Alves would jump to his right, extending his body and knocking the ball away for an excellent save. The ball would be cleared by Brazil and indirectly lead to a counter attack as Joaozinho would grab the ball and take it up the middle with pace. He would send the through ball to a streaking Neymar, leaving him in a one on one situation with Guzan. Instead of waiting on the opportunity, Neymar shot the ball right away, allowing Guzan to make a pretty routine save by deflecting the ball away and covering it up.
This would be a foretelling of things to come for Brazil, as chances started coming in bunches as the match continued towards its conclusion. Neymar would begin to take control in the middle, setting up teammates for chances on cuts, and taking some chances himself to get inside. The American back line held strong, marking players well and limiting good chances on net. A frustrated Neymar would take an unprompted shot that caught everyone off guard from at least 25 yards out. The powerful shot was just out of Guzan’s reach, but luckily for the United States the ball would sail just over the crossbar to keep the match even.
Time was running out for the United States, and they would make one last push back at Brazil. A subbed Altidore led an attack with Allen, passing the ball through the exposed midfield of Brazil who were still backpedaling from one of their previous attacks. Shea would come into the middle and Allen would find him cutting in as he would switch out wide. Allen got a step on Thaigo Silva and Shea would give it right back him as Allen sent in an early cross to try to catch Brazil off guard. The Americans had had aerial superiority all day, but this time it was not meant to be as Alitdore would be out jumped by Juan Jesus, who would clear the ball away. The match would end 2-2, with neither team able to get the frequent chances that had come in the first period. The halftime adjustments by both managers had served each team well. Next up for Brazil would be Colombia, as the United States would finish the group stage with Venezuela.

Jul 10, 2015 - United States vs Brazil
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
United States (1-0-0)	2	0	2
Brazil (1-0-0)	2	0	2

Team Stats Comparison
United States		Brazil
2	Goals	2
11	Shots	14
8	Shots on Target	6
5	Tackles	6
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
72%	Shot Accuracy	42%
79%	Passing Percentage	83%

Goals:
8' Bruin
30' Hernanes
32' Bruin
37' Romulo

Substitutions:
74' Altidore in - Bruin out
74' Holden in - Diskerud out


Notable Allen statistics:
7.4 Rating
4 shots on/2 shots off target
1 assist
3 Key Passes
2 1v1 victories

Group Stage Results:
Colombia 2 - Venezuela 0

Group C Standings
TEAM	W	D	L	GD	PTS
Brazil	1	1	0	3	4
United States	1	1	0	1	4
Colombia	1	0	1	1	3
Venezuela	0	0	2	-5	0

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

v.

Copa America
Group Stage

Venezuela (4-2-3-1)	United States (4-1-3-2)
GK Perdomo	GK Guzan
RB Rosales	RB Chandler
RCB Amorebieta	RCB Ream
LCB Tunez	LCB Gonzalez
LB Cichero	LB Johnson
RDM Rincon	CDM Bradley
LDM Signorelli	RM Gatt
RAM Feltscher	CM Diskerud
CAM Vargas	LM Adu
LAM Moralejo	RS Allen
ST Mario Rondon	LS Bruin

The last match of the group stage would find the United States and Venezuela going head to head on a rainy day in Chile. The Venezuelan side played a more traditional 4-2-3-1 with a holding defensive midfielder while the other pushed up to help on the offensive side of the ball. The United States would come out in the same 4-1-3-2 as before and would rely on their superior size and speed on the front line to try to score quickly and put Venezuela away early.
And a fast start is exactly what they would get off to as the United States would get into a rhythm early, passing the ball in the midfield and looking for an opening. Venezuela did a good job of clogging up the passing lanes by dropping their players back and marking well, but the United States still would control possession. Then in the 13’ Allen would break through as Bruin would find the striker just outside the box as Allen cut in front of his defender, made the quick turn, and fired a right footed shot that took a quick bounce into the bottom corner of the net.
From there Venezuela would take over the rest of the first half. Right off the restart they would push forward in numbers as the wings from the back line pushed forward to help. The buildup was quick and caught American defenders out of position. Feltscher would give it Rincon shading a bit to his left and Rincon would lob the ball over the top of a pushed up American back line trying to catch Venezuela offside. Vargas would sneak in behind, staying onside and putting the ball away past a diving Guzan for the quick goal for the 1-1 tie. Venezuela would keep control of possession on the US side, finding space and taking good shots. A couple of key blocks by Ream kept the US in the match, but it was a key tackle by Bradley that spurred on the United States counter attack just before the end of the half.
The US would have a counter attack that caught Venezuela with their defenders way out of position. Bradley would give it to the speedster Gatt on the right and he would do the rest, sprinting past the out of position Cichero and driving deep into the Venezuelan side. Allen and Bruin would sprint to the middle of the field, and it was now a 3 on 2, with Tunez and Amorbieta left to defend the middle. Amorebieta was taken out of the play smartly by Bruin, who pulled his marker towards the far post leaving Tunez with the choice of marking Allen sprinting towards the middle or Gatt slighty to his right. Since Gatt was winning the footrace in front of everyone, Tunez went with Gatt. Allen was left wide open towards the near post, and Gatt hit the short aerial cross to Allen soon after. Allen headed it home past Perdsmo for the 2-1 lead on brilliant team play by the United States.
The second half would be firmly in Venezuelan control as they would take possession and not let go. They attacked from all angles, pushing up from the middle and wings in numbers to confuse the US. Possession was their weapon, as players would weave for position and pass the ball crisply. Guzan did his part by turning away a nice shot from Moralejo inside, but the ball was not cleared away and Vargas would get it back just outside of the box. He would send the ball back inside to Mario Rondon in space as Gonzalez was still recovering from the previous attack. Rondon would put the ball into the upper left corner easily past Guzan to even up the match 2-2 in the 54’.
Venezuela would not stop there as it seemed as if the United States just couldn’t get possession of the ball back. They were content to hold the ball for as long as possible, and the Americans began to get restless as the clock would tick on. The only form of attack that the United States could seem to muster up were brief counter attacks, but the fact that the holding midfielder and back wings stayed in position prevented any sort of attack that led to that first half goal from Allen. Tena, who subbed in for Vargas, would show his pace by getting past Chandler and firing a shot at Guzan that he would save easily. Guzan would punt it away and the United States would get their first long possession of the ball since early in the match.
Altidore was on and hoping to put his team ahead, using his fresh legs to work some skill moves past defenders before giving the ball out wide to Adu. Adu would give it right back to Altidore as he would come inside looking for Allen. Allen would be marked well by Amorebieta who would get his foot on the ball, but Alonso would be there to clean it up, taking an ambitious shot from outside the box. The ball would crack off the crossbar and back into play, bouncing right to Signorelli and the possession of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan counter attack was on as the match drew to a close. Signorelli immediately gave the ball to Orozco on the right who would one time it to Rondon in the middle. The US backline backpedalled furiously to get in position, but the fresh legs of the Venezuelan front line were just too much for them to handle. Rondon would give it back to Tena who would stop just outside the box, then send it through to Rincon trailing the play unmarked. Rincon would get inside as Guzan came out, but the finesse ball was clinically finished with the right foot by Rincon, putting the United States away in the 85’. The final whistle would sound soon after and the United States would be upset by Venezuela, 3-2. Venezuela would head home with heads held high, scavenging a good performance and not ending the tournament with 0 points. The United States and their 4 points should be good enough to get them to the knockout stage, but they would have to put forward a better performance if they wanted to advance in the Copa America.

Rincon finishes off the United States with a late winner

Jul 17, 2015 - Venezuela vs United States
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Venezuela (0-0-2)	1	2	3
United States (1-1-0)	2	0	2

Team Stats Comparison
Venezuela		United States
3	Goals	2
8	Shots	4
4	Shots on Target	4
4	Tackles	6
0	Fouls	2
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
50%	Shot Accuracy	100%
94%	Passing Percentage	80%

Goals:
13' Allen
16' Vargas
33' Allen
54' Mario Rondon
85' Rincon

Substitutions:
69' Orozco in - Feltscher out
69' Altidore in - Bruin out
69' Alonso in - Diskerud out
73' Tena in - Vargas out
79' Rondon in - Mario Rondon out


Notable Allen statistics:
7.8 Rating
2 goals
3 shots on target
4 1v1 victories

Group Stage Results:
Brazil 2 - Colombia 1

Group C Standings
TEAM	W	D	L	GD	PTS
Brazil	2	1	0	4	7
United States	1	1	1	0	4
Colombia	1	0	2	0	3
Venezuela	1	0	2	-4	3

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

Copa America Group Stage Results
by Dave Seville

Group A Standings
TEAM	W	D	L	GD	PTS
Uruguay	3	0	0	4	9
Paraguay	1	1	1	2	4
Chile	1	1	1	0	4
Bolivia	0	0	3	-6	0

Group B Standings
TEAM	W	D	L	GD	PTS
Mexico	2	1	0	3	7
Argentina	2	0	1	3	6
Peru	1	0	2	-2	3
Ecuador	0	1	2	-4	1

Group C Standings
TEAM	W	D	L	GD	PTS
Brazil	2	1	0	4	7
United States	1	1	1	0	4
Colombia	1	0	2	0	3
Venezuela	1	0	2	-4	3

Knockout Stage:

Uruguay
Chile

Paraguay
United States

Mexico
Colombia

Brazil
Argentina

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

v.

Copa America
Quarterfinals

Paraguay (4-2-3-1)	United States (4-1-3-2)
GK Barrertos	GK Guzan
RB Piris	RB Cameron
RCB Aguilar	RCB Ream
LCB Cohene	LCB Gonzalez
LB Melgarejo	LB Johnson
RDM Caceres	CDM Bradley
LDM Barreto	RM Gatt
RM Estigarriba	CM Diskerud
LM Etxeberria	LM Shea
CAM Zeballos	RS Allen
ST Cardozo	LS Bruin

The United States came to face Paraguay with renewed focus after their surprise loss to Venezuela. They would try to not have a repeat upset as they would come against Paraguay. One has to have respect for Paraguay as they worked hard to finish in the second spot of Group A. They would look to continue their run by trying to overcome a tough American side in the quarterfinal round of the Copa America.
Nervous play would define the beginning of the match as the United States and Paraguay struggled to get into an early rhythm. Turnovers would define the opening of the first half as both teams were defined by bad lead passes and sloppy on the ball movement. It would be Allen who would get the United States on track, cutting past Cohene on a bad switch and finding a small bit of daylight in Paraguay’s territory. Allen would take the shot with his right foot just outside the box before Aguilar could come over to block. The ball would sail towards the upper right corner crisply into the back of the net for the opening goal in the 18’.
This would seem to energize the Americans as they would take firm control over possession and with that the match. The United States would push up in numbers, passing the ball while looking for gaps in Parguay’s defense to capitalize on. Allen would get another chance on a pretty lob pass by Bradley, but he would put it too close to the keeper Barretos, who would bat the ball away. This would lead to one of the few chances for Paraguay as Caceres would receive it and led them on a breakaway up the middle of the field. He would give to Estigarribia on the right who would send it through to Zeballos setting him up for a nice finesse shot to his right. Guzan would make an amazing save, diving full extension to knock the ball away. The United States would regain possession and not relinquish it for the rest of the half.
After a string of decent chances, the United States would finally add to their total just before halftime. Gatt would be well marked and give the backward pass to Bradley from about 40 yards out. He would lob the ball out wide to Shea on the other side streaking towards the corner. Shea would get the ball in stride a half step ahead of his defender and send a cross out to a wide open Bruin on the edge of the penalty area. Bruin would catch it, stop, turn, and fire low and to the left of the keeper just inside the post for the goal and the 2-0 lead for the US. They would head into the half firmly in control.

Allen finds the top corner just before getting tackled

The second half would see the United States continuing their run. Off of a brief Paraguay run, the United States would head out on the counter attack. Cameron would hit a deep pass to Allen as he broke free. Allen would get inside and send off a near post shot that was barely saved by Barrertos. Unfortunately for him, Burin was trailing the play and put the rebound back easily for the goal and the 3-0 United States lead in the 49’. The rout was on and Paraguay could not seem to find an answer for the United States attack.
The US would begin to play possession football, milking the clock and baiting Paraguay to take bad shots. A freshly subbed Martinez would try to give his team a spark late in the match, getting free in the middle and putting a ball over the crossbar. Cardozo was largely silent all game, but late as Paraguay pushed forward, he would also find himself with a great chance inside, as Estigerribia would find him on a through ball just inside the penalty area. The sure goal was blocked late by a diving Johnson, deflecting off his back and cleared away by Ream.
Just before the end of the match, Sapong would put Paraguay away with a late goal in the 86’. Bradley would lob it to him on a counter attack after Paraguay pushed everyone to far forward. Sapong would be let loose on a breakaway and would do the rest, sprinting forward on a 1 on 1 and drilling the ball into the right corner of the net. A clearly frustrated Paraguay team fought valiantly, but in the end it was not enough.
The United States today fielded a more talented team. Talent does not always win out in single games, but Paraguay failed to capitalize on the early lapses by the United States. They did not have any particular strategy, and eventually once the US got on a roll, Paraguay didn’t have an answer for them. The US advance to the semifinals where they will face the winner of Uruguay versus the host country Chile.

Jul 17, 2015 - Paraguay vs United States
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Paraguay (-)	0	0	0
United States (-)	2	2	4

Team Stats Comparison
Paraguay		United States
0	Goals	4
7	Shots	11
1	Shots on Target	9
3	Tackles	2
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
14%	Shot Accuracy	81%
81%	Passing Percentage	80%

Goals:
18' Allen
42' Bruin
49' Bruin
86' Sapong

Substitutions:
58' Martinez in - Zeballos out
70' Sapong in - Bruin out
70' Alonso in - Diskerud out
82' Perez in - Estigarribia out


Notable Allen statistics:
7.9 Rating
1 goal
4 shots on/1 shot off target
1 1v1 victory

[moblipeg]

Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

Copa America Knockout Stage Results
by Dave Seville



Quarterfinal Results:
Uruguay 3 - 1 Chile
Paraguay 0 - 4 United States
Mexico 2 - 0 Colombia
Argentina 2 - 1 Brazil


Semifinals:

Uruguay
United States

Mexico
Argentina

[moblipeg]

Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

v.

Copa America
Semifinals

Uruguay (4-4-2)	United States (4-1-3-2)
GK Muslera	GK Guzan
RB Caceres	RB Chandler
RCB Coates	RCB Ream
LCB Godin	LCB Gonzalez
LB Pereira	LB Johnson
RM Ramirez	CDM Bradley
RCM Gargano	RM Gatt
LCM Gonzalez	CM Diskerud
LM Rodriguez	LM Shea
RS Cavani	RS Allen
LS Suarez	LS Bruin

Uruguay had been waiting for its chance to get back at the United States for knocking them out of the World Cup the previous year. The 1-0 victory had ended Uruguay’s chance to even make it out of the group stage, which disappointed many of the fans who had made the trek to Brazil that summer. Now was the chance to prove themselves as the United States prepared to take them on in a semifinal battle in the Copa America tournament.
Slow play would define the match early as both teams felt each other out like two heavyweights circling the ring. The midfield battle was fierce as competitors from both teams pushed back against one another with smooth interceptions and excellent marking. Off of one of these attempts, Rodriguez would get a bit greedy trying to send it a ground cross. Bradley would take the ball and send it long up the wing to Allen and the break was on for the United States. Allen would have a step on Periera, widening the gap with pace before sending in the cross into the middle where Bruin waited. The striker got his head on the ball, but it was partially blocked by Coates to take just enough off of the ball and it would go wide for the corner. The US would control possession for a bit after, but no real chances on net were established before Uruguay regained control.
Uruguay remained unfazed by the United States attack, and continued to use their strategy of possession football late in the half, picking their spots while slowly pushing their way into US territory. The breakthrough goal would happen in the 39’ as a late switch by the US back line left a huge hole for Ramirez to slide through. He pushed through wide open as Gargano found him with the pass. The one timed shot just inside the penalty area sailed into the upper right corner of the net as Guzan could only watch with no chance for a save. Uruguay would head into the half up 1-0.
The United States would start the second half on fire, driving deep in Uruguay’s side and holding possession on a long build up. Allen would once again take it out on the right wing this time marked by Godin out wide. Allen would cut past him and sprint inside the box drawing the Coates over. Diskerud was left wide open in the middle and Allen would find him, but the midfielder was not expecting the pass and put the shot high and right at the keeper Muslera who pushed the ball over the top of the net for the corner. The ensuing corner was not converted, but the ball was cleared right back to Bruin. Bruin would find Gatt to his right, who would send in a bouncing cross just across the face of the keeper. Diskerud would slide in with his foot in front of a diving Muselra for the US who now were tied at one a piece.
The celebration would be short lived for the Americans, and Uruguay took the restart and pounded the ball right back down the gut. Gaston would cut through the defense, sending the pass through a shell shocked US back line right to the wide open Suarez. He would do the rest, cutting past the outstretched leg of Gonzalez and slotting a perfect ball into the upper left corner past a diving Guzan for the goal and the lead just two minutes after the US tied the game.
The United States was backpedalling now as Uruguay took control of the match. The US just could not seem to get possession away from Uruguay. The American strikers barely touched the ball the rest of the match as midfielders clumped up heavily in their territory, hoping for a last counter attack that would never come. In the 77’, Uruguay would put them out of their misery with the game clincher as Suarez would send an over the top pass to an unmarked Gonzalez right in the middle of the box. He would curve a bending ball with his left foot that would sneak into the upper corner of the net for a beautiful finish and victory for the Uruguayan side. The match would end with Uruguay advancing to the Copa America championship. They would face the winner of Argentina and Mexico. The United States played poorly, letting unmarked players get free in the middle and not capitalizing on their early chances. They would head on to the consolation match for 3rd place.

A huge gap in the US back line leads to an easy goal for Gonzalez

Jul 21, 2015 - Uruguay vs United States
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Uruguay (-)	1	2	3
United States (-)	0	1	1

Team Stats Comparison
Uruguay		United States
3	Goals	1
8	Shots	6
6	Shots on Target	4
5	Tackles	4
0	Fouls	1
0	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
75%	Shot Accuracy	66%
82%	Passing Percentage	81%

Goals:
39' Ramirez
66' Diskerud
68' Suarez
77' Gonzalez

Substitutions:
*Author's note*-forgot to write down


6.5 Rating
0 shots on goal
1 Key Pass
1 1v1 victory

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

Copa America Championship
by Dave Seville



Semifinal Results:
Uruguay 3 - 1 United Sates
Argentina 1 - 0 Mexico


Championship:

Uruguay
Argentina

3rd Place Match:

Mexico
United States

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

v.

Copa America
3rd Place Match

Mexico (4-1-2-1-2)	United States (4-1-3-2)
GK Ochoa	GK Guzan
RB Perez	RB Chandler
RCB Mier	RCB Ream
LCB Moreno	LCB Gonzalez
LB Torres Nilo	LB Johnson
CDM Enriquez	CDM Bradley
RM dos Santos	RM Gatt
LM Guardado	CM Holden
CAM Dos Santos	LM Shea
RS Fabian	RS Allen
LS Hernandez	LS Bruin

It may seem strange to have two non-South American foes face off in the 3rd place game of the Copa America, but these rivals always seemed destined to face off against one another when something is on the line. El Tri has had the United States number in recent matches, but the Americans would look to turn it around for a spot on the medal podium in this prestigious competition.

Disaster would strike early for the United States as Ream would go down with an injury in the 5’. A crisp pass to Dos Santos in the middle was just a bit out front and as Ream tried to clear the ball, he and Dos Santos would clash, dropping down in a heap. Dos Santos would get up, but Ream would go down. Williams would come in and Mexico would take advantage, using the always dangerous Hernandez, affectionately known as Chicharito to El Tri fans, to carve through the middle of the US back line and send off a great chance which was put over the top.

The United States would regroup as Bradley took control of the team in the midfield, giving his wings room to work on the outside. He would send it deep to Shea on his left who would immediately center to Allen. Allen would charge juts outside the box, working the give and go with Bruin before letting off a rocket towards net. Ochoa would dive to his left, pushing the ball away for an excellent save. A rebound opportunity by Holden was put wide of the target, ending the US attack, but they would put Mexico on notice with a couple of good chances.

The rest of the half would be pretty non eventful, except for a late push by Mexico just before the end of the period. In the 43’, Mexico was on a long possession in American territory, passing the ball around the box, looking for an opportunity. The right midfielder dos Santos would find his namesake Dos Santos in the middle with a nice through pass just in front of Williams. Dos Santos had a shot on net just inside the box, but instead elected to try to pass to Fabian who was cutting on the left side of the net. Gonzalez would jump in front for the nice block for the US, and Johnson would clean up, clearing the ball away and ending the Mexican attack. Dos Santos could have take the shot and given his team a chance at the lead, but instead both teams would head into the half tied at 0-0.

The second half would begin with a possession battle in the midfield as neither team could seem to get a good run going. Chances on net were few and far between as both teams struggled to establish themselves on the pitch. Hernandez would get his shot on a Mexico counter attack, streaking down the middle of the field as Guardado would find him with the long lob pass. It looked like one on one with the keeper, but a sprinting Johnson somehow got their to pressure Chicharito, getting just enough in his head to have him push his shot way wide of the target.

This match looked destined for extra time until in late in the match, both teams seemed to turn up the pressure. Mexico would get it started with excellent passing, freeing up Dos Santos in the middle of the field. He would send the ball to Fabian who would one time it to Herrera cutting into the box. He would take a quick glance to see where the keeper was, then blast home a right footed shot into the upper right corner of the net for the goal.
The celebration would be short lived as the United States would answer back with a goal of their own on the restart. Bradley would bring it across the line after the pass back by Altidore. He would give to Allen on the lob pass on the right wing. Allen would do the rest himself, using the fake shot to get by Torres Nilo before sprinting across the edge of the box. Moreno would close, but Allen would stick out his arm full extention pushing off on his defender and giving him just a bit of room to send a left footed strike into the bottom left corner past Ochoa for the equalizer in the 74’.

Once again the match looked destined for extra time as neither team could make a run as the clock ticked away. Mexico looked content to wait it out by playing possession football as the United States scrambled to win the ball back. They did not want another repeat of the Uruguay game as they could not get possession late in that match. Finally the substitute Williams , sliding the ball away form Herrera, leading to a US break. Gatt would streak up the right side, giving it back to Alonso towards the outside of the right half of the box. Alonso would send forth a lobbed crossing ball to Allen inside the box. Allen jumped up to head the high lobbed ball as Mexican defenders converged around him. Instead of shooting, Allen would head it across to a wide open Alitdore who would one time jump kick his shot into the back of the net for the US goal in the 89’. It was an amazing pass and goal, easily the best of the tournament so far. The United States would hold on to win 2-1 and take 3rd place in the Copa America over their rivals Mexico.

Altidore's jump kick goal seals the US victory over their rivals Mexico

Jul 25, 2015 - Mexico vs United States
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Mexico (-)	0	1	1
United States (-)	0	2	2

Team Stats Comparison
Mexico		United States
1	Goals	2
5	Shots	9
2	Shots on Target	4
5	Tackles	6
0	Fouls	1
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	1
40%	Shot Accuracy	44%
75%	Passing Percentage	76%

Goals:
73' Herrera
74' Allen
89' Altidore

Injuries:
5' Ream

Substitutions:
5' Williams in - Ream out (inj)
55' Alonso in - Holden out
55' Herrera in - Enriquez out
73' Altidore in - Bruin out
83' Guarch in - Fabian out


Notable Allen statistics:
7.4 Rating
1 goal
2 shots on/2 shots off target
1 assist
5 1v1 victories
Man of the Match

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

Copa America Championship Results
by Dave Seville



Championship Results:
Uruguay 2 - 2 Argentina
(5-4 PKs)

3rd Place Results
United States 2 - 1 Mexico

Uruguay wins the Copa America!


Uruguay clebrates winning the 2015 Copa America over Argentina

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

Chelsea and Barcelona Drop Out of Race for Allen, Barca Refocused on El Shaarawy
by Davide Siviglia


Allen refused to move; Is Barcelona eyeing El Shaarawy?

Well football fans, it looks like the transfer saga for Alvin ALlen continues as suitors Chelsea and Barcelona have both expressed and then backed out of negotiations for the American striker. Allen is rumored to want to stay with AC Milan, even though it seems as if the owner is ready to capitalize on a massive transfer fee for selling the young striker to a big club.
Barcelona has instead shifted their focus to Allen''s teammate El Shaarawy, the young Italian winger for was the assist king in last year's Serie A. This prompted an immediate response by Allen's camp addressing the football media across the world with a firm statement. "Staying at Milan gives me the bets chance at securing a Champions League title. However, if El Shaarawy is moved in any form or fashion in this transfer window, I will have no choice but to move on to another club." It's rare to have such a candid answer from a high profile player, but it seems as if Allen is serious about his intentions to stay at Milan for the time being with his current team in tact. Meanwhile, our sources state that Milan brass is none to happy with their strikers tendency to spout off his intentions so abruptly, and could possibly look to continue to sell both Allen and El Shaarawy to suitors such as Bayern and Real Madrid. El Shaarawy's camp has seen fit to remain quiet during this situation as the current champions of Seire A AC Milan look to sort some things out heading into the new season.

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Re: Mr. Second Place: An Autobiographical Tale of Alvin Allen (Fifa 13)

Preseason Results

Jul 31, 2015 - AC Milan vs AS Nancy
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Milan (-)	1	2	3
AS Nancy (-)	0	1	1

Team Stats Comparison
AC Milan		AS Nancy
3	Goals	1
13	Shots	6
8	Shots on Target	3
3	Tackles	8
1	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
61%	Shot Accuracy	50%
90%	Passing Percentage	84%

Notable Allen statistics:
6.6 Rating
Goals: 16'
2 shots on/2 shots off target
5 1v1 victories

Aug 4, 2015 - AJ Auxerre vs Milan
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
AJ Auxerre (-)	0	0	0
Milan (-)	1	0	1

Team Stats Comparison
AJ Auxerre		Milan
0	Goals	1
4	Shots	15
2	Shots on Target	9
3	Tackles	3
1	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
50%	Shot Accuracy	60%
78%	Passing Percentage	84%

Notable Allen statistics:
6.9 Rating
Goals: 34'
5 shots on/4 shots off target
2 Key Passes
3 1v1 victories