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)

#1 vs. #2 Eastern Conference Battle

The MLS Game of the Week found us in Chicago, Illinois, as the Chicago Fire looked to take over first place in the Eastern Conference from the Houston Dynamo. The game began at a furious pace, as the Fire took immediate possession and roared down the field. As the back line pushed forward, the Fire began to probe the defense for a soft spot, and found it as Pardo slid the ball through to Alex right in front of the net. He put it away easily and the Fire took a 1-0 lead. The Fire would again regain possession after the first goal and take it right down the pitch. Alex would find Thompson on a gorgeous one time shot that rattled off the post and rolled into the net. It looked like the Fire would once again have a smooth victory and continue their winning streak.

Houston's manager Dominic Kinnear quickly changed strategy to put his boys on an all out attack. It worked, because in the 26', Segares took down Garcia in the box and earned a yellow card in the process. Gracia would put the PK past Johnson for the 2-1 goal. Houston would continue to press forward, as Garcia dribbled past defenders finiding himself one on one with Johnson. He faked left, then sent a back heel pass to Bruin for a one timer that left the keeper standing there with no chance to defend. The halftime whistle sounded at 2-2 all.

The Fire would need a spark, and found it in their young striker Alvin Allen. Allen worked the ball up the left side of the field with Alex. Then, he took off on all all out sprint off the give and go, cut back left, and sent in a wonderful shot to the bottom left corner with his strong left foot that put the Fire up 3-2. The Dynamo would do their all to equalize, especially in 75' when Bruin sent a ball off the post off a long build up that had the Fire back line nervous. Late in the game, the Fire would put it away on a counter attack where Alex would break free, putting the ball just out of the reach of the keeper Hall, who had definitely not had his best night as a pro. The Fire would win this game and take possession of 1st place.

Aug 28, 2012 - Houston Dynamo vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Houston Dynamo (15-6-6)	2	0	2
Chicago Fire (15-4-6)	2	2	4

Team Stats Comparison
Houston Dynamo		Chicago Fire
2	Goals	4
5	Shots	11
2	Shots on Target	8
8	Tackles	3
0	Fouls	1
0	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
40%	Shot Accuracy	72%
86%	Passing Percentage	94%

Goals:
7' Alex
18' Thompson
26' Garcia (PK)
32' Bruin
61' Allen
86' Alex

Notable Allen statistics:
6.8 Rating
Goal: 61'
2 shots, both on target

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



by Dave Seville

MLS Transfer Deadline Recap

Notable MLS Transfers - Updated: Aug 31, 2012
Seattle Sounders	OUT	Chicago Fire	IN
1. Montero		1. Babalj
2. Gspurning		2. Richards
3. -		3. Frick
4. -		4. -
5. +11.1 mil		5. -1.175 mil
Houston Dynamo	IN	DC United	OUT
1. Ljuboja		1. Hamid
2. Richards		2. -
3. Beugre		3. -
4. -		4. -
5. -1.7 mil		5. +1.9 mil
LA Galaxy	OUT	NY Red Bulls	IN
1. McBean		1. Aycicek
2. -		2. Ronaldo
3. -		3. -
4. -		4. -
5. +550K		5. -3.0 mil
Vancouver Whitecaps	IN	FC Dallas	IN
1. Al Fahmi		1. Aseri
2. -		2. Leleu
3. -		3. -
4. -		4. -
5. -1.2 mil		5. -1.225 mil

Today's transfer deadline day ended with a few surprises for American soccer
fans. The biggest of all would come from first place Seattle, as both forward Fredy Montero and goalkeeper Michael Gspurning would find themselves sold from the first place team in the Western Conference. Another keeper is on the move as well, as Hamid from DC United has found himself sold for a rumored 1.9 million dollar price tag to Derby County.
What may have been strangest of all is the continued battle of Alvin Allen with management. Swansea City, Palermo, and Liverpool all put in offers for the 18 year old striker, but all of these offers were rumored to be rejected by the MLS star. Palermo was said to have offered 7 million for the player, but I cannot confirm that number at this time. Either way, the Fire may have just overstocked on the striker position by adding two young forwards that would have taken Allen's place. Will the back log cut into his playing time? We'll have to see, as the Fire are now stuck with Allen until the end of the MLS season, and frankly, I think its a good problem to have as this player is extremely talented.

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

Sep 12, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (16-4-6)	0	1	1
Toronto FC (11-5-11)	0	1	1

*Missed Match Facts*

The Fire were off to Toronto on a huge high after beating Houston. Toronto caught them napping as they jumped all over the Fire, holding a staggering amount of possession time. The hometown team would work Tornaghi with two quick shot attempts, but neither would get past the 6'3 beast early. The half would sound without the Fire taking a shot on goal. The goaless streak would finally end in the 55', when Alex hit a volley off of a corner kick that bounced straight off the keeper right in front of Thompson who would not miss the rebound. As the Fire looked poised to escape with the win on their lazy effort, Amarikwa would grab the ball and dribble all the way from his box, up the right side, past the defenders, and into the opposing sides box toput away a rocket right footed shot for the equalizer. The game would end this way, tied, 1-1.

*Editor's note- that Amarikwa goal was one of the most infuriating goals ever. The CPU basically decided they were going to score and he dribbled pretty much through my entire team.*

Notable Allen statistics:
6.0 Rating
2 shots off target
Pretty much a non-factor in this game

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

Sep 15, 2012 - Montreal Impact vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Montreal Impact (4-11-14)	0	0	0
Chicago Fire (16-5-6)	2	1	3

Team Stats Comparison
Montreal Impact		Chicago Fire
0	Goals	3
4	Shots	9
0	Shots on Target	6
7	Tackles	3
1	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
0	Shot Accuracy	66%
86%	Passing Percentage	93%

The Impact must have forgot there was a soccer game today because all game they watched the Fire players go by and do absolutely nothing about it. The hometown Fire put their foot on the gas and never took it off. In the 7' Allen missed a penalty kick wide. That was the last highlight of the day for the Impact. All made up for his miss with a rocket left footed strike after crossing up Rivas like he was on a basketball court. Allen would next send in a key pass to Pardo, who found Rolfe cutting back door for the through pass and another goal. Allen would then add an assist to Alex, putting the Impact out of their misery in the 90'. The 3-0 beatdown finds the Impact looking for answers and the Fire on the road to a number 1 seed in the East.

Notable Allen statistics:
9.7 Rating
Goals: 36'
Assists: 1
5 shots, 4 on target
Man of the Match

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

Sep 22, 2012 - Columbus Crew vs Chicago Fire
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Columbus Crew (12-10-7)	1	1	2
Chicago Fire (17-5-6)	2	0	2

Team Stats Comparison
Columbus Crew		Chicago Fire
2	Goals	2
8	Shots	8
5	Shots on Target	4
6	Tackles	6
1	Fouls	2
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
62%	Shot Accuracy	50%
91%	Passing Percentage	91%

Rivals have a way of bringing out the best in one another. The Fire hate the Crew. The Crew hate the Fire. And when these teams get together we are almost guaranteed a great game. The rain would fall on these two foes again as they met in Toyota Park. The whistle would sound and a name we have become extremely familiar with would draw first blood. Allen would carve up the Columbus back line early for a 7' minute goal that found the bottom left corner. The Crew would answer with a run of their own, as Gaven dribbled around Pause, drew the keepr Johnson out and kissed a pass off his outside foot to a waiting Tchani who put it home easily. Allen would not be denied, hoever, as he came right down the field and put a ball from Alex into almost the exact same spot as before for the goal. After the half, the game would continue to be hard fought as fouls would happen from both sides and hard tackles were common. Tchani would send a late chance wide and as extra time would begin, the Fire began to relax. Gaven took this opportunity to make a late run up the side that would become a corner. The Crew took the corner, and Higuari would volley home the shot untouched by Johnson for the unbelievable last minute equalizer. The home stadium would remain silent as the game would end in a 2-2 draw.

Notable Allen statistics:
7.5 Rating
Goals: 7', 44'
5 shots, 2 on target

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

Sep 25, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs New York Red Bulls
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (17-6-6)	0	1	1
New York Red Bulls (11-11-8)	0	0	0

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		New York Red Bulls
1	Goals	0
10	Shots	2
5	Shots on Target	1
4	Tackles	8
1	Fouls	3
0	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
50%	Shot Accuracy	50%
93%	Passing Percentage	86%

The season is will soon be drawing to a close, but the Chicago Fire have stayed red hot and New York could do nothing to dampen that streak. Chicago sent shot after shot at the Red Bulls but Robles turned them all away. Sadly for the Red Bulls, it counldl't last forever and in the 64' Rolfe would finesse in a cross from Thompson out wide for the frist and final goal. The Fire cruise to victory in New York, 1-0.

Notable Allen statistics:
Rating 6.1
6 shots, 3 on target
Well played game by the keeper and some bad shots by Allen

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

Sep 28, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs Sporting KC
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (18-6-6)	1	0	1
Sporting KC (14-6-10)	0	1	1

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		Sporting KC
1	Goals	1
3	Shots	6
2	Shots on Target	4
2	Tackles	7
1	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
66%	Shot Accuracy	66%
87%	Passing Percentage	87%

Who is the MVP? Well this battle may have been a preview of it as the MLS two top young players Convey and Allen would square off against one another in Kansas City. Convey leads the league in assists, while Allen leads the league in goals. Both share the ball extremely well and can score from all angles. Alas, the man who is in the lead for the quest of the golden boot would strike first as Thompson once again would show his passings skills and find Allen on the left side of the box. He faked left, spun right and sent in a shot to the upper right side of the net over the reach of the keeper. Convey would have his chances, but it was really Sepong who would press against the Fire back line with many near misses the entire first half. The Fire would try to hold possession in the second half, but KC wrested it away with a couple of big runs by Convey up the wing. Besler would not disappoint as he sent in a rocket cross to Opara for the 73' volley to tie it all 1-1. The game would remain that way, even after a late build up by the Fire that ended with an Allen shot that got deflected off the defender to end the game. We shall see if Allen's performance tonight propelled him into the lead of the MVP race over Convey.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.1 Rating
Goals: 29'
2 shots, both on target

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



US Friendly Team Announced, Upstart Rookie Makes Squad
by Dave Seville



Outstanding MLS MVP candidate and spectacular rookie Alvin Allen has been announced as a member of the United States national team for their upcoming home and away friendlies against Korea Republic. Alvin has been in the news recently for his spectacular goal scoring ability, but as well as the unfortunate news that his brother Alton will be headed to a federal prison facility on weapon and drug charges.
Klinsman, manager of the US squad, isn't worried about the media circus surrounding the famous Allen family featuring NBA all star "Triple A" Allen. He said in a statement, "I believe we have chosen the best possible American team for these upcoming matches. I look forward to working with all of the young players, including Alvin." Needless to say, many will be watching to see how the young striker will fare against international competition. Remember, the World Cup is only two years away, so we'll have to see if Alvin can get himself prepared to possibly be chosen for that coveted spot come next summer.

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



I found myself in the VIP section of Black Tie, the hottest new club in Chicago. The lights were dim and the music was blazing. My brother Al was getting familiar with some girls at the bar. Meanwhile I sat at the table with about five people I didn't know that were obviously athletes of some sort by their size, and of course the agent extraordinaire Theo Williams was there with Quinn on one side of him and some sort of woman that looked like a video chick on his other arm.
"Congratulations, Alvin," Theo yelled over the music, "I wish you continued success. Have a drink, kid! Its on me."
"First of all I'm only 18, and I wouldn't drink to a toast from you anyway," I snapped back.
"Oh come come now," Theo laughed, "We're all just here to have a little fun, right girls?" he said as he looked at both of them. Qunin pretended to laugh and enjoy herself as Theo then proceeded to grope both of them. I was furious.
"What am I here for?" I yelled angrily.
"Oh no need to get angry Alvin. We're just showing my new clients a good time. And you, dear boy, are now my star attraction," he smirked. "You see, my boys here," he said as he motioned towards the guys at the table, who were now clearly distracted by more women coming to the table, "these guys are all my new clients from the major American sports, but I underestimated the effect that having you on board with me would have."
"You don't own me," I said hitting the table, "I haven't signed any contract."
"Oh you don't have to," he grinned, "I own you utterly and completely. You see, I didn't realize how starved the world was for an American superstar. Mia Hamm, Landon Donovan, and Abby Wambach were just brushing the surface. If you continue on your pace, you could be the biggest star in a single sports on American soil." Theo then had a starry far off gaze. "Think of it, you could be Michael Phelps or Lance Armstrong. You could be the one name everyone associates with American soccer."
I didn't know what to say. "Well...you..."
"Yes, me," he interrupted. "Kid, I have lots of plans for you. Even if you fall flat on your face, I'll be sure to get the most out of this relationship. Don't worry about anything. Keep playing well, and everything will work out for you. You might even enjoy yourself along the way. If not, well..." He glanced toward by brother threateningly. "Just do what I say. I've got something big in the works. Don't blow it this time. C'mon girls! I feel like dancing!" He got up and took the ladies to the dance floor. As I watched him leave, thinking about what Theo told me, I saw Quinn give me a quick determined glance. Okay, so if I keep playing well, and listen to Theo, and don't blow Quinn's cover, everything should work out...right? The waitress walked by our table with shots of some sort of clear liquid. I snatched one off the tray and knocked it back. It was time to see what I was capable of.

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

Oct 2, 2012 - Chicago Fire vs Philadelphia Union
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Chicago Fire (18-7-6)	2	0	2
Philadelphia Union (2-7-21)	0	0	0

Team Stats Comparison
Chicago Fire		Philadelphia Union
2	Goals	0
5	Shots	1
2	Shots on Target	1
6	Tackles	4
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
40%	Shot Accuracy	100%
86%	Passing Percentage	86%

Summary:
The lowly Union had been run over by almost every team in this disappointing year, and things weren't about to get better against the first place Fire. Allen started the game fast, slicing through the Philadelphia back line dribbling left and putting a finish past a stunned keeper. After that goal it seemed as if the Union just gave up. Rolfe would add another just before the half on a breakaway due to a lob from Pardo. The few fans their were began to leave, and they didn't miss much as the Fire played keep away for the rest of the game. The Union drop another one 2-0 to the Fire.

Notable Allen statistics:
6.9 Rating
Goals: 7'
1 shot on target

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



Seattle Sounders Crowned US Open Champions
by Dave Seville

The Sounders took home an exciting US Open victory over Sporting KC 2-1 in the final. Many thought that after losing arguably their two best players in Gspruning and Montero that they would take a step back, but they mangaed to pull through and defeat a hungry Sporting KC team that holds a possible MVP candidate in Convey.

In other news, the US National team began this friendly round away against the Korean Republic. The game ended with Sapong adding a late goal for the US to push South Korea to a 1-1 draw. This is a very versatile squad with some different options for Klinsmann to move around. Will we see Allen in the next game? Tune in to find out.

[Fedal180]

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

Loving this so far.

Two quick questions.

1. Are you playing as only Alvin or are you playing as the entire team?
2. Do you think that the MLS is on the rise, I really hope it is because I am like the only person in my friend group who kind of respects the MLS lol

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

Loving this so far.

Two quick questions.

1. Are you playing as only Alvin or are you playing as the entire team?
2. Do you think that the MLS is on the rise, I really hope it is because I am like the only person in my friend group who kind of respects the MLS lol

Glad you enjoy it. I'll have more updates today. I've been super busy at work, but I have a few more games to post. To answer your questions:

1. I am only playing as Alvin. Its fun, but somewhat frustrating as the CPU can be a bit dumb sometimes with passing, but all in all its been pretty fun just playing striker.

2. Honestly MLS is a lot better quality than it used to be, but I haven't been really into it in a while. I used to be a big Fire fan and went to see several games back when they played in Soldier Field. The good thing about this dynasty is that its gotten me interested in MLS again, and I plan to take my family to a few games at Toyota Park this year. Its a good quality league.

[Fedal180]

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

Nice, do you see yourself staying with the MLS for a while, because was thinking about doing a Union career although I already have a Norwich lined up

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

Alvin's First International Friendly

Words cannot express how it feels to don your countries uniform for the first time in an international match. As I put on that number 9 striped kit and listened to our national anthem, I instantly felt a glowing sense of national pride. We were playing South Korea in BBVA Compass Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo. The crowd roared at the introduction of the players and soon after the whistle sounded for the beginning of the match.

The game began with a quick pass to Bruin that was intercepted by the Korean side. They lived up to their nickname as The Red Devils blazed across the field with quick passes and almost a hive mind approach to their game. I could only stand and watch from the midfield as C.Y. Lee sent in a marvelous through pass into Ji for an early goal.

Bruin and I couldn't seem to get on the same page early as missed opportunities told the story of the first half for the US side. "In, in!" he yelled to me as he pointed towards the box. I cut up-field to the left and he sent it over my right shoulder to be easily picked off by the Korean center back. We continued to work, but nothing seemed to be going our way as the halftime whistle sounded.

The US team regained form in the second half, taking control early on. I mostly stayed out of the way fighting for position in the penalty area. As the ball was passed around the box, I broke free and came out wide to receive a pass from Bruin as he broke toward the net. He wasn't open, so I found Kljestan with a crisp pass that he took to the right corner. He sent in a curling cross that Bruin caught with his head into the back of the net to even the game 1-1.

South Korea took pushed forward on an all out attack, but a quick play by Dempsey poked the ball away from Lee. He passed to Bruin and I sprinted down the field. This time the lob pass was on point as the beautiful ball landed right in front of me. I left the defender in the dust and now it was just me and the keeper. I faked right, kicked to my left, and as the keeper came out to cut me off I sent in a curling finesse shot with my left foot softly into the net. My first international goal felt awesome. The crowd roared as I was tackled to the ground by my teammates.

The rest of the game felt like a blur after that moment. The flood gates seemed to have opened as far as scoring was concerned. Bruin scored off of a deflection in the 68' and Ji would add his own breakaway goal in the 75'. The end of the game was never in doubt however, as the US side got to play a little "ole", keeping the ball away from the Koreans with long bouts of passing around. The games would end with a 3-2 win for the USA, and I couldn't have been happier to represent my country.

Oct 11, 2012 - Korea Republic vs United States of America
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
Korea Republic ()	1	1	2
United States of America ()	0	3	3

Team Stats Comparison
Korea Republic		United States of America
2	Goals	3
4	Shots	13
3	Shots on Target	6
2	Tackles	7
0	Fouls	0
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
75%	Shot Accuracy	46%
79%	Passing Percentage	86%

Goals:
Ji 15'
Bruin 52'
Allen 54'
Bruin 68'
Ji 75'

Notable Allen statistics:
7.1 Rating
Goals: 54'
2 shots on target
1 Key Pass