Cove Bay Pirates/STI v. City Merchants/NTI - The Ultimate Rivalry - This Time It's For Real!!!

[DodgeeD]

Gold Cup 2011 Preview

All is set now for the Gold Cup to commence with STI looking to better their semi-fianl appearance last time and NTI looking to make a mark in their first international tournament.

First a reminder of the groups:

Group A
Costa Rica
Panama
Northern Treasure Islands
Guatemala

Group B
Mexico
Southern Treasure Islands
Jamaica
Honduras

Group C
U.S.A.
Canada
El Salvador
Trinidad & Tobago

I'll get started on the updates either later tonight (after the Euro 2008 matches) or tomorrow. Soi until then, your predictions and banter please!

[fmfulhamfan]

NTI to get to the semi finals.
STI to crash out in the grouo stages.

[Blackcats]

Both teams to get through the groups but overall i think Mexico and USA will be too strong for both teams and one of them will win

[Robert_296]

Originally posted by fmfulhamfan:
NTI to get to the semi finals.
STI to crash out in the grouo stages.

whs except STI will go out in the group stage not grouo stage

[GazTheDoood]

Gingerbread looks good.

Koln missed out

Youth prospects look promising, heres hoping Erwin Goes far

[macca69]

Its good to see how the clubs have changed over the seasons, since everyone has left. Glad too see this thread still going. KUTGW!

[Bloodstreaks]

Ah, AC Milan finishing a disappointing 7th
Still, things are looking bright for Eduaddo.

KUTGW

[valencia]

Brilliant updates as usual Dodgee!

looks like my guy might be off to his 5th club in the summer! (correct me if i'm wrong, i'm losing track!) - feel like the littlest hobo! keep on moving on! great season though, hopefully i wont end up with the Geordies. I want a move back to Cove Bay!

I' putting my money on STI to win the Gold Cup! YARR!

(I'm off on holiday tomorrow for a week of sun in Sardinia, so wont be posting. I'll expect my Gold Cup winners medal waiting for me on my doormat when i get back!)

once again, keep up the great work Dodgee. I'm really enjoying this sign up. a lot of hard work and imagination gone into it, and it shows!

[dave safc]

I fancy STI to win the Gold Cup, especially after our strong World Cup showing.

NTI to crash out in group stages.

[ssestig]

i must be the highest scoring centre-back in this sign-up surely. 8 last season and 6 this.
sti to win the gold cup with nti reaching the semis only to be knocked out by the winners.
as for me wanting a transfer - sounds like real life.
kutgw mate

[lfcfannic]

dang, i missed a lot

great to see STI getting 4th in the world cup, but not so good to see them slump afterwards.

I'm kinda disappointed Iker Reina left Pirates, that's half the sign-up!

Come on ye' Pirates.

[el sid]

w00t ! I might go to the Merchants ! Thats surprising to say the least !
kutgw !

[AB-forever]

Originally posted by DodgeeD:
Gregory Le Quack - managed to break into the first team at Sunderland this season but became disillusioned with life in the North-East as he couldn't hold onto his place. Good news for next season however as first choice Sunderland keeper Robert Enke is demanding a transfer.

Finally!

InterToto Cup for The Merchants and nothing for the darn Pirates

Sunderland finished 14th with the third-highest amount of losses maybe Le Quack's influence on the team isn't that good although he seems to be good at all the necessary things so I did a good job selecting the attributes

Somehow he conceded 13 goals in 11 games and averaged 6.36 kept a clean sheet in a European game though

KUTGW Dodgee

[NeoAC]

I just flat out rock France

Marseille are confirmed to be back in the Champions League.

NTI will finish second in the group, beat Honduras in the quarters, but lose to the USA in the semis.

STI will also finish best of second placed, but will be upset by Canada

[DodgeeD]

2011 Gold Cup Report

Match Day 1, Group A: Northern Treasure Islands v Panama
At last, the most anticipated tournament of the summer was here with NTI set for their debut in a major international competition. Bad news for the Northerners though: Star striker Robert Boyle received an elbow injury in his final league game for Ajax and would be unable to join the squad. Up first, Panama, who NTI had recorded one win against and suffered one defeat to back in the World Cup Qualifiers. The match began slowly with both sides cautious, not wanting to make the mistake that would give the other side the advantage. As the game progressed, NTI found their stride a little and started to win more of the ball than their opponents. The first half finished goaless and after the break, NTI started to create more chances. Bob McBob, the new NTI captain, went close on a couple of ocassions as did Gonzaléz and Gooner. In the end, the fact that the Panamanian goalkeeper won the MoM award says it all.
Final Score: Northern Treasure Islands 0 Panama 0
NTI ratings & stats

Other Results: Guatemala 1 Costa Rica 1


Group B: Jamaica v Southern Treasure Islands
STI's first game was against an opponent they had beaten once and drawn against in World Cup Qualifying. Following their world cup success, expectation was high and the players were keen to show that the bad form in friendlies was just a blip. Things started brightly as a great early run by Elliot Druce saw him break through the Jamaican defence and calmly slot the ball past the advancing keeper. 1-0 with only 5 minutes on the clock. STI proceeded to dominate the rest of the half but were unable to add to their total. Early in the second half, Jamaica managed to create a few chances but their period of ascendancy was short-lived as STI soon regained control. After great play in midfield, the ball came to Bobinho, who made no mistake as he fired a vicious netbuster to double the lead. The Southerners continued to create the better cahncs and added a third right at the end of the game when a penalty was given and duly converted by Jason de Mire.
Final Score: Jamaica 0 Southern Treasure Islands 3
STI Ratings and Stats

Other results: Mexico 1 Honduras 1


Group C
Results: USA 3 El Salvador 0
Trinidad & Tobago 2 Canada 2

[coldkohmew]

There is still 2 games to win!!!

[JoseRR]

Must have cmpletely missed that code thing . Have only been skimming updates for Dos Santos' name at the min as I am only on once or twice a week. Still, NTI start with a draw so we'll look to improve. KUTGW.

[ssestig]

come on!

[Blackcats]

Not a great result for us northaners, although i am pleased to see that i am starting becuase most of my previous appearances have been off the bench which ruins my goals to caps ratio

[AB-forever]

Another below-par result for NTI alt least Le Quack kept a clean sheet though

[route1]

How are NTI so bad

I won't be big headed and say it's all due to the fact that cabinboy pendros is out injured

[DodgeeD]

2011 Gold Cup Report

Matchday 2, Group A: Guatemala v. Northern Treasure Islands
After a goaless draw in the first game, our friends from the North were after the win that would go a long way to helping them secure a spot in the next round. They were facing their opponents for the first time ever but quickly got into the swing of things. With just 12 minutes on the clock, Bob McBob received the ball on the edge of the area and laid back a neat ball for the oncoming Emilio Peralta to smash home from 20 yards. NTI porceeded to dominate possession and limit Guatemala to a few desperate long range efforts. NTI added to their lead early in the second half as Arthur White was tripped in the box and T. H. Gooner converted the penalty. NTI remained in control of the game until the final 5 minutes when Adam Flash brought down his opponent in the box. He was given his marching orders by the ref and Guatemala were awarded a penalty. Gregory Le Quack was equal to the task though and pushed the spot kick wide to preserve the scoreline.
Final Score: Guatemala 0 Northern Treasure Islands 2
NTI Ratings & Stats

In the other game, Panama caused a minor shock as they beat Costa Rica 3-2. With two third place teams advancing, these results meant only a major screw up stood between NTI and the quarter finals.


Matchday 2, Group B: Southern Treasure Islands v. Mexico
An intriguing match up in Group B brought together the rising stars of the continent against one of the traditional powerhouses. This was their first clash but the Mexicans were sure to be wary following their early World Cup Qualifying exit at the hands of NTI 2 years previously. The match began evenly with both teams finding time on the ball and creating some chances. The experience of the Mexican side showed first as they opened trhe scoring on 25 minutes. That only stirred the STI boys to life though as they started to control the game. They got the breakthrough they needed when Mexican defender Fernando Arce lived up to his name, turning a corner into his own net after The Stiggot his head to the ball, which tied the scores. After that, there was no stopping the boys from the South as they streamed forward in search of the win. They left it late though as it wasn't until the final minute that Elliot Druce split the defnece with a pass to Bobihno, who made no mistake.
Final Score: Southern Treasure Islands 2 Mexico 1
STI Ratings & Stats

In the other match, Jamaica were all but eliminated as they went down 4-2 to Honduras. Mexico's status in the competition hung by a thread as they had just 1 point after two games...

Matchday 2, Group C: Results
Trinidad & Tobago 0 USA 3
Canada 3 El Salvador 2

[Bloodstreaks]

A sub in the 27th minute?
C'mon STI! We can win this!

KUTGW

[coldkohmew]

We are going to the quarters!!!

[McTavish]

Peralta nets his first international goal as NTI steam towards the quarters. 'mon NTI!

[ssestig]

nice to see the arce of mexico do well enough to rob my goal off me.
kutgw

[GazTheDoood]

STI are rate good

KUTGW mate.

[Ridleys]

Played 2, Scored 2 and was MOTM against Mexico

STI doing very well

NTI drew with Panama

KUTGW

[Robert_296]

Am I even in the squad? ffs, I am the european golden boot winner you know! lol

[NeoAC]

Both NTI and Canada have a win and a draw.

STI have two wins.

[AB-forever]

Le Quack saved a penalty as NTI won 2-0

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by Robert_296:
Am I even in the squad? ffs, I am the european golden boot winner you know! lol

Originally posted by DodgeeD:
2011 Gold Cup Report

Match Day 1, Group A: Northern Treasure Islands v Panama
At last, the most anticipated tournament of the summer was here with NTI set for their debut in a major international competition. Bad news for the Northerners though: Star striker Robert Boyle received an elbow injury in his final league game for Ajax and would be unable to join the squad.

It's all there

[Walcott\'s Wonderkids]

Originally posted by Robert_296:
Am I even in the squad? ffs, I am the european golden boot winner you know! lol

I would like to echo that thought about Trevor Tobago! :-(

Nice to see the NTI doing well though. Go team! ;-)

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by Walcott's Wonderkids:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Robert_296:
Am I even in the squad? ffs, I am the european golden boot winner you know! lol

I would like to echo that thought about Trevor Tobago! :-(

Nice to see the NTI doing well though. Go team! ;-) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good old TT is in the squad. Unfortunately for him, much like at PSV, he's not being used in the team.

[DodgeeD]

2011 Gold Cup Report

Matchday 3, Group A: Northern Treasure Islands v. Costa Rica
NTI faced their toughest opponents on the last day but could afford to be somewhat confident that they would be in the quarter finals no matter what. However, a confidence building win would be a big boost to their momentum. Costa Rica, on the other hand, had to win this, their first encounter with Northern Treasure Islands, to stand any chance of progressing. The Costa Ricans tried to take the game to NTI early on and had the better of the early chances. However, General Specific and Emilio Peralta were in fine form to break down many of the attacks and Rebel Israel took care of the rest. In the second half, as Costa Rica beccame more frustrated and desperate, NTI began to take control. The match was essentially decided in a breathtaking 8 minute period as first Peralta broke forward and played Pablo Gonzaléz through to score, then Roberto dos Santos added a second after fine work by Bob McBob and then Gonzaléz again surprised a shocked Costa Rican defence by stealing the ball and scoring the third. Suddenly the game had gone from being on a knşfe edge to being as good as over. Costa Rica recovered sufficiently to pull one back with about 20 minutes left but NTI never looked like letting this slip as they secured the win to top the group and send Costa Rica home.
Final Score: Northern Treasure Islands 3 Costa Rica 1
NTI Ratings & Stats

In the other game, Panama booked their place in the quarters after a 1-1 draw with Guatemala, who would have to rely on other results to have any chance of going through.


Matchday 3, Group B: Honduras v. Southern Treasure Islands
STI were already assured of their place in the next round ahead of this match against an opponent the had previously beaten on 4 ocassions and drawn with once. Riding high on confidence, the Southerners dominated the game. Eduaddo opened the scoring with a header from a corner. A second was added in the second half after Brendanio showed great awareness to selflessly pass to Craig Healy, who only had to tap in after his team mate had run past the entire Honduran defence.
Final Score: Honduras 0 Southern Treasure Islands 2
STI Ratings & Stats

Mexico just about scraped into the next round as a 2-1 win over Jamaica gave them enough points to take one of the best 3rd place spots.


Matchday 3, Group C: Results
USA 0 Canada0
El Salvador 4 Trinidad & Tobago 0


Group Stage Final Standings - both of our rival nations made it through with ease. With Canada, USA and Mexico still in the mix, the knockout stages should be interesting.

Quarter Final Draw - NTI and STI should be favourites for their respective games. It seems the Mexican and American federations may have been the teams giving presents to CONCACAF officials this summer as USA get to face the third place team from their own group and Mexico avoid all of the first placed teams despite coming third. Hmmmmm

Oh, and one more thing: If both Northern Treasure Islands and Southern Treasure Islands win, they will face each other in the semi-finals!!!

[el sid]

Once a sub, always a sub
STI doing well though, KUTGW !

[ssestig]

told you so in my first post on this page 'sti to win the gold cup and nti to only reach the semis to be knocked out by the winners' (us, the sti)

[fmfulhamfan]

NTI qualify for the quarters
de silva santos watching all the games from the bench

[Robert_296]

Originally posted by DodgeeD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Robert_296:
Am I even in the squad? ffs, I am the european golden boot winner you know! lol

Originally posted by DodgeeD:
2011 Gold Cup Report

Match Day 1, Group A: Northern Treasure Islands v Panama
At last, the most anticipated tournament of the summer was here with NTI set for their debut in a major international competition. Bad news for the Northerners though: Star striker Robert Boyle received an elbow injury in his final league game for Ajax and would be unable to join the squad.

It's all there </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nice to know I can read

[Bloodstreaks]

Yeah! Eduaddo scoring for his country is always good to see
Panama should be an easy game, right?..
KUTGW

[Blackcats]

Gonzalez getting 2 goals and NTI qualifying

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by Bloodstreaks:
Yeah! Eduaddo scoring for his country is always good to see
Panama should be an easy game, right?..
KUTGW

Quarter final reports to come after tonight's (real) quarter final. As I've already taken the game past that point, I can tell you the STI-Panama tie turns out to be a quite a game. Why and how? That's for later

[DodgeeD]

Gold Cup 2011 Report: Quarter Finals

Honduras v. Northern Treasure Islands
NTI went into the quarters confident after topping their group. They had played two evenly matched games against their opponents in World Cup Qualifying, which had resulted in one win a piece so a tight game was expected. That's exactly what it was as chances for both sides were limited. An uneventful and even first half produced no goals. Much as in thier group clash with Costa Rica, NTI would flash to life for an 8 minute period in the seocnd half. First, on the hour mark Rebel Israel made a long clearance which Roberto dos Santos ran onto and slammed into the back of the net. After that, on 68 minutes, sub Alfonso da Silva Santos broke down the right wing and crossed trhe ball for dos Santos to head home doubling his tally and his side's lead. Honduras had played too defensive for too loong and couldn't force their way back into the game as NTI made it to the semis.
Final Score: Honduras 0 Northern Treasure Islands 2
NTI Ratings & Stats

Southern Treasure Islands v. Panama
With NTI already through, would STI be able to join them and set up a huge rivals clash in the semis? The answer came in what was not so much a football match as an annihilation. Jason de Mire opened the scoring after just 6 minutes. Bobinho added two more before half time, sandwiched either side of an Adam Wilkinson effort. 4-0 up after 45 minutes, STI could have been forgiven for taking it easy in the second half. To their credit, they chose not to, instead sending a message out to their Northern rivals and the other teams in the competition by scoring another 3 goals. The Stig popped up to score from a corner, taking his side a step closer to his confident predicition of becoming champions defeating NTI en route. Jason de Mire added another and Bobinho completed the carnage and earned the match ball with a 7th goal 4 minutes from time. The Panamanians looked in utter shock as they trudged off the pitch while the Southern Islanders celebrated one of the most emphatic Gold Cup wins of all time. With 6 different players providing assists, the tag of 'the new total football' seemed well-earned.
Final Score: Southern Treasure Islands 7 Panama 0
STI Ratings and Stats - plenty of 8s and 9s there!

In the other games, USA and Mexico both secured victories to set up the other semi final.
Quarter Final Results

Semi Final Draw - a mouthwatering rivals clash then between two in form rivals. History is on the side of the Southerners. They are also in devastating form. NTI, however, are playing well too and will be determined to get one over their old foes.
Who will triumph? Will the winners go on to become Champions? Your predicitons and rival's banter please!

[dave safc]

STI to destroy NTI, then to beat USA in the final

[NeoAC]

I hate being injured. It means I don't get to play (duh)

Beat Costa Rica

STI finished their group undeafeated.

We knocked out Honduras

STI absolutely destroyed Panama

Predictions:
Semis:
NTI 2 - 1 STI
USA 1 - 1 Mexico (Mexico wins on penalties)

3rd place:
STI 2 - 0 USA

1st place:
NTI 1 - 1 Mexico (NTI wins on penalties)

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by NeoAC:
I hate being injured. It means I don't get to play (duh)

Injured he may be but there is big news concerning Ryca Roseau to come after the Gold Cup.

[coldkohmew]

I guess mexico 4th,USA in the Final
Go NTI!!!
Is jack harrow injured?

[BP_Doosra]

STI to win both games, the one against NTI will be a blowout and the final, I'm guessing against USA, will be won in extra time.

It could happen, but only if they play Brendanio

[AB-forever]

Le Quack got an 8 against Costa Rica he only completed 5 passes in 27 attempts though

He completed 2 passes in 16 attempts against Honduras one was a key pass though

Somehow I'm not entirely confident about the STI game

[Bloodstreaks]

Well, we're gonna hammer the NTIs, they couldnt put one goal past Panama, so we should be able to destroy them
(I hope I dont have to eat those words...)

KUTGW!

[ssestig]

sti to win. how many times!

[SJ234]

bob mcbob played quite well i feel that nti may edge this one. KUTGW

[ssestig]

Dodgeed, what do you host your screenshots on?

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by ssestig:
Dodgeed, what do you host your screenshots on?

Photobucket (but surely you can see that from the links )

[PaulHartman71]

Just paid my first visit to this in ages, I'm not actually sure how I managed to forget about this.

Just read from about page 4 to get up to date, can't believe we got to the Semi Finals of the World Cup!

Just wondering, am I still in the sign up, or have I remembered too late?

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by PaulHartman71:
Just paid my first visit to this in ages, I'm not actually sure how I managed to forget about this.

Just read from about page 4 to get up to date, can't believe we got to the Semi Finals of the World Cup!

Just wondering, am I still in the sign up, or have I remembered too late?

Your player is still there. Paul Hart picked up an injury just before the Gold Cup alas, which means he's not in the squad. If you are going to be checking in regularly again, I'll include you in the updates from now on.

[el sid]

7-0

WOW

KUTGW !

[DodgeeD]

Gold Cup 2011 Report: Semi Finals

Northern Treasure Islands v. Southern Treasure Islands
So, here it was - one of the most eargerly anticipated Gold Cup matches of all time. Two new nations, two fierce rivals, and a place in the finals at stake. History and form favoured STI, who had beaten their Northern Rivals 5 times in 6 meetings with the other being a draw. However, in knockout competition, anything can happen and often does, so NTI had high hopes. STI set about destroying those hopes quickly with the first real attack of the game. Elliot Druce picked up the ball in midfield and played a great through ball for Bobinho to latch onto. The striker made no mistake as he gave his team an early lead. NTI refused to be rattled. In fact, they dominated the remainder of the half. [B]Adam Flash, Ben Roscrow, Haowan and Roberto dos Santos[/B all had chances to equalise but a combination of great defending and incredible luck ensured the Southerners held their lead at half time. STI needed to regain control of the game and again went for an early attack as the second half began. Jason de Mire found himself in space on the edge of the area just 2 minutes after the restart. He then skipped the NTI defence and played a pinpoint pass to Bobihno, who cooly added his and his team's second. This time, the Northerners were rattled a bit and STI were able to keep the ball and prevent their opponents from getting forward. It seemed thier passage to the final was assured until Iker Reina flapped at a Haowan corner leaving Rebel Israel unchallenged as he headed home a lifeline goal. The final 20 minutes was all about the Northern Islanders as they desperately sought an equaliser. Shots rained in from all positions but the STI defence held firm. As the final whistle blew, STI celebrated their first appearance in a major final and another victory over their rivals. They had to admit, however, that this had been the hardest and luckiest victory to date.
Final Score: Northern Treasure Islands 1 Southern Treasure Islands 2
NTI Ratings & Stats
STI Ratings & Stats

Semi Final Results - STI will contest the final with Mexico then in a rematch of their group stage game. NTI and USA wil contest the third place play-off.

[PaulHartman71]

We can beat Mexico

[Ridleys]

2 more goals for Bobinho

[coldkohmew]

We will beat USA.

[el sid]

another victory over NTI
kutgw

[AB-forever]

We will beat USA though!

[DodgeeD]

corner wGold CUp 2011 Report: Third Place Play-Off

USA v. Northern Treasure Islands
There was the usual lack of expectation before thie game: two teams dejected by semi-final defeat in a match they don't really want to play. Should be a drab game, right? Wrong! Goals galore in this match! The USA took the initiative early on with Eddie Johnson opening the scoring on 6 minutes. The Americans created the better chances for the rest of the half as NTI struggled to get into the game. A second USA goal seemed inevitable and it came just before half time as Jozy Altidore found the back of the net. The boys from the North obviously had a few harsh words to listen to at halftime and they came out looking like a different side. It took just 5 minutes for Haowan to get his team back into the game after he was played through by captain Bob McBob. 8 minutes later, a Ben Roscrow corner was headed home by Arthur White and NTI were level. Parity only lasted 3 minutes though as the USA restored their lead through Danny Szetela. NTI were not done yet though as the equalizer came, albeit from two unlikely sources. Hubertson Pauletta set up Charlison Benschop to score on 76 minutes with both having been on the pitch for only a short time as subs. (In case you are wondering who these guys are, they are two players with dual Dutch and Netherlands Antillles citizenship who I forgot to remove from the database before creating the new nation of NTI ). That goal was enough to ensure the game went to extra time. Both sides had decent chances but the game slowed down a little as the players tired. NTI were up for one last effort though as Gregory Le Quack pumped a long ball forward in the dying seconds, which was picked up by Arthur White, the striker making no mistake as he stunned the Americans with a game deciding goal.
Final Score: USA 3 Northern Treasure Islands 4
NTI Ratings & Stats

[PaulHartman71]

Nice to see USA losing

[DodgeeD]

Gold Cup 2011 Report: The Final

Southern Treasure Islands v. Mexico
An intriguing final in this year's Gold Cup as the up and coming Southern Treasure Islanders took on continental powerhouse Mexico, who had recovered from a slow start to reach the final. STI would be looking to improve on their 4th placed finished at the last Gold Cup and the World Cup whereas Mexico would be looking to re-establish their position as the premier team in the CONCACAF zone and get revenge for their group stage defeat. As ever, the fianl began slowly with both teams probing their opponents tactical set-up. STI started to gain momentum with early chances falling to Elliot Druce and Jason de Mire. In fact, Druce had a big hand in the opener as he first won a corner, then took it enabling The Stig to head home (this was, after all, what he had predicted ). This goal only served to stir the Mexicans into life and they equalised just five minutes later, Rafael Marquez beating defence and goalie alike to poke the ball in at the near post. Mexico then took the game to STI and were unlucky not to add another before halftime with The Stig heading off the line after a corner. STI were glad the half finished when it did and used the break to regroup and refocus. They kept Mexico on the backfoot from the restart with Druce and de Mire having the better chances again. It was those two who would provide the second goal as the exchanged passes and de Mire rounded the keeper to slot the ball home. After that, it was all about the STI defence and midfield as they restricted the Mexicans movement and supplied the balls for quick counter attacks. It was a tactic that paid off as Mexico were unable to get back into the game and STI held their nerve to secure a historic first ever Gold Cup win after just 4 years in exsistence! The champagne corks popped throughout the bars and clubs of the Southern Islands as captain David Sunderland lifted the trophy above his head.
Final Score: Southern Treasure Islands 2 Mexico 1
STI Ratings & Stats

[PaulHartman71]

Champions

The final score screenshot is the USA V NTI one

[DodgeeD]

Gold Cup 2011 Review

A histioric win for those Southerners then as they continue to estbalish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in international football. NTI are still playing catch up but they have shown great improvements since missing out on the World Cup. Perhaps they could have made the final with a different draw or with Ryca Roseau and Robert Boyle fully fit...

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any 'dream team' or 'player of the tournament' awards for the Gold Cup so I'll just single out some players based on the tournament stats:

2011 Gold Cup Player Stats

If there was a player of the tournament award, it would have almost certainly gone to Bobinho as he finshed top scorer, top rated player and picked up the most MoM awards.

Elliot Druce would have also got a mention for his vital contribution with 5 assists and average rating of 7.6.

I would have expected Emilio Peralta to have been named Young Player Of The Tournament (or Best Rookie depending on the American influence) following his impressive performances at the heart of the NTI midfield.

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by PaulHartman71:
Champions

The final score screenshot is the USA V NTI one

Whoops! Off to the mod requests thread for me then....

[Ridleys]

Originally posted by DodgeeD:

If there was a player of the tournament award, it would have almost certainly gone to Bobinho as he finshed top scorer, top rated player and picked up the most MoM awards.

Hopefully I will get a big money move this summer then

[JoseRR]

Joint 4th top scorer with the 2 goals in the quarter finals. Shame about losing to the STIs, but our time is coming, shown in the great win over the USA to come 3rd. WP STI for winning!

[DodgeeD]

2011/12 Season Preview: Player News

After a big summer for the players from both Treasure Island nations, interest was expected to be high. There were some major transfers and, surprisingly perhaps, the biggest deals involved NTI not STI players. Indeed, the biggest money deal of all involved a player who sat most of the Gold Cup out due to injury. Here are the transfers in full:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Player To Fee
Ryca Roseau Chelsea 41.5mil
General Specific AC Milan 17.5mil
Ben Cee Newcastle 14.5mil
Maccaniniho Juventus 11mil
Rich Denton Barcelona 10mil
Craig Healy Fiorentina 9.75mil
The Stig Pachua 7mil
David Sunderland Rangers 6mil
Adam Flash Köln 5.75mil
Wrighty Newcastle 5.5mil
Jack Harrow Feyenoord 5mil
Ramiro Wigan 4.3mil
Adam Clatworthy Rangers 3.5mil
Emilio Peralta Lille 1.7mil
Eduaddo Bari Loan
Miltinho Bordeaux Loan </pre>

Ryca Roseau it was then who set a new Treasure Islander transfer record as Ambramovich saw fit to splash 41.5 million on acquiring his services for Chelsea.

Maccaniniho also amde a big move to a big club as he heads to Italy to play for Juventus. Feyenoord brought in another Islander with some of the fee though as Jack Harrow left the Merchants in a 5 million deal.

Emilio Peralta continues his promising rise with a move to Lille following his impressive season in Belgium and a good showing at the Gold Cup. David Sunderland, meanwhile, will be hoping for more first team action in Scotland as he joins Rangers.

Perhaps the most intriguing move though is that of The Stig, who will be playing in the Mexican league this season! Those two impressive performances against the Mexicans in the Gold Cup were obviously closely watched.

Time then for a look at where the original Merchants and Cove Bay players are playing their football now, what they are worth and what they are earning:

Where are they now? (Part 1 - NTI)

Where are they now? (Part 2 - STI)

For those of you who are unlucky enough to be injured at the moment, here's a look at what the problem is:
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Player Injury Out for
Ryca Roseau Facial injury 1 week
Dirtihno Hip injury 3-4 weeks
Pablo Gonzaléz Hip injury 2 months
Gregory Le Quack Sprained Wrist 2 weeks
Iker Reina Strained Wrist 1 week
Adam Wilkinson Broken Ribs 1 week
Ben Cee Gashed leg 1 week </pre>

As for those of you wanted by other clubs, the transfer window's closed so it doesn't really matter now, does it? I will, however, be sure to fill everyone in on interested clubs before the January transfer window. It should be noted at the moment thought that interest in Theo Henry Gooner and Haowan over the summer was high and both players are unhappy at their respective clubs decisions not to sell.

I'll give a quick update on what's happening at the clubs soon, including the Merchants first foray into Europe. The first derby this year isn't until December so I'll jump straight to that along with a mid-season/international update next.

[PaulHartman71]

Transfer listed by NEC

KUTGW

[Blackcats]

Injured for two more months with a hip injury Although i am glad to see im still at Merhcents, i seem to be the only northener left there

[McTavish]

Fine updates once again DD, as we've come to expect!

3rd place in the Gold Cup despite getting outplayed by the USofA, not a bad achievement considering we were lucky to get invited in the first place. Should do wonders for our world ranking too. Not happy about STI winning the tourney though.... their players have been notably less prolific on the domestic front over the past two seasons so it must be down to better management I suppose

Peralta had an excellent season both at Standard and on the international stage A move to the French league seems like a step in the right direction though, and for a bargain £1.7m. Surely that makes good business sense?!

[coldkohmew]

Feyenoord brought in another Islander with some of the fee though as Jack Harrow left the Merchants in a 5 million deal.
Moved on...=(
3rd place is good for now,hope we will not meet the pirates in the world cup qualifying in the early rounds =)

[Bloodstreaks]

Woot. Nice win in the Gold Cup Final, surprised to see Eduaddo playing, but glad he did.
Hopefully he'll be playing next season with Bari.

KUTGW

[AB-forever]

Le Quack made the winning assist to secure us 3rd place but again only completed 5/33 of his passes

Damn STI's though stealing our thunder

Le Quack injured at Sunderland he has the 3rd lowest monthly wages and the 4rd lowest value I'm not saying his career has stalled or anything but...

[DodgeeD]

2011/12 Season Preview: The Rivals

Time for a look at what our clubs were up to over the summer:

Capital City Merchants FC - Summer Transfers
Not a great deal of transfer activity at Capital City Stadium over the summer with just two players in and 4 out, the most notable departure being Jack Harrow. That means Pablo Gonzaléz is the only member of the original squad left...

As for the players in, they both look to be decent signings. David was expensive at 8.5 million but looks like a player who could serve the club for a long time (and maybe NTI if he decides to take up citizenship ). Nathan Sturgis will also add some depth to the defence as he can play anywhere across the backline.

Once more, there are no products of the Merchants youth academy worth mentioning!


Cove Bay Pirates - Summer Transfers
Slightly more activity at World's End with 5 players in and a big clearout of the reserves and youth team. The most notable departure here was Adam Flash. His 5.75 million move to Köln means Rtik Carlos-Powell is the only original squad member left (and even then he left the club for three years before returning ).

As for those who came in, Lelo Mbele will hopefully add some bite to the Cove Bay attack and Taras Mykhalyk seems to be a solid defender, continuing the trend of Eastern Europeans moving to our clubs.

There are any new players of note in the youth system. Joep Beukers and Martijn van der Berg should get some first team action this year though and one of my 'ones to watch' from last season's youth intake, Albert Hoogendoorn is still in the youth set up and seems to be coming along nicely.


International News
Both new Gold Cup champs Southern Treasure Islands and 3rd place finishers Northern Treasure Islands have two friendlies before the year comes to an end. Qualifying for the 2014 World Cup begins in February 2012 but both of our nations have received a bye to the First Round, Second Phase. This means they will avoid the other big teams before the first group stage begins later in the year.


I will employ the code system again this year so, if you want to get extra information on your player in the regular updates and guarantee your end of season profile, you need to add the following to one of your future posts:

STI players - We are the champions, better than the North!
NTI Players - We'll get those Southerners next time!

[Blackcats]

Only left That lads its loyalty!

David looks like a very good signing for us as well. And ofc We'll get those Southerners next time!

[DodgeeD]

Capital City Merchants in Europe, 2011-12

I was hoping this would be a longer update but...

The Merchants were paired with Maccabi Netanya of Israel in the Intertoto 3rd Round. A 1-0 win in the first leg seemed a decent result, with Pablo Gonzaléz scoring the Merchants first ever European goal. However, the boys from Capital City were made to rue their missed chances as they lost the 2nd leg 1-0, taking the game to penalties. Alas, it seems the Merchants have picked up bad habits in Holland as they lost the shoot-out 3-1 and their first European adventure was over before it had really begun.

Anyway, you know we are the champions, better than the North!

I'm holidaying through to December 31st now when I'll be back with the first derby of the season, European league updates, international news and a transfer window preview.

[ssestig]

told you everyone!
we are champions, better than the north.
kutgw mate.

[Haowan]

We'll get those Southerners next time!

[JoseRR]

Great updates Dodgee I'm sure we'll get those Southerners next time! Shame about the Merchant's Europe defeat as well. KUTGW.

[Man City Supporter]

We are the champions, better than the North!

[PaulHartman71]

we are the champions, better than the North!

[PaulHartman71]

Originally posted by DodgeeD:
David was expensive at 8.5 million but looks like a player who could serve the club for a long time (and maybe NTI if he decides to take up citizenship ).

Wouldn't he only gain Dutch nationality

[coldkohmew]

NTI Players - We'll get those Southerners next time!

Should not have sold me,i could have saved those =(

Hope david chooses us,we get our people though citizenship while those pirates can develop their own .

[coldkohmew]

Just hoping that some pirates can jump ship and represent us interationally

NTI NTI We'll get those Southerners next time!

[el sid]

We are the champions, better than the North!

Champions, Champions, Champions
Kutgw !

[fmfulhamfan]

We'll get those Southerners next time.

David looks good for the merchants.

[crhealy]

Any chance of a screen shot of Healy?

Good to see STI doing so well and hopefully continue this way

KUTGW

We are the champions, better than the North!

[Bloodstreaks]

We are the champions, better than the North!

[SJ234]

Who is bob wanted by?

[DodgeeD]

ssestig - spot on with your prediction. I'll be asking you for tips the next time I place a bet!

Paul - due to the clubs and the stadium being located in the North/South Treasure Islands, regens have that nationality and foreign players also become eligible for citizenship there. In fact, Patrick Nyarko, a Ghanain, has already played a couple of games for STI after being at Cove Bay for a couple of years.

crhealy - I'll do the individual screenshots again at the end of the season. Stats for the first half of the season are coming up soon.

SJ234 - all will be revealed in my pre-transfer window update.

[PaulHartman71]

Originally posted by DodgeeD:
Paul - due to the clubs and the stadium being located in the North/South Treasure Islands, regens have that nationality and foreign players also become eligible for citizenship there. In fact, Patrick Nyarko, a Ghanain, has already played a couple of games for STI after being at Cove Bay for a couple of years.

So all the Dutch clubs have to travel to the Carribean to play us at home, love it!

[DodgeeD]

Originally posted by PaulHartman71:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DodgeeD:
Paul - due to the clubs and the stadium being located in the North/South Treasure Islands, regens have that nationality and foreign players also become eligible for citizenship there. In fact, Patrick Nyarko, a Ghanain, has already played a couple of games for STI after being at Cove Bay for a couple of years.

So all the Dutch clubs have to travel to the Carribean to play us at home, love it! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And then there's Europe - Maccabi Netanya of Israel (geographically speaking in Asia) v. Merchants FC (in the Carribean)!

[DodgeeD]

October/November International Update: Friendlies

Two friendlies each for our nations as they looked to build on their summer successes at Gold Cup.

The Northern Treasure Islands travelled all the way to New Zealand for their October game. The long journey obviously took it's toll as they suffered a heavy defeat.
New Zealand 4 Northern Treasure Islands 0
NTI Ratings & Stats

In Novemeber, a home match against Cyprus would surely set NTI back on winning ways, wouldn't it? Alas, no as a poor performance with just one shot all game saw them go down to a single goal. The defeat was made all th eworse by the fact that the Cypriots played most of the game with 10 men after an early red card.
Northern Treasure Islands 0 Cyprus 1
NTI Ratings & Stats

New Gold Cup champions Southern Treasure Islands avoided the temptation to travel to the other side of the world in return for large sums of cash. Instead, they elected to play two home fixtures, the first of which was against European minnows Luxembourg. After a slow starti an easy victory was secured with a fine second half display.
Southern Treasure Islands 3 Luxembourg 0
STI Ratings & Stats

In November, STI played host to Qatar. A Brendanio hat trick earned the home side a comfortbale win.
Southern Treasure Islands 3 Qatar 1
STI Ratings & Stats

[Robert_296]

only picked once and that was as an unused sub

[DodgeeD]

Rivals Clash: Cove Bay Pirates v. Capital City Merchants FC

Date: 26.12.11
Venue: World's End Stadium
The fixture list this year meant the first calsh between our two rivals was also the last match of 2011 for both teams. Cove Bay were performing well, 2nd in the league albeit 11 points behind leaders Ajax. The Merchants, however, were languishing back in 9th and reeling from recent heavy losses to Ajax, Feyenoord and NEC (5-0, 4-2 and 5-1 respectively). So Cove Bay were in form but, as ever the form book just doesn't apply to these fixtures. Cove Bay took the lead just before halftime but the Merchants equalise with 12 minutes left and then took the lead with 2 minutes to go. The drama wasn't over just yet though as the Pirates scored a second in injury time to force a draw, the first time in ten meetings between these sides where there hasn't been a winner.
Final Score: Cove Bay Pirates 2 Capital City Merchants 2
How they rated