MAHLEN Struggles to Begin

Simha 22, 2078, m249

The much anticipated amateur hockey league, MAHLEN, has had a difficult go at getting started. Of the chapters that have signed on, only 2 colonies, Marineris and Wendland, have been able to form teams, secure the facilities and actually play the game.

The Marineris chapter of MAHLEN has 3 active teams with a 4th expected to come online before the Christmas holidays.

“It hasn’t been easy figuring things out as the founding members still haven’t finalized the details on intracolony activites.”, says Cab Leonard, of the Europa Chapter, “On our end, we are frustrated because we have the equipment and rink, but haven’t been able to make schedules work, so we’re still reshuffling teams.”

Leonard also admits that Aero Football has been a major distraction, as they haven’t been able to reach quorum in their weekend meetings to make necessary decisions.

For obvious reasons, Marineris hasn’t had the same problem. With the Comets out of contention, even practice games are drawing in local spectators.

Sam Baily, former goaltender of the ISMO Moles, now plays for the Shooting Stars. Happy to be between the pipes again, he shows little concern over the slow start to an official season.

“We are getting out on the ice and getting to play with the Orbiters and yet to be named Canadian team," he says, “I didn’t think we’d have a chance to play again after ISMO disbanded us, so what more can I ask for? “

The rest of the Moles haven’t been fairing as well. Janice Campbell, who has been instrumental in building MAHLEN has reincarnated the Moles club in San Olympus, but with only 1 team so far, they are still in a mode of teaching people to skate.

Novyimir and Korolev have opted out of MALHEN entirely and has, instead, booted up their own Russian Hockey Association. Boasting a total of 10 teams between the two colonies.

So, even though Hockey has been able to stay alive post ISMO, it’s going to be restricted to local colony activities in the near future.

Upbeat Performances in Huacheng

Huacheng - Aquarius 15, 2077, m249

With both team already eliminated from playoff contention, this mostly meaningless match delivered clean and exciting performances from both sides.

"We were very disappointed to be cut out of a chance at the championship,', Reinmann told reporters, "But we're over that now.  Especially in light of what the league has faced, we just wanted to come in and give the fans a good match."

The somber tone set by the opening tribute to fallen Comet, Yamen Warren was followed by energetic plays.  After flirting with Dong Ji goalkeeper, Xue Su, #22 Anasova Ivanovna got a shot in from the edge of the box to get the only goal of the 1st half.

3 minutes into the 2nd, DJ Captian Lian intercepted a pass and boosted himself in for a break away shot.  It bounced off Sulzberger, but Lian was right there to finish the job with a beautiful airborne strike.

An exchange of back-to-back goals from free kicks, respectively DJ 68 Sertac and United's 29 Claudia Moruga kep the game tied as the teams sparred into the final minutes.  It would take Overtime Penalty Kicks decide the match.

This has been the achilles heel of Dong Ji all season, but even though they put in a good fight with 55 Zhao and 84 Chan, United was able to out shoot them 3-2.

22 Anosova Ivanovna scores her 2nd goal 9 minutes into the 1st half.

When asked how she felt playing this match after what had transpired just two weeks ago, Ivanonva responded, "We all love this game.  When bad things happen, it makes all of us that much more grateful to have a chance to play.  We will keep playing and the MAFL will keep getting bigger and stronger."

As Dong Ji and United pack it up for the season, two matches remain on the day, Comets vs Titans and the much anticipated battle between Amrita and Al'amal, which will decide the final playoff seed.

Eliminated!

Europa - Solis, Aquarius 1, 2077, m249

Elimination was the playoff fate for both Wuji and United after Al’amal defeated the Titans yesterday.

So coming in to today’s match @United stadium, the focus for both teams was on building the foundation for tomorrow.

And that potential was on display in an entertaining match which saw United prevail 3 – 2 over Wuji.

United’s #58 Yvonne Barnato who moved mid-season from goalie to forward, put in a promising performance with two goals in the match.

Her first goal opened up scoring at the 16th minute as she trapped the ball on her chest before turning and shooting low into the corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Teammate June Rosenblad delivered a powerful volley into the top corner at the 35th minute for the 2nd goal of the match and then Barnato would deliver again at the 56th minute with a header past the outstretched hands of Wuji’s goalkeeper, Trenton Seaton for the 3rd goal of the game.

“I admit, I miss being the goalkeeper, but am looking forward to see what I can do with a full season as forward.”, said Barnato.

Wuji 76 Repsas and United 58 Barnato shine despite both teams eliminated from 1st MAFL playoffs.

With the score firmly in United’s favour 3 – 0, the Wuji team played without pressure and forward Vygintas Respas showed more confidence, consistency and leadership as he netted 2 goals in the 2nd half of play.

Repsas, who was not in the starting lineup, was put in play after Alicia Beldad was injured after an accidental collision with United’s Yvonne Barnato (Yellow Card) at the 68th minute.  His first goal was just 1 minute after as he rifled a shot past United goalkeeper Kevin Sulzberger from 15 yards out.  His second goal with 7 minutes remaining was a well-timed header from a #61 Jia Cheng cross.   

“I wish I had him in the lineup from the get-go,” said Wuji Manager Bobby Chung. “If he continues on this trajectory, I like our chances next year.”

Yvonne Barnato started between the posts and ends the season as a United top scorer.

The most serious injury of the day occurred at the 77th minute after United’s Mhamaed Sabbarg slipped and fell onto Wuji’s Trenton Seaton. He was replaced in goal by #58 Hu Liao, defender. Post-game, Chung confirmed the severity of Seaton's injury will required weeks of rehabilitation that could impact the next season. 

“Unlike the bloodbath at San Olympus yesterday, neither of us are trying to hurt each other on purpose,” said United manager, Matthäus Reinmann. “This late in the season, everyone’s tired, mistakes happen. Our thoughts are with Seaton and hope he has a quick recovery.”

Next week, United faces Dong Ji, while Wuji head to Novyimir for a match that is critical for the Dynamos to win.. 

Titans lose, again!

Europa - Saturni, Makara 21, 2077, m249

Have the Titans peaked too soon?

That was the post-match question which set Titans manager Paulo Salgado off into a fiery frenzy before he stormed out of the dressing room to a stunned and speechless quorum of reporters.

No more answers. Only questions.

What adjustments did the Titans make after their stunning upset to Dong Ji last week?

How could the Titans lose again despite the return of Captain Raenia Ware who’s been out six weeks nursing an ankle injury?

How will the Titans respond to losing their second match in a row – this week to Europa United?

In a closely contested match that went to 8 rounds of overtime penalty kicks, United prevailed with a 3 – 2 PKOT win.

The scoring started with United midfielder, Edouard Rousselle providing a fantastic strike that sailed over the Titans goalkeeper Icilio De Sisto and into the top corner at the 38th minute.

At the 76th minute, Titans midfielder Ana Sofia Molina tied it up with a near-post finish on a volley following a cross from Ware.

And despite a number of chances from both sides, regulation time ended with the score tied at 1 and 1.  Straight to Penalty Kicks.

United’s Darkeem Dennis and Titans’ Readale Nash were the only to connect in the 5 rounds kick-off, sending it to sudden death shootouts.

Round 6 commenced with United’s Yvonne Barnato scoring. But before the celebration could begin, the Titans’ played Ware, who wasn't in the initial PK lineup.  Ware  retaliated with a clean shot, keeping the Titan's alive.

It wasn't to last long, however.   Round 8, United’s Robinson beat De Sisto for a goal and Sulzberger locked out Titan's Langanah  – ending the match after 16 penalty shots.

For United, they kept their playoff hopes alive, moving to 8 and 11 for the season. They finish off the season facing Wuji @ home and then Dong Ji @ Huacheng Stadium.

For the Titans, this was their 2nd loss in a row and their 3rd loss in four weeks. They face Al’amal and the Comets @ home to end their regular season.

The Legend Returns

Europa, Saturni, Makara 14, 2077, m249

With their playoff chances at risk, the Immortals Captain, Uday Lanka, returned to action to help lead his team to a 1 – 0 win over United.

“I’m not 100% yet but this was a big match for us as United’s improved a lot and we have Al’amal and Dynamo breathing down our throats for a playoff spot”, said Lanka. “At this stage, every game is crucial.”

And that urgency was also felt by United as they came into the match sitting just outside of a playoff spot needing a win to stay within striking distance.

And yet despite having home field advantage, United was unable to produce, creating few offensive chances as their recent forward additions of Darkeem Dennis and Yvonne Barnato were shut down.  

Which meant an all too familiar story for United – their over reliance on their steady and stingy defence to keep them close.  A noticeably slower Lanka who ran gingerly most of the match also helped United.

And with all signs pointing towards overtime, lady luck would rear its head, much to the favour of Amrita.

Immortals #7 Lanka beats United Goalkeeper, #48 Sulzberger (oddly wearing a #4 jersey). 

An errant pass from United goalkeeper Kevin Sulzberger fell right into the path of a surprised yet willing Lanka, who responded with a powerful  volley past Sulzberger for the winning goal….at the 89th minute!

With the win, the Immortals moved to 10 – 8 for the season and sole possession of 3rd place in league standings for now, while United dropped to 7 – 11.

While United is still mathematically within playoff contention with three weeks left, the likelihood of this materializing is dependent on United winning all of their upcoming 3 matches.

They will have home field advantage again next week against the league leading Titans and then faceWuji (@ home) and Dong Ji (on the road).

“We can’t look too far ahead”, said Dennis, when asked about his return to Dong Ji, his previous team. “We need to channel the frustration from today’s loss to motivate us next week against the Titans if we are to have a shot at the playoffs”. 

Lanka commented on his team’s chances, “We have a tough schedule to finish off the season as we play all the contenders - the Titans, Comets, and Al’amal. Tonight we get rest. Tomorrow, we get ready.”

Rebirth of Cool

Saturni, Makara 7, 2077, m249

Above: United players, #8 Pernet, #75 Fuchs, and #7 Dennis revel in their overtime win against Al'amal SC.

For most of the season, Europa United has been a one note samba. Albeit it can be quite catchy at times, their strong defensive note has for the most part lacked long term range producing more lows than highs.

Yet with their win over the formidable Al’amal SC, could this be the Rebirth of Cool for United as they discovered a new range of flexibility in their play which will help them soar to new levels?

“I don’t know if we are cool”, replied United Captain Lennard Fuchs. “However, to use your analogy, if this win helps us get in sync and play more harmoniously in future, I’m on board”.

And this was a win United needed to help comfort their suffering fan base and validate their recent moves in adding Darkeem Dennis and shifting Goal Keeper Yvonne Barnato to a forward position.

United’s defensive strength continued to excel as defender Mlaska Lovric got the scoring started with a goal at the 2 minute mark.  

Lovric picked up the ball in the midfield, and played through Al’amal’s Lana Gonzalez and then rounded Birwant Rhar with ease before boosting a shot to the top corner over a leaping Ahmed al-Pour.

While tight is the United defence, even they could not fully contain the high powered Al’amal offence – tied for the league lead in Goals scored with 3 of their players in the Top 5 for Individual Goals scored.

At the 58th minute, Hamad Fayad played a volley off his chest and bicycle kicked it over United Goalkeeper Kevin Sulzberger to tie up the game. For Fayad, it was his 5th goal of the season.

While both teams had scoring chances from Darkeem Dennis and Yvonne Barnato on the United side and from Baddour, Farra, and Fayad on the Al’amal side, the game remained tied at the end of regulation time.

Penalty Kicks is where United’s new additions made a lasting impact. United captured 3 penalty shot goals from Darkeem Dennis, Yvonne Barnato and Laura Pernet.

Sulzberger, who was heavily criticized after his debut match last week against the Comets, earned his redemption this week with a brilliant performance in overtime, shutting down Al’amal’s high powered trio of Baddour, Farra, and Fayad and allowing zero penalty shot goals overall.

PKOT United 3 - 0 Al'amal

For United, the victory provided a slight degree of respite from what has been a disappointing season to date. Club Manager Matthäus Reinmann was slightly more optimistic of the victory’s impact.

“Hopefully this is the start of a new direction for us with all our new pieces gelling at the right time to build momentum for the playoff run,” said Reinmann. “I’m positive, better days are ahead”.

Reinmann’s words will be put to the test as United hosts the Amrita Immortals next week.

Europa Divided

Tiangong, Capricornus 8, 249

Tradition.

Entrenched in the roots of the Europa colony is tradition.

A tradition of integrating to achieve common goals…and putting goals into nets, as Football is one of many traditions ingrained in the essence of Europe.

Yet a losing tradition is what Europa United is trying to avoid in season one of MAFL play.

In Week 13, the lowly Tiangong Wuji beat United 2 to 1, to move out of the basement with a 5 and 8 record for the season.

For United, this was their 5th loss in a row as they continued their slide downwards to a 5 and 8 record for the season.  

The reason for their downward trend - a tradition of putting goals into nets hasn’t materialized.

In 7 of the 13 games to date, United has been held scoreless.

They are at the bottom of team scoring for the league, and of the top scorers in the league, only two come from United (the lowest of any team).

Their top goal scorer….is their GoalKeeper, Yvonne Barnato with 2 goals!

United Goalkeeper, #58 Barnato, still likes to get out of the net, But the opponents are on to her.

“I know our forwards are working hard but it’s hard to win matches when you can’t put the ball in the net,” said United defender Garfield Dickson.

The bright spot for Europa, the team’s identity has a high currency in defense which has helped the team allow the fewest goals for the season.

Will the loss to Wuji serve as a wakeup call for Europa to unlock more value in their teams’ offensive depression?

United Defenders Dickson, Claudia Moruga and Carlinhos Varela have the pace and crossing ability to be a threat going forward.

Yet concerns over Coach Matthäus Reinmann’s ability to unleash his team’s offensive prowess, continue to escalate.

 “I’m glad our defenders play an efficient style that’s created a solid protective culture,” said United Captain Lennard Fuchs, “However, we need to tweak this to enable a more open, creative culture which we lack at crucial times – the guile and cutting edge to generate offense”.  

This lack of cultural cohesion among Europa was apparent during many times of the match.  

When asked, Wuji Captain Stanislas Hachette added, “Their players seemed out of sync. Their passes were going nowhere. They don’t seem to be communicating with each other on the field, nor off the field as they have defenders and offence sitting away from each other.”

After Wuji’s Marysa Waaijer scored the 2nd goal of the match (which was the eventual winner), Fuchs appeared to be engaged in a long and spirited conversation with Coach Reinmann.

“It was simply a disagreement between us”, said Fuchs after the match. “I simply suggested we switch our formation to a more attacking style like a 4-2-4 or even a 3-5-2 but Reinmann did not agree. Oddly enough, the 3-5-2 is a style perfected by the Germans which Reinmann is, so I thought we would be in agreement on this.”

Coach Reinmann commented, “I would love to play a 3-5-2 style which is more offensive or even a 4-2-3-1 style which would help us maintain possession of the ball more. However, you need specific personnel for that, and I think our results to date confirm, that’s a challenge.”

After the match, Europa United Chairperson, Natasha Kennedy put in a vote of confidence for Reinmann.

“I think he’s done a good job with the talent he’s been given. However, we are always looking at ways to improve the club to give us the lift we need to end the season strongly and win a championship.”