MAFL Week 20 Roundup

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Immortals - Dynamos

Virgo 10 • Amrita Stadium

Hagendoorn scores in extra time to break tie and win match for Immortals

The Immortals can’t believe their luck as they find themselves tied neck and neck with Al’amal for the fourth spot in the finals after today’s win. The Immortals had great control of the midfield during the match, creating lots of plays that started deep in centre to set up Lanka and Parkar for success.

The Dynamos were also in excellent form today, and maintained a 2-2 tie for the majority of the second half. However, an unexpected header by Hagendoorn in extra time flew by Danilovich too quickly for him to react and cinched the win for the Immortals.

GOALS

• 1ST 4’ Parkar (Immortals) snaps a goal following a deep pass from Hama in midfield.

• 1ST 11’ Petrovich (Dynamos) curves a left-footed shot into the far right of the goal.

• 1ST 21’ Nikitovna (Dynamos) scores on a free kick with a tap into the left.

• 2ND 5’ Lanka (Immortals) breaks away and taps the ball into the net low and easy to equalise the score.

• ET 7’ Hagendoorn (Immortals) leaps and scores the winning goal with a spectacular header.

SHOTS
18	24

POSSESSION
47%	53%

FOULS
3	3

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Comets - Al’amal Sports Club

Virgo 10 • Marineris Stadium

Comet defender, Bagdal, suffers head injury—not expected to return for remainder of season.

In a horrifying flashback of what happened a year ago, Brigit Bagdal was carried off the pitch in the second half with a head injury. A midair collision with Fayad caused the Comet to crash into the walls of the pitch. The helmet was not compromised, but the impact caused Bagdal a severe concussion. Medical staff have quickly assured the public that while the injury is serious, Bagdal is expected to make a full recovery with enough time.

The Comets had spent a moment in silence before the start of the match to mark a year since the passing of their teammate, Warren. “It’s hard to think that it’s been a year, and to have such a close call with Brigit—it really forces you to put things into perspective.” says Comets captain, Liddell Bradley.

Despite their win, the finals are out of the picture for the Comets. Al’amal is currently sitting tied with the Immortals—as the two teams contend for the fourth spot in the finals.

GOALS

• 1ST 6’ Liu (Comets) dodges through Al’amal to score a hard right-footed kick into the far left of the net.

• 1ST 13’ Guler (Al’amal) scores with an assist from Farra.

• 1ST 20’ Ferraz (Comets) scores on a direct free kick following a foul on Liu.

• 2ND 8’ Rahar (Al’amal) finds a pass from Fayad and makes a power shot that sails across the pitch, rebounds off the right post and hits the back of the net.

• 2ND 13’ Farra (Al’amal) scores into the bottom right after Agre makes a rare fumble.

• 2ND 22’ Marsh (Comets) dribbles the ball through the Al’amal defence to challenge Pour and score and equaliser high into the right.

• ET 2’ Shelton (Comets) follows through an excellent setup by Barnet and Ferraz to score at a low-flying kick past Pour.

FOULS

• Al’amal captain, Baddour, is given a red card for rushing Obregnon and causing possible compromises to his suit in the subsequent collision. Suspended for 1 match.

SHOTS
12	9

POSSESSION
46%	54%

FOULS
3	4

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Titans - United

Virgo 11 • San Olympus Park

Titans are stopped cold by The Sulz, United takes the victory.

Although the Titan offensive play was well-coordinated, Ware and Nash effort’s were completely shut down by Sulzberger, the impenetrable “Fortress of Europa”. Both teams had taken almost the same number of shots by the end of the match, but Sulzberger’s quick reflexes and creative saves were what made the difference. Sulzberger’s smart use of the thrust boosters today propelled him backwards into the net to catch a hard and fast shot by Nash.

This win puts United in the clear for the finals. However, Reinmann has become increasingly vocal about the frequency of United’s equipment malfunctions, despite most of the equipment being manufactured by Feldspar Inc. “Something is definitely fishy about this–I haven’t seen any of the other clubs deal with this many malfunctions,” Reinmann was recorded saying after the match.

GOALS

• 1ST 19’ Dennis (United) scores with a right-footed flick into the left.

• 2ND 12’ Khosla (United) scores on an indirect free kick following a pass from Terrell.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• 1ST 16’ Barlas is pulled out of the match due to an EV suit malfunction.

• 2ND 9’ Dennis is pulled out due to a malfunctioning coms unit in his suit.

SHOTS
18	19

POSSESSION
48%	52%

FOULS
3	3

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Wuji - Dongji

Virgo 11 • Tiangong Stadium

Dongji is victorious with a goal by Ekberg in extra time!

Both teams played hard on the pitch, depsite a malfunction in the life support system in Su’s suit during a critical point in the match Dongji persevered through with defender, Chang, as a substitute goalkeeper. Wuji started out strong and Dongji responded in kind as the teams traded shot for shot, and goal for goal.

An equaliser by former-trainer-turned-forward, Pang, resulted in a 2-2 tie that stretched out for the majority of the second half. The winning goal was finally scored by Ekberg 12 minutes into extra time as an increasingly exhausted Wuji made critical errors in their defensive strategy.

GOALS

• 1ST 3’ Lian (Wuji) scores with an assist from Wong.

• 1ST 8’ Cheng (Dongji) takes the penalty kick and scores with a perfectly curved shot into the top left.

• 1ST 19’ Wong (Wuji) takes a shot from the left corner of the penalty box and kicks high to score just out of Su’s reach

• 2ND 8’ Pang (Dongji) scores the second goal of her impromptu MAFL career to tie the game 2-2

• ET 12’ Ekberg scores the winning goal for Dongji!

SHOTS
23	28

POSSESSION
48%	52%

FOULS
2	3

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Stats & Standings

Rankings

Team	M	W	L	Goals
Titans	20	13	7	51
United	20	13	7	49
Dynamo	20	11	9	46
Al'Amal Sports Club	20	10	10	44
Immortals	20	10	10	44
Wuji Sports Club	20	9	11	42
Comets	20	8	12	51
Dongji	20	5	15	39

Top Scorers
	Uday Lanka	18
	Readale Nash	15
	Darkeem Dennis	14
	Yvonne Barnato	11
	Arwa Farra	11
	Qigang Lian	11
	Ilya Petrovich	11
	Raenia Ware	9
	Marcus Ekberg	9
	Musaadiq Baddour	8

Immortals challenge Al’amal in lead-up to finals.

A fierce battle between Al’amal Sports Club and the Immortals have dominated the weeks leading up to the Season 2 MAFL Championship Finals. The Immortals have somehow climbed their way up the standings to challenge Al’amal for a spot in the finals.

The Immortals have come a long way since the beginning of the season and reached a critical turning point just after the midpoint of the season. With the replacement of ex-coach, Cezar Veduva, with club manager Andam Mirza, the Immortals finally ended their humiliating streak of losses and starting climbing the ranks.

Meanwhile, Al’amal Sports Club has played a solid season so far. Free from the team drama and lacklustre performances that plagued some of the other teams, Al’amal had stayed in the top three of the rankings quite consistently.

Uday Lanka, captain of the Immortals and Al’amal captain, Musaddiq Baddour.

We take a look at the team breakdowns today, as all eyes are on the two teams to see who will make it to the finals.

Defense

Defense has been one of Al’amal’s strong suits this season. A consistent and effective defensive line saw Al’amal rarely losing by more than 1 goal in the majority of their matches. On the contrary, the Immortals have had to make huge efforts for their defensive game to be viable.

Goals

Both teams have strong scoring outputs. While the Immortals have a offensive powerhouse in Lanka, the Al’amal balances the scales with the formidable combination of Farra, Baddour, and Guler.

Predictions

While the Immortals have certainly flipped the tables on everyone, our bets are still on Al’amal to be in the finals. They have the consistency and team-dynamics that will carry them through.

Season Resumes

Europa - Aquarius 10, 2077, m249

The MAFL has announced dates for final 4 regular season matches.

All games are scheduled for Solis, Aquarius 15.  This marks the first time all clubs play in a single day.

When asked why, Aiger Masing responded that it was intentional,  “We actually considered further postponement, but after reaching out to Jayden and Mirna [Warren], they insisted it would not be what Yamen would have wanted.  We will be running a single day program for all four matches that will start with a tribute in his memory.”

Clubs were notified earlier in the day and travel coordination has already begun.  The Comets plan to arrive on Jovis and start practising on away-field as early as Veneris morning.

“The best way to remember Yamen is to play,” said Comets captain, Bradley, “He helped get us to the playoffs, so we aren't going to disappoint him.  It isn't a critical match, but it lets us test the Titans.”

In the Immortal's camp, Jag Parkar, confirmed he will play in the upcoming match after Yamen Warren's father reached out to him earlier in the week.

“He asked me to play,” Parkar said, “it was an emotional conversation, one that I dreaded, but it turned out completely differently than I expected.  They [Jayden and Mirna] are coming to the game to support me.   I have no words.”

The programming, based on the time zones, begins at 12:45 on this Solis in the East at Huacheng.  That will be followed by the matches in Amrita and Novyimir with the final match in the West at San Olympus Park starting at 11:00 local time.   

After week 21, there will be a two week gap before the semi-final matches on Aquarius 28th and Kumbha 1st.   That will be followed by the championship match the following week on Kumbha the 7th.

Can They Rally Through the Tragedy?

Al'amal - Aquarius 9, 2077, m249

MAFL #1 female player, Arwa Farra suffers sprain in Week 20 Game 1 match against the Titans.

After a brutal week 20 that put 11 players on the sidelines and resulted in the 1st fatality, the MAFL is yet to announce dates for the final week of regular season play.  The games will go on, that is for sure, but how the trajectory of the season plays out now is anyone's guess.

Comets 

Without a doubt, the Comets were dealt the worst of that fateful weekend. Not having 4 of their players in the playoffs is not the issue.  The Comets have a large, robust, highly versatile roster that can easily configure a top notch lineup. After all, this is what made them one of the most consistent clubs in the league.  

The loss of Warren, however, is a completely different story.  This is the kind of emotional blow that can't be compensated with adjustments and replacements.  While there has been little talk in the past week about the possible impact on the clubs championship hopes , many do wonder, 'Can the Comets keep their game?'

Al'Amal

Al'amal is in their own situation when it comes to the playoffs.  With Farra and Fayad out for the count, it doesn't bode well for the club's chances.  Number 4 and 5 top scorers, respectively, these two starts have 12 goals between them, significant firepower that will be absent in the defining match against the Immortals.

Al'amal manager, Haajid Nasr, will be down to 12 players, leaving him no choice but to shuffle the lineup.  He will likely play Vivian Badour and Rashaa Adel in forward positions or possibly move Husain Guler from defence to fill in the void.  However he plays it, it will be unfamiliar ground for the team.

Unlike the injuries suffered by the Comets, there is a chance that all 3 injured Al'amal players could recover in time for the playoffs, that is, assuming they can capture that last playoff spot.

Immortals

The Immortals are guaranteed a spot in the championship run, but no one is quite sure where they will be after their bout with the Comets.  Will Jag Parkar be playing in Week 21?  Sources report that Parkar has been in therapy since returning to Amrita, blaming himself for the collision that ultimately caused Warren's death.

The season statistics are clearly out the window at this point.  These teams look nothing like they did but a few weeks ago, so a fortune teller might be the best credible source for outcomes on this MAFL season.

The Playoff Picture

Solis, Aquarius 8, 2077, m249

From week 20's Dynamo vs. Dong Ji match - Anything can happen in the MAFL.

It’s come down to the final week of the season to determine the playoff fate for three teams: the Immortals, Al’amal, and Dynamo. Two will advance while one goes home to dream of next season.

Based on current standings, the Immortals currently hold the 3rd seed with Al’amal and Dynamo tied for 4th.  However, all that can change after the final week of play.

For the Immortals, they will clinch a playoff spot regardless of whether they win or lose but the outcome will determine their playoff seed. 

Win and they earn the 3rd seed. 

Lose to Al’amal and they will drop to the fourth seed as Al’amal will have the edge in a tiebreaker between the two, having gone 2 – 1 over the Immortals in head to head play.

If the Immortals end up tied with the Dynamo at the end of the regular season, the tiebreaker goes to the Immortals who own a 2 -1 record over the Dynamo in head to head play.

Best Case Scenario for Al’amal – Just Win Baby! A victory over the Immortals in Week 21 will clinch them a playoff spot. Lose and Al’amal is out.

Best Case Scenario for the Dynamo – Al’amal needs to lose to the Immortals.

Regardless of whether the Dynamo win or lose, a tie situation between Al’amal and the Dynamo results in the Dynamo winning the tiebreaker as they went 2 – 1 over Al’amal in regular head to head season play.

Now here’s where things get tricky.

If the Dynamo win and Al’amal wins, we end up with a three way tie for 3rd spot as the Immortals, Al’amal and Dynamo will all own an identical 11 – 10 record. In this three way dance, there’s a standoff.

·       The Immortals lose to Al’amal in the tiebreaker but go over the Dynamo in a tiebreaker.

·       Al’amal loses the tiebreaker to the Dynamo but goes over the Immortals in a tiebreaker.

·       The Dynamo go over Al’amal in the tiebreaker but not over the Immortals in a tiebreaker.

Confused? The chart below may help.

So to resolve this standoff, we go to Goals Scored.

In this case, Al’amal has the edge with 31 goals for the season, then the Immortals with 27 goals, and then the Dynamo with 21 goals. Al’amal goes in 3rd and the Immortals go in 4th. The Dynamos go home.

Everything make sense?

When week 21 resumes, Day 1 will open with the Dynamo hosting Wuji.

“We can’t control what Al’amal will do, but we can control what we do,” said Dynamos Captain Ilya Petrovich.”  For our final game, we want to give our fans something special, so we plan on going out as a winner”.

The 2nd match of Day 1 will see the Immortals host Al’amal who go in without 4 of its key players due to injuries.

“We know what we need to do”, said Al’amal Captain Mussadiq Baddour. “We can’t take the Immortals for granted as they won’t lie down for us just because they already have a playoff spot clinched”.

Immortals Captain Uday Lanka assured reporters they would not be complacent heading into the final game of the season, “We don’t want to drop down to the 4th seed. In the playoffs, you don’t know what will happen so having the possibility of home field advantage down the road is crucial”.

Farewell Comet

Marineris - Saturni, Aquarius 7, 2077, m249

Hundreds of friends, family, teammates attend service at Marineris Great Hall.

For the first time in 20 weeks, the stadiums across Mars were empty.

A colony and a league are in mourning after the sudden loss of Comet midfielder, Yamen Warren.  In  a freak accident in the second half of the heated match against the Amrita Immortals, a mid-air impact with Jag Parkar breached Warren's helmet and sent him crashing head-first to the turf below.

Emergency measures seemed to have adverted disaster on the field – The EV Suit immediately deployed the airbag to protect Warren from exposure to Martian atmosphere (more accurately, the lack of it) and MAFL protocols were in check, getting medical aid to his side in under 60 seconds.  Warren even regained consciousness later that afternoon at the hospital facilities at Marineris, but his condition took a sudden turn that evening and he was pronounced dead at 24:16.

Warren was laid to rest after funeral services were held at Marineris Hall.  The hall is one of the few surface structures at the colony, typically reserved for festive occasions and galas. Today, it provided the backdrop for hundreds to pay their respects for the fallen athlete.

MAFL officials, club owners and the entire Comets team and staff were in attendance.  The service was filled to capacity, so emotional fans and other players who made the journey to pay respects were left in the promenade, passage ways, and decks around the great hall.

By request of Jayden and Mirna Warren, no recording or broadcast was made of the service, however, most of the colonies observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to Warren.

The MAFL was quick to postpone the final round of matches for the regular season last week are yet to announce when play will resume.  Many club owners have offered counselling services to support their players.

It is unclear how Warren's death will affect the sport in the near-term, however, this unfortunate incident is sure to have long-lasting impact.

Tales from the Pitch - Sport as Art

Jovis, Aquarius 6, 2077, m249

The name of this piece is “Lament in Red”, and the artist is Taylor Kaur-Williams, a die hard Al’Amal fan born and raised in the settlement. This is a very personal piece, for it represents a new phase in Taylor's career and allowed her to become Mars’s first break out artist.

Working as both a painter and sculptor, Taylor had previously used traditional materials to create her pieces. Her early career was less than notable, but full of simple still life images set against discordant coloured backgrounds. Art critics were not impressed. Taylor was in an artistic funk, and on a lark decided to check out the new sport in her home settlement, MAFL.

“I was hooked from the first second of play,” she said. “Everything about it was amazing. You have action, tragedy, triumph – drama on the field was the inspiration I was hoping for.” After that first match Taylor began to think about using this new sport as a muse, but was wary of how her (admittedly) small number of fans would react.

“I wasn’t making much money, but my fans were putting food on my table,” she said. “What if they decided they hated MAFL?” She began to fiddle with a small piece of stone with the intent of carving a player image into it, all the while worrying more and more what the art world would think of her change in direction and theme.

“Lament in Red” is an expressive self portrait of an artist who found herself at a crossroads, and creates something new to overcome that fear. The atmosphere of Mars surrounds and envelopes her; red dominates the piece.

And for good reason: Martian soil  was mixed in with her paints giving everything a heavier red tone. While at first dismissed as a gimmick, this quickly set her apart from other Martian artists. Subsequent pieces dealt specifically with aspects of the game and images of players and in game action, but this first, quieter, piece is really what unleashed the floodgates of creativity.

I chose this as the topic of this week’s article not simply because I’m a fan of Taylor work, but rather to show further evidence of the importance of the Mars Aero Football League and the impact it is having on the citizens of the proud colony of ours.

Sports is often considered inspirational, but usually as a model for physical prowess or exceptional athletic skill. Sports is not as often considered an inspiration for art and culture, but, beginning with “Lament in Red”, Taylor has created a new genre.

Several piece of homage and outright copying followed, but it is the work of Taylor that is the most sought after.

Every innovation we make, every new path we forge on Mars has continuous ripple effects. MAFL didn’t set out to create a new art genre here on Mars, but that is what happened. This inaugural season has proven more popular and more important than any of us would have thought possible. As you view the playoffs with anticipation think of that, and take pride in the pioneers and explorers that are every Martian.

Tragic Death of Yamen Warren

Marineris - Lunae, Aquarius 2, 2077, m249

Comets midfielder, Yamen Warren, died late last night.

The Earth-born player, who grew up in New Baltimore Rapids prior to immigrating to Mars with his family at the age of 8, was pronounced dead at 24:16 at the hospital facility at Marineris.

News of Yamen’s death was only released late this afternoon.  His father, Jayden Warren, made a short statement to media.

“Last night, Yamen succumbed to the injuries he received in yesterday’s match.”, he said as he broke down.  After a moment to recompose himself, he continued, “He spoke to us before he fell asleep.  He told Mirna and I how much he loved it [the sport]. That he didn’t want to miss the playoffs.”

The cause of death is believe to be a result of herniation of the brain, but official results are yet to be shared with the public.

Though injuries have not been uncommon to the MAFL, this marks the first fatality.  

According to MAFL officials, analysis of the incident confirms this was an unfortunate accident and that Jag Parkar did not violate league rules.  Parkar, who received the news whilst on the transport back to Amrita, was inconsolable and unable to remark.

“This is a very sad day.”, said Andam Mirza, Immortals Manager, “We extend sincere condolences to Yamen’s family following his untimely passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

The Comets were not available for comment, but shared this statement:  “Yamen was a talented athlete and such a popular member of our team.  This tragic news leaves us in shock.  There are no words to express how deeply this affects each and every one of us.”

With funeral proceedings scheduled for next Saturni, Aiger Masing, CEO of the MAFL has instructed his staff to push the Week 21 schedule out.  Actual dates are pending.

A Terrible Cost

Marineris - Solis, Aquarius 1, 2077, m249

The playoff stakes were high entering the final match in Week 20 of MAFL play as the Immortals entered hostile ground @ Marineris stadium. The prize: 2nd seed overall. 

With the poor play of late for the Titans, some doubt the Titans will even make it past the 1st round thus the 2nd seed could very well be a golden ticket to home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The intensified level of play was in full display as both teams came in taking more risks, playing more aggressively, playing like there was no tomorrow.

And before the end of this match, there would be no tomorrow for a number of players.

Immortals Chamunda Badal was the second goalkeeper to fall today, the other being Wuji's Trenton Seaton.  Badal was injured after a mad scramble for a loose ball in front of the goal resulted in the Comets Marysa Waaijer and Badal ultimately crashing into each other. A remorseful Waaijer immediately consoled a motionless Badal, before being sent off with a Red Card.

The referee granted a 10 minute timeout for Immortals Manager, Andam Mirza, to suit up a replacement.  #15 Defender Tia Mancebo came in to make her debut as a goalkeeper having only played the position in practise.

At the 30th minute, Comets Caleb Houghton quickly turned and blindly ran into the Immortals Uday Lanka who inadvertently collided with the Comets Susanna Shelton. The severe collision resulted in Shelton being carted off with a broken arm, ending her chances to participate in the championship run.

To add salt to the wound, Houghton was given a Yellow Card, a Free Kick was awarded to the Immortals and Akkilic Talpur curled a rocket over two defenders and over a leaping Comets goalkeeper into the far top corner for the 1st goal of the match.

The Comets responded three minutes later when Stephen Liu steered home a goal following a pass from Liddell Bradley to tie up the match.

Just before the end of the 1st half at the 43rd minute, another wild loose ball scramble saw the Immortals Hama dive for it but alas her boot connected more with Kemina De Marco’s ankle than the ball, adding De Marco to the casualty list.

At the end of the 1st half with the score tied 1 – 1 and with three injuries , the referee gave strict warning to both teams as each manager respectively pleaded innocence over ignorance of match rules.

Despite this, at the 52th minute, as Comets Yamen Warren went up for a header, a late boost leap from the Immortals Jag Parkar resulted in an errant blow to Warren’s helmet, shattering the faceplate and sending Warren crashing head-first onto the pitch.

The EV Suit automatically deployed the emergency life support airbag while referee-bots and ground crew immediately rushed in. Warren was stabilized and then quickly rushed to the Marineris Hospital facility.  Though his environmental exposure was limited thanks to the safety countermeasures, the club reported he had suffered severe head and neck trauma.

MAFL league officials will further review the play to determine if Parkar breached any of the MAFL head shot rules.

And yet the show must go on. But for the next 30 minutes, the players appeared to be cautiously going through the motions as Warren’s injury was a morbid reminder of mortality on Mars.

Until the expiration of time finally sparked life in the Comets as Liu deflected the ball in off his knee for the go ahead goal at the 82th minute.

Shortly afterwards, in a desperate attempt to protect their slim lead, Comets defender Néstor Ramirez grabbed and held the Immortals Uday Lanka who tripped into the Comets Amanda Coronel who was following too closely.   Coronel crashed into the ground and would need to be taken off the field with broken bones.

With time quickly elapsing, at the 91st minute,  the Immortals midfielder Tulaih Azizi attempted to dribble away from an attacking Alessandro Ferraz within the Immortals own penalty area.

Azizi’s back pass caught the Immortals’ substitute goalkeeper, Mancebo, by surprise, ending up in the Immortal’s own net.

Ferraz was awarded the third goal in what would be the Final 3 – 1 victory for the Comets.

The Immortals drop to 11 and 10 for the season while the Comets move to 13 and 7 and clinch the 2nd seed overall. But at what cost?

2 Red Cards, 3 Yellow Cards, 5 injuries – One Life Threatening.

“It’s a bittersweet moment for us,” said Comets Manager Gordan J. Pryce. “Both teams played their guts out today but unfortunately, we’re guilty of our own aggressive play. We accidently took out 2 of our own players and now we have to grind it out in the playoffs without 4 of our key people.”

If this match is any indication of the excitement that awaits in the playoffs, MAFL fans only need to wait one more week.  And in Week 21, the final two playoff spots will be determined.

The third and fourth playoff spots are still up for grabs where 2 of the following 3 teams will go in: The Immortals, Al’amal, and the Dynamo. Who will it be?  We’ll see you in Week 21.

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.. 

Novyimir Rises

Novyimir - Saturni, Makara 28, 2077, m249

It began with a pre-match tribute. A tribute to THE lives lost during the Chubarov outbreak.

Words of remorse. Words of healing. 

In times of tragedy and turmoil, we are reminded that the only true game in life is survival.  Especially on Mars with an abundance of inhospitable conditions.

During those weeks when citizens were quarantined, when families were separated, when lives were in peril, they turned to Aero Football as temporary reprieve from the daily grind of survival.

The Dynamo gave them that and more. With each week of victory, they countered the fear and despair, until the outbreak was over and the Dynamo could finally return home.

Today, top of mind was no longer the outbreak, but playoff hopes, something that seems out of reach just weeks before.

The moment of silence before the kick-off seemed to carry over into the match as both teams were silent in both halves, with barely a handful of opportunities.  That didn’t, however, seem to matter to the Novyimir crowd who were happy to have their team back on home turf. 

With the match going into overtime, favour went to the Dynamos. All season, Dongji have struggled with overtime having lost 5 matches to penalty kicks.

Noviymir's Goalkeeper, Danilovich, gets beaten by Sarah Chang, but closes the door on the other Dong Ji players in PKOT to take the win. 

The Dynamo’s Dilijen Axa opened up round 1 with a penalty shot goal which would be matched by Dongji’s Sarah Chang in Round 2.  A number of misses followed before Serhij Olehovych Stadnyk scored in Round 5 to give the Dynamo a 2-1 win in PKOT.

Dongji’s dropped to 5 and 15 for the season.

For the Dynamos, they move to 10 and 10 for the season and keep their playoff chances alive.

Hope for the final playoff spot.. 

Chaos in San Olympus

San Olympus - Saturni, Makara 28, 2007, m249

In Greek mythology, it is said that the Titans came out of Chaos.

And yet it was Chaos that came out of the Titans as their battle with Al’amal unleashed bedlam at San Olympus field.  

In an ugly, bittersweet 2 - 0 victory for Al’amal over the Titans, three Al’amal players went down to injuries thanks to a plethora of fouls committed by the Titans which led to three yellow cards and one red card.

As the players and managers left the field after the match, Al’amal manager Haajid Nasr confronted Titans manager Paulo Salgado that erupted into a  skirmish involving managers and players. League officials, unequipped for such a scenario, spent 15 minutes separating everyone as this match ended in a rather ignominious fashion.

The normally calm and reserved Haajid Nasr was unable to participate in post-match interviews leaving Captain Mussadiq Baddour to field questions.

“They’ve already got a playoff spot so this match means nothing for them, yet they butcher three of our players who are now out while we fight for the playoffs”, said Baddour.  “What’s wrong with the Titans?”

A lot is wrong with the Titans right now.  Having dropped their 3rd match in a row and 4th in five matches, the Titans are looking very vulnerable.  

And unapproachable, as the Titans refused post-match interviews.

The Titans did all their talking on the field, starting the conversation at the 10th minute of play, as Tia Shandu received a Yellow Card for roughing up Al’amal’s Arwa Farra as she dropped off a pass.

Farra responded a minute later with an outrageous chip over Titans goalkeeper Icilio De Sisto that dropped in off the underside of the crossbar, capturing her 7th goal of the season.

But the Titans response was to hit back.  

At the 25th minute of play, the Titans Jube Terrell ran towards a loose ball which was retrieved by Farra but Terrell’s momentum plowed her into Farra who crashed hard to the ground.

Unable to rise, Farra was carted off the field with an injury that team officials say will now   keep her out for at least the next 3 weeks. Hamad Fayad substituted in her place.

Terrell was firmly cautioned with a Yellow Card, yet the hits kept coming.

Titans 22 Avdi collides with Al'amal 8 Fayad.

At the 40th minute of play, the Titans Bajen Avdi recklessly crashed into a streaking Fayad, taking him down. A new replacement was needed for Farra’s replacement, as Fayad was escorted off the field. 

This time, a Red Card was issued to Avdi.

Yet despite this, the Titans kept hitting.

At the 57th minute, Tarik Lema Girma clipped Al’amal’s Birwant Rahar within the Titans’ penalty area as Rahar was streaking alone towards the Titans net.

Rahar crumbled to the ground.

For the Titans’ fourth crime, only a Yellow Card was given to Girma, much to the shock of Al’amal players.

A penalty shot was taken by Baddour, who delivered, putting Al’amal up 2 – 0.

And yet the Titans continued to hit until Al’amal finally hit back.

An ugly match in San Olympus results in a slew of casualties. Above , Titans 88 Ana Sofia Molina suffers a fractured. 

At the 65th minute, Al’amal’s Ikram Muhammad tackled Titans midfielder Ana Sofia Molina who dropped clinching her right leg, writhing in pain.  

While Molina was carried off, Muhammad was escorted off with a red card, both captains quickly negotiated a ceasefire for the remainder of the match to end the body count.

The post-game brawl will likely cause many sleepless nights at MAFL headquarters as they sort out all the potential fines.

During post-match interviews, it was revealed Molina’s injury would likely mean the end of her season.

A visibly shaken Muhammad commented, “Look if a bully keeps hitting you, you have to eventually hit back.  They were playing like a bunch of scared thugs, but I know that doesn't excuse my own actions.”

With the win, Al’amal moves up to 10 and 10 for the season keeping their playoff hopes alive. For the Titans, they continue to sink to new lows despite their league leading 15 and 5 record.