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

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

For anyone who follows, just a quick FYI I have done some more games and will have write ups on them soon. I was just so caught up in my manager mode that I haven't been as focused on the pro mode. Thanks.

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



I woke up on the floor, handcuffed rather crudely to the radiator on the wall. The woman sat on a worn coach, watching me curiously. As I looked around the room I noticed that the gun was sitting on a coffee table in front of my host. It sat directly next to the envelope with the money inside. The apartment was old, with worn wallpaper and peeling paint on the ceiling. It was quite a contrast from the young woman in front of me. She was beautiful. She was probably in her late 20’s with cinnamon skin and dark brown hair that fell to her shoulders. She soon spoke.

“Well you’re obviously not here to kill me, because you fainted at the sight of my gun in your face,” she mused.
“You’re obviously not the man I’m supposed to meet, because you are way too young.”
“I’m not that young!” I snapped back like a petulant child. She smirked.
“Who are you kid and what are you doing here?”
“I uh…” I stammered, “I just wanted to know where the money was going. You see, my name is Alvin and I…”
“Alvin, eh?” She interrupted. The lady perked up at the name and looked thoughtful. “Call me Quinn.”
Soon there was a knock at the door. She cursed under her breath and came over to take my handcuffs off.
“Alvin, you’re about to find out what happens to that money. Go sit over there and don’t say anything.
Quinn opened the door. Two men were soon entering the apartment. One was scrawny guy about my height and build, with slick greasy hair and a tattoo down his cheek. The other was a big, muscular gentleman whose head almost hit the ceiling of the small apartment.
“Who’s that?” the big guy boomed as he pointed at me. I think my heart stopped.
“Easy, Frank, don’t worry about him. Where’s my stuff?”
“Right here,” said the smaller guy. He put a duffle bag on the table. “Top quality.”
“What’s that?” I squeaked. They all glared at me.
“Is this guy for real?” boomed Frank. “Who is he?”
“He’s with me,” said Quinn. “Now you want to finish this or not?”
She handed them the envelope with the cash. They looked counted it and left without saying a word. I was still frozen to my seat as she took the bag and put its contents under a false floor board in the kitchen. She soon came back.
“Hey kid, snap out of it, lets go.”

She walked me back from her apartment to the laundromat.
“Alvin,” she said as she put her hand on my shoulder, “this isn’t smoothing a kid like you should be involved in. If you aren’t useful, Theo will kill you.
I stood in silence as I watched her walk away. It soon dawned on me that she knew who I was as soon as I said my name. No one had known who I was in any of the meetings I had been to before. Did that mean I was starting to be recognized, or did Quinn know more about my situation?
“Hey, wait!” I yelled.
I watched as she turned the corner as she walked down the block. I ran after her down the block, but she was gone.

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

Jun 17, 2012 - New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
New York Red Bulls (4-5-4)	0	2	2
Chicago Fire (8-1-4)	1	0	1

Team Stats Comparison
New York Red Bulls		Chicago Fire
2	Goals	1
8	Shots	6
7	Shots on Target	1
6	Tackles	5
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
1	Injuries	0
87%	Shot Accuracy	16%
81%	Passing Percentage	90%

Summary:
The game started fast for the Fire as Alex put a shot into that back of the net off of a through pass from Allen on an early build up around the box. Unfortunately for the Fire, that was the last time they had a shot on target. After pressing the action towards the end of the half, the Red Bulls came out after halftime capitalizing on the tired back line. Holgersson put a header in off of a corner in the 68'. Soon after in the 72', a bad cross from Holgersson had the Fire keeper Johnson running off of the back line to try to get the ball, but Henry got their first and headed the ball into the back of the net. The Fire would not mount another attack as the Red Bulls would win the game easily. The marks the Fire's 4th loss in the last 5 games.

Notable Allen statistics:
7.3 Rating
1 shot off target
1 assist
Team has lost 4 of last 5

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



What happened to the Fire?
by Dave Seville

The Fire have finally fallen back to earth. Their star player, Alvin Allen, has begun to play like a rookie again. We have learned from our sources that the Fire will look to put Allen out on loan this season and will be in the market for a veteran striker to take his place.

In my opinion, it doesn't make much sense for Klopas to do this. Allen still is the league's scoring leader and looks to have a bright future here in the States. I believe the real problem is the absence of CF Rolfe and GK Tornagli. The new keeper Johnson is very young, but also extremely raw. He has made some questionable decisions since he's been but on the team sheet. Also, selection of Alex over Rolfe is equally confusing. Rolfe and Allen seemed to have had developed a chemistry, but now he seems to be struggling to figure out where Alex is going.

Either way, soon the transfer market will begin and we will see what the future holds for this Fire team. Will it be a "fire sale" or will they stand pat and try to win the East. Stay tuned.

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

Jun 23, 2012 - Columbus Crew vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Columbus Crew (6-3-4)	0	0	0
Chicago Fire (8-1-5)	0	0	0

Team Stats Comparison
Columbus Crew		Chicago Fire
0	Goals	0
8	Shots	3
4	Shots on Target	1
11	Tackles	5
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
50%	Shot Accuracy	33%
91%	Passing Percentage	90%

Summary:
Once again the Crew and Fire would face off and once again it would be a messy game. The midfield controlled most of the game as shots were hard to find by both teams. Neither keeper was really tested, even though the Crew had more shots on net. The game would end in a draw, and the Fire would once again find themselves without a win, even after decent performance from their side.

Notable Allen statistics:
5.8 Rating
2 shots, 1 on target
Terrible game overall. Very little impact on the game.

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

Jun 29, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs Sporting KC
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (8-2-5)	0	0	0
Sporting KC (8-4-3)	0	3	3

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		Sporting KC
0	Goals	3
2	Shots	6
1	Shots on Target	4
8	Tackles	6
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
50%	Shot Accuracy	66%
87%	Passing Percentage	87%

Summary:
Domination. That was the only world that could be used to describe what transpired as first place Sporting KC played host to the reeling Chicago Fire. The Fire played defense all afternoon, as Sporting held possession for a staggering 69% of the game. Klopas' defensive shell worked in the first half, preventing Zusi from getting a couple of clean looks on deflections, but as the second half wore on, the Fire began to crack. In the 62', Sapong sent a lobbed through ball into the middle of the Fire line that Zusi finished on a volley. Soon after on another build up in the 66', Berry tackled Zusi in the box. The PK was put away easily. The Fire couldn't stop the bleeding, and in the 85' Espiroza finished them off with a bender into the top left corner. Angirly, Klopas stormed away from the assembled soccer media after refusing to answer any questions on the future of his team.

Notable Allen statistics:
5.9 Rating
1 shot on target

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



Allen Says No for Loan to Exeter City
By Dave Seville



The rumors have been deemed true as reports are out saying that the leading scorer in MLS has declined to be loaned to Exeter City in the nPower league 2 division. Allen commented after practice, "I appreciate the interest from Exeter City, but I am happy with my place here in Chicago." My sources tell me that privately Allen was furious at being put out on loan while the Fire are still in the hunt for the MLS cup. We shall see how the manager reacts to the news that Allen has rejected his loan consideration. We are still hearing reports that other teams are interested in purchasing the young striker.

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



The plane soon touched down in Houston for our game against the Dynamo. I was surprised to see more assembled media than usual, and I could soon see the reason why. My brother Al had arrived at the airport to personally greet me, with several members of the press in tow to shoot some pictures. He was taller than me by about three to four inches, with dreadlocks at the time, and for some reason he always wore sunglasses back then, no matter day or night.
“Hey, Alvie, welcome to H-Town,” he said.
“Thanks. I see you brought some friends,” I said as I gestured to the media.
“Don’t worry, it gets better,” he laughed.
As we walked to the team bus with the cameras behind us, I could see what he meant. Soon we were met with more media members, and who else was chatting it up with them than Theo Williams himself.
“Ah, here they are,” he smiled as he waved us over.
Cameras and voice recorders went on around us. I realized I may have been a little more famous than I thought.
“How does it feel to be able to play in front of your family in Houston?”
“What’s it like having an NBA superstar as your brother?”
“There are rumors you will be doing a documentary on your family. Any truth to that?”
The questions just kept coming, but Al just kept interrupting me and smoothly getting us through the throng that had assembled.
“People, people, that’s enough. I’m sure our soccer star has had quite a flight and needs to get to his hotel,” Theo boomed to start to shut down the questions. “We’ll see you at the game.”
“That’s my cue, little bro. Make me proud this weekend.” Al walked away, taking the media and a steady stream of fans with him as he walked through the terminal. This left me with Theo.
“Theo, what’s this all about?” he said as we kept walking in the opposite direction.
“ESPN ran a story on your family during one of the MLS games, and it was such a hit they decided to air it on Sportscenter,” he stated frankly. “You’re about to become a little more famous.
“Don’t you think that presents a little bit of a problem for our business arrangement?” I angrily said under my breath. “I can’t keep doing your dirty work if people start to recognize who I am.”
“Oh don’t worry about that,” he smirked, “Who will recognize you in Italy?”
And with that he walked away, bodyguards and sycophants following close behind. Italy? What on earth did he mean by that? I was a little sick of being a pawn in this man’s schemes. I needed to figure out a way to get out. Quinn was right. When my usefulness had worn out, I, or someone from my family, would end up dead. It was time to figure out a way to hit Theo back.

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

Jul 3, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs Houston Dynamo
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (8-2-6)	0	1	1
Houston Dynamo (8-3-5)	1	0	1

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		Houston Dynamo
1	Goals	1
6	Shots	7
3	Shots on Target	5
7	Tackles	5
2	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
50%	Shot Accuracy	71%
86%	Passing Percentage	84%

Summary:
The stars were out tonight as the NBA rookie of the year, Allen Allen III, came check out his brother Alvin play for the Chicago Fire. The stadium was packed as the MLS' hot team, the Dynamo, expected to run over Chicago just like the past few teams have. However, the true star that came out tonight was GK Johnson, who had by far the best game of his career. After giving up an early goal to the Dynamo off of a corner in the 22', the young keeper kept out the Houston attack after being pressured all game. Bruin and Watson began an onslaught on the net after each build up, but Johnson was able to establish his authority with two great diving saves. His team would repay his effort, as in the 52' Allen made a run up the right side and slipped it in to Pause for the finish. The game would end in a 1-1 draw. Although the Dynamo dominated the match, the Fire stole 1 point and still remain in contention in the Eastern Conference.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.3 Rating
4 shots, 2 on target
1 assist

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



Lazio Buys MLS Star Rookie
by Dave Seville



Well, it looks like we now know what the Fire's response was to Alvin Allen's refusal to go out on loan. The Chicago Fire have sold their star player to Italian soccer power Lazio from Italian Serie A. The team is excited to see the 18 year old develop in their system and hopefully develop into an exciting striker in the years ahead. Rumors are that the deal is worth roughly 5 million dollars.

MLS fans are devastated that another American soccer player is going to Europe to play professionally. However, with the money that can be offered and the prestige against playing some of the best teams in the world, its hard for a young promising player not to jump at the opportunity when it happens.

Allen has not yet accepted the deal, and my sources tell me that he has not sat down to negotiate with Lazio over wages, which is indeed strange at the moment. We will keep you posted on any further developments as this story continues.

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

Jun 8, 2012 - LA Galaxy vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
LA Galaxy (9-5-4)	0	0	0
Chicago Fire (8-3-6)	0	1	1

Team Stats Comparison
LA Galaxy		Chicago Fire
0	Goals	1
4	Shots	4
1	Shots on Target	4
9	Tackles	7
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
25%	Shot Accuracy	100%
85%	Passing Percentage	91%

Summary:
It could possibly be Alvin Allen's last game of the season as the LA Galaxy come to town to face the Chicago Fire. Allen would not disappoint as he and Rofle would connect on several key passes to set up good shots on goal. On one of these, Allen made a run through the center, hit a back heel to Rolfe, who sent a lob through ball to Pardo for the finesse goal. This is would stand up for the rest of the match as the Fire finally get a win 1-0.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.7 Rating
1 shot on target

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



The whistle sounded on what could have possibly been my last game as a member of the Chicago Fire. The crowd gave me a standing ovation. As I acknowledged the crowd, I caught a glimpse of a woman who looked like Quinn in one of the sections. I went towards the exit on that side, cleats and all, looking for her. I made it to the stadium section where I thought I saw her. Fans quickly realized who I was and started coming my way. Then I saw her.

“Quinn!” I yelled.
She turned back towards me with a look of part amusement but part panic. I walked through the sea of people and arrived in front of her. Many people around us were asking for pictures and autographs, but all I was focused on was her.
“What are you doing?” she shouted in my ear over the eagerness of the fans.
“I had to see you!” I shouted back.
She smiled and shook her head. “You’re cute, but you are out of your league kid.” She touched my cheek and looked somewhat sad. I didn’t understand. What was preventing her from opening up to me?
The crowd soon began to get back. Security had come to give me some space and who else but Theo Williams is with them. He comes over towards us, and I began to understand what was happening. He puts his arm around Quinn and speaks.
“It’s strange to see you up her, Alvin. Getting more acquainted with the fans on your last game?” he said.
“Just coming to say my goodbyes,” I muttered.
“I see that you’ve met Quinn,” he said curiously. “How do you know her?”
“We don’t,” she interrupted as she forced a smile. “I just wanted an autograph from our next big soccer star.”
“I see.” Theo mused. “Ok, Quinn, let’s get out of here. Alvin, we’ll talk soon about our business plans for Italy.”
And with that they were gone. Of course I would get a crush on the one woman who is dating the person who is ruining my life.

I headed home to my condo after the press conferences. As I shut the door behind me, the lights came on. Quinn was sitting on my couch, waiting for me.
“Is this a robbery?” I joked.
“Alvin, this isn’t a house call,” she laughed. “But seriously, what are you thinking? You and I cannot have a relationship.”
“A relationship? I thought we’d at least have a date first,” I smiled.
“Ugh, you teenagers are insufferable,” she jokingly said. “Alvin, I came here tonight to listen to whatever it is you need from me, but then I will have to go. It’s dangerous for me to be here as it is.”
That was the real question. What did I want from her? She was attractive, but dangerous. She was possibly dating my employer, but she didn’t seem like she was that interested. She carried a gun and she was obviously good with handcuffs. Suddenly it all made sense.
“You’re a cop!”
“Yeah right,” she said nervously, but I knew I had her.
“No, it’s true. What are you doing with Theo?”
“It was a bad idea coming here.” She got up to leave and walked to the door. I moved in front of the door.
“It’s never a bad idea for you to come here,” I whispered.
And with that I kissed her. The night became a whirlwind for me. I had never felt that type of passion from someone before. Was it a crush? Was it love? To this day I still couldn’t tell you, but I will say that the night was incredible. I woke up the next morning expecting to see her next to me, but Quinn was gone. The scent of her body lingered in my bedroom. I got up, took a shower, threw on some clothes and headed out to the Chicago Fire building. I knew exactly what I was going to do.

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



Allen Says No to Lazio Deal
by Dave Seville



MLS striker Alvin Allen has refused a deal to Italian soccer club Lazio. The Fire were reportedly shocked by this news and have put a halt on their inquires into other forwards at this time while they reevalute what to do with the young man.

"I appreciate the offer by Lazio, but I am perfectly happy here in my hometown of Chicago," Allen responded. "The Fire faithful have treated me well, and I look forward to continuing my career here as long as possible."

Some believe this may be a negotiating ploy by Allen for an increase in wages, but my sources tell me that he is serious about finishing out his first year with the Chicago Fire. Doncaster was also said to have had a bid in for the young player, but after news of this refusal to Lazio they have retracted their offer and are pursuing other players.

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

Jul 14, 2012 - Vancouver Whitecaps vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Vancouver Whitecaps (4-4-11)	0	0	0
Chicago Fire (9-3-6)	1	0	1

Team Stats Comparison
Vancouver Whitecaps		Chicago Fire
0	Goals	1
4	Shots	10
0	Shots on Target	7
6	Tackles	7
1	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
0%	Shot Accuracy	70%
76%	Passing Percentage	91%

Summary:
Well somewhat unexpectedly we had the return of Alvin Allen to the home pitch of Toyota Park. He would not disappoint as the visiting Whitecaps came to town. The Fire dominated possession of the ball throughout the match, never giving the keeper a moment of respite. In the 30' off of a great Fire buildup, Allen received the ball on the right and faked the cross. He dribbled in and sent in a curling finesse shot to the back corner of the net. The crowd went wild. GK Tornagli wouldn't be tested at all during the match, as the Fire cruised easily, 1-0.

Notable Allen statistics:
8.4 Rating
3 shots all on target
Man of the Match

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

Eastern Conference - July 18th, 2012
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
Houston Dynamo	19	10	4	5	34
Sporting KC	19	10	4	5	34
Chicago Fire	19	10	3	6	33
DC United	19	9	4	6	31
Toronto FC	19	8	5	6	29
Columbus Crew	17	7	5	5	26
New York Red Bulls	19	6	7	6	25
Montreal Impact	21	4	8	9	20
Philadelphia Union	17	2	3	12	9
New England Revolution	18	1	6	11	9

Western Conference - July 18th, 2012
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
Seattle Sounders	20	14	3	3	45
Real Salt Lake	21	10	8	3	38
LA Galaxy	20	9	6	5	33
Chivas USA	17	8	4	5	28
San Jose Earthquakes	20	6	8	6	26
Colorado Rapids	19	6	6	7	24
FC Dallas	20	4	7	9	19
Vancouver Whitecaps	20	4	4	12	16
Portland Timbers	18	4	3	11	15

Comments:
About halfway through the season at this point. I decided to post the Western Conference this time as well so everyone can see how that sid eis looking. Seattle is clearly the class of the league with 45 points. The East is very competitive.

I've gone back and put a "header" on all the story elements for those who aren't interested in the story and are just interested in the games. I have a lot of work to do at the end of this upcoming week and into next week, so don't expect many updates around that time. I will get through as many games as possible until then. Thanks for reading.