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

[bhurst99]

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

5-0! That's the Toronto FC I know and love. Completely destroyed.

Your player seems a little too good for his first season. What level are you playing on?

[pfeifere1]

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

Your player seems a little too good for his first season. What level are you playing on?

I would agree with hursty. 5 goals in 5 games may be nice and feel great right now, but it takes the challenge out of the game a bit. Looking down the road, it may get stale and too easy for you.

Just my two cents...either way, great start!

[moblipeg]

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

I would agree with hursty. 5 goals in 5 games may be nice and feel great right now, but it takes the challenge out of the game a bit. Looking down the road, it may get stale and too easy for you.

Just my two cents...either way, great start!

I agree with you guys. I will up the difficulty tonight and see how the next couple games go. That Toronto FC game was a blowout. There's no way the Fire should've beat them like that, but I'll still take the win, haha.

[moblipeg]

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

*Turned the difficulty up to World Class*

Apr 28, 2012 - Seattle Sounders vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Seattle Sounders (5-0-0)	0	0	0
Chicago Fire (4-1-0)	0	2	2

Team Stats Comparison
Seattle Sounders		Chicago Fire
0	Goals	2
5	Shots	7
4	Shots on Target	2
17	Tackles	13
1	Fouls	1
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
80%	Shot Accuracy	28%
85%	Passing Percentage	91%

Summary:
The MLS game of the week belonged to the battle of the unbeatens. The Seattle Sounders came into Chicago supremely confident, as they had not yet experienced a loss all year. As the whistle sounded to begin the game, the Sounders pressed the action against the Chicago back line. Like a snake waiting to strike, they maneuvered the ball expertly waiting for an opportunity. Their first came in the 25' when Montero hit a strike with his left foot off of the post. Another came in the 38', when the Sounders had a corner that barely came up lame as the Fire defense cleared the ball in the danger area. Halftime couldn't come quick enough for the Fire side.

The second half featured more of the same from the two sides. Suddenly the Fire were able to break on a counter attack. Rolfe passed it to Allen on a wonderful through ball which Allen put away effortlessly in the 69'. The keeper never had a chance. The Sounders roared back with a flurry of shots, winning another late corner. The ball was sent into the box landing in a group of players. The ball came rocketing out off of someone's head. Tornaghi made a beautiful diving save. He got up and sprinted to the ball and covered it before anyone could have a chance for the put back. That was the last chance for the Sounders, who allowed Allen free up the side after pressing everyone forward. Allen made the easy pass to Fernandez who put up a nice bending ball into the left corner of the net. The Chicago Fire escaped the Sounders 2-0, giving them their first loss of the season.

Notable Allen statistics:
7.3 Rating
Goals: 69'
Assists: 1
4 shots, 1 on target

[moblipeg]

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



Life as an MLS player is a life of anonymity. Most people don’t realize that playing soccer professionally doesn’t pay money like most other professional sports. That first year I made roughly 60K, which isn’t too shabby for a teenager, but believe me it was far from the glamorous life of a superstar. I bought a condo not too far from the old neighborhood on the south side of Chicago and an economy car to get to and from the stadium in Bridgeview. My days consisted of mostly training and sleeping. I was engrossed in this routine, until one day, I received a phone call.

“Hello Alvin, its Theo,” a deep voice said on the line.
“Theodore, how did you get this number?”
“It’s just Theo. And of course I got it from your brother. I have a business proposition for you.”
“Not interested, Theodore,” I quipped.
“Just hear me out,” Theo responded, sounding less than amused. “Come to my new office downtown. We need to speak about your future. I insist.”
Just then there was a loud knock at my door. I went to the door and opened it, only to see two large guys waiting outside.
“Always the bully, aren’t we Theodore?” I sighed.
“It’s just a meeting, I assure you it won’t take long,” he chuckled menacingly into the phone.

I followed the two men outside where they had a car waiting. We hopped on the expressway and soon I was staring up at a beautiful high rise in the middle of downtown Chicago. I was taken inside where we rode the elevator up to the top floor. When the elevator doors opened I must say I was quite impressed. Beautiful marble floors were placed throughout the level. The walls were lined with pictures of Theo posing with various athletes in all different types of sports included a huge one of him and my brother smiling as he signed his contract. Theo had been extremely busy in his short stint as an agent, and I’m sure his underworld ties helped finance a lot of this opulence. I was escorted into a huge meeting room where at the head of the table sat Theodore Williams. At first glance he didn’t look very intimidating. He was tall and thin with broad shoulders. He was actually a very suave looking figure in a suit. But something was very off about the man. It was when you looked into his eyes that he became truly intimidating. You could tell he was a man that craved only one thing, power.

On the table in front of Theo were several sheets of paper. He motioned for his thugs to wait outside the door and waved me over to sit down.
“Hello again, Alvin,” he said, “I promise this will be quick.”
“What’s this about? If you think I’m going to sign a contract…”
Theo bellowed a loud, hearty laugh. “Contract? For soccer? I’m not interested.”
Actually that was a big relief off my shoulders. “So why bring me here, then?” I questioned.
Theo arose from his seat and strode to the window. “This partnership with your brother has been very kind to me, Alvin. In two short years, we have gone from 5th street to across the United States. But, now, I realize that we need to get directly to the suppliers and cut out the middle man by going, international.”
As he said that he looked directly at me. He began to stride around the room. “I have some contacts in Central America that…”
“No!” I yelled as I interrupted him. He glared at me with those eyes. “Why on earth would I get myself involved with the drug game?”
The tension left his face as he smirked and sat down.
“Because I have your family,” he smiled.
A chill went through my body at the way he said it.
“If I so please, I could destroy your family. Allen isn’t involved in my other business dealings. He’s just the front end money for many of my other...investments. However, I could easily flip some of my failings with our friends across the border to directly implicate him in its involvement.”
I seethed with anger as I watched him. “You’ll never get away with it. We’ll have the best lawyers…”
“I figured you would say something along those lines,” he interrupted. “That is why I have your other brother as well.”
“What?” I asked.
“It’s a shame what happens to a kid when his family is too focused on other things, like professional sports careers,” he laughed. “Alton has been one of my finest recruits. He’s already flipped two neighborhoods in Houston for me.”
I slammed my fist on the table. “I’ll never…”
“Oh you will!” Theo boomed back. “You will continue to succeed in this sport. I have forseen it.” He shoved the pieces of paper that were on the table towards me. They were various articles written about my early success in MLS and what it could mean for opportunities with bigger clubs around the world.
“And when you do head overseas, you will work for me, or you and your family will fall.”

I left that office feeling completely numb. As I took the L-train back to my condo, I couldn’t believe what was happening. Allen, and little Alton, who was apparently not so little anymore, were in trouble, and now I was the only one who could save them.

[moblipeg]

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

May 4, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs Chivas USA
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (5-1-0)	1	1	2
Chivas USA (3-2-3)	0	0	0

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		Chivas USA
2	Goals	0
5	Shots	4
4	Shots on Target	1
4	Tackles	8
1	Fouls	1
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	1
80%	Shot Accuracy	25%
89%	Passing Percentage	85%

Summary:
Ah, the dreaded rain. When the pitch is completely soaked like it was today, you can expect a slow and sloppy match. Sadly, that is what we saw. Chivas started with a quick shot on goal from way outside of the box, and unfortunately for them, that is the last real chance they had all game. The Fire didn't play much better. Their lone bright spot was once again from their star rookie in the 44' as Allen let loose a left footer from outside the box that had no business going in, but caught a sleeping keeper for the score. The second goal in the 87' by Rolfe on a counter break away put Chivas out of their misery on a mud soaked, sludge filled afternoon. Your final is Chicago 2, Chivas 0.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.9 Rating
Goals: 44'
2 shots, 1 on target

[moblipeg]

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

May 9, 2012 - Real Salt Lake vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Real Salt Lake (4-5-2)	0	1	1
Chicago Fire (6-1-0)	0	0	0

Team Stats Comparison
Real Salt Lake		Chicago Fire
1	Goals	0
8	Shots	5
4	Shots on Target	0
3	Tackles	8
0	Fouls	2
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
50%	Shot Accuracy	0%
87%	Passing Percentage	88%

Summary:
The Fire return home once again to regroup after an ugly win over Chivas. This time Real Salt Lake comes to town with ambitions of their own to climb the Western Conference table. The game began as a battle in the midfield, with neither team really pressing the action. RSL drew first blood with a wicked strike from Saborio from outside the box that clanged off the post. The Fire tried to answer before the half with a corner kick, but nothing came of their chance. In the second half, the action picked up a bit, with both sides making runs. However, it was Real Salt Lake that made the most of its chances, pressuring the keeper and finally converting on a through ball from Morales to Saborio to convert a finesse shot into the bottom corner of the net. That goal would remain the difference as RSL walked away from Toyota Park with a win, 1-0.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.0 Rating
2 shots, 0 on target

[moblipeg]

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

May 12, 2012 - Sporting Kansas City vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Sporting Kansas City (5-3-1)	0	1	1
Chicago Fire (6-1-1)	1	1	2

Team Stats Comparison
Sporting Kansas City		Chicago Fire
1	Goals	2
3	Shots	10
1	Shots on Target	7
10	Tackles	1
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
33%	Shot Accuracy	70%
85%	Passing Percentage	89%

Summary:
Clearly Coach Klopas had the boys ready for Sporting KC when they came to town. The rivalry was especially important in this early season battle as both the Chicago Fire and Sporting KC teams are in first and second respectively in the Eastern Conference. The Fire were all over KC from the first whistle. Early chances by Rolfe and Allen barely missed the net. However, just before the half Allen took a chance on a pretty routine pass from Pause and put up a laser from outside the box that barely made it under the upper left of the cross bar for the score.
The second half was no different as the Fire continued to control possession. As routine when winning, Chicago went into their defensive shell, but a bad turnover by Fernandez set up Sporting with a cross from Kamara to Sihoric for a no-look back heel goal in the 85'. The game was headed for a draw, when Allen made a run down the left side to win a corner. It came into the box and Segares put the game winner away in the 88'. What a classic game by these two rivals. I'm sure the next meeting this year will be a treat for the fans.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.9 Rating
Goals: 45'
3 shots, 2 on target

[moblipeg]

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

May 20, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs Portland Timbers
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (7-1-1)	0	1	1
Portland Timbers (2-2-6)	1	1	2

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		Portland Timbers
1	Goals	2
6	Shots	10
3	Shots on Target	7
6	Tackles	9
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
50%	Shot Accuracy	70%
88%	Passing Percentage	89%

Summary:
Fire is doused by water, and clearly the perfect case study is what happens to Chicago when they play in the rain. Portland played with speed on their home pitch, while the Fire looked simply outclassed all game. Nagbe was the leader of the Timbers, pressuring the back line from all angles with quick moves and crisp passes. Finally in the 35' Altesson sent in a cross to Nagbe for a beautiful header that caught the keeper standing still. Alexander would add another perfectly placed ball in the 56' off of a corner that Boyd caught straight on a volley into the net. The Fire couldn't get anything going, settling for a pathetic goal by Allen in the 90' off of a corner that only served to ruin the clean sheet for the Timbers. Chicago goes down, 2-1, to Portland.

Notable Allen statistics:
Rating 7.8
Goals: 90'
2 shots, 1 on target

[moblipeg]

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

Eastern Conference Table - May 23, 2012
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
Chicago Fire	10	7	1	2	22
Sporting KC	11	5	4	2	19
DC United	14	5	4	5	19
Columbus Crew	10	5	2	3	17
Toronto FC	9	5	1	3	16
New York Red Bulls	12	4	4	4	16
Montreal Impact	12	3	4	5	13
Houston Dynamo	10	3	3	4	12
Philadelphia Union	10	2	2	6	8
New England Revolution	11	1	4	6	7

Comments:
The higher difficulty is working wonders. As you can see I am still converting goals, but my chances are fewer and it is harder to get a clean shot. I have played with the sliders a bit to give the computer more chances as well so games are now tighter.

As far as the story goes, I will be adding some more elements to go along with that as well. I wanted to do more with the Santos rivalry between strikers etc., but it will take a backseat to the main narrative. The "blog" will be around to update news with Alvin, but I also plan on putting more "news" in there as well, especially when I finally get to the transfer market.

Thanks for reading. I'll update as I can.

[moblipeg]

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

May 23, 2012 - FC Dallas vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
FC Dallas (2-6-5)	0	1	1
Chicago Fire (7-1-2)	0	0	0

Team Stats Comparison
FC Dallas		Chicago Fire
1	Goals	0
4	Shots	3
3	Shots on Target	0
7	Tackles	5
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
75%	Shot Accuracy	0%
87%	Passing Percentage	84%

Summary:
A lowly FC Dallas team came into Chicago looking for a spark. With an important match against the Crew coming up, Klopas decided to rest most of his starters for the match. His plan backfired horribly. FC Dallas controlled the ball for 62% of the game. The key for them was a run up the right side by Jackson that was crossed and easily put in the back of the net by Marcelin in the 48'. GK Johnson for the Fire looked rusty, as he hadn't had a start all year. Hopefully, for the Fire's sake, this loss doesn't hurt their hold on first when they face the Crew next week.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.1 Rating
1 shot off target
Terrible game with little time of possession

[moblipeg]

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

May 23, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (7-1-3)	0	0	0
Columbus Crew (5-2-3)	0	1	1

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		Columbus Crew
0	Goals	1
3	Shots	2
0	Shots on Target	1
6	Tackles	6
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
0%	Shot Accuracy	50%
91%	Passing Percentage	86%

Summary:
The Chicago Fire traveled to Columbus Crew Stadium to meet the rival in the MLS Game of the Week. Two evenly matched teams took to the pitch and the 20,000 Crew faithful were not disappointed. The game got off to a gritty start, as both teams fought over possession in the midfield. A sloppy turnover by Allen gave the Crew their first chance, but O'Rourke put the ball just wide of the post. As the second half began, both teams realized that the game may come down to converting one of the few chances that could be had. The Fire failed to convert on a corner when Rolfe put a header off the crossbar late in the game. When the Crew had their chance, however, they would not disappoint. Late in the 82', O'Rourke gave a give and go to Meram that caught the back line sleeping. Meram put up the cross off the give and O'Rourke put in the diving header to take the lead. The game would end with Columbus knocking off the top seeded Fire, 1-0.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.2 Rating
2 shots, both off target

[moblipeg]

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

Jun 1, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs New England
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (7-1-4)	1	1	2
New England (1-4-7)	0	1	1

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		New England
2	Goals	1
7	Shots	2
3	Shots on Target	1
3	Tackles	4
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
1	Injuries	0
43%	Shot Accuracy	50%
88%	Passing Percentage	83%

Summary:
The Fire needed to see a team like the Revolution. This New England team had only won one game all year and were floundering at the bottom of the table. The Fire took advantage immediately, and Allen broke out of his slump with authority in the 20' when he smashed a goal home from just inside the box after dribbling between two defenders. Allen would not be finished, because in the 54' he scored again on a brilliant set up on the give and go with Alex. Late in the match, NE tried to put together a comeback when Toja sent a cross to Cisse that found its way to the back of the net in the 84'. But this was all Chicago, as they closed out the game in NE territory with a bit of olé. The Chicago Fire end their slide in style, 2-1.

Notable Allen statistics:
8.4 Rating
Goals: 20', 54'
3 shots, 2 on target
Man of the Match

[moblipeg]

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


League Leaders
by Dave Seville

Soccer Leaders - Updated: Jun 1, 2012
Top Scorers		Assists
1. Allen - Chicago Fire	11	1. Convey - Sporting KC	7
2. Sabario - Real Salt Lake	9	2. Allen - Chicago Fire	4
3. Convey - Sporting KC	8	3. Pardo - Chicago Fire	4
4. Wandolowski - San Jose	8	4. Zakuani - Seattle Sounders	4
5. Keane - LA Galaxy	7	5. Sapong - Sporting KC	4

Once again we are talking about the sensational Alvin Allen. This youngster is taking the MLS by storm. Can the kid win the golden boot? Only time will tell, but we do have one thing to tell you. The press is abuzz with news that Allen is rumored to have interest from a number of top European clubs. Only the Fire know what they will do with the talented striker, but a prospect of his caliber should demand a pretty penny.

[moblipeg]

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



A couple months had gone by since my meeting with Theo Williams. My team was sitting in first place and I was on the lips of everyone in US soccer circles, but deep down I was miserable. If I could go back to those moments in 2012, I would’ve told someone, but I had no outlet. I carried that burden alone.

I began to have regular involvement in Theo’s operations. I wasn’t overseas yet, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to use me. I began running “errands” for him within each of the cities we traveled. What I did most often was move money. I would arrive in a city and then head to the address my contact had given me. I would arrive and usually somebody who looked like they were in charge would hand me an envelope. I would verify the amount and slip into a false pocket in my luggage. We would fly to the next city and would then drop it off, and start the cycle all over again. Every so often they would give me some news, such as a rival was dead or business was good, and it was always given in code.

I never spoke to Theo directly, however. My go between was always a contact. I would get text messages to drop the money in different locations, such as a warehouse or under a mailbox. This time, I was asked to head to the laundromat that wasn’t to far from my condo. I put the envelope in the busted washing machine on the end and left. I don't know what came over me, but I went back to my car and drove around the block and found a good place to wait out of the sight of the laudromat front door.

What was I doing? I'm not a police officer, yet here I was doing a stakeout to see what was going to happen to the money. Many people came and went that day. I was just about to give up, when I saw a person in a gray hoodie and baggy sweat pants stuffing the envelope under his arm. He was on foot, walking back down the street. I left the car and discreetly followed. The person entered a huge apartment complex. I watched as they climbed the stairs and followed once they reached their floor. Slowly I crept along and followed them down the hall. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I figured I had to finish what I started. The person went into an apartment. I waited to make sure no one came out and pressed my ear to the door to listen. Suddenly, the door opened and I was grabbed and thrown to the floor inside the apartment. The door shut behind me. Dazed, I tried to get up but was pushed back to the floor with a kick to the face. I looked up from my back and realized I was looking at one of the most beautiful women I has ever seen. As my eyes traveled downward however, the beautiful woman was pointing a gun at my face.