MAFL Week 15 Roundup

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Immortals - United

Simba 2 • Amrita Stadium

Immortals picks up a third victory at home!

Teams and fans alike are elated after the Immortal’s third victory in a row! The reigning underdogs of the Season 2 have started making a strong and completely unexpected comeback—sparked by the departure of former coach Cezar Veduva.

A close, close call for the Immortals as United forward, Dennis, missed the net by a hair as he took a potentially winning penalty kick in extra time. Aurak finished the match with a stunning penalty kick of her own—the first of the newly recruited midfielder’s career.

Meanwhile, United goalkeeper, Sulzberger was sidelined again in favour of Riva. The team took a hard hit in the second half, as Riva’s performance took a nosedive after halftime. His head was not in the game as he let 2 easy saves slipped past his guard. Disgruntled fans were heard yelling for Sulzberger to be back in the net.

GOALS

• 1ST 14’ Dennis opens with a goal for United

• 1ST 22’ Dennis (United) neatly intercepts and counterattacks to send the ball straight into the top-right.

• 2ND 6’ Lanka (Immortals) scores with an assist from Hagendoorn.

• 2ND 18’ Fox scores an equalizer for the Immortals sending play into overtime.

• ET 4’ Aurak (Immortals) manages to tap the ball in on a breakaway.

SHOTS
19	18

POSSESSION
50%	50%

FOULS
3	3

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Comets - Wuji Sports Club

Simba 2 • Marineris Stadium

ferraz scores in the second half with a left-footed dive for the ball.

Comets and Wuji face off again in back-to-back matches

A stars have finally aligned for the Comets as they finally break their losing streak in today’s match against Wuji Sports Club. The match started slow as the first half saw little shots—much of the action was focused in the centre-field as the defensive lines battled it out with the strikers. Around the 70’ mark, the game exploded into action as both teams bolstered their offensive lines with substitutes.

Newcomer Isabelle Marsh scores the first goal of her career with a perfectly executed kick that sent the ball sailing just over the reach of Seaton. This is an important win for the Comets as they look to turn their performance around and redeem themselves.

GOALS

• 2ND 8’ Mackay (Wuji) scores with an assist from O’neill

• 2ND 10’ Ferraz (Comets) scores with a left-footed kick into the right-corner.

• 2ND 17’ Elliot (Comets) follows up an assist from Marsh with an high aerial that send the ball streaking past Seaton.

• 2ND 23’ Lian (Wuji) neatly evades the defense to challenge Agre and score with a right-footer smash.

• 2ND 28’ Marsh (Comets) takes the penalty kick and nails it

SHOTS
20	18

POSSESSION
51%	49%

FOULS
3	3

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Dynamos - Al’amal Sports Club

Simba 3 • Novyimir Stadium

Dynamos take a blow as Al’amal edges them out of the top.

The Dynamos had dominated the top of the standings for the first half of MAFL Season 2, but this doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Both teams gave it their all and matched each other shot for shot—requiring the game to be settled in a tie breaker.

Outstanding performances from Al’amal captain, Baddour and Guler. The synergy between the two was incredible as Guler set up the plays and Baddour finished them off. “This in unbelievable!” says Baddour of being at the top of the rankings this season.

GOALS

• 1ST 5’ Karaaria scores for Dynamos with an assist from Samrend.

• 1ST 12’ Baddour scores for Al’amal with a brilliant curve from the outside edge.

• 1ST 24’ Samrend scores for Dynamos!

• 2ND 8’ Guler (Al’amal) nails a right-footed smash from the top corner.

• 2ND 14’ Etefu (Dynamos) breaks through the defense to challenge Pour one-on-one and nails her shot.

• 2ND 18’ Baddour scores for Al’amal again!

• 2ND 24’ Stadnyk (Dynamos) counters effectively and scores with a left-footed kick into the top-right.

• 2ND 27’ Guler scores the equalizer for Al’amal

• ET 4’ Farra scores for Al’amal to win the match!

SHOTS
22	24

POSSESSION
55%	45%

FOULS
4	2

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Titans - Dongji

Simba 3 • San Olympus Stadium

Titan victory overshadowed as tragedy strikes Dongji post-match.

The celebratory mood at San Olympus quickly turned sombre following the match as Dongji midfielder, Hou, was found by teammates in the club vehicle dead by his own hand. At 20 years old, Hou was among the youngest players on the league and the tragedy has given rise to many concerns about the league.

Although colonist tracking and monitoring programs exist, participation in such programs are not mandatory in Huacheng, Tiangong, or Al’amal. Many are wondering if stronger measures need to be enforced to prevent such tragedies from occurring. While there is increasing interest in whether being a native-born Martian has any impact on mental wellness, there are still many questions, and no answers.

GOALS

• 1ST 6’ Cheng (Dongji) opens up scoring with a stunning steal and smash into the goal.

• 1ST 13’ Rubio scores a long-range strike for the Titans with an assist from Avdi

• 1ST 19’ Nash (Titans) performs a brilliant aerial header to smash the ball past the unprepared Su.

• 1ST 22’ Carballel (Titans) nails a mid-air pass and taps it into the net

• 2ND 11’ Ekberg (Dongji) scores with an assist from Cheng

• 2ND 23’ Carballel scores with a right-footed smash into the top left for Titans

SHOTS
27	13

POSSESSION
67%	33%

FOULS
2	4

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Stats & Standings

Rankings

Team	M	W	L	Goals
Al'Amal Sports Club	15	10	5	35
United	15	9	6	35
Dynamo	15	9	6	34
Titans	15	9	6	37
Wuji Sports Club	15	8	7	35
Comets	15	6	9	39
Immortals	15	6	9	27
Dongji	15	3	12	26

Top Scorers
	Readale Nash	13
	Uday Lanka	12
	Darkeem Dennis	12
	Arwa Farra	9
	Qigang Lian	9
	Lennard Fuchs	7
	Ilya Petrovich	7
	Mariya Nikitovna	7
	Yvonne Barnato	7
	Jube Terrell	7

Transfers, Trades and Musical Chairs

Jovis, Capriconrus 26, 2077, m249

Today, clubs across the MAFL posted official announcements confirming trade rumours and line up changes.

As this is the first experience of this kind for many fans, particularly those who have grown up on Mars without any prior context, it was an unexpected emotional reality of the game.

Here's the rundown...

Wuji and Comets

Marysa Waaijer traded to Marineris Comets. 

Waaijer, though born on Mars, is not a native of Tiangong.  Of Dutch origins, her family were among the original pioneers of Europa in 2046.  Waaijer only moved toTiangong in Kumbha 248 after being recruited by Bobby Chung, Wuji head manager.

“She was one of my first picks outside the colony,”, said Chung, “And now she must be my first pick to leave.  She will be missed, but this is a deal we need to build the team for the future.”

Marysa Waaijer traded to Comets

Waaijer issued this statement: “The fans of Tiangong have welcomed me since day-1 and they have supported me and the team through our best and worst.   Though saddened to leave, I am excited about what the future will bring at Marineris.”

In return for Waaijer, Wuji are receiving… Maurice O’neal, a Midfielder, and Khloe Mckay, a Defender.  This expands the slim Wuji roster to 19 players.

The Comets have the largest squad in the league.  Both O

Comets Chairman, Elizabeth Foster, expressed  

Novyimir

Adam Stepanovich, Dynamo’s Head Manager has finally made the decision to change what's between the posts.  Kyrylyuk has has a dismal season with worst goals against record in the league… an unbelievable 31 goals that have slipped by.

Danilovich replaces Kyryluk between the posts.

This was a long time coming, but what did come as a surprise is that the job went to 11 Boris Danilovich.  There were other contenders among the existing team, with Defenders 43 Heriberto Couto and 39 Dijen Axa have regularly played goal in practise, Stepanovichhas opted for a role reversal with Danilovich swapping positions with Kyryluk.

Hopefully, Kyryluk is able to translate his ability to allow the ball into the net in the reversedirection.

Titans, Al’amal, and Amrita

These clubs were steadfast, confirming today that no changes will be made to their rosters.

The Titans have an unbelievable 14-1 record, but have recently be mired by injuries that have noticeably affected their otherwise flawless performance.  With a roster of 21 players, they have a lot of strong secondary players to rely on.

Both Al’amal and Amrita are neck-and-neck with identical records this season with 8 wins and 7 losses.  Neither are ready to mix things up at this point in the season as they fight for top position.

Dong Ji

Huacheng was the first to go public with their intentions of selling Dennis to United in what they called ‘an offer they could not refuse’.

With 2 new untested players called up from the juniors, #47 Chen Xie and #96 Lim Hou, it is uncertain if this will re-energize the club.  It has, however, fuelled suspicion of racism in Huacheng, to which the club flatly denies. 

Dennis did not seem disappointed by the opportunity to leave Huacheng.

United

In addition to theirplay with Dennis, Reinmann officially announced his plan with goalkeeping and bolstering his offensive line.  58 Barnato and 31 Parnet will become a forwards, 48 Sulzberger will take goal, and Barlas will be moving to a midfield position.

“This is all I have for now,” said Reinmann, “This will not be a magic fix, but we will start here and make subsequent adjustments accordingly.  What I want to focus on now is on our match this Saturni.”

Sources close to Barnato suggest that she is not entirely pleased with the club’s decision.  Though she was a successful striker in her youth, she has always stated that playing goal was her passion.  She was not available for comment.

With the Transfer Window now closed, clubs will not be able to trade, but can continue to make internal adjustments at their own discretion.

This Saturni and Solis will put these new configurations to the test.

Week 15 Roundup

Solis, Capricornus 22, 2077, m249

Saturni's match at Huacheng -  Manager Andam Mirza rallies the Immortals at half-time.

Immortals @ Dong Ji

It was a tale of two Martian cities in Week 15.

He’s back!

At least that’s what Immortals’ fans are hoping as Uday Lanka (Legend) scored his league leading 10th goal at the 64th minute to lead the Immortals to a 1-0 victory over Dong Ji.

For Lanka, it was his first in 3 weeks and like many he’s delivered this year, it was a glorious goal.

Lanka intercepted a pass from Dong Ji’s Olga Lobo da Costa, and passed over to teammate, Akkilic Talpur. Lanka broke like a gazelle and charged up for a diving header past a leaping goal keeper Xue Su for the winning goal!

With the win, the Immortals moved to 8 and 7 for the season and third place in the standings while Dong Ji sunk to the league basement with a 4 and 11 record.

He’s gone!

Dong Ji’s chances of winning may have been better had star Darkeem Dennis not been a last minute scratch due to his pending transfer to United - the season’s first blockbuster player move. Either way, Dong Ji's prospects for the remainder of the season are dim.

As teams gear up for the playoff stretch, the question remains, who’s on the move next?

Wuji @ Titans

Not moving at all would be Captain Raenia Ware as she was a scratch for the third week in a row. 

Her absence along with forward Jube Terrell resulted in many nervous moments for Titans fans as the league leaders struggled against the league laggards with no goals during regular time play.

Frustrated with Wuji defenders draped over him all match, Titans leading scorer, Readale Nash channeled his frustration into a furious kick into the top far corner away from goal keeper Trenton Seaton in overtime.  Nash’s goal was the only one in overtime as the Titans defeated Wuji 1-0 in PKOT.

The Titans rise to 14 and 1 while Wuji sink to 5 and 10 for the season.

Will we see Ware return in Week 16 against the Novymir Dynamo @ Novymir or @ Korolev Field.

United @ Dynamo

Dynamo #66 Sergey Samrend takes the win against United. With strong performances in the last two games, Samrend has not pocketed 4 goals in the season.

As the ongoing quarantine continued due to the Chubarov outbreak, a tense United team travelled at to the newly constructed Korolev Field to take on the Dynamo.  They arrived only minutes before the check-in deadline.

According to anonymous sources, a strong quorum of United players approached Coach Matthäus Reinmann and Chairperson Natasha Kennedy earlier in the week, asking to boycott the Week 15 match due to safety concerns.

Kennedy quickly scuttled the uprising to avoid raising the ire of MAFL officials and potentially threatening the Darkeem Dennis transfer. 

Korolev is 1200 KM south of Novyimir and no cases have been reported outside of that settlement.  Furthermore, players are not required to enter a hosting colony, so any exposure can be avoided.  Despite this reassurance, United players linked arms in a visual sign of protest during opening ceremonies.

Alas, the United players were not able to stay linked during the match, as they were unable to successfully protest the atrocious offence they continued to demonstrate. 

A goal from Dynamo #66 Sergey Samrend was the difference as the Dynamo won 1-0 to move to 6 and 9 for the season while United dropped to a similar record.

After the match, United Captain Lennard Fuchs was asked about all the drama surrounding the team.

“Ecstatic that Darkeem will be joining us soon because we need a game changer, so can’t wait for that. Also can’t wait to get the hell out of here. This stadium doesn’t feel right and being so close to the outbreak is scaring the shit out of us.”

Al'amal @ Comets

Fragile was the Comets’ defence in Week 15 as Al’amal SC unleashed an offensive outbreak, scoring twice in the first two minutes of the match.

Just 46 minutes in, Al’amal’s Naaila el-Amer stole the ball from Comets midfielder Amanda Coronel, charged up and boosted a shot that sailed over Comets’ defenders and goal keeper Zaida Agre for goal number one.

Barely a minute later at the 1 minute and 25 second mark, Coronel again lost the ball to Al’amal from the edge of the area.  This time it was Husain el-Guler who shot with the outside of her right foot, curling it inside the far post for goal number two.

Quickly substituting Coronel out of the match may have stopped the bleeding temporarily but the wounded Comets failed to muster any visible signs of life as they floundered around the field for most of the 1st half until Al’amal star Arwa Farra delivered the final dagger.

#18 Arwa Farra delights the home crowd with her 6th goal of the season.

At the 30 minute mark, Farra chested the ball to Captain Musaddiq Baddour, received the return pass and cut inside the Comets defenders before curling a right-foot shot into the far corner for goal number three and her sixth of the season.

The Comets finally responded with a goal at the 76th minute from Samantha Park but too little, too late.

Al’amal’s 3-1 win moved them to a third place tie with an 8 and 7 record.  The Comets dropped their 2nd in a row and slipped to 9 and 6 for the season.

The Comets’ hold on 2nd place in the league is vulnerable heading into next week.

Liddel Bradley, Comets Captain, can't hide his disappointment.

Al’amal will face Dong Ji while the Immortals face Wuji. The Comets? They take on a rapidly evolving United team with Darkeem Dennis potentially making the line up and former goal keeper, Yvonne Barnato moving to a new position.  What will happen?

Look forward to seeing you in Week 16.

Getting Between Here and There

Capricornus 21, 2077, m249

Members of United squad pose in front of their club transport, Bob.

Mars is vast. 

The nearest two MAFL colonies are 2100 KM apart.  

The farthest-most is more than 7000 KM, which translate to a gruelling 4-day round trip... another kind of endurance test for MAFL players.

"It's the only way to travel.", says Ferando Anthony, equipment manager of Europa United, "We have a lot of players and a lot of gear to transport, even if it is from the Colony to the local stadium, so it is the most practical means to get around."

Anthony can't say enough about 'Bob', the name of their robot driver.  United have a C-Class tractor, originally designed to tow borers and other heavy machinery.  On a full charge, Bob can make 800 km before needing to recharge.  This is why road trips are scheduled to disembark either in the late evening or early AM before daylight if a substation isn't en route.

modified C-Class industrial Tractors manufactured by BINMonk Motors are used by 4 of the 8 MAFl Clubs.  Tractor tow trains of up to 4 trailers.

It is a necessity of the sport, something club owners, players and staff are well aware of prior to signing on. 

"The long trips can be tedious, but it is also one of the great perks.", says Carlinhos Varela, United defender, "We get to visit almost all of the major settlements...  That isn't something the average Martian can say."

If you've ever visited VEX or any of the other nomadic explorer settlements, club transports take it to the next level.  They are the best-of-the-best when it comes to mobile habitations. These extraordinary vehicles are the heart of a team and are effectively a full facility on wheels..  Not only do they help get a team from point A to point B, they are the locker room, control centre, sleeping quarters, galley, medical bay, and tech shop.  

"In an Express Tunnel, Bob can safety achieve 240 kph,", says Anthony, "It will be nice when construction on the Cross Martian Corridor is completed.  It will shave off a lot time.  We get nailed on surface routes especially when terrain gets rough or weather  slows us down."

The triangle section of the Corridor between Marineris, Europa and Al'amal is expected to be open by end of summer, but connections East to Tiangong and West to San Olympus is another matter.  The Huacheng Silk Channel Project has 8 robot borers running continuously in an effort to launch the first colony-to-colony hyperloop this mYear.  Once open, this will promises a 4 hour direct journey from city-centre terminals, completely avoiding any exterior-hab-activity.

Cross Martian Corridor - Exposed tunnel segment by valles Marineris toward europa.

Until then, teams will continue to be shepherded by their robot drivers and traverse Mars in their club transports.  Today, according to Bob, the remaining leg to Korolev (about 700 km) will get them in by 21:45, that is,  assuming Reinmann's drills don't take longer than the 4 hour recharge cycle.

“Training in the middle of nowhere while Bob is juicing up is something I look forward to. We all get outside; players, managers and staff, like me.  This is the great outdoors, Martian-style!”

— Ferando Anthony, United Equipment Manager

United face the Dynamos in Korolev's temporary stadium tomorrow afternoon. 

Where is Ware?

Tiangong, Capricornus, 21, 2077, m249

Raenia ware misses another game due to a slow healing injury.

That’s what Titans fans were asking at the start of Week 15.

Would the Titans win again, for the 12th week in a row, against the Tiangong Wuji?

And could they without Captain Raenia Ware, who was out again, for the 3rd week in a row?

She remains in the sidelines as she recovers from a sprain. Her absence, along with forward Jube Terrell, were evident as the Titans’ offence struggled throughout their match against the lowly Wuji.

Despite the return of scoring star, Readale Nash (scratched from Week 14 play), Wuji relied on a heavily defensive 4-5-1 formation to neutralize Nash for the whole match.

With a scoreless tie, the match was decided in Penalty Kicks where an uninhibited Nash was unleashed.

“They were mugging me all match but in Penalty Kicks, it’s just me and the Goal Keeper, and I like my chances”, said Nash, “I knew I had to score first to set the tone and take some pressure off my teammates”.

And that he did as Nash scored on the 1st penalty shot in overtime with a brilliant dagger into the top far corner away from Wuji’s Trenton Seaton.

And that one penalty goal ended up being the difference maker as the Titans nervously squeaked out a 1-0 PKOT victory over the Tiangong Wuji. 

The Titans moved to 14 and 1 for the season while Wuji dropped to 5 and 10.

After the match, Ware was asked when she would return.

“Hopefully soon, but the medical staff is just being cautious,” said Ware. “Ankle sprains are very common and normally take 2 to 4 weeks to recover from.  What we want to avoid is re-aggravating it, and then missing extended time in the playoffs.”

Titans manager, Paulo Salgado wasn’t too worried about Ware missing so much time.

“I like how our team has collectively stepped up in her absence as we’ve beaten Al’amal, the Comets, and Wuji during that span,” said Salgado. “Another bright side to all of this, is it’ll give Raenia a breather so she returns re-energized just in time for the playoffs.”
 

When asked if he was ready to lead the team in Ware’s absence, Nash quickly shot that down with the same ferocity as his kicks.

“Whoa, I’m 17.”, said Nash. “Where’s Ware? She’s everywhere. She’s like a second coach out there. Even if she’s not playing, she makes her presence felt throughout the game.”

Lanka's 10

Capricornus 21, 2077, m249

#7 Uday Lanka becomes the first player to hit 10 goals.

It was on Solis, Vrishika the 21st, Week 3, fresh in the MAFL season, and being great apparently wasn’t enough that day for Amrita Immortals’ Captain, Uday Lanka.

He had to be Phenomenal.

After already delivered a hat-trick in the first-half, giving the Immortals a comfortable 3 to 0 lead, Lanka had the to do something extraordinary.

With subtle coordinations, Immortals teammate Laurien Hagendoorn boost jumped her throw-in to a streaking Lanka who boosted a bicycle kick into the goal.  4 goals in a single match! 

This was the match that made Lanka a Legend.

Not only had he set a new bar for scoring, but he had single-handedly conquered the Titans; to-date, their only defeat.

Since his last PK goal in Week 11, however, Lanka's guns have fallen silent.  

Was it beginner's luck?  A matter of immature clubs yet to find their feet?  The effectiveness of deliberate counter-measures to stifle the league's top striker?  Or was it (as some have claimed) a slump?

Whatever the case, Lanka broke the silence with a stunning goal against Xue Su this afternoon to become the first MAFL player to break 10!

“It’s an incredible feeling. It’s been like being out of sync with the ball, but it has made today that much sweeter!”

— Uday Lanka, Immortals Captain

No doubt, Immortals owner Vijya Pandey hopes this re-ignites his star player.  With only 6 games left in the regular season, the Immortals are in a 3 way battle with Al'amal and the Comets to take down the Titans.

Today's match brings Immortals to 8 - 7 at the expense of Dong Ji who were clearly still stunned with this morning's announcement of #7 Dennis's impending transfer to Europa.

Dennis Goes West

Capricornus 21, 2077 - m249

Dennis will not be in the lineup of against the Immortals this afternoon as DJ announces a deal is underway to transfer him to Europa.  According to league Regulations, the registration window closes by the end of Week 15.

Huacheng Dongji will sell its star striker, Darkeem Dennis, to Europa United for 550,000 M-Credits in an unprecedented deal that has rocked the MAFL. 

League insiders viewed the move as Dongji acknowledging its season was lost, preferring to work on developing its prospects rather than make a futile push for the playoffs with a volatile star rumoured to be a toxic presence in the locker room. 

The deal will also provide a cash infusion to the struggling club, that has faced dismal attendance and fan engagement with a league-low 4-10 record more than halfway through the season. Dongji announced it will call up two junior forwards, Xie Chen and Lim Hou, from its affiliate club to fill Dennis’s role. 

“Look, we’ve had a rough start. That’s undeniable,” Dongji manager Rain Chen said. “But I think what we’re saying today is we’re focused on our future.”

Acquiring Dennis is the centrepiece of an overhaul inside the middling United, where management has decided its current squad is outmatched and in need for more talent to contend with the league-leading San Olympus Titans. 

For weeks, United has reportedly been shopping trades for several players, including defender Denica Jasienski. The team is also expected to shuffle goaltender Yvonne Barnato into a midfield role.

 But United could be making a spectacular mistake. While Dennis skyrocketed to the top of the leaderboard with four goals early in the season, his production has since stalled – prompting some scouts to suggest that he was merely quick to adapt to the game in its early days, rather than a bonafide star player. Sources inside Dongji say Dennis, a 27-year-old American who grew up in Wendland, never truly settled into life in Huacheng. 

“He can’t handle adversity,” one former teammate said. “Every loss, it was another outburst with him. Blaming people. Throwing shit. It was enough.”

Dennis shrugged at suggestions that he had been at odds with his Dongji teammates.

“Listen man, I’m just grateful for everything,” he said.  

Where Titans Live.

San Olympus, Capricornus 15, 2077, m249

54 Ware, 22 Avdî, 8 Nash, and 38 Carballal at Impromptu Fan Appreciation Event in San Olympus

Olympus Mons is the largest known volcano in the solar system.

Where else would Titan's live?

As the stories go, the founding fathers of San Olympus decided to go it alone in their quest to settle Mars because they were convinced that collaborating with other agencies would hold them back.  They were tenacious at achieving their goals and even though it was wrought with endless challenges, in many ways, they made it look easy.  

 "See you on the other side", is how Kamden Lewis closed the final press conference leading up to the mission launch date.

After 14 weeks of MAFL's first season, Titans have, like their founders, broken away from the pack.  They represent yet another achievement for the settlement.

The colony celebrates its 35 birthday in just a few months, but why wait?

Club owner, Kamden Lewis, isn't getting any younger.  

He didn't waste any time organizing tonight's impromptu fan appreciation event  minutes after the nail-biting PKOT victory against the Comets.  He ordered the team home instead of the planned overnight stay in Marineris so they could make it back in time for the celebration.  An ordinary citizen wouldn't be able to secure the entire Promenade deck of West Column, San Olympics - Lewis is far from ordinary.

Tonight, fans were treated to a festival like atmosphere a chance to get autographs and snapshots with their favourite players.

Raenia Ware, team captain, gave a thoughtful and inspiring welcome speech, thanking the fans and the colony for the tremendous support.  Her presence was particularly appreciated by many fans after having missed the last two games due to injury.  

Club manager, Paulo Salgado also shared heart-felt gratitude to the crowd,  the players and the organization, ending with a toast to Lewis.

“My dreams are simple, but without great people like Kamden Lewis, they would not have been possible.”

— Paulo Salgado, Titans Manager

Lewis, now 82 years old, did not make an address, however mingle with fans for a while before making an early exit.

Not all team members were in a celebratory mood.  

Nash was critical of the previous day's game, "It was too close of a match. Langanash came through in the end, but a game like that could have easily gone the other way.  I'm happy the team held it together, but I'm disappointed that Salgado and Wong [the club physician] held me back from the road trip just because of a cold."

Otherwise, San Olympus was glowing from the surprise revelry.  It was an incredible way to close out the weekend, but we can certainly expect more thrills and excitement from this team and this colony.

Both Nash and Ware are expected to get the all clear for week 15 when they take on Tiangong Wuji at Olympus Park.

See you on the other side!