Arda Cup Football 2013

[the phantom]

Let the countdown begin!

Last season's Arda Cup was quite the contest, with Miriel-Nerdanel fans finally seeing the duo win a title, playing with Arien, Tulkas, and others to win the cup for Real Valinor. It was a tough road, squeaking past Feanor's AC Beleriand in the semis, and in the finals edging out Elrond and Eriador.

The Phantasy competition was even more dramatic! Powerhouse Gwath won his 2nd title in 2011 and looked set to win it last year, as he was leading the points after the final round, but the always enduring Nogrod earned more bonus points and eeked out the win 338 to 336. And Nilp got more bonus points than anyone, very nearly passing the leaders at the very end.

So, who is it going to be this year? A repeat for Nog? A second title from Boro? Will Nilp finally break through? Or will Gwath prove last season was but a bump on his championship road? Or perhaps a new contender will rise to the pinnacle and show these other gents they aren't so high and mighty.

As always we have a crack team of writers set to provide thrilling match reports and expert editorials on behalf of Arda Kicker Magazine (AKM), Middle Earth Sports Programing Network (MESPN), and The Two Towers Network (TTN), but of course other writers are welcome to provide their analysis as the tournament rolls along. (That means all of you can commentate.)

The teams and rosters will be revealed in the coming days, and the Phantasy Competition thread will start soon after that. That is where you will pick players for your team and make trades and such. But you don't have to worry about that for a bit.

Remember that this year is very much a continuation of last year, thus all 32 teams will still have a decent portion of their rosters intact. So- if you played last year, you'll have a better than usual handle on things to start this year. But there has been a new signing here and there, which we will reveal in our articles in the next few days.

There isn't a set date for the tournament to begin, so PM me to let me know if there are certain dates where you will definitely be out of commission so we can see if there is an obvious time to start that is superior for everyone.

As always, we'll work around your schedule- you can designate someone to make trades for you if you're gone or you can PM me your trades before a round is fully over etc. etc. We want as many participants as possible!!

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In case you wanted to take a look and see how this thing works, here is last year's tournament thread->
Arda Cup 2012
And here is last year's Phantasy Competition thread->
Phantasy 2012

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

It seems that I show my face around the Downs only during this event.

Hi, everyone. TENT is back for another year of challenging the big networks with our jargon and formation diagrams.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Before the Arda Cup 2013 preseason madness of transfers and friendlies begin, ArdaCup.com writer Adam 'not the economist' Smith looks back at the worst and the best signings of Arda Cup 2012.

(The contents of this article have not been reviewed or endorsed by ArdaCup.com. All opinions expressed by Adam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of ArdaCup.com or its staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to ArdaCup.com and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an Arda Cup accredited member of the media.

Again, there's a reason we place this disclaimer only in his articles.)
____________________

Contracts are everything in this new salary cap era of the Arda Cup. Once upon a time, teams with deep pockets could hoard most of the talent, promising a coalition that would steamroller all opposition before it (see 2011 Doriath, 2009 Armenelos, 2008 Formenos, who won the cup; 2010 Mithrim had a similar approach but stumbled during the semifinals). Nowadays teams can be built only around a few Arda-class talents, with a sprinkling of role players. 2008-11 Fëanor would never have asked the Edain to join a team he was building; 2012 Fëanor had no choice but to bring them in to stay below the cap.

Sign the wrong player for the wrong price, and you're looking at losses galore (both on the pitch and in the pockets--see Nargothrond and Valimar). But if you fail to sign any talent at all, and even teams with Arda-class players will stumble (see Barad-dûr and Hithlum).

To start off this two-part article series, here are the five worst contracts of Arda Cup 2012.

5. Ancalagon (Angband): $15 million

'But he scored five goals in four games!' you might protest. That's true, stats don't lie. But they didn't get past the first knockout round, either. Ancalagon disappears way too much to be the main source of a team's goals. Allowing an unnamed Ringwraith and, later, a bunch of Third Age Men (not even from the royal Númenórean line!) to outplay him is unforgivable for a centre forward of a presumptive top-eight team.

If I were Morgoth, I'd slash his wages and look for a second, more reliable goalscorer.

4. Legolas (Dwarves United): $13 million
3. Ilmarë (Valimar): $10 million

A lot of teams these days play lone centre forwards so they could pack the midfield to retain possession or defend in depth. What would one ask of a lone centre forward in a defensive team?

a) Hold up long balls from the defence so the midfield could advance and help on the counterattack;

b) Score from crosses sent by wingers after they have carried the ball past the opposition's midfield.

And now for a trivia question: how many goals and assists did these two lone centre forwards score and assist?

Hint: $13 million per goal, $10 million per assist.

2. Thorondor (Tirion): $14 million

He's probably not the reason they were eliminated with zero points (see Valinor, FC; Valinor, Real; Menelos, Ar), but he's the highest paid player in a squad that had to look to public investments for funds. You're allowed to expect that he should have done better. Tirion were eliminated because they were outscored. Thorondor is the only veteran defender in a team with newish defenders and goalkeeper. You do the math.

And the worst contract of 2012:

1. Glaurung (Nargothrond): $16 million

In a team with Gwindor giving you quality crosses and Finrod feeding you quality through balls, how could you have scored just once?!

In his defence, he might have been playing out of position--2011 Nargothrond almost (well, not really) advanced to the knockout stage with him scoring all of Nargothrond's three goals from the midfield (with hardly any help, too). But seriously, only one freaking goal with one of the best wingers AND one of the best playmakers in your team?!

[The best contracts of 2012 will follow shortly.]

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Before the Arda Cup 2013 preseason madness of transfers and friendlies begin, ArdaCup.com writer Adam 'not the economist' Smith continues his look back at the worst and the best signings of Arda Cup 2012.

(The contents of this article have not been reviewed or endorsed by ArdaCup.com. All opinions expressed by Adam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of ArdaCup.com or its staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to ArdaCup.com and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an Arda Cup accredited member of the media.

As you'll see, there's a reason we place this disclaimer only in his articles.)
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I am much loved, it seems.

Less than 24 hours after posting my previous article, a deluge of letters overwhelmed our office. Many of them were sent by Orcs from Angband, Utumno, and Thangorodrim, each one containing a single letter in black speech. There was also a longer letter from an Angband address, this time in the common tongue, that said: 'If you put those letters together, they read: "We'll hang you by your intestines."'

I guess they're angry that two of their draconic comrades are in the list. Well, they're about to get more riled up: the next letter has a fair point regarding other members of the Angband squad.

Shouldn't we just lump all the high-salary players of Angband in your list? Despite Ancalagon's disappearing act in the Minas Tirith game, Tevildo's goal should have been enough for them to advance had Morgoth ($20 million), Balrog #1 ($15 million), or Carcaroth ($12 million) done a better job of keeping the Stewards from scoring.
-Araniel, Doriath

As I've said, a fair point. Even though Angband didn't let in more than two goals in any game, and those games where they let two in were against teams with a reputedly strong attack line, those teams also happen to be the most decaffeinated Tol-in-Gaurhoth team ever assembled, as well as Shire-Bree United, whose whole game plan seems to revolve around hoping Bombadil's head is on the game. Not to mention Angband really should have shut out the Downer and Minas Tirith. They had enough talent to.

You bash Ilmarë and Legolas in your article, but how could you ignore Saruman ($16 million) and Durin's Bane ($15 million), both of whom have the same goalscoring rate as Legolas? They're worse than the two you've mentioned because they don't even have a good defense to fall back on, so seeing those overpaid divas do so little effectively dashed their teams' hopes of advancing. Did you really watch all the games? I bet you're as overpaid and underperforming as these two.
-Miri, Greenwood the Great

You have a point (regarding Saruman and Durin's Bane, not the last part). But here's the thing--there never really was much expectation of these two teams--well, Misty Mts had a fair chance of advancing, but the quality gap between them and the two teams that did advance seemed so, well, gaping.

. . . But I'll concede that Saruman and Durin's Bane should have been in the top five. Maybe number two and three.

To start off:

Average salary of an Arda Cup player: $7.8 million
Average salary of an Arda Cup player in a round of sixteen team: $8.5 million
Average salary of an Arda Cup player in a quarterfinalist: $8.7 million
Average salary of an Arda Cup player in a semifinalist: $9.1 million
Average salary of an Arda Cup player in a finalist: $9.2 million

While I agree with Glaurung being the worst signing of 2012, how could Ilmarë and Legolas have made your list? Judging from the averages, Legolas is only $4.5 million overpaid, and Ilmarë $2.2 million over. Surely, Ar-Adûnakhôr ($15 million, 1 goal in three games) or Hador (exactly the same price and same scoring rate), both of whom came from teams that didn't advance past the group stage, are better shouts than the two I've mentioned.
-B, BD

First, thank you for doing my job for me.

Second, those two you've mentioned were not always that terrible. Hador scored four goals in three games in 2011, and that with a team that included Celegorm and Curufin. As for Ar-Adûnakhôr, he's a Cup winner and a very important teammate of Ar-Pharazôn. Armenelos and Hithlum were both in extremely tough groups, so they had mitigating circumstances. They're getting the same free pass as Túrin (most expensive signing at $24 million, his team eliminated in the group stage) is. If they do bomb again next year though . . .
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And now I present the ten best contracts of 2012. Why ten? Because I found it easier to find underpaid players who stood out than the reverse (unlike my readers, it seems). In a world where negativity reigns, I am a breath of fresh air.

But first, honourable mentions, two names that cannot be ignored:

Fëanor (AC Beleriand): $22 million
Elrond (Eriador): $20 million

The very best there are at their positions. Painfully expensive for anyone on a shoestring budget, but if a team who can afford them needs a striker or goalkeeper, they should be the first names to look for. (Túrin should have been here, but he's held out because of his down year. Hopefully he bounces back--his 2011 performance was the best year any forward ever had.)

10. Melian (Doriath): $15 million

She's $5 million cheaper than Morgoth, had lower quality teammates than he had, and faced slightly better attackers than he did, but let in only two more goals in as many games! How did she do it?! Melian is one of the best all-around defenders in the game, and a very capable back line leader.

9. Glorfindel (Eriador): $13 million

Seven goals and six assists in twelve games over two seasons. Four and three in seven last year. If you want to say 'consistent' in Quenya or Sindarin, the word's 'Glorfindel'.

8. Bard (Erebor): $8 million
7. Arveleg (Eriador): $8 million

Both played significant roles at important junctures with Cup contenders, while collecting below average market salary (see the letter above). Bard scored the second vs Wilderland in the group stage and the equaliser vs FC Valinor in the quarterfinals. Arveleg assisted Glorfindel's winner vs Minas Tirith in the quarterfinals and scored the opener vs Erebor in the semifinals. Best $8 million ever spent, those teams' owners surely thought.

6. Anarion (Gondor): $11 million

If, before the start of the 2012 Arda Cup, you told any owner that they could have a franchise goalscorer for $11 million, they would have laughed at you. Though it remains to be seen if he could be consistently good--he did almost nothing as a defender in the 2011 Barad-dûr squad.

5. Beorn (Erebor): $10 million

He did better than Huan in every existing metric! His team advanced further, he saved more shots (32 to Huan's 18), had a better save rate (80% to Huan's 78.3%), and he even saved more penalties in that shootout between their teams! Remember in 2011 when Grimbeorn looked like he was a really good goalkeeper in Sauron's Wilderland team (before they ran into the Valinor buzz saw)? Apparently his talent was hereditary.

4. Míriel (Real Valinor): $14 million
3. Arien (Real Valinor): $14 million

Three goals and four assist for Serindë, 6+1 for the Sun-maiden. That's right--of the twelve goals for their team, these two scored three-fourths of them. But wait, there's a missing name.

(Nerdanel may have found a good way to mess with statheads--no matter if her team reaches the final or gets eliminated in the quarterfinals, she would always put up two goals and three assists.)

2. Curufin (FC Valinor): $14 million

Remember, he had exactly the same stats as Arien--in two less games. Not only that, he's comfortable as a centre forward or out wide, and, since he's a converted defender, he doesn't shy away from defensive work. In the Valinor derby, with his brother Celegorm, he hounded Real Valinor's defenders to the point that Tilion and Caranthir had difficulty passing the ball to the midfield.

Let's see: had Finrod put him in place of Glaurung, not only would they have saved $2 million, their lack of defence wouldn't have been a problem because they'd win every game 4-3 or 5-4.

And the biggest bargain of 2012:

1. Beren (AC Beleriand): $12 million

'He had almost the same stats as Glorfindel, and scored one goal less than Curufin or Arien; how come he's ranked higher?' some would surely moan. But here's the thing--Beren is way more than a goalscorer. Remember that he was also a defender in the juggernaut 2011 Doriath squad. Remember that he was often tasked to mark the opposing squad's most dangerous midfielder or fullback without forgetting to be a goal threat. He had a higher work rate than the entire Angband back line, or eleven Glaurungs. I doubt you would find another player who can do everything short of goalkeeping at his price.

[the phantom]

Everyone knows that off-season moves are nearly as important as the season itself- a team needs players, after all! Here are a few squads and the rumors surrounding them...

Rohan- After a strong showing last year Rohan fans haven't heard much good news this off-season, as several of their biggest stars seemed reluctant to guarantee they're returning for this year. At this point it's pretty well settled that Gandalf is wandering off (and Shadowfax with him), and it seems Rohan will be losing their other primary horse-and-rider pair because...

Anduin- Multiple sources are confirming that Eorl and Felarof are deep in negotiations with Anduin, and with their major players from last season confirmed to return (Grimbeorn, Celeborn, etc.) Anduin supporters are feeling pretty good. Almost as good as...

The Barrow-Downs- They've complied with Eru's "Tolkien Mandate" and added several Middle-Earth talents. Yep, it's official- Bombadil and a few of his friends will be joining Hookbill and his crew of characters. Their payroll will probably still be on the low side, but for the first time this squad appears to be a threat to make it out of the group stage.

Armenelos- On the flip-side, these guys are used to advancing, and last year is looked on as an anomaly (they were in the "Group of Death" after all). No word has reached anyone of significant departures, and rumors of Elros are swirling after he declined to renew his contract with Imladris.

Valimar- Another perennial contender is feeling good about their status- it seems clear that Valimar has been successful at knocking their payroll down for their returners. And more interestingly, Manwe has scheduled a press conference for the end of the week, and he promises that he will be sharing "some extremely exciting news".

The Havens- Fans of The Havens are still waiting for a bit of excitement. While they were pleased last week to hear that Earendil and Cirdan would be re-signing, Angrod and Aegnor stated that they would be jumping ship (but to where?).

Mordor- Similarly, Mordor has heard more about departures than signings, with not one, not two, but three Nazgul apparently going elsewhere. Of course Sauron can fill the slots, but will he choose to go budget or quality?

Arnor- These guys have managed to do both thus far, cutting costs ever so slightly while looking to be improved. Thanks to their financial ties to team Eriador (through Elrond and Norbury Sport), it appears Isildur is headed to Eriador while the Witch King and Malbeth will be joining Arnor.

[Boromir88]

TTN will be back for another season of the Arda Cup to bring more variety to its readers and listeners.

Besides our traditional regional coverage, reporting on the happenings in Mordor and Gondor and match predictions from the esteemed Boro, TTN will offer more of a phantasy perspective than in years past. Pitting old school knowledge and history against new age projections to determine breakout stars in this year's tournament and much more analysis.

Stay tuned.

[Nogrod]

The Arda Kicker Magazine's (AKM) special reporter Hunter U. Nogson is back with an interview once again. This time to open up the web of deals behind the curtains as to how players move to different teams and how the money changes hands.

Let this be an pre-taste for all those thriving to win the phantasy-tournament - it will be fun indeed! Aka. all this has really happened in a set of nerve-wrecking negotiations, daring and decision-making.

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The AKM / Hunter U. Nogson


The kitchens of Rivendell were treating us quite nicely serving some local river mussels cooked in Bree-ale with Mirkwood herbs and fresh radishes from Arnor as appetizers – alongside a light sparkling wine from Dol Amroth and fried salty cheese from Gondor. The palate was interestingly close and homey even if the ingredients came from so far away from each other. If I were a restaurant critic I would give it a 9/10.

Nogrod seemed less impressed with the first course, like it was his daily staple – well, like it was nowadays.

“It’s good, yeah… okay”, he managed to compliment the artistry of the kitchens after I begged him for an opinion.

This guy has played in all the Arda Cups as a forward in the odd and secretive Tol-In-Gaurhoth being one of the real backbones of the team. Now he was sitting in front of me signed in to play for Eriador as a midfielder for 6 million. And I was thinking about what it was he was thinking – and what kind of process is the signing up competition between teams and players, what is the intrigue, how are the secret negotiations, who has the leverage, who pulls the strings… The key to my questions was emptying his glass of fine Dol Amrothian wine and burped in front of me. He wiped his mouth clean and apologized in a way I was not sure whether it was mocking my attention to his behaviour or something half-sincere.

“Well”, I started, after pouring us liberal portions of pretty expensive Dorwinionian Red to our glasses after the first course. “What made you to go for the open player-markets, were you dissatisfied with your team?”

He gave me a displeased look but then just shrugged. Toying with the glass in his hands he replied: “Maybe I had played in a same team for too long without any major success – and in a team that I saw was going rather down than up – and I think the AFA decision to not let us all play as werewolves - and how it ended up for us the last season – was the deciding factor here. And surely, I only hired an agent to begin with, just to make some enquieries…”

“So there was something that changed matters along the way?”, I put in inquisitively.

“Well yes,” he snapped back immediately taking a long sip on it. “Immediately after they heard in the T-I-G that I had been making enquiries it seemed there were whispers from some wanna-be werewolves – I’m not pointing out at anyone especially here, let’s be careful about this – and interestingly enough the T-I-G team was only offering me a deal of 5 million, half of my last year’s revenue – in the midfield!”

Here Nogrod slammed his glass to the table clearly agitated. I nodded to him calmly and refilled his glass with the Dorwinionian Red. “And that did it for you?” I asked as lightly as I could.

“Yeah. That did it.” Nogrod said and took a deep sip from the refilled glass. “After that there was no going back. I was a free agent then, for real.”

At this point the elven waitresses were bringing in the main course: smoked halibut with fennel and wild rice, and several kinds of jams and fresh greens on separate plates accompanied by a load of fresh white bread. The almost empty carafe of Dorwinionian Red was changed into a full bottle of cold Ithilien White.

“I’m much interested… What were your initial goals or ideas about where to play and with what kind of a deal?”

The halibut was just heavenly, and the roasted nuts and sesame seeds on top of it just made one fly… not to speak of the bitterness and the sting of the jams complimenting the mellow taste of the fish itself. Say what you wish, but they do know how to make exquisite dishes in Rivendell. And it seemed to soften Nogrod as well to speak his mind.

“Funnily enough,” he began, “my first ideas were to try and sign in to… Well, Sauron’s team – as I thought I could play as a werewolf with him and I think we had a good connection a few seasons back when he played with us. Secondly I thought that with my name I could take a starring role in the dwarven team who are a formidable group but really lack goal-scoring power. Thirdly there were rumours that the Barrow Downs team would be seeing a total turn-over and maybe even the Barrow-Wight himself would be gathering a team around him – so I was naturally interested in that as well. So how fun is that? None of those teams ended up in my last shortlists for signing up…”

“So what made it then?” I asked trying to hold my enthusiasm for what was to come.

“Well, after hearing the initial reports from different teams and especially that of the T-I-G – I felt like doing some soul-searching: Sauron was trying to cut costs like last year while having clear plans I didn’t seem to fit into the way I liked, the dwarves were reserved becaue they are racists – sorry to say that - , and the thing around the Barrow Downs was even messier it was in the beginning... And the fact is that I have played many seasons as a pro and it is not money I need – and neither was it continuity because of the back-stabbing from my own team.”

Scrapping the juices from the plate with a piece of bread Nogrod wiped his mouth with the cloth provided. After pouring himself a new glass of Ithilien White he turned his gaze back to me again.

“So I gave my agent new instructions and asked him to have an open mind about the teams… “ It was the first time during the interview that Nogrod actually smiled heartily. “God bless the guy. He’s good indeed”, he went on and nodded to the waiter who cleaned our table.

“So what was it you were after then and how did it come about you ended up with the team Eriador? I mean it looks like a bit stretch from what you have been talking about thus far”, I asked feeling we were finally getting somewhere unwounding the web of transfers in the Arda Cup.

“Well I did give my agent three points he should pay heed to when going widely round and about looking for places for me to play… firstly I wanted to play in a team where I could seriously contend for the Cup. Secondly I wanted to play in a team that was exciting – to learn and play an exciting game. And thirdly to play in team that gave me enough responsibility; a chance to shine if you wish to put it that way – I have my career to mind anyway…”

The waiters were bringing in the desserts: fresh berries soaked in liquor on top of some exquisite ice cream and sherry from Lake Town. And a nice kettle of double-espresso. It was heavenly.

“And guess what?”, Nogrod suddenly asked me before touching the dessert. “With all the nice feelings I had gathered after the initial disappointment with my former team I heard from the T-I-G that they were about to sign Thuringwethil and Draugluin with some nice deals! Wouldn’t that have been the team I would have loved to play as a werewolf! And they mockingly yet offered me a deal of 5 million as a midfielder!”

This time Nogrod did not bang his glass on the table but just set it there. But this clearly was an issue he took personally.

“There was a distrust there too wide to be overcome with myself and my former team… even if they had given me the best offer in terms of pay any other team had made. So anyone there willing to change teams, be prepared that your exchange-value might be half the amount you have been payed thus far… at least before you start to negotiate for real.”

“But you ended up with quite interesting negotiations, isn’t that true?”, I put in. “I understand that when the draft-season gets closing it’s not only the players but also the teams who need to play their cards more openly to get a squad they think they need to succeed in the Arda Cup?”

“You bet… that was interesting indeed. I was approached by multiple teams but let me stay with the interesting ones. First of all, Fëanor’s assistant from AC Beleriand contacted my agent to ask if I’d like to play for them for 3 million as a center-back. Dwarves United offered me the same salary for playing defensive midfielder – not trusting me enough to play in a more foreward position I gathered – and Eriador offered me 5 millions for filling the same place. And to top it Sauron was willing to pay me 7 million as a werewolf-defender in the middle of a wizard defence – and a 4 million deal to play midfield as a wight… But yes, that was just the starters and only a few teams negotiated with.”

“How did it go then?” I blurted quite forgetting my role as a critical journalist captivated by the story. “Who did you deny and how did you made it to 6 million for the Eriador?”

It was time for Nogrod to smile widely – a second helping of sherry did seem to help that though.

“I got some interesting offers along the way but on top of those I have already mentioned, I turned down fex. those of Shire-Bree, Anfaughlith, Anduin and Arnor… So it kind of left me with the consideration between Sauron’s Barad-Dûr, AC Beleriand and Eriador. Basically Arnor, Anduin and Barad-Dûr were giving me the best offers (5-8 millions), but I was slowly turning towards the chance to play for the Cup and thusly for either AC Beleriand (4-5 mill.) or Eriador (5-6 mill.) – I do have my doubts on how Sauron is playing this meta-game… even if playing a a werewolf would have answered some of my deepest cravings.”

With that Nogrod sighed and orderd a rhum and cola. I did the same and looked at him trying to be able to form the last fruitful question while picking the grapes that had been brought to our table overlooking the river-valley of Rivendell.

“So how did you come to your decision in the end? And was it worth all the effort?” I finally made, half disappointed over the question with no real edge.

“Well, it was finally between AC Beleriand and Eriador… Playing with Fëanor… well that would be a dream of anyone fulfilled, but I would have been a stranger there and they already had a four-player offence ready and practised which would mean I would be in a secondary role by definition, so an outsider also by the team-tactics; someone to fill a gap cheaply. In Eriador I have a better role in the midfield where there is only one striker, Isildur. Also playing with the team of Elrond means it is going to be a team to go far in the tournament – and sure Eriador is my neighbourhood as well so I feel a lot more at home there than I would have felt with the heroes of the first age elves.”

With that Nogrod emptied his glass and nodded to get up from his seat.
“Was it a good idea to change teams?”, I managed to ask him before he turned around.

“Well, it was an experience, a kind of a rollercoaster –ride that ended up well… or so I think of it as now. I’m looking forwards to play against the T-I-G team this year – and beating them. But it might have ended differently.” Suddenly Nogrod halted. “I mean, things are easy when you just go with the flow, but when you’re yourself responsible for what you are and where you are, well, that’s another matter entirely.”

With that he left the table. I didn’t have the story revealing all the intrigues of the player-transfers or of the financial moves behind the surface… but I had a partial story of one player, of one person inside this industry of professional football.

And I had eaten well in Rivendell. Valar be blessed.

[Boromir88]

Hobbit Coalition Pleads for Eru Intervention
TTN's Shire Division

Our team of writers in the Shire have been following a growing story with Arda Cup 2013 just around the corner. We are pleased TTN is first in bringing the story to you:

The little-folk of the Shire have been feeling disenfranchised over the past few years with Hobbit representation on club rosters dwindling down to nothing. Last year only Bandobras Took made a tournament roster, playing for Shire-Bree United and it appears he will be the only Halfling in the tournament again. This has the Hobbits up in arms, pleading for Eru to make an edict similar to the "Tolkienian rule" only for Hobbits:

"I don't understand if Eru is serious about instituting a new rule that clubs need to have Tolkien characters in order to participate in the Arda Cup. Why can't we get a rule that makes teams try out and sign more hobbits?" asked, Fredegar Bolger, President of the Hobbit Futballers Movement.

Special liason to the Valar and Director of Hobbit Affairs, Bilbo Baggins responded by saying: "Eru takes all petitions made to him under advisement. At this time Eru believes it would be unprecedented involvement to instate a Hobbit Rule. A broad Tolkien characters rule is one thing, but a rule specifically catering to Hobbits would be a dangerous precedent. For instance, like myself, I know many other prominent hobbits have decided to retire from playing the game, but that doesn't mean we still don't play an important role in the organization and operations of the most prestigious sporting event in the world. There are even owners who are Hobbits, and I'm sure if they felt it would help their teams win, they would sign more Hobbits onto their rosters."

Master Bolger is not convinced. "The Shire is a long and proud sporting nation. We invented golf and other relaxing past times. We wrote the book on sport and leisure! The past two years just goes to show Hobbits have been driven out of football by the big-folk and don't even give us the time of day to prove our useful skills on the pitch."

It should be pointed out not all hobbits are united with Bolger on this; counter-petitioners have also sprung up, although their agenda appears even more cynical in just riling up the pro-Hobbit Rule groups. "Fatty is cracked, and anyone who believes as he does is also cracked, I say. He needs to keep his nose out of the more wordly affairs. I can't think of a bigger waste of time than kicking an inflated sphere around a patch of dirt with Big-Folk." said Ted Sandyman.

Many Hobbit youth look to the Bullroarer to be the standard-bearer in the movement to catch the eye of owners, and raise interest in signing Hobbit players. But Bandobras is solely focused on this team, and this year. "I'm very happy with my current situation and could not ask for better teammates than the ones I have now. I am confident the team is heading in the right direction and support the ownership's decisions in putting the team together as they constructed it."

----

Have reactions, questions, or comments on this story? Please PM Boromir88 and your comments may be published in our next edition!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Tar-Eldar Network Television takes a look at various teams’ financial and tactical situations before assessing what moves they would make based on those two factors.

AC Beleriand

Financial situation:
AC Beleriand would be hard-pressed to keep the Eöl/Beren/Fingolfin trio while adding talent to their squad. Which of those stars they would let go depends partly on how they would reshape their squad. Alternatively, they could stand pat and give their current squad one more run at the cup.

Tactical situation:
AC Beleriand missed last year’s Arda Cup final due to a combination of two things: an inspired Arien performance and the failure of their plan B against Real Valinor. While Fëanor argued, ‘We don't really need a plan B; we just need to execute plan A perfectly,’ the fact is things don't always go according to plan on the pitch. Teams always need a plan on how to cope with going behind.

AC Beleriand’s largely-successful philosophy hinges on possession, even sacrificing attacking width to pack the middle of the pitch with four players to increase ball retention. Fëanor counted on Beren, Fingolfin, and Ecthelion’s impressive work rate to give his team attacking options down the flanks, despite the fact that they also had other duties. Against Real Valinor in the semifinals, the only time AC Beleriand had to come from behind, it was a common sight to see Fingolfin and Ecthelion so close to the Real penalty box, crossing for Beren and Fëanor as well as cutting in from the flanks to take shots themselves. But Nienna and Tilion intelligently bypassed the AC Beleriand pressing game by hoofing the ball towards Arien, Míriel, and Nerdanel whenever they recovered possession, leaving those formidable forwards with a three-on-two opportunity against the AC Beleriand centre-backs.

So what if Fëanor could find a wide midfielder who can both hug the touchline and help with the midfield battle, giving them a plan B that won’t include sending the full-backs forward? And what if he can find two of them?

Conclusion:
Fingolfin still has a year left on his contract, and Eöl has signed a new deal worth the same as last year’s. Beren, on the other hand, still hasn’t committed to the deal on the table (reportedly worth 13 million). Fëanor has shown no sign of improving his offer and is rumoured to be deep in talks with a pair of wide midfielders from the house of Finarfin. It seems that despite his talk of not needing a plan B, Fëanor has seen the wisdom of adding variety to their already-formidable attacking threats.

Nargothrond

Financial situation:
Nargothrond have already taken heavy losses last year, yet they still need to spend to improve their squad. They could let Glaurung walk, banking on Finrod and Gwindor to carry the scoring load, then use the savings on improving their defence. Unfortunately no team have made offers to Glaurung. Meanwhile, Gwindor has picked up the one-year option on his contract.

Tactical situation:
Nargothrond’s defence has famously allowed five goals against AC Beleriand, as well as four against Doriath. Bëor is a sieve at goal—he was never the best, and he got worse as time went on. The defenders in front of him were woefully disorganised, often uncoordinated in setting their offside traps and failing to cover for each other. The very first thing Nargothrond need is a vocal backline leader, either a goalkeeper or a defender, who can organise the four other defensive players.

Their midfielders, belying the results, have actually played well. Unfortunately, they have been asked to do too much, sitting in front of defence while linking up with the attack. The latter should have been Finrod’s job, but with Glaurung’s lack of form, he took up higher and more central positions to provide an additional goalscoring threat in the box—he scored half of Nargothrond’s six goals.

In short, Nargothrond is a poorly constructed team, and only the talent of Finrod, Gwindor, and the midfielders kept them within a distant shout of qualifying last year.

Conclusion:
It all starts with improving Nargothrond’s defence. A better backline would give their midfielders freedom to help on the attack, giving them goalscoring chances even if they retain an out-of-form Glaurung as centre forward. (Coincidentally, dropping Glaurung from the squad would give them cap freedom to overhaul their defence.)

Gondolin

Financial situation:
Gondolin took a minor hit last year, but not enough to force them to cut wages. However, they can't hold on to both Maeglin and Gothmog at their current price (20 million each) while improving their squad, though Gothmog is expected to leave the club anyway, perhaps returning to Angband or playing for Anfauglith. They can replace him with the wealth of talent that once called the hidden kingdom home, like Glorfindel, Tuor, or Eärendil.

Tactical situation:
Like Nargothrond, they need a backline leader to organise their poor defence. (Rog, even at his best, was never a vocal player.) They also need a better holding midfield pair than Salgant and Meleth. Salgant is a good scrapper, but he doesn't have the positional discipline to sit in front of his defence. Against Eriador he chased Arveleg all over the pitch, leaving Arassuil too much space to create Glorfindel's opener. Against AC Beleriand, he drew two yellow cards after committing cynical fouls to stop counterattacks, being out of position to contain AC Beleriand's midfield runs. And Meleth is a deep-lying playmaker, not a defensive midfielder. She lacks pace and gets overawed with direct attacks through the centre of the pitch.

Their attack is well-balanced, with Duilin providing the midfield runs, Elemmakil the width, Gothmog the powerful presence up front, and Maeglin the running into space to drag defenders out of position.

Conclusion:
There is little that needs to be changed to improve Gondolin—a backline leader and a good defensive midfielder would probably be enough to make them a possible quarterfinalist. Their major problem is finding those players. A minor problem would be dealing with the possible departure of Gothmog. Tuor, Eärendil, or even Húrin could take his place as a penalty box presence—although according to MESPN, Eärendil has already signed a new contract with the Havens.

Inter Beleriand

Financial situation:
Inter Beleriand lost 10 million last year, not a huge amount for the team’s financial backers, but still a concern. They were expected at the very least to advance from their group, which would have made them 10 million richer instead of poorer. If they wish to improve their squad, their wage bill would grow—most of their players are already on low wages, and their highly-paid players didn’t underperform enough to take huge pay cuts.

Tactical situation:
If we count Himring as their predecessor, Inter have been eliminated two years in a row on goal difference. The two situations have been eerily similar—they were beaten by the group favourite (Doriath/Eriador), drew against their rivals for qualification (Tirion/Gondolin), and defeated the weakest team in their group (SBU/Arnor) by a smaller goal difference than their rivals’. Inter’s defence has been fine, though not particularly impressive, limiting Gondolin and Eriador to two goals, so their problem might be more on the other end. It is possible that Fingon and Maedhros could not carry the scoring load on their own; they need a third goalscorer.

Conclusion:
Rumours abound that Fingon is deep in contract talks with a talented and versatile attacking midfielder looking to be reunited with his father’s old teammates. And there are whispers that along with him would join an equally versatile wide player who could play as a winger or an attacking full-back. If these rumours were true, and if they could keep Turgon and the Balrog, then they would upgrade both their offence and defence in one move, moving them from Round of Sixteen contenders to long-shot cup contenders.

[Boromir88]

A Union of the Two Towers
-Boro

This year TTN is covering the offseason happenings of 8 teams. Some of them lie well outside our regional influence, but that hasn't stopped TTN from scattering field reporters all over Arda to inform you on what several teams have been up to during the offseason.

The 1st part in the series takes you to Isengard where in 2012 Saruman's squad finished 3rd in Group F. Failing to make it out of the group stage meant Isengard took a moderate hit to their finances and left many anxious over the future of Isengard.

To completely understand we have to take you back to the 2009 year when Isengard was a colossal flop in the tournament, Saruman left quickly to join Bywater and the team disbanded. Further investigation into the "books" revealed Saruman had been running an intricate ponzi scheme even forcing Isengard players to invest in the team with the promises of future fortune. Yet, when the team went bust after an awful 2009 campaign, Saruman bolted with the money, leaving Isengard in ruins.

In 2012, when Isengarders needed a buyer in order to reform a team, it was an even bigger shock Saruman reared up his head again, and was approved as the sole owner given the Maia's checkered financial history. However, Saruman's clever tongue apparently satisfied league officials and assured that his auto-parts manufacturing business was completely legitimate.

As noted, 2012 saw a loss for Saruman with Isengard's failure to make it out of the group stage. And anytime fans see their team's salary driven down, morale and hope for better days goes with it. How far would Saruman cut salary to make up for some of the losses? And how much of a cut would the more talented players from 2012 be willing to stomach before departing for better deals?

The answers are not yet fully known, but it is confirmed Saruman has sold part ownership of Isengard to another interested buyer that will help absorb some of the loss from last year. It is none other than Sauron. So, the Two Towers are in league once again, this time Orthanc Motors and Barad-dur's Gold & Jewelers have reached a deal to be part owners of Isengard in 2013.

There are more than a few watching the situation with a cautious eye as Sauron seems to be throwing his money to every team that needs financial assistance. Theoden of Rohan feels if Sauron can reach Isengard it won't be long until his encroaching business comes to Rohan: "Sauron's arm has grown long indeed. But let it be known Rohan has never given tribute to Sauron, nor will we ever accept tribute from him."

Sauron responded to allegations of his over-reaching by saying: "I've been wearing the same size black armor since the 2nd Age." However, Sauron's plans for the ancient Numenorean stronghold are well documented, leaving many to speculate it's only a matter of time before Sauron places a new lieutenant in Isengard. One more worthy of running a soccer club.

Saruman says the small change in ownership will not alter the make-up of the team which he wants to take after the traits of the metal industry. "We will run like a well-oiled machine, be as hard as steel and as grinding as gears."

Although, we wonder if it's not more likely 2013 Isengard will sink like a heavy, clunky, and rusted-iron ship.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Tar-Eldar Network Television takes a look at various teams’ financial and tactical situations before assessing what moves they would make based on those two factors.

Tirion

Financial situation:
A team funded partly by their supporters, Tirion cannot afford to go on a spending spree to improve their squad. They need to know exactly which part (or parts) needs an upgrade. (As an added cost-cutting measure, Thorondor is expected to be cut loose, or at least take a severe pay cut.)

Tactical situation:
But it can be argued that, since they were eliminated more by the toughness of their group than by their lack of quality, it would be hard to judge their squad’s weakness. Their attack might be fine, judging by the two goals they scored against Huan and FC Valinor’s defence (although that was a game that no longer mattered, with FC Valinor already assured of advancing and Tirion already eliminated.) Finwë was the top performers in last year’s round of friendlies, scoring seven goals and creating two in four games; some believed that this was confirmation how much better Tirion would have done had they not been in the ‘group of death’.

Their more obvious weakness was the defence, having conceded seven goals in three games. Pundits said that they paid for their tactical naïveté, fielding a back three against established strike partnerships (FC Valinor’s Celegorm/Curufin, Real Valinor’s Arien/Míriel/Nerdanel, and Armenelos’s Ar-Pharazôn/Ar-Adûnakhôr) when a back four would have given them more security. But their choice of personnel may have been the bigger culprit there—none of Irimë, Elenwë, or Thorondor had any experience playing in a back three, and they were unsure how to coordinate their movements with wingbacks Findis and Anairë, leaving them covering too much ground.

Conclusion:
Aside from Thorondor, the other question mark on their squad is Eönwë—will he stay or would he leave, perhaps going to Valimar (a team in dire need of goalscoring)? They would most likely make changes to their defence, but knowing how drastic the changes would be, as well as whether they would also make changes to the other parts of their squad, is at best an exercise in guesswork.

Dwarves United

Financial situation:
Aside from Aulë, the financial supporters of Dwarves United probably consider the team a side project, and they might be keener to avoid a loss than giving them a chance at a good run. However, last year’s results might have given them some push to open the purse strings a little bit more to improve the squad.

Tactical situation:
So what do Dwarves United need? The three goals they scored in four games say that they need another goalscorer, or a striker who can hold the ball up, preferably both, much preferably in one player. Legolas’s goalscoring form last year was poor, and his hold-up play was terrible (which was explainable because he played more as a second striker for his other clubs). His offensive contribution was reduced to occupying the opposition centre-backs, while Gamil Zirak and Telchar occupied the full-backs and Dwarves United left-back Celebrimbor advanced to take up goalscoring positions. Anduin and Wilderland didn’t punish them for pushing Celebrimbor and Aulë higher up the pitch; their attackers were more concerned with helping their defence than exploiting Dwarves United’s undermanned defence. But Rohan weren’t so naïve; they kept Eorl and Helm high up the pitch leaving them with a two-on-two situation during counterattacks.

Their defence was fine. They conceded a little over a goal per game, and goalkeeper Bombur had a save rate of 78.3% (same as Huan’s). Aulë and Azaghâl formed a fine central defensive partnership, and Celebrimbor proved his pedigree by being one of the best attacking full-backs in the game, like his father before him. Durin was more conservative at right-back, slotting smoothly into the centre whenever Aulë advanced to offer an additional crossing target up front.

Conclusion:
The signing of Galadriel from Wilderland has been widely rumoured even before last year’s Arda Cup ended. Considering her solid form as an attacking midfielder, as well as Dwarves United’s lack of reliable goalscorers other than Celebrimbor, she would be expected to take up Gimli’s spot as central attacking midfielder. If that is indeed the case, then they have a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stage again this year.

The Sea

Financial situation:
The Sea’s main financial backers have deep pockets, making it unlikely that they would be forced to cut wages for any purpose other than squad improvement. They went out to an on-form Real Valinor in the Round of Sixteen, not a totally embarrassing loss. But a team with a nine-digit wage bill should be fighting for at least a semifinal slot, not squeaking past their group through penalties and then getting eliminated in the first knockout round.

Tactical situation:
The Sea’s defence looked fine, at least on paper. Ulmo and Ossë formed an established centre back partnership, both powerful and dominant in the air. The Vala was more comfortable marking and tackling forwards, while the Maia’s job was to sit on the edge of the box, make headed clearances and get last-ditch blocks in. Out wide, Salmar and Uinen had the pace to match wingers and the clever positioning to check their runs. In the actual games, however, they conceded seven goals in four games. The problem lay with the one on goal; Voronwë had an atrocious save rate of 63.16%, the fifth worst last year.

Their attack also looked fine on paper, with forward Tar-Minastir, wingers Tar-Meneldur and Tar-Aldarion, and attacking midfielder Vëantur, but they scored only five goals in four games (Ancalagon of Angband managed as much as an individual). The problem with it was that their build-up play was too ponderous, with their attackers spending too much time playing in front of the defence. This was due to playing two holding midfielders Tar-Ciryatan and Eriol, both of whom were better at recovering the ball than distributing it; they needed an extra touch or two to control the ball, and then needed to look up at their target then down at the ball before passing. The seconds they spent doing so gave defences time to get behind the ball. They need a deep-lying playmaker who can quickly identify the killer pass and execute it in one move.

Conclusion:
The Sea need two things to make their talents mesh: a goalkeeper behind their solid back four and a playmaker behind their talented front four. There are rumours that Ulmo is close to signing a goalkeeper of Númenórean descent who performed well in the last Arda Cup. If these rumours are true, then the Sea would be one more signing away from being a possible force in the competition.

Minas Tirith

Financial situation:
Minas Tirith are unique in that they have a socialist wage structure—all of their players agreed to take the same salary (8 million). This move helped foster the team solidarity that was the key to their fairy-tale advance, although it may have discouraged star talents from signing with them.

Tactical situation:
But the cohesion of Minas Tirith was refreshing for neutrals to see. Everyone defended, and everyone contributed to the attacking build-up. They fielded a compact 4-4-1-1 shape (with Faramir just behind lone forward Boromir I) that was difficult to break down and advanced as a unit when they pressed. But they simply didn’t park the bus, as underdogs were expected to do; they broke forward quickly and purposefully, with wide midfielders Mardil and Eärnur storming up the pitch to combine with Boromir I and Faramir, overrunning defences before they can get back into shape.

But they themselves had problems against teams sitting deep, a situation that often happened whenever they went behind. Organised defences simply didn’t give Minas Tirith’s attackers too much respect; they kept their formation and didn’t go out of their way to give any of them special attention. (Compare that to, say, Fëanor, who is familiar with situations like this.) Teams that were built on the cohesion of their personnel, like 2009 Mirkwood and 2012 Doriath, still had players who commanded a little more respect from the defence. If Minas Tirith wished to advance further into the tournament, they would do well to sign an Arda-class talent, unless they choose to bank on one of their players suddenly turning into one (like Anarion for Gondor).

Conclusion:
Signing a star player might upset Minas Tirith’s wage structure and do damage to the team solidarity that they fostered, but unless they count heavily on luck (that one of their players would become Arda-class, or that they would get lucky draws and/or lucky bounces in four knockout games), there is no other choice for this team to improve on their previous achievement.

[the phantom]

Pre-Tournament Tidbits From Eru
by Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

At a brief press conference last night, Eru gave a thumbs-up to this year's cup, and announced the new financials.

"The Downs team and Tol-In-Gaurhoth seem to be taking their roster demands in stride, and it looks like all the expensive squads are a bit more reasonably priced," said Eru, putting forth that the new team min & max and luxury tax rules have nudged the teams towards greater competitive balance.

When asked if he was happy with the amount of roster turnover, Eru said it was "just right", pointing out several stars or pairings that were staying put and then comparing it to previous years. "Arda Cup shouldn't just be a display of talent- or a trophy up for sale. This way there is more consistency and flavor to it all, and gives people everywhere a bigger reason to watch."

And looking at last year's numbers, overall attendance and viewership was indeed up, and thanks in part to the new viewing and stadium contracts Eru announced that Arda Cup would be paying out 75 million more this year- which brings the total award money to 2.56 billion. This change was a result of bringing the 1st place award money down to 135 million, in concert with raising the minimum award to 65 million. Eru felt this change was in keeping with the salary cap and competitive balance.

The mood at the press conference was cheery and celebratory, and one brave reporter *ahem* even had the cheek to ask Eru for a tournament prediction.

[Galadriel55]

As the team rosters are filling up, Morgoth was accused of letting too many cats on his team. “Telvido we can understand,” allowed the indignant voices, “he’s been around for a while and he sometimes even deserves his 9 million. But what about that sidekick Oikeroi?” The indignant voices snorted. “That cat doesn’t do anything, he just hangs around admiring Telvido and distracting everyone around him.”

Yet this is not all – recently a rumour came out that Umuiyan the cat will be completing the catty trio in the Angband team. The indignant voices became outraged. “I used to actually like this team,” and outraged indignant voice proclaimed, “but now it’s all catty! I have a feeling that there’s something cooking in that team. Next year,” he pronounced ominously, “Morgoth will not captain this team. If we do not do something about it, next year’s captain will be Telvido!”

However, some people are not as upset about the cat trio in the team. They predict that the trio will be on par with the (in)famous pairs of Nerdanel and Miriel, and of Celegorm and Curufin. They don’t care if the team is taken over by cats if it wins the Cup.

There is another accusation thrown at Umuiyan. The addition of this cat into the team makes the stats as follows: almost half the players’ names start with U! “It is udiculous!” the indignant voices continues whining indignantly. “Nobody allows so many players with the same initial on a team!” Umuriyan wished to respond to such unfair criticism. When the mic was brought to him, he launched unto a tirade that sounded like “mearrraw” repeated fourty-six and a half times.

Also, Oikeroi was caught eating cactuses.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

• It's official: AC Bel's Beren and Doriath's Lúthien have signed with Inter Beleriand for a currently undisclosed fee. Said team captain Maedhros: 'Beren will give our team an extra scoring punch and bring energy to our midfield, and Lúthien will give added solidity to our team's back line.' She is expected to slot in one of the full-back positions, left empty after Maedhros confirmed the departure of Balrog #5.
  
  
• AC Beleriand might have let go of the Man who gave them five goals and an assist, but Fëanor seems not to have batted an eyelash and signed Havens wide midfielders Angrod and Aegnor. The AC Bel captain refused to answer the media's questions after the announcement, but Angrod commented: 'It would be hard to fill in for a player like Beren, but uncle told us that we won't be expected to play as he did. He told us to play our way, our style.' The 'AC Bel needs a Plan B' debate might have been put to rest with these signings.
  
  
• Another husband-and-wife pair signs for the same team: FC Valinor midfielder Idril and Havens forward Tuor return to Gondolin, confirms team captain Maeglin. He also confirms that Gothmog has left the team, our second Balrog departure of this round-up. But let us digest this first: Maeglin and Tuor fielded as a strike partnership? Is this the magic of football?
  
  
• And now back to brothers: Valimar centre-back pairing Amrod and Amras, as well as Cup-winning centre-back Caranthir, who played a blinder in the finals (he should have made our 2nd All-Tournament Team instead of Nazgûl #6--our apologies), join their grandfather Finwë's Tirion squad. Finally, the team upon Túna has a real backbone to its defence. But are they playing three at the back again? Said Caranthir: 'I can play full-back; so can any of my brothers. Our parents taught us to be proficient in all aspects of the game.'
  
  
• Hithlum's Nienor has confirmed her tranfer to Finrod's Nargothrond--but without her brother, Túrin, it seems. Is Turambar's nemesis Glaurung still playing for the Cave Elves, then?
  
  
• The rest of the round-up: Finrod's sister Galadriel confirms that she had joined Dwarves United, returning to her original role as a goalkeeper. So, who will Dwarves United's signing-to-improve-their-offence be? / Gondor's Hyarmendacil passed a medical and completes his transfer to the Sea. Ulmo hopes that his signing would help improve their defence from last year. The previous goalkeeper Voronwë has moved to the midfield--could he be the playmaker the Sea needs? / Minas Tirith captain Denethor II confirms that his son Faramir has exercised his opt-out option and left the team. In his place as attacking midfielder is Rohan's Éomer. 'Our ancient allies have heeded our call,' the last ruling Steward said to the press. 'The same, sadly, cannot be said of my sons.'

[Boromir88]

Cutbacks in the Hidden Valley
-Boro

The 2nd of TTN's club reports is Imladris, the ancient Elven refuge. Last season Imladris experience some success, finishing 2nd in Group F, but then getting smoked out of the Round of 16 by Erebor 3-nil. This mean Imladris' 88 million payroll was likely too high, eventhough when factoring in sales and other income, they probably came out about even.

So, it was by no means a crummy 2012 for Imladris, but their issue in the offseason was finding themselves in the troublesome middle-ground. They were a decent team, but would need to keep their top stars (Elros, Varda, Arwen). And that would just be to hopefully maintain their level of play. If they wanted to improve on last year's performance, many felt they would need to get another solid mid-fielder (perhaps Aragorn) to play with Arwen. This would surely mean increasing the payroll even more and that was going to be out of the question in the minds of the owners.

The Rivendell group proposed new 1-year deals and to the majority of their players it would be 1 to 2 mil cut in salary. Then the hope was to use the extra money to make an important signing that could improve the team but keep costs down. Premier defender, Varda, and another reliable defenself, Erestor, re-signed for less money with Imladris. So their defense should be in good form as last year. However it was a greivous blow when Elros announced he would depart, leaving Imladris with a mighty void to fill at their goalie position. Then their best mid-fielder, Arwen, left for another too. As it turned out, Arwen is playing for less money this year, but told the Imladris press in her exit interview, if she was going to take less money it would be for a team that had better title chances.

Not exactly the start to the off-season Imladris was hoping for, as with Arwen and Elros gone, their payroll is expected to be much lower than last year. It will be a hard task finding replacements for the loss of production.

But, one thing that had not failed going noticed, the sons of Elrond (who own minor shares with the club) did re-sign and will likely take their forwards positions for Imladris again. Elladan and Elrohir did not have to eat a salary cut, and it's leaving many wondering if everyone else on Imladris was expected to take a cut, why not the sons of Elrond too? Is it simply nepotism, while the rest get labelled greedy if they didn't accept a pay cut "for the good of the team?"

[Kuruharan]

"Trouser Arson!"

Those were the words used today by the star of AC Beleriand Faenor to describe an incident last night that resulted in the destruction of all the pants belonging to the AC Beleriand side.

According to police reports, last night somebody broke into the AC Beleriand equipment room and set fire to every pair of pants, shorts, knickers, and the team's special loin cloth.

Grainy security footage appears to show a hooded figure with shiny eyes engaged in this act of sabotage.

"I know the phantom was behind this," stated Faenor unhesitatingly. "He has always been terribly jealous that he has no pants and only has that dingy robe to wear all day."

When asked about these allegations the phantom responded, "I don't know what he is talking about. I'm quite proud of my robes. They are distinctive and comfy. Pants are so restrictive."

Unsubstantiated rumors claim that the reason why the AC Beleriand field house was unprotected last night was that the entire team was breaking into the Nargothrond field house to set fire to all their trousers.

Police promise a full investigation.

[the phantom]

Projecting the Groups and Host Sites
by Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

Since there is less roster turnover going on this year, many are already thinking ahead to the groupings for the squads. In past years the Arda Cup Draw Committee has paid more attention to balance, but in this competitive salary cap era a bit more seems to be resting on geography, hence the possibility of a "group of death".

But it's doubtful we'll see a group as rough as last year's Group D in this year's competition, partly because it would be tough to duplicate, and secondly because the Committee has made a statement regarding a wish to avoid grouping the same teams year in and year out.

So, with that in mind, and also with an eye towards which sites are likely to host, we can make some educated guesses as to the groups this year. And let's face it- our favorite thing about the pre-season is making wild predictions and then patting ourselves on the back for the few we get right!

-------------
Let's start with what we know-

Eru has stated that he wants to see the final round of group games played simultaneously (like Group C at Moria last year, playing one game underground and the other in the dale). So any site selected for group play must be relatively near a secondary site good enough to host a third round game.

Also, the contract for semis and finals to be played at Rauros has expired, and statements we've heard have indicated that the ACC thinks it's time for a bit of variety. Given that they aren't using that arena for the finals, it seems logical that it's being used for something.

The ban on games in Valinor has been lifted. The folks from the Blessed Realm will likely be gung-ho to show themselves as fantastic hosts so as not to suffer another ban, and more than likely the ACC will want to take advantage of their eagerness to please.

So, in my opinion, Valinor is a cert for hosting both in groups and in the playoffs. But with four different teams from the Blessed Realm (and the likelihood that FC, Real, & Tirion won't be grouped together), who hosts, and which teams come?

Tirion's primary and secondary stadiums would be a logical choice, but so would Valimar's, so it seems one of them will host. As to the visiting squads, if it's Tirion then The Sea and The Havens and a team from Beleriand would be logical, but rumors are swirling about The Sea (pun intended) and a hosting possibility that is in the works for them, thus Tirion seems less likely.

Thus it seems that team Valimar is the more likely host, with Armenelos and the Havens likely to visit, supplemented by a Beleriand squad. Unless the inter-dimensional team is placed there (i.e. The Barrow-Downs). Given the sheer distance of Valinor, wouldn't it be an elegant solution to send a team that cares not a whit about distance?

And since we mention The Sea, let's address that now. Ulmo has been very nudge-nudge-wink-wink about the possibility of Tol Eressea as a host site. It wouldn't make any sense if Valimar was also used, if not for a few hints Ulmo has dropped about working on a very large project that would enable a wide variety of spectators to view games. So enough with the hinting and I'll come out and say it- I think Ulmo is working on a mobile sea-faring stadium.

And what a great idea it would be if it is actually pulled off! It would allow them to include in their group three not-so-close squads by virtue of holding games in each of the three locations, e.g. the first round could be in Gondor, the second in Beleriand, and the third back in Valinor. But of course that makes it somewhat impossible to predict which teams might join The Sea in the group.

Now what about the eastern end of Middle-Earth? Last year there were games at Isengard and Moria, and in the playoffs Lothlorien, so what places are there for this year? Well- Gondor obviously, either Minas Tirith or Osgiliath would be straightforward choices. But if The Sea does indeed have a mobile stadium and docks near Gondor for their first round, perhaps it would make sense to have the two groups in proximity, which opens up Dol Amroth and Pelargir as possible host sites (though it would make the primary and secondary stadiums farther apart for the third round matches).

Another easterly location would be Mirkwood and/or Erebor- we know they have attractive accommodations, so they've got to be considered. That would mean Erebor and Wilderland could be grouped together, and more than likely they'd take a team from Gondor or Mordor, and then another team from farther north (Anduin, Misty Mts, Isengard).

If Dol Amroth ends up hosting, then naturally they'd take one of the Gondor teams and one from Mordor, but to fill out the group they'd need some combination of Isengard or Anduin plus some other squad, which says to me that Misty Mts will more than likely end up with Wilderland and Erebor.

Now, what about the Beleriand & Eriador hosts? Since Nargothrond, Michel Delving, Weathertop, and Grey Havens were used last time for groups, I would say they are out. The obvious substitutes are Angband, Gondolin, and Doriath. If I can be allowed to stray into purest conjecture, I would say the lifting of the Valinor ban in conjunction with the expired Rauros contract will land the finals in Valimar, and thus to keep the balance I fully expect Angband to be awarded the semis.

With that in mind, Gondolin and Doriath seem nearly to be absolutes, and given the teams they were grouped with last time around, perhaps each will receive a Valinor team (FC or Real), each will receive an Eriador squad (Eriador, Shire-Bree, Imladris, or Arnor), and each will receive a Beleriand squad (Hithlum, Inter, AC, Nargothrond, TIG, Angfauglith, Angband). But that's too many squads obviously, thus another host site is necessary, and if Angband is already occupied with hosting in the playoffs, why not Anfauglith and Tol In Gaurhoth? If indeed none of the other sites are hosted in a location populated with "baddies", they would be a logical choice to balance things out.

Long story short, teams are going to be a bit more jumbled this year to provide a slight variance in flavor, but all it will involve is shifting last year's host sites to the nearest viable site and trading two teams in one group for a team or two from the next-nearest couple of host sites. Thus we can sort of predict the groupings, but not with much precision. It would be foolish to even post a list of predicted groupings, but guessing at host sites is a little more an exact science, thus in summary, my predicted group hosting sites for 2013 are-

Valimar, Tol Eressea, Anfauglith and/or Tol-In-Gaurhoth, Gondolin, Doriath, Erebor and/or Mirkwood, somewhere in Gondor

Now, if Anfauglith/TIG and Erebor/Mirkwood are indeed used together, that leaves one host site missing. For the remaining site- the options would be somewhere in Mordor, Annuminas/Norbury, Rauros/Dol Guldur, and Dor-Lomin/Hithlum. Football fans that are anxious to travel and support their team, or merely anxious to see if any teams will be close enough to justify a trip, simply cannot wait for the ACC to officially announce the sites. So hurry up already!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Tar-Eldar Network Television presents a summary of the various reports, rumours, and opinions from the leading newspapers in Arda.

• From the Tirion daily broadsheet Arda: Eönwë and Ingwë fail to renew their contracts with Tirion, their destinations yet unknown. The editorial comments that the King of all Elves ‘had turned his back once more on his subjects to fawn upon the Valar’, suggesting that the Vanya, and probably the Maia as well, has joined Valimar. Meanwhile, Tirion captain Finwë presents their latest signing, former Real Valinor right back Rúmil. They now have four new defensive signings, though the contractual fate of their previous defenders remains unknown.
  
  
• From the Beleriand weekly magazine Quenta Noldorin Sport: AC Beleriand right back Ecthelion has been traded for another full-back, Balrog #4. Anfauglith are believed to have paid Fëanor’s side an additional $2 million to make the deal fall through. In the another article, QN Sport reports that deep-lying playmaker Meleth of Gondolin has taken a year’s hiatus from football. ‘The constant years of playing has tired me out,’ she said. ‘If I would be given another chance to play in future Arda Cups, I would consider it. But not this year.’
  
  
• From the Moria tabloid Daily Hammer: Midfielders Thrór and Thorin announce their departure from the Dwarves United squad; Thrór headed for retirement, Thorin joining the Lonely Mountain. In their place the sons of Dís, Fíli and Kíli, were signed for $2 million each.
  
  
• From the Beleriand daily magazine Gazetta Edain: AC Beleriand midfielder Bregolas’s one-year contract expires as negotiations for a renewal failed. In the meantime, regional rivals Inter Beleriand released defender Brandir. The editorial observes that, while Beren said that he joined Inter because he wanted to be reunited with some of his old Ladros teammates, his father Barahir signed an extension with Nargothrond, a team in dire need of a good defensive player.
  
  
• From the broadsheet Nargothrond Tribune: Finrod’s squad begin training in the High Faroth Arena. Most conspicuous is the presence of Bëor in outfield kit, meaning a) he is still in the squad; and b) he is no longer the goalkeeper. Less conspicuous is the presence of Petty-Dwarf Mîm on the touchline, wearing a grey suit and carrying stacks of videos. ‘Mîm in, Nienor out: Will that be enough to end years of disappointment?’ goes the editorial.

 

[Boromir88]

The Iron Prison on Lockdown
-Boro88

After Angband's disapponting 2012 season, where they were knocked out of the first round playoffs by the stalwart underdogs Minas Tirith, Morgoth retreated into his iron fortress to design plans for next year. Everytime Morgoth shuts out the press, and forbids any soul from entering or leaving Angband chills your bones.

What new schemes is Morgoth hatching? What new evil to employ that will (hopefully) give Morgoth the trophy of trophies, the Arda Cup. The trophy Morgoth has greatly coveted, but has so far eluded his grasp.

It was evident in the playoff matchup Angband did not have the players who were capable of winning a shootout. Ancalagon is clutch in those tight spots, but the dragon is just one Morgoth could trust. I mean, would you trust a cat in a shootout situation? Angband did last year, and it cost them. So, many felt for 2013 Angband would have to get a better striker up-front to pair with Ancalagon.

Not that Telvildo is rubbish, because felines add a new dimension to Angband's play. Cats contribute a cunning and agile gameplay that is great in the possession and passing game. Their cunning agility mixed well with the brute trickery of Morgoth. But let's be honest, if Angband finds themselves in a shootout, they'll face the same problem that tripped them up last year.

No one really knows what Angband's team will be this year, so tight has the lid on Angband been during the off-season. However, we do know their full roster is assembled and Evil House will not be spending anymore money on this season. Morgoth, Carcaroth, and Ancalagon are definitely back since no one has seen them come out of Angband since last year. What the rest of the team will be is anyone's guess, but the loudest sounds echoing out of Angband in recent days has been...purrs?

[Boromir88]

Gasping for some Offense
-Boro88

Next team up for TTN's previews takes us to the desert plains. And as much as I was gasping for water while visiting Angfauglith's practice facilities, the team ownership was gasping for some much needed offense. Angfauglith had been eliminated in group play last year, but it was based on fewer goals scored than Doriath. Angfauglith could only manage 3 goals in 3 games and that was the reason for the team's early exit, as Thuringwethil was often all alone with a sub-par midfield behind her.

The defense was one of the most fearsome ever put together on the pitch, with 3 Balrogs and the great Ungoliant tending the goal. However, desperately needing some offensive help, Angfauglith appears to be changing the gears ever so-slightly. They said audious to Thuringwethil and also lost one of the Balrog defenders, but still with Ungoliant and 2 Balrogs, the club doesn't expect to lose much when it comes to defense.

The major change was announced recently, and obviously spending 28 million total for two new strikers, owners are expecting much greater success in return. It is an interesting partnership, that much is for sure. Two historic rivals are paired up as the forwards for Angfauglith. To say they've had a confrontational past is putting it lightly! However, this isn't the first time Gothmog and Ecthelion have been signed to play on the same team. They've had good success on separate teams (and also much success when playing against eachother), but when they were partners for Gondolin in 2009, it was seen as a failure for the hidden city, since Gondolin did not make it into the playoffs. And then Gothmog left in a fuss in 2010, only to see Gondolin win the title that year! Will the tale be different in 2013 for the two star-strikers? Their fate seems bound together...in both glory...and death.

[Nogrod]

Before the rosters are revealed the rumours are at their hottest - and here are some the journalists of the AKM have heard lately...


~*~

The oddest rumour the AKM has heard of this pre-season is the one which claims that Arien is leaving Real Valinor! Now she has played a few seasons with Miriel and Nerdanel – and the last year especially was the three were performing just outstandingly. And as the winners of the last year’s tournament it shouldn’t be a matter of money either as it would seem Real Valinor could easily pay her salaries comparable to what players like Fëanor or Túrin make – and it would only be fair (says the AKM).

So they formed the most fearsome female trio in the attack last year and it’s not money… so what is it?

---

Some of the other wildest speculations before the new season have been centered around the last year’s surprising quarterfinalists Shire-Bree United. It is whispered that Strider is leaving the team to play as Aragorn somewhere just for the sake of it… or to play with Arwen for a specific reason for leaving the Breelanders. There has also been talk about the two Nazgûl’s being unhappy with the team and to top that: others argue that the Barrow-Wight has felt a bit dull lately and will be off to have more fun somewhere.

But what has taken everyone by surprise has been the announcement that Tom Bombadill will not be playing for Shire-Bree any more. And this is known as a fact as Tom himself announced it.

So are we going to see a totally new team this year and where are they going to get their finances from?

---

Third big news we hear concerns the Wilderland team. Now despite some of the murkier characters in the line-up it was clearly an elven-led and –financed team last year. But now it seems there has been a coup in there when the elves have backed off after the losses taken last year - and who else but Sauron seems to be steppin g forwards. Some whisper Sauron’s Amon Lanc Properties has bought a majority of the tam and filled it with his orcs and other creatures of the darkness while the elves have withdrawn completely.

Be that as it may… it will be hard to see Galadriel playing for a majority-owner Sauron – not to talk of Elwë or Oromë to that matter. So unless the news are a total hoax, there is something considerably big going on with Wilderland for this season.

---

One interesting issue is the situation with Erebor… they gained a nice profit last year with their nice results but it seems they are more likely to tighten their purse this year than opening it up for more glory. It seems the dwarves and Mr. Moneybags have reached an agreement on budget policy: pile the money, pile the money… The football fans will not like it.

Where they will cut their expenses will be crucial for the chances of their success this year.

---

It looks like the Hador House Holdings took quite a damage last year (26 million in total!) when Hithlum didn’t even qualify – not to talk of the rage Túrin vented after the group phase. Túrin swore he would never again play in a team that would not qualify… and the rumour has it he has invested quite heavily himself this year (through Hador House Holdings of course). It seems Hithlum is coming to this season with more bite and sting – and a budget from another planet.

The top news of course is the rumour of Beleg coming to the aid of his old friend. Others have it that there has been a considerably strong wind blowing in the team and that they have tried to get rid of all the mediocre or weaker players from last year. And it seems relatively certain Hador’s sons Galdor (father of Húrin and Huor) and Gundor will leave Anfaughlith and replace the elven escorts Grithnir and Gethron in the defence.

So Doriath seems to be losing Beleg, but the rumours have it that they are losing Lúthien as well. It looks grim for the last year’s qualifier this year – unless they are able to grab some real talent with decent prices to replace the rumoured losses. The fact that Thingol and Melian seem to be quite unwilling to open the team-ownership to any outsiders surely makes pressure to their budget.

---

We have heard relatively little of Eriador (except the signing of NogWight) but that both major owners of the team Elrond and Norbury Sport have been busy investing the money they made last year to other teams of their alignment. But the rumours have it that they are not intending to weaken their team this year either but aim for the top once again.

[Boromir88]

The Special Edition!

-Boro88

Our final installment of the team previews and offseason moves will cover FC Valinor, Barad-dur, and Gondor. We'll make a quick note that the Tol-in-Gaurhoth roster has been completed and so stay tuned in the coming days for an in-depth report on TIG, once we get the chance to interview their players.

---

Let's start with FC Valinor, who seemed to breeze through the friendlies and their group last year. However, they stumbled in the quarter-finals, losing to Erebor in amazing shootout fashion. To most clubs and fans, a quarter-finals appearance would be positive, but for FC Valinor you couldn't help but get the feeling it was the Arda Cup or bust for them. And so last year was a fairly large disappointment. To rub even more salt in the wounds, rivals Real Valinor came away with the title. And in aspects of the sport that don't deal with tactics or on the field performance, but with management and public relations instead...heads start rolling when your rivals finish higher.

So, FC Valinor did scale back their budget slightly, but feeling pressure to keep up with Real Valinor, and energize their own fanbase, they yet again have a pricey salary, in what can only lay the expectations of "Arda Cup or bust" on the club in 2013. The major changes seem likely to be made in the back-field. As Curufin and Celegorm remain together still, and no one expects they will want to leave their positions as the team's strikers.

---

Next up, Gondor, who lost in a shooutout in the octo-finals to Shire-Bree United. The higher-ups in the organization felt the team should have handled S-B Utd last year, but since that didn't happen, the Gondor Worker's Union is quite drastically cutting payroll. Interestingly enough, 1/6th of their entire payroll is tied up into one player. Granted, Anarion had a career year in 2012, and he was going to command a hefty price in the free-agent market. It might have even been worse for fans to swallow if ownership let Anarion walk. However, the skeptics will tell you they think Anarion reached his peak last year and to put your money on him having the same (or more) production is money ill-spent.

And here is often times parts of the game fans don't hear about often. With Sauron opening up his pocket-books investing in other clubs, and investing more into his Mordor teams (read more on this below)...there were credible rumors Sauron was making a strong bid for Anarion. Therefor, allowing Anarion to defect to Barad-dur, simply was not going to be an option for Gondor's owners. They had to pay a price to retain their king, and a price he probably deserves based on last year's performance. It means Gondor had to lose some key pieces (GK - Hyarmendacil and MF- Falastur), but formation and tactics are expected to stay the same, so now it's just a matter of seeing if Imrahil and some others can rise to the occassion to support their King.

---

Barad-dur: As alluded above Sauron opened up his checkbook and increased the payroll of his Barad-dur club. Last year, Mordorians were perplexed trying to figure out Sauron's plans. Since he clearly had his hand involved in many Arda clubs, why couldn't he just consolidate his influence and focus solely on the Mordor teams for the glory of the Black Land? Both Mordor and Barad-dur were running on a dirt-cheap salary, which did not leave many fans happy, particularly after both Mordor teams failed to qualify in a group with rivals Gondor and Minas Tirith.

Sauron is by no means emptying his piggy-bank but with more money invested in Barad-dur and also with who he's signed, the fanbase is at least more positive with the offseason moves. Whether or not the positive attitude carries into the tournament will of course largely depend on the club's performance. Last year Barad-dur got a bit careless and lax in the back-field and Sauron wanted to address those issues quickly. By replacing the cheap Mumakil in the goal with hopefully the more trustworthy Grishnakh. But the bigger moves happened when Sauron was able to snag Alatar and Pallando away from Wilderland to provide a more stabile and reliable defense.

[the phantom]

MESPN BREAKING NEWS: Official rosters approved by ACC

It's set- the Arda Cup Committee has received and approved the rosters submitted by all 32 teams. Without any commentary or fanfare, here is the official list released by the ACC. (An announcement on groupings will likely be made later in the day.)

Anduin (83)
GK Amroth (4)
DF Minalcar (5)
DF Felarof (5)
DF Celeborn (10)
DF *Fram (10)
MF Lenwe (2)
MF Leod (5)
MF Haldir (8)
MF Boromir II (10)
FW Eorl (14)
FW Grimbeorn (10)

Angband (91)
GK *Carcharoth (9)
DF Ulwarth (4)
DF Umuiyan (5)
DF Balrog #1 (12)
DF *Morgoth (20)
MF Uldor (4)
MF Ulfast (4)
MF Ulfang (5)
MF Oikeroi (5)
FW Telvildo (9)
FW *Ancalagon (14)

Angfauglith (87)
GK *Ungoliant (16)
DF Borlach (3)
DF Gelmir (3)
DF Balrog #2 (12)
DF *Balrog #3 (12)
MF Gorgol (3)
MF Haldir (4)
MF Rian (3)
MF Bor (3)
FW Ecthelion (10)
FW *Gothmog (18)

Armenelos (95)
GK Tar Atanamir (10)
DF Tar Calmacil (7)
DF Tar Palantir (7)
DF Tar Telperien (7)
MF Ar Gimilzor (7)
MF Tar Telemmaite (7)
MF Tar Miriel (7)
MF Tar Ancalimon (7)
MF *Elros (12)
FW Ar Adunakhor (12)
FW Ar Pharazon (12)

Arnor (68)
GK Arvedui (8)
DF Earendur (3)
DF Valandur (3)
DF Malbeth (8)
DF *Elendil (10)
MF Malvegil (3)
MF Argeleb (4)
MF Arassuil (4)
MF Arantar (5)
FW Araphor (7)
FW *Witch King (13)

Barad-Dur (74)
GK Grishnakh (5)
DF Fellbeast #1 (3)
DF Fellbeast #2 (3)
DF Pallando (11)
DF Alatar (11)
MF Sangahyando (3)
MF Herumor (3)
MF Angamaite (3)
MF Beruthiel (5)
FW Castamir (7)
FW *Sauron (20)

AC Beleriand (108)
GK Marach (9)
DF Imlach (4)
DF Rochallor (4)
DF Balrog #4 (12)
DF *Fingolfin (15)
MF Denethor (3)
MF Ulrad (5)
MF Angrod (10)
MF Aegnor (10)
FW Eol (15)
FW **Feanor (21)

Inter Beleriand (81)
GK Turgon (11)
DF Haldad (2)
DF Gorlim (2)
DF Baragund (3)
DF Luthien (13)
MF Forweg (2)
MF Hunthor (2)
MF Haleth (7)
MF *Beren (13)
FW Fingon (13)
FW *Maedhros (13)

Doriath (70)
GK Dior (7)
DF Galathil (2)
DF Nimloth (2)
DF Elwing (6)
DF *Melian (14)
MF Galadhon (2)
MF Nellas (3)
MF Saeros (3)
MF Daeron (7)
MF *Elwe (14)
FW Mablung (10)

Dwarves United (86)
GK Galadriel (14)
DF Azaghal (5)
DF Durin (6)
DF Aule (16)
DF *Celebrimbor (18)
MF Fili (2)
MF Kili (2)
MF Gamil Zirak (4)
MF Telchar (4)
MF Gimli (5)
FW Legolas (10)

Erebor (94)
GK *Beorn (12)
DF Thorin (5)
DF Meneldor (8)
DF Landroval (8)
DF Girion (8)
MF Dain (5)
MF Brand (3)
MF Bolg (9)
FW Bard (8)
FW Nazgul #7 (10)
FW *Smaug (18)

Eriador (103)
GK *Elrond (20)
DF Asfaloth (4)
DF Arwen (10)
DF Aragorn (10)
DF *Gil-galad (13)
MF Araphant (5)
MF Arador (4)
MF NogWight (6)
MF Arveleg (8)
MF *Glorfindel (13)
FW Isildur (10)

Gondolin (84)
GK Rog (8)
DF Penlod (7)
DF Aranwe (3)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Egalmoth (7)
MF Salgant (4)
MF Elemmakil (4)
MF Duilin (8)
MF Idril (10)
FW Tuor (10)
FW *Maeglin (18)

Gondor (70)
GK Imrahil (5)
DF Galadil (4)
DF Earnil I (6)
DF Eldarion (5)
MF Calimehtar (5)
MF Ciryandil (5)
MF Turambar (6)
MF Meneldil (6)
MF Romendacil (7)
MF *Anarion (12)
FW Eldacar (9)

Hithlum (101)
GK Huor (8)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Arroch (2)
DF Gundor (5)
DF Balrog #5 (13)
MF Aradan (3)
MF Morwen (6)
MF Hador (12)
MF *Beleg (13)
FW Hurin (14)
FW **Turin (20)

Imladris (69)
GK Valandil (6)
DF Celebrian (5)
DF Galdor (4)
DF Erestor (9)
DF *Varda (14)
MF Gilraen (2)
MF Figwit (2)
MF Lindir (2)
MF Arahael (5)
FW Elladan (10)
FW Elrohir (10)

Isengard (66)
GK Ugluk (5)
DF Mauhur (3)
DF Beechbone (3)
DF Treebeard (10)
MF Lurtz (3)
MF Wulf (2)
MF Lugdush (3)
MF Nazgul #5 (8)
MF Wormtongue (4)
MF *Saruman (15)
FW Quickbeam (10)

Minas Tirith (76)
GK Denethor II (7)
DF Earnur (7)
DF Ecthelion II (7)
DF Firefoot (3)
DF Cirion (7)
MF Earnil II (7)
MF Tarandor (7)
MF Telumehtar (7)
MF Mardil (7)
MF *Eomer (10)
FW Boromir I (7)

Misty Mts (76)
GK Chief Wolf (3)
DF Caradhras (7)
DF William (4)
DF Watcher (5)
DF *Gwaihir (11)
MF Great Goblin (5)
MF Orophin (6)
MF Rumil (6)
MF Narvi (6)
MF Azog (8)
FW *Durin’s Bane (15)

Mordor (51)
GK Silent Watcher (1)
DF Fellbeast #3 (3)
DF Mumakil (1)
DF Fellbeast #4 (3)
DF Gothmog II (5)
MF Gorbag (3)
MF Shagrat (3)
MF Nazgul #1 (7)
MF Nazgul #2 (7)
MF *Mouth (8)
FW Shelob (10)

Nargothrond (89)
GK Orodreth (10)
DF Guillen (4)
DF Baran (3)
DF Arminas (4)
DF Barahir (7)
MF Beor (7)
MF Nienor (6)
MF Finduilas (9)
FW Gwindor (10)
FW Finrod (14)
FW *Glaurung (15)

Rohan (66)
GK Theoden (7)
DF Windfola (3)
DF Snowmane (3)
DF Hama (3)
DF Erkenbrand (3)
MF Aldor (6)
MF King Dead (10)
MF Eowyn (9)
MF Brytta (5)
MF *Faramir (9)
FW Helm (8)

Shire-Bree United (68)
GK Halbarad (5)
DF Fellbeast (2)
DF Nazgul #4 (8)
DF Gildor (7)
DF *Shadowfax (5)
MF Butterbur (2)
MF Bandobras (4)
MF Ferny (2)
MF Nazgul #6 (8)
MF *Gandalf (14)
FW Khamul (11)

The Havens (79)
GK Amandil (6)
DF Annael (5)
DF Imrazor (5)
DF Ar Zimrathan (8)
DF Olwe (10)
MF Eriol (5)
MF Mithrellas (3)
MF Earwen (3)
MF Falastur (9)
MF Cirdan (10)
FW *Earendil (15)

The Sea (100)
GK Hyarmendacil (8)
DF Osse (9)
DF Salmar (9)
DF Uinen (9)
DF *Ulmo (17)
MF Tar Cirytan (7)
MF Voronwe (7)
MF Tar Meneldur (7)
MF Veantur (7)
MF Tar Aldarion (8)
FW Tar Minastir (12)

Tirion (83)
GK Finarfin (8)
DF Irime (3)
DF Amrod (9)
DF Amras (9)
DF *Caranthir (11)
MF Anaire (3)
MF Eldalote (2)
MF Rumil (4)
MF Mahtan (9)
FW Aredhel (12)
FW Finwe (13)

Valimar (102)
GK *Manwe (14)
DF Amarie (4)
DF Este (8)
DF Vana (8)
DF *Namo (14)
MF Elenwe (3)
MF Ilmare (8)
MF Vaire (8)
MF Irmo (9)
MF Ingwe (11)
FW *Arien (15)

FC Valinor (107)
GK *Huan (15)
DF Thorondor (13)
DF Indis (7)
DF Maglor (10)
DF *Eonwe (12)
MF Elemmire (4)
MF Findis (4)
MF Argon (7)
MF *Yavanna (10)
FW Celegorm (11)
FW *Curufin (14)

Real Valinor (101)
GK *Tulkas (12)
DF Nienna (10)
DF Nahar (5)
DF Ingwion (5)
DF *Tilion (12)
MF Quennar (3)
MF Enerdhil (4)
MF Nessa (10)
FW Nerdanel (12)
FW *Miriel (14)
FW Orome (14)

Wilderland (75)
GK Great Warg (5)
DF Finglas (3)
DF Skinbark (3)
DF Oropher (5)
DF Radagast (11)
MF Fimbrethil (3)
MF Iminye (4)
MF Imin (5)
MF Nazgul #3 (8)
FW Thranduil (14)
FW *Scatha (14)

The Barrow-Downs (50)
GK Alien (2)
DF Lumpkin (2)
DF GwathWight (3)
DF River Woman (3)
DF Barrow-Wight (11)
MF WilWight (3)
MF Lalwende MP (3)
MF Goldberry (3)
MF Hookbill (6)
FW Saucepan Man (6)
FW *Bombadil (8)

Tol In Gaurhoth (84)
GK *ShastaWolf (10)
DF Drauglin (8)
DF GaladriWight (3)
DF BoroWolf (8)
DF *NilpWolf (10)
MF LegateWight (3)
MF SallyWight (4)
MF NerWight (5)
MF *PhantomWolf (10)
FW Thuringwethil (13)
FW *InzilWolf (10)

[the phantom]

MESPN BREAKING NEWS: Groupings released by ACC

With the official rosters released, you can imagine that our writers and prognosticators are typing up a storm. Well, now they have one more huge bit of info to process- the groupings.

The Arda Cup Committee was serious about getting their job done this year, and met in an intensive closed session immediately following the approval of all team rosters. A couple hours later they emerged with the groupings- evidently they already had most of their ideas in mind, and just needed to finalize them.

And without further ado, here they are!
(Note: Primary host site listed first, followed by the secondary site which is used to host one of the third round games so that final round games can be played simultaneously.)

GROUP A at Valimar & Taniquetil
Armenelos
The Barrow-Downs
The Havens
Valimar

GROUP B at Gondolin & Tumladen
AC Beleriand
Inter Beleriand
Dwarves United
Gondolin

GROUP C at Menegroth & Neldoreth
Doriath
Hithlum
Shire-Bree United
Real Valinor

GROUP D at Dol Amroth & Pelargir
Barad-Dur
Gondor
Isengard
FC Valinor

GROUP E at Erebor & Mirkwood
Erebor
Eriador
Misty Mts
Wilderland

GROUP F at Tol Eressea Mobile & Pelargir/Balar/Alqualonde
Minas Tirith
Nargothrond
The Sea
Tirion

GROUP G at Anfauglith & Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Angband
Angfauglith
Imladris
Tol-In-Gaurhoth

GROUP H at Rauros
Anduin
Arnor
Mordor
Rohan

[the phantom]

First Look at the Host Sites
Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

We've been given a lot to process today, so first things first- I'm going to give my initial reactions to the selected host sites.

1) Nicely done, Ulmo and company. We know long ago that the sea-going Ainu used an island to ferry Elves to Valinor, so why not do something similar again? It will be a lot of work and required much preparation obviously, so much applause for that. Ulmo and friends have made Tol Eressea Stadium and the pubs and lodgings immediately around it into a sort of cruise ship. Their plans are to be at Gondor for the first round to share games with Pelargir, at Balar for the second game, and at Alqualonde for the final round. This allows a reasonable trip for fans of every squad in the group- Minas Tirith, Nargothrond, and Tirion (and of course The Sea).

2) The ban on games in Valinor is officially over, as Valimar Coliseum is slated to host five games, Taniquetil will host one, and Seaside Stadium in Alqualonde will host one. Here's hoping that they handle things better this time around. It was a shame not to have any games there last year- there is so much tradition and multiple quality venues.

3) Well done Gondor spreading games around a bit. Instead of opting for the oft-used Minas Tirith or Osgiliath, which obviously have great stadiums (The White Stadium and Osgiliath Royal Arena), they opted to put in a bid for Dol Amroth. Their stadium isn't quite so grand or famous, but it's certainly on level with other past host sites, and the Gondor teams have a lot of supporting fans living in that region.

4) It's nice to see the Dwarves and Elves working together in the Northeast once again, as Erebor will be the primary site and Thranduil's forest stadium will host the second game in the final round.

5) Looks like the finals indeed won't be at Amon Hen Coliseum this year since they are hosting a group. A few might complain that they're getting to host anything this year after hosting the biggest games the past few years, but the thing is- Amon Hen is simply too great not to use every year. The various folks that partnered to make it were very serious about creating football heaven.

6) It's interesting that Anfauglith and Tol-In-Gaurhoth will not be sharing just the final round of group play, but both sites are being used in all three rounds. Will this be the beginning of a trend (since Tol Eressea is also doing it, sort of), or is this a special case?

[the phantom]

MESPN Take on Off-season Losses and Acquisitions
Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

Everyone's heard that they shouldn't second-guess themselves, or that their first instinct is often correct. Well, after seeing the official rosters, this is the first reaction our panel had to each squad and whether or not they improved from last season. (Note: Below each squad next to the dollar signs is how this year's payroll compares to last year.)

Anduin (83)
GK Amroth (4)
DF Minalcar (5)
DF Felarof (5)
DF Celeborn (10)
DF *Fram (10)
MF Lenwe (2)
MF Leod (5)
MF Haldir (8)
MF Boromir II (10)
FW Eorl (14)
FW Grimbeorn (10)

$$: +3
Verdict: They managed to hold onto their more important pieces from last year (Grimbeorn, Fram, Celeborn, Haldir, Boromir), and added Eorl to the front and Felarof to the back, so they’ve definitely taken a step forward on both ends of the pitch.

Angband (91)
GK *Carcharoth (9)
DF Ulwarth (4)
DF Umuiyan (5)
DF Balrog #1 (12)
DF *Morgoth (20)
MF Uldor (4)
MF Ulfast (4)
MF Ulfang (5)
MF Oikeroi (5)
FW Telvildo (9)
FW *Ancalagon (14)

$$$: -10
Verdict: After last year’s disappointment Morgoth skimmed a hair from salaries, but he didn’t lose talent. In fact Angband may be better now after plugging in Umuiyan and Oikeroi at the front and back, as they are a notch quicker and more dexterous than their predecessors.

Angfauglith (87)
GK *Ungoliant (16)
DF Borlach (3)
DF Gelmir (3)
DF Balrog #2 (12)
DF *Balrog #3 (12)
MF Gorgol (3)
MF Haldir (4)
MF Rian (3)
MF Bor (3)
FW Ecthelion (10)
FW *Gothmog (18)

$$$: -6
Verdict: They lost a Balrog at the back and their big-scorer at the front (Thuringwethil), but they replaced her with one of the greatest in the game- Gothmog, and added Ecthelion to compliment him. That means they probably broke even, only with slightly less defensive emphasis and more on offense.

Armenelos (95)
GK Tar Atanamir (10)
DF Tar Calmacil (7)
DF Tar Palantir (7)
DF Tar Telperien (7)
MF Ar Gimilzor (7)
MF Tar Telemmaite (7)
MF Tar Miriel (7)
MF Tar Ancalimon (7)
MF *Elros (12)
FW Ar Adunakhor (12)
FW Ar Pharazon (12)

$$$: -13
Verdict: Last year’s group-of-death resulted in underachievement, so salaries were cut a bit. The only roster difference is the addition of Elros, and he’s obviously high quality, so they’ll be as good as or slightly better than last year, and doubtless in a kinder grouping.

Arnor (68)
GK Arvedui (8)
DF Earendur (3)
DF Valandur (3)
DF Malbeth (8)
DF *Elendil (10)
MF Malvegil (3)
MF Argeleb (4)
MF Arassuil (4)
MF Arantar (5)
FW Araphor (7)
FW *Witch King (13)

$$$: -3
Verdict: They lost Isildur to the highly successful Eriador squad, but they’ve added the Witch King and Malbeth from Eriador (thanks to partnerships with Elrond and Norbury Sport). Thus it seems they’ve managed to step up a bit with talent without having to pay out, which is the ultimate ideal.

Barad-Dur (74)
GK Grishnakh (5)
DF Fellbeast #1 (3)
DF Fellbeast #2 (3)
DF Pallando (11)
DF Alatar (11)
MF Sangahyando (3)
MF Herumor (3)
MF Angamaite (3)
MF Beruthiel (5)
FW Castamir (7)
FW *Sauron (20)

$$$: +8
Verdict: After being one of the few not to overpay last year Sauron was poised to spend more this season rather than less, and he did so by acquiring the Blue Wizards and a second airborne defender, which is an improvement over last year’s defense. Given the offense is identical, the team overall ought to be better.

AC Beleriand (108)
GK Marach (9)
DF Imlach (4)
DF Rochallor (4)
DF Balrog #4 (12)
DF *Fingolfin (15)
MF Denethor (3)
MF Ulrad (5)
MF Angrod (10)
MF Aegnor (10)
FW Eol (15)
FW **Feanor (21)

$$$: +12
Verdict: The success of most AC Beleriand investors allowed them to spend heavier this year. They’ve replaced Ecthelion with a Balrog, so lost and gained quality there. In the midfield they’ve replaced Bregolas & Beren with Angrod & Aegnor. Individually they may not quite match Beren, but in tandem they’re potentially a step up.

Inter Beleriand (81)
GK Turgon (11)
DF Haldad (2)
DF Gorlim (2)
DF Baragund (3)
DF Luthien (13)
MF Forweg (2)
MF Hunthor (2)
MF Haleth (7)
MF *Beren (13)
FW Fingon (13)
FW *Maedhros (13)

$$$: +11
Verdict: At the back they replaced a Balrog and Brandir with Luthien and a shifted Baragund, so possibly a wash there. At the front they’ve added Beren to the Maedhros/Fingon attack, so a step forward there. Overall then, they’ve improved the squad.

Doriath (70)
GK Dior (7)
DF Galathil (2)
DF Nimloth (2)
DF Elwing (6)
DF *Melian (14)
MF Galadhon (2)
MF Nellas (3)
MF Saeros (3)
MF Daeron (7)
MF *Elwe (14)
FW Mablung (10)

$$$: -14
Verdict: Luthien and Beleg are no longer at the front, but Elwing has been added to the defense and Elwe to the offense. This does not look to be an improvement in overall talent, but shifting Daeron and Saeros forward to assist Elwe and Mablung may help maintain scoring somewhat, while the back end is at least on par with last year.

Dwarves United (86)
GK Galadriel (14)
DF Azaghal (5)
DF Durin (6)
DF Aule (16)
DF *Celebrimbor (18)
MF Fili (2)
MF Kili (2)
MF Gamil Zirak (4)
MF Telchar (4)
MF Gimli (5)
FW Legolas (10)

$$$: -3
Verdict: Fili and Kili have stepped in to replace Thorin and Thror, but it remains to be seen whether their youthful quickness can replace the hardiness and experience. The crafty Telchar and Gamil Zirak have been shifted forward, which may help, while Galadriel has a replaced Bombur between the posts- a definite improvement.

Erebor (94)
GK *Beorn (12)
DF Thorin (5)
DF Meneldor (8)
DF Landroval (8)
DF Girion (8)
MF Dain (5)
MF Brand (3)
MF Bolg (9)
FW Bard (8)
FW Nazgul #7 (10)
FW *Smaug (18)

$$$: -9
Verdict: They lost Gwaihir, but they still have two eagles at the back. In front Thranduil is gone, but everyone else is back (Smaug, Bard, etc.). The new faces, Brand and Thorin, aren’t quite an athletic match for Thranduil and Gwaihir, so it appears their lower salary results in a lower ceiling.

Eriador (103)
GK *Elrond (20)
DF Asfaloth (4)
DF Arwen (10)
DF Aragorn (10)
DF *Gil-galad (13)
MF Araphant (5)
MF Arador (4)
MF NogWight (6)
MF Arveleg (8)
MF *Glorfindel (13)
FW Isildur (10)

$$$: +4
Verdict: After a very successful season Eriador has bumped up the payroll. Malbeth is gone to Arnor, but joining the defense is Aragorn and Arwen. The Witch King is gone from the forward position, but Isildur has replaced him and NogWight has signed on to help the attack, so scoring shouldn’t suffer. Overall Eriador looks to have stepped forward.

Gondolin (84)
GK Rog (8)
DF Penlod (7)
DF Aranwe (3)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Egalmoth (7)
MF Salgant (4)
MF Elemmakil (4)
MF Duilin (8)
MF Idril (10)
FW Tuor (10)
FW *Maeglin (18)

$$$: +1
Verdict: Pengolodh has been replaced by Penlod at the rear. Gothmog is gone from the attack and Meleth from the midfield, but Tuor and Idril have both joined the offense so the scoring shouldn’t suffer. Overall it looks like Gondolin took a little step forward.

Gondor (70)
GK Imrahil (5)
DF Galadil (4)
DF Earnil I (6)
DF Eldarion (5)
MF Calimehtar (5)
MF Ciryandil (5)
MF Turambar (6)
MF Meneldil (6)
MF Romendacil (7)
MF *Anarion (12)
FW Eldacar (9)

$$$: -14
Verdict: After a respectable season everyone’s taken a tiny cut to help the team manage its budget. They lost some quality in Hyarmendacil and Falastur, but their replacements, Meneldil and Galadil, aren’t a significant step back. So perhaps a lower ceiling for Gondor, but a smarter budget.

Hithlum (101)
GK Huor (8)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Arroch (2)
DF Gundor (5)
DF Balrog #5 (13)
MF Aradan (3)
MF Morwen (6)
MF Hador (12)
MF *Beleg (13)
FW Hurin (14)
FW **Turin (20)

$$$: +15
Verdict: New investors Feanor & company have bailed out Hador House after last year’s losses, and they’ve really gone for it. Galdor, Gundor, and a Balrog improve the defense, while Turin’s buddy Beleg will improve the offense. A significant salary-bump, but an equally nice talent-bump here.

Imladris (69)
GK Valandil (6)
DF Celebrian (5)
DF Galdor (4)
DF Erestor (9)
DF *Varda (14)
MF Gilraen (2)
MF Figwit (2)
MF Lindir (2)
MF Arahael (5)
FW Elladan (10)
FW Elrohir (10)

$$$: -19
Verdict: After gaining more sway Elrond has made this squad much more economical. Big pieces Elros and Arwen are gone, and replacing them are Valandil, Celebrian, and Arahael. This is a lowering of talent for the squad, but possibly less than the value of the salary they saved.

Isengard (66)
GK Ugluk (5)
DF Mauhur (3)
DF Beechbone (3)
DF Treebeard (10)
MF Lurtz (3)
MF Wulf (2)
MF Lugdush (3)
MF Nazgul #5 (8)
MF Wormtongue (4)
MF *Saruman (15)
FW Quickbeam (10)

$$$: -8
Verdict: Caradhras’s blinding snow and wind has been replaced by the ent Beechbone at the rear, while in the midfield Freca is gone in favor of a Nazgul. It looks like they’ve managed to improve in skill while decreasing payroll.

Minas Tirith (76)
GK Denethor II (7)
DF Earnur (7)
DF Ecthelion II (7)
DF Firefoot (3)
DF Cirion (7)
MF Earnil II (7)
MF Tarandor (7)
MF Telumehtar (7)
MF Mardil (7)
MF *Eomer (10)
FW Boromir I (7)

$$$: -12
Verdict: Everyone took a slight paycut here. Faramir and Ostoher are gone, replaced by Eomer and Firefoot, which is possibly a little bit of an advancement, which is particularly good in light of the lower salary.

Misty Mts (76)
GK Chief Wolf (3)
DF Caradhras (7)
DF William (4)
DF Watcher (5)
DF *Gwaihir (11)
MF Great Goblin (5)
MF Orophin (6)
MF Rumil (6)
MF Narvi (6)
MF Azog (8)
FW *Durin’s Bane (15)

$$$: +9
Verdict: They booted Bert and Tom in favor of Caradhras and Gwaihir, which combined with shifting a couple players to more sensible positions ought to have them improved at least as much as they upped salary.

Mordor (51)
GK Silent Watcher (1)
DF Fellbeast #3 (3)
DF Mumakil (1)
DF Fellbeast #4 (3)
DF Gothmog II (5)
MF Gorbag (3)
MF Shagrat (3)
MF Nazgul #1 (7)
MF Nazgul #2 (7)
MF *Mouth (8)
FW Shelob (10)

$$$: -7
Verdict: Sauron kept Mordor even lower-cost this year, but perhaps they haven’t lost ground competitively. Three Nazgul are gone, but Gothmog II, the Mouth, and a Fellbeast defender are three capable replacements.

Nargothrond (89)
GK Orodreth (10)
DF Guillen (4)
DF Baran (3)
DF Arminas (4)
DF Barahir (7)
MF Beor (7)
MF Nienor (6)
MF Finduilas (9)
FW Gwindor (10)
FW Finrod (14)
FW *Glaurung (15)

$$$: -6
Verdict: Nargothrond had a disappointing year, but did not overhaul their roster. Instead they replaced Mim with Nienor and shifted a few midfielders and defenders around, including moving Orodreth to goal. Perhaps those players will perform better in different positions, but Nienor is an improvement over Mim anyway.

Rohan (66)
GK Theoden (7)
DF Windfola (3)
DF Snowmane (3)
DF Hama (3)
DF Erkenbrand (3)
MF Aldor (6)
MF King Dead (10)
MF Eowyn (9)
MF Brytta (5)
MF *Faramir (9)
FW Helm (8)

$$$: -28
Verdict: After a nice quarterfinal run, Rohan is shockingly low-budget this year, but not by design. Gandalf is notorious for wandering and he left with Shadowfax, while Eorl and his steed were wooed by team Anduin. At the back end they’ve brought in Windfola to fill the horse gap, while on the other end they’ve added Faramir and Eowyn- good replacements, but it doesn’t quite make up for what they lost.

Shire-Bree United (68)
GK Halbarad (5)
DF Fellbeast (2)
DF Nazgul #4 (8)
DF Gildor (7)
DF *Shadowfax (5)
MF Butterbur (2)
MF Bandobras (4)
MF Ferny (2)
MF Nazgul #6 (8)
MF *Gandalf (14)
FW Khamul (11)

$$$: -4
Verdict: Aragorn, Bombadil, and Barrow-Wight are gone from the productive offense, but Gandalf and a Nazgul have been brought in to compliment Khamul, so the drop-off should be blunted. At the back they’ve brought in a Fellbeast and of course Shadowfax, so it seems they’ve lost on offense and gained on defense.

The Havens (79)
GK Amandil (6)
DF Annael (5)
DF Imrazor (5)
DF Ar Zimrathan (8)
DF Olwe (10)
MF Eriol (5)
MF Mithrellas (3)
MF Earwen (3)
MF Falastur (9)
MF Cirdan (10)
FW *Earendil (15)

$$$: -5
Verdict: Angrod, Aegnor, and Tuor are gone, but Cirdan has gone forward to fill the gap along with bringing in Falastur. At the back Lindo and Elwing are gone, but Ar-Zimrathan and Imrazor are quality replacements, and Amandil has filled the goal vacated by Cirdan. In the middle Earwen and Andreth are gone, replace by Mithrellas and Eriol. The Havens probably took a little step back, as their defensive improvement probably does not equal their scoring lost.

The Sea (100)
GK Hyarmendacil (8)
DF Osse (9)
DF Salmar (9)
DF Uinen (9)
DF *Ulmo (17)
MF Tar Cirytan (7)
MF Voronwe (7)
MF Tar Meneldur (7)
MF Veantur (7)
MF Tar Aldarion (8)
FW Tar Minastir (12)

$$$: -8
Verdict: Still an expensive squad, with nearly everyone back from last year. Voronwe has taken the departed Eriol’s position in the midfield, while Hyarmendacil was signed to fill the gap between the posts. Hyarmendacil has more talent than Eriol, thus the squad as a whole is slightly better.

Tirion (83)
GK Finarfin (8)
DF Irime (3)
DF Amrod (9)
DF Amras (9)
DF *Caranthir (11)
MF Anaire (3)
MF Eldalote (2)
MF Rumil (4)
MF Mahtan (9)
FW Aredhel (12)
FW Finwe (13)

$$$: 0
Verdict: They broke dead even in salary despite changes. Elenwe and Thorondor are gone from the defense in favor of Caranthir, Amrod, and Amras. Eonwe and Ingwe are gone from the front end, replaced by Rumil and Eldalote, and with Mahtan moving forward. Their salary seems to have it right- they’re built different, but overall they’re probably even.

Valimar (102)
GK *Manwe (14)
DF Amarie (4)
DF Este (8)
DF Vana (8)
DF *Namo (14)
MF Elenwe (3)
MF Ilmare (8)
MF Vaire (8)
MF Irmo (9)
MF Ingwe (11)
FW *Arien (15)

$$$: -15
Verdict: The inflated payroll is under control now, and they have perhaps improved despite the cuts. Amrod and Amras have been replaced with Este and Amarie at the rear, while Ilmare and the Blue Wizard attack is now Irmo, Ingwe, and Arien. Their level is comparable to last year- probably higher due to improved scoring spark.

FC Valinor (107)
GK *Huan (15)
DF Thorondor (13)
DF Indis (7)
DF Maglor (10)
DF *Eonwe (12)
MF Elemmire (4)
MF Findis (4)
MF Argon (7)
MF *Yavanna (10)
FW Celegorm (11)
FW *Curufin (14)

$$$: -6
Verdict: Their front four is back intact, but there are small changes elsewhere. Idril and Irmo are out of the midfield, replaced by Elemmire and Findis. At the back end Penlod and Nahar are out, replaced by Thorondor and Eonwe. So, it is a weaker middle balanced with a stronger back, thus they probably broke even.

Real Valinor (101)
GK *Tulkas (12)
DF Nienna (10)
DF Nahar (5)
DF Ingwion (5)
DF *Tilion (12)
MF Quennar (3)
MF Enerdhil (4)
MF Nessa (10)
FW Nerdanel (12)
FW *Miriel (14)
FW Orome (14)

$$$: +3
Verdict: The defending champs had to spend a bit more this time, and didn’t retain all their pieces, but they found good replacements. Orome has replaced Arien up front, Quennar has replaced Elemmire in the midfield, and Nahar and Ingwion have replaced Rumil and Caranthir at the rear. Most likely they’ve broken even- stepping back every so slightly up front while improving a bit at the rear.

Wilderland (75)
GK Great Warg (5)
DF Finglas (3)
DF Skinbark (3)
DF Oropher (5)
DF Radagast (11)
MF Fimbrethil (3)
MF Iminye (4)
MF Imin (5)
MF Nazgul #3 (8)
FW Thranduil (14)
FW *Scatha (14)

$$$: -10
Verdict: The ent Beechbone is out in favor of the wizard Radagast, but the major changes are up front, where Orome, Galadriel, and Elwe have all ditched. Imin and Iminye will attempt to bridge the gap in the midfield, while Thranduil and a Nazgul will help Scatha with the attack. They’ve lost scoring power, but they’re better behind them, thus the step back perhaps is perhaps not as large as the payroll drop.

The Barrow-Downs (50)
GK Alien (2)
DF Lumpkin (2)
DF GwathWight (3)
DF River Woman (3)
DF Barrow-Wight (11)
MF WilWight (3)
MF Lalwende MP (3)
MF Goldberry (3)
MF Hookbill (6)
FW Saucepan Man (6)
FW *Bombadil (8)

$$$: +13
Verdict: Thanks to a new league minimum and the “Tolkien mandate”, this squad formerly known as “The Downer” will be much improved. Goldberry, River Woman, WilWight and GwathWight are more dependable than some of the old crowd, while adding Bombadil to the front definitely improves scoring potential.

Tol In Gaurhoth (84)
GK *ShastaWolf (10)
DF Draugluin (8)
DF GaladriWight (3)
DF BoroWolf (8)
DF *NilpWolf (10)
MF LegateWight (3)
MF SallyWight (4)
MF NerWight (5)
MF *PhantomWolf (10)
FW Thuringwethil (13)
FW *InzilWolf (10)

$$$: +16
Verdict: Their payroll has gone up more than any squad, and predictably there’s a rise in talent. InzilWight is rumored to be a quality replacement Werewolf up front, and bringing Thuringwethil in on the attack and Draugluin on the defense certainly raises the bar on expectations.

[Nogrod]

Here is the AKMs first analysis on groups C and E which the AKM will be watching really close this year according to the new pact made between the big media-houses. But don't you worry: the AKM will not forget the other groups either. It is just that groups C and E will be our main focus this season.

So without further ado...


Group C, Doriath

Doriath
2012: budget 84 million, qualified to 1st round / earned 80mil. (-4)
2013 budget 70 million (-14): slightly weaker offence.

Hithlum
2012: budget 86 million, left in the group phase / earned 60 mil. (-26)
2013 budget 101 million (+15): clearly stronger and more balanced.

Real Valinor
2012: budget 104 million, Champions / earned 140 mil. (+36)
2013 budget 101 million (-3): two huge losses (1xDF & 1xFW).

Shire-Bree United
2012: budget 72 million, made it to the quarterfinals / earned 95 mil. (+23)
2013 budget 68 million (-4): defence slightly better, offence lost.


Last year’s champions, Real Valinor, meets a bunch or weaker sides? It would be quite bold to predict the last season’s winners to be left in the group-phase, but to think they would win it left-handedly would be as stupid – and the AKM thinks they have to perform pretty solidly to advance in the first place (which the AKM thinks they will do though).

Whichever way one looks at different groups, this is one of the tough ones and surviving it will be an achievement in it’s own right.


Hithlum – Hithlum’s last season was a big disappointment. Their group was by consent of many commentators the second toughest of all and with all the teams drawing their games they were left to the group stage with the number of goals scored – something that should never happen to a team where Túrin plays.

But many commentators also agreed that Túrin didn’t have the support he’d need – even if his father and Hador Lórindol himself, both remarkable players, were there behind him. He needed one man… well, an elf to help him – and now he’s back! With Beleg Cuthalion (2+3 / 4 games in Doriath last season) by his side once more there might be no easy way, well no way, to stop Túrin Turambar this season.

Hithlum has also toughened their downstairs by replacing in many ways valiant escorts Grithnir and Gethron by a bit tougher sons of Hador, lord Galdor the Tall (Túrin’s grandpa) and his brother Gundor. And to top that, they have also recruited a Balrog in their defence.

In an interesting move, Hithlum has signed Galdor’s son Huor – who passed the last season – to the goal. And with that one can see that team Hithlum is coming more and more a family affair. And with a family like that one can only predict problems for those opposing it.

And they are investing it big time this year! It’s a kind of flourish or perish -game for them now. That sounds like their family as well.

The AKM prediction: will qualify


Real Valinor – It is a total mystery why Real Valinor would give up Arien. It was not only that she was the clutch-player of the team, it’s biting teeth – and one of the best forwards in the whole Arda to begin with – but also that she formed a beautifully working trio with Miriel and Nerdanel. Replacing Arien (6+1 in six games last year) with Oromë (0+1 in three) doesn’t sound like a good deal whatever way you look at it, even if you liked Oromë very much.

But they also let Caranthir go away. On top of the intelligence and skilfulness of Rumil, Nienna and Tilion, Caranthir brought backbone and strength (and brutality to scare the opponents) to the defence. Now replacing him and Rumil with Ingwë’s son Ingwion and Nahar from FC Valinor could be seen as bringing forth some toughness, but it is clear the two won’t replace Caranthir as a threat to the offensive players of the opposing team.

That said, Real Valinor looks still a quality team and one that should qualify from group C. But it would be a miracle should they find themselves in the final this year. So did someone just cash in or what happened? They weren’t lacking in cash and their deals look like bad ones.

The AKM prediction: qualifies more probably than not


Doriath – Now Doriath could be said to be the real black horse of the group. It is a team of quality and they could have gone further in the tournament last season hadn’t they met a team as strong as Eriador on the first round of the play-offs. On the group-stage they only lost to Anfaughlith just so, draw with the mighty AC Beleriand and beat Nargothrond. That is a remarkable statistic.

But… and then there is the “but”. From last year they have lost two key players Beleg (2+3 / 4 games) and Lúthien (1+1) from their midfield. Now getting Elwë Singollo to play with his wife Melian sure is a boost to the moral of the team – and signing Elwing from the Havens to the defence is a strengthening move – but somehow it feels it just doesn’t do the trick – especially in a group as tough as this one.

In a way Doriath looks more solid than last year but it just lacks certain flare. Can Thingol fill in for both Beleg and Lúthien? Are their defences solid enough to take on both Hithlum and Real Valinor? They have to beat at least one of the two to qualify…

The AKM prediction: has a chance to qualify if plays superbly


Shire-Bree United – Many were surprised with how far the Shire-Bree went last year, but then again the teams they faced were total jokes (The Downer), were just playing much poorer most anticipated (Angband and T-I-G) or got through because of a lousy group (Gondor). AC Beleriand nailed them 3-0 and that kind of tells everything about their quality last season.

Well, not all. There was actually a reason for them to succeed as far as they did, and it was that they were scoring heavily the last year – until they met with a quality defence aka. AC Beleriand who just shut them out. But with The Barrow-Wight, Strider and especially Tom Bombadill now gone they have suddenly lost 75% of their goals – and at the same time the only weapon they had last year.

Now they have improved their defence considerably with Fellbeast and a Nazgul from Mordor and Shadowfax – who came with Gandalf, who is in turn trying to take care of the scoring with the only scorer from the last season remaining, Khamûl.

So they have a better defence this time around – but they are going to need it as this year they’re facing offensive powers gazillion times better they met last year in the group phase. Their midfield is mostly crap (Butterbur & Ferny!), but can they score to stay on with the games? Many have waited for Gandalf’s magic to materialize on the football field in vain for years – will it emerge from somewhere this year? Probably not.

The AKM prediction: most likely stays in the group phase




Group E / Erebor


Erebor
2012: budget 103 million, 4th place / earned 115 mil. (+12)
2013 budget 94 million (-9): two big losses (1xDF & 1xFW).

Eriador
2012: budget 99 million, 2nd place / earned 130 mil. (+31)
2013: budget 103 million (+4): defence changed - a questionmark, offence slightly weaker.

Misty Mountains
2012: budget 62 million, left in the group phase / earned 60 mil. (-2)
2013 budget 76 million (+14): stronger defence.

Wilderland
2012: budget 85 million, left in the group phase / earned 60 mil. (-25)
2013 budget 75 million (-10): weaker MF, stronger DF & FW.


Two semifinalists from the last season take up two teams that were left into the group-phase. So with the overwhelming odds the two great teams fly forwards leaving the other two once again to struggle? Well, not so fast here either. The history or the budgets don’t predict success that well and bad drafts can change things.

Especially Wilderland has a chance to beat teams with superior budgets – if Scatha and Thranduil find a common tune…


Eriador – Last year’s silver medalists have spent 4 million more to their team this year but it is an open question whether they are a better team now. And the questionmarks (two questions basically) are clear.

First: changing the Witch King (4+1 / 6 games last season) for Isildur (0+2 / 3 games) might be a righteous move to build up moral integrity, but is it a good deal gamewise? They did lose a third of their goals with the Witch King anyway. Now Glorfindel is a quality forward and Arveleg proved his worth the last season – and the surprise signing NogWight (2+0 / 3 games – as a NogWolf) might prove valuable or then not – but the question remains, can they fill the void the Witch King leaves?

Secondly: they say “don’t change a winning team”. Now what was the key to their succes the last year was that they didn’t let the other teams to score. Most of the glory here surely goes to Elrond keeping the goal safe. But surely the defence had their part in it – and now it has been turned around. Malbeth the Seer has been sold away, Araphant has been moved to the middlefield, and defending midfielder Valandil has been sold as well. What they got in their place is Arwen (former MF) and Aragorn (former FW, as Strider) in defence with hefty 10 million deals each – now one might make a question about nepotism. Well the fans should pray they can indeed defend…

Will Eriador play for the Cup this year? They have it what it takes to win a lot of tough adversaries – if their downstairs work as well as it did the previous years and Elrond’s magic endures. But will they reach the finals – and turn their silver into gold? Probably not.

The AKM prediction: qualifies


Erebor – Erebor’s success last year was a huge surprise for many. But they did have a solid team – and Beorn broke through as one of the top goalkeepers of the game in Arda. With their success and prize-money one would have thought they would have strengthened their team but it seems they are spending 9 million less this year albeit the money they gathered from the last year. So are they even willing to succeed this year? Are the Dwarves and Mr. Moneybags just piling the money into a treasury or what is it?

Well, what else could be gathered from the fact that they gave away their leading defender Gwaihir (10) and one of the leading scorers Thranduil (13) and replaced them with Thorin (5) and the newcomer Brand (3)? Beorn only got a 2 million raise into his salary but for example Bard plays with the same 8 million contract he played the last year (one could imagine both could have had quite easily better deals from other teams).

If the owners are cynically counting that their team is going to qualify with the lesser budget so as to make nice returns one would hope the team would fail miserably – but it is a good team still and one would hope all the best for the great players in the team.

The AKM prediction: a good chance to qualify


Wilderland – Wilderland is one of those interesting teams you never know what they are capable of. Last year they had quite a strong team on paper but failed to qualify. For this season they have changed quite a lot (almost half of the team has changed) and they have used 10 million less into their team… but once again it looks like they have their chances to qualify, at least on paper.

They have lost three 15 million players up front: Elwë and Galadriel from the midfield and Oromë from the attack. But they still have Scatha and they have somehow acquired Thranduil from Erebor (2+3 / 6 games) to replace the two elves – and a Nazgul from Mordor to play the MF number 10-place. So suddenly their much less costly offence starts to look quite a threat with a formidable pairing of Scatha and Thranduil backed by a Nazgul.

Also on defence they have made a positive-looking change getting rid of Beechbone and replacing him with Radagast.

So Wilderland is making a better-looking team with less money, but will it be enough? A lot depends on how Scatha is playing (last year was a slight disappointment) and will Thranduil deliver in his new environment.

The AKM prediction: could qualify indeed (stress on the word “could”)


Misty Mountains – The Misty Mountains didn’t exactly impress one the last season. Durin’s Bane is a quality striker and Azog & Narvi are not bad players, but they failed to deliver as a team last year. They jut weren’t good enough.

This time around it might be a bit different though as they are spending a little bit more – and into the area that will make the opposition’s game just that inch harder… so it might even pay off. Kicking the stupid trolls Tom and Bert out from their defence and replacing them with none less than Gwaihir the lord of the eagles and Caradhras itself could be called a serious improvement.

They gave also changed their goalkeeper from the Great Goblin (now MF) to the Chief Wolf (former DF). Only time will tell whether that is a good or a bad move. But overall, even if they would not be the top scoring team of the Arda Cup 13, it will be harder to score against them this year. And let’s not forget that both Eriador and Erebor have given away their best scorers…

But will that be enough to qualify against last season’s 2nd, 4th andWilderland?

The AKM prediction: will probably not qualify



More pre-season commentary and even some results fro the friendlies to come on the AKM. Stay tuned!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

It was almost five years ago when the very first match in the inaugural Arda Cup tournament was played between Michel Delving and Rómenna at Rivendell. Since then there have been 320 games of drama, disappointments, and displays of willpower and skill in the premier Cup completion in Arda.

Three of the media partners of the Arda Cup, Tar-Eldar Network Television, Middle Earth Sports Programming Network, and the Two Towers Network, present a look back at the best moments of the five previous Arda Cups.

2008
The first ever edition remained the only Arda Cup tournament Fëanor has ever won thus far. His Formenos squad comprised all his sons, grandson Celebrimbor, niece Aredhel, and Huan at goal. The 2008 Arda Cup also featured the only time Fëanor and Túrin met on the pitch, in the final game no less.

It was, however, the game immediately before that, the third-place tie between Tol-in-Gaurhoth and Armenelos, that became our writers’ pick as the most memorable:

Originally Posted by the phantom

I [. . .] recall the bronze match being a lot of fun, with TIG defeating Armenelos with the storyline that they time-wasted until the moon came out and they became Werewolves, heh heh.

Originally Posted by Boromir88

I agree with [the phantom], the Bronze match between TIG and [Armenelos] was a gem. In how the wolves delayed the game long enough to turn into wolf form and just storm back to bruise up those haughty Numenoreans. Only to make their exit with the Bronze trophy before Mablung's guard arrived.

2009
Our writers agree that the most memorable story from the second Arda Cup was upstarts Mirkwood making it all the way to the semifinals, beating contenders Túna and Valimar along the way.

Originally Posted by Boromir88

[The surprise upset of the tournament] has to be Mirkwood's win against Valimar in the quarter-finals. It was the only game I predicted wrong, and in fact Valimar's score was the only one I got wrong in the quarters that year, of course it's shocking!

The Phantom of MESPN even suggested that Mirkwood’s Cinderella run had an effect on Armenelos’s title chance:

Originally Posted by the phantom

The two teams I remember from this tournament- Mirkwood and Armenelos. The Numenoreans were solid and added the talent of Sauron to the mix so obviously they were good, but if I'm not mistaken I had three or four teams ranked ahead of them in my estimation (Hithlum and Valimar, and some combination of Tuna or Angband or Utumno). And Mirkwood wasn't considered a very realistic title threat at all.

But then Mirkwood pulled an overtime upset over Tuna despite getting beaten in all other stats, and then they upset Valimar in a shootout. It was quite a run, and it also kept Armenelos from having to play one of those other squads in the semis.

2010
There was not much consensus as to what the best moment of the 2010 Arda Cup. Valimar’s shock defeat against Norbury was acknowledged, as well as Vinyamar’s run to the final, and, of course, who could forget Arien’s solo performance (two goals, two assists, and a red card drawn against Glaurung) against Thangorodrim in the last group stage matchday. But there was no single moment that defined that tournament. Here is instead a collection of five games from our three writers:

Originally Posted by the phantom

I seem to remember that the anticipation ahead of the Gondolin vs Tirion quarterfinal was especially big that year- both looked very good going in, and I think maybe Nog called it "what should've been the final". (That was the year that Tirion had Finwe-Feanor-Miriel-Nerdanel, and after group play Nerdanel led the whole field with 22 points).

But my favorite game that year had to be Vinyamar defeating The Barrow-Downs. As sad as the result was, it made for a great story. (That was the game where it was all Urwen's fault that the Downs lost, ha ha.)

Originally Posted by Boromir88

Gondolin - Vinyamar Finals [was the best]. (Even though I think the semi matches were a bit more thrilling) Gondolin's win in the finals clinched my rightful Phantasy title [. . .] [And a surprise upset was] Norbury's defeat of [Valimar] in the Round of 16. Araphor continuing his knack for scoring big goals late, and in pressure situations.

Originally Posted by Nilpaurion Felagund

In the semifinals, Gondolin went two goals behind to an Utumno team that had never yet conceded in five games, but Fingolfin and company would not be denied, forcing extra time and then pinching a winner through Maeglin’s free kick.

2011
It was a rare confluence of dominance and brilliance—the 2011 champions also produced the most memorable moment of the tournament.

Originally Posted by the phantom

Well the biggest standout here is obviously Doriath, putting together the most successful overall tournament of any squad (big surprise, given the roster). It was also cool that the other streaking super-team got to the finals as well (Tol-In-Gaurhoth), so it was a clash of the titans (though the final game didn't turn out as close as I hoped for drama).

Originally Posted by Nilpaurion Felagund

Doriath and Tol-in-Gaurhoth crushed all before them, including an exciting Valinor team featuring the Arien-Míriel-Nerdanel combo up front and an Angband side desperate for the Cup (both falling 3-1 to Doriath), as well as a resurgent team of Númenóreans in Westernesse, and Pelóri, the team where Manwë finally found the balance between defensive solidity and goalscoring (both losing to TiG). It’s fitting that these two juggernauts met in the final, and equally fitting that the only team to win every game by at least a two-goal margin won with a two-goal margin. 2011 Doriath may have been the catalyst for the drastic financial changes to be implemented the very next year, so dominating they were.

2012
The first tournament after the implementation of various reforms brought about an evening of the playing field—and more drama. The pre-tournament favourites FC Valinor toyed around with their rivals Real Valinor with an aggregate score of 5-1, but they were shockingly eliminated in a tense penalty shootout against Erebor. It was, however, the sheer drama of the semifinal ties that year stole our writers’ imaginations.

Originally Posted by Nilpaurion Felagund

The semifinals, wow! Real vs AC Bel: You knew Arien was on-form that day—every decision she made was spot-on. You also expected Fëanor to rally his troops after going two goals behind, but Real showed steel and cunning, holding back AC Bel’s frightening attack and instigating counterattacks to keep Fingolfin and company on their toes.

And the other semifinal, Eriador vs Erebor, was slightly better for drama. Two solid teams from back to front nicking a goal each in ninety minutes, a wonderful goal crafted by the Witch-king and Glorfindel in extra time, and an Elrond penalty save against Smaug just before the final whistle. Just a cracking pair of games.

Originally Posted by Boromir88

The two semi-finals were spectacular and gave a chance to finally insert the TTN - AKM feud somewhat. I'm going to pick the Middle-earth semi though between Erebor and Eriador. Elrond's masterful performance and the Witch-King's OT goal put Eriador into the finals against Real Valinor.

Originally Posted by the phantom

I [. . .] recall that the semis between Real and AC was quite the buildup and match.

And there you have it: the most memorable Arda Cup moments from 2008 to 2012. From all of us at TENT, TTN, and MESPN, happy 5th Anniversary to the Arda Cup, and here’s to five more years of great games.

[the phantom]

Teams Preparing With Friendlies
Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

In order to ensure that their players are prepared to compete at the highest level, all Arda Cup teams will be playing two friendlies before heading to their sites for group play. With only two games to prepare, it can be assumed that the teams will be fairly focused and playing to the best of their abilities.

No one will be playing friendlies against a team from their group, so there shouldn't be any worry about holding back in anticipation of a repeat game (unless they meet them again in the playoffs, of course).

The slate of games for the first round of friendlies features many contests to look forward to, among them-

Angband vs Hithlum- Turin, Hurin and friends go into battle against Morgoth himself. Talk about a grudge-match.

The Sea vs Valimar- Ulmo and his water-loving pals will engage some of his Vala brethren, in what should be a showcase in mistake-free execution and tactics.

Doriath vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth- A rematch of the championship game two seasons ago, Tol In Gaurhoth will be out for revenge, and Doriath will be keen to deny them.

Shire-Bree United vs The Barrow-Downs- The new look squad from the Downs wants to prove they're a serious team now, while their Gandalf-led neighbors look to duplicate last year's playoff form.

Imladris vs Misty Mts- These two neighbors will again strive to claim regional dominance, in a feud that is certain to bring out a bit of bad blood.

Isengard vs Rohan- Speaking of bad blood, surely there will be great incentive to claim victory here for these two neighbors.

FC Valinor vs Real Valinor- In what is surely the most anticipated match, these two squads will meet for the third time in less than a year. FC gave Real more than they could handle in their previous meetings, but Real got the last laugh by winning last year's championship trophy.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Elenrod: Good evening, and welcome to The Matchday, the show for discerning football fans. Normally we cover the Elvish Premier League, but it’s about time we have a go at the Arda Cup. I’m your host, Elenrod of TENT, and with me today is our resident tactics expert, Maikalomion.

Maikalomion: Mae govannen.

Elenrod: And ArdaCup.com’s columnist on disclaimers, Adam Smith.

Adam : Hi. Not the economist.

Elenrod: Not the economist. Blogger and hostage Felagundion is also here.

Felagundion: I’ve yet to decide if this is better than paying the damages.

Elenrod: It’s $60 million for hijacking our Group G matchday 2 broadcast last year, by the way.

Adam: Oof. I hope you have a Gondolin bank account.

Elenrod: Indeed. So, where do we start, then?

Adam: Gondolin-Tirion at Tumladen Park.

Gondolin 0-2 Tirion
on target 3-7
tot shots 12-15
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Mahtan (Finwë)
*37, 0-2 Aredhel (Finwë)
YELLOW CARDS:
*GDN- Galdor, Salgant
*TIR- Caranthir

Elenrod: So, they held the game at Tumladen Park because the Song of Stone Stadium—

Felagundion: Stadium on the Rock.

Elenrod: Pardon?

Felagundion: Song of Stone Insurance is a Premier League sponsor, but not an Arda Cup one. So we should call it ‘Stadium on the Rock’.

Elenrod: Oh, okay. So, they held it at Tumladen Park because Stadium on the Rock will be used for most of Group B’s games.

Adam: Except one of the last group stage games, to comply with the Arda Cup rule on games on the last day being played simultaneously. That’s when they’ll use Tumladen Park again.

Elenrod: Right. So, Maika, what went wrong for Gondolin? Many have said that Gondolin lost because they sat back and preferred to play on the break instead of taking the game to Tirion. They do have the better midfielders, after all.

Maika : But it was the right tactic for Gondolin. Salgant and Duilin might be better passers, better at going forward, but they can’t shield their defenders well. And Gondolin’s back four aren’t really that good, and the only one who’s quality, Penlod, isn’t suited to playing a high line. He’s better off with his back to the goal where he can see the play before him, so his positional intelligence, his intercepting, and his aerial prowess can be brought to bear. But he’s not comfortable when he’s forced to turn and run after attackers.

Elenrod: So how did Tirion score twice against a Gondolin side that set out to defend?

Adam: I noticed how Aredhel pinned back Penlod, leaving Aranwë to deal with Finwë. And he just dominated the poor father of Voronwë in the air.

Maika: That’s the advantage of having two genuine centre forwards up top. You can dictate the match-up to the opposing centre-backs. A lot of two-forward formations last year had only one centre forward who’s paired with a second striker who usually started from the wings and roamed around looking for space. You had Glorfindel, Eöl, Bombadil, and Maeglin playing that way. Anyway, Finwë was clearly Tirion’s avenue of attack. Rúmil and Caranthir peppered the box with crosses for him.

Adam: And their strategy was successful—two of his knock-downs were converted by Mahtan and Aredhel.

Elenrod: And then during the second half, I saw Penlod and Aranwë switch marking duties, and Finwë was silenced. Is that right?

Felagundion: That’s right. Finwë couldn’t win in an aerial battle with Penlod the Tall—at least, not comfortably.

Elenrod: So Gondolin were able to blunt Tirion’s attack. But how come they couldn’t get back into the game? What was the problem with their offence?

Maika: The defenders and Rog were terrible in their distribution, and Mahtan and Rúmil marked Idril and Elemmakil well. Remember, counterattacking depends on getting the ball as quickly as possible to the forwards, usually via long balls from the defence or wingers who scamper quickly up the pitch. Often Tuor had to win long balls on the flanks, where he was then trapped by the full-back, the wide midfielder, and the centre-back on that side of the pitch. He’s not bad with the ball on the ground, but he can’t dribble past three markers; that’s Maeglin’s specialty. But Maeglin can’t win long balls like Tuor can.

Elenrod: I guess that’s it for Gondolin-Tirion. How about Dagor Bragollach? Anfauglith vs AC Beleriand at Mithrim’s Lakeside Arena.

AC Beleriand 2-1 Anfauglith
on target 7-3
tot shots 17-10
GOALS:
*19, 0-1 Gothmog (Balrog #3)
*64, 1-1 Angrod (Eöl)
*78, 2-1 Aegnor (Fëanor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ACB- Imlach, Ulrad
*ANF- Haldir, Balrog #2, Gelmir

Adam: The opener for that game was fantastic! Balrog #3 breaks up an AC Bel attack and sends a long ball forward. Then Gothmog and Ecthelion, both aerial experts, confuse Imlach and Rochallor by switching positions. Poor Rochallor ends up getting matched against the Lord of the Balrogs, who predictably wins the header. He turns on Fingolfin’s horse and slams a piledriver home. Poor Marach at the AC Bel goal never stood a chance.

Elenrod: But then AC Bel mounts a comeback in the second half.

Maika: Yes, and they also showed that they don’t miss Beren that much on offence. They fielded a 4-2-3-1, with Fëanor just behind Eöl up top, instead of the other way around as you’d expect. Anfauglith’s defence didn’t know what to do, especially with Eöl still running all over the pitch as usual. And Angrod and Aegnor were brilliant—they started out wide, as expected, but their runs were direct, goalward, like what Beleg and Lúthien did for Doriath last year. That front four just played their first real game—well, it’s a friendly, but at least it’s not a practise match—and they were already combining excellently. They’d be a handful for any defence in the tournament.

Elenrod: All right. Now, let’s indulge one of our guests here and move on to Nargothrond-Armenelos at the High Faroth Arena.

Armenelos 3-3 Nargothrond
on target 9-7
tot shots 21-17
GOALS:
*7, 0-1 Nienor (Gwindor)
*28, 1-1 Elros (Ar-Adûnakhôr)
*42, 1-2 Finduilas (Finrod)
*59, 2-2 Ar-Pharazôn (Tar-Míriel)
*72, 3-2 Ar-Pharazôn (Tar-Ancalimon)
*85, 3-3 Glaurung (Nienor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ARM- Ar-Gimilzôr, Tar-Calmacil
*NGR- Arminas, Guilin

Felagundion: Finally!

Elenrod: So, Felagundion, tell me about what Nargothrond are doing just outside their gates.

Felagundion: Don’t mind if I do. They’re building a second stadium, Narog Bridge, in order to comply with Arda Cup’s new group stage hosting rules. They’re trying to win a hosting bid for the quarterfinals this year, but they want to host a group again sometime in the future.

Elenrod: Best of luck, then. So, the game. Six goals, thirty-eight shots—this was an open game.

Felagundion: A frantic one. Finrod said afterwards that they deliberately played that way—they wanted to test their attack-to-defence transition. It was still poor, but you can see some improvements—the previous Nargothrond back line would have conceded four or more to Armenelos.

Adam: And Armenelos look like a mess because they’re testing a back three, with Tar-Míriel and Tar-Ancalimon as wing-backs.
 
Maika: Wing-back is one of the most demanding positions in football. They’re listed as midfielders, but they have to help out both in attack and defence. That’s especially true in a 3-5-2, since the back three are all central defenders and the front two are both centre forwards. All of a team’s width, both at the front and the back, comes from the wing-backs.

Adam: That position requires a crazy amount of stamina to go up and down the pitch for ninety minutes, as well as crossing ability and positional sense to know when to go forward and when to stay back.

Maika: They’d probably try all their midfielders to see which pair works best. Except Elros; he’s their number ten, just behind Ar-Pharazôn and Ar-Adûnakhôr.

Elenrod: That’s enlightening stuff. But I hear Finrod also fielded an unusual shape.

Felagundion: Yes, he did. Finrod and Gwindor started as a front two, with Glaurung just behind them, so that the Father of Dragons could start in his preferred spot between the lines of opposition defence and midfield.

Maika: He’s their number ten, though he’s not much of a playmaker like a traditional number ten is. He’s playing more of a Bard role in last year’s Erebor, playing between the lines, then making sudden runs against overloaded defences.

Felagundion: And it worked, at least at first. Finrod went deep and Gwindor went right, to their preferred positions, dragging Tar-Palantir and Tar-Calmacil with them. Poor Tar-Telperiën was all alone dealing with runs from Glaurung, Nienor, and Finduilas.

Maika: Those two ladies are an excellent fit to Nargothrond’s system. They’re decent tacklers so they can help on the defence, and they have an instinct for making those sudden explosive runs at the right time.

Elenrod: But in the second half, Armenelos make their comeback with a Golden double.

Maika: Yes. Ar-Gimilzôr and Tar-Telemmaitë in the Armenelos midfield sat deeper to contain Nargothrond’s midfield runs. This defensive shift gave the wing-backs greater license to push forward, and they crossed for both of Ar-Pharazôn’s goals.

Elenrod: Then Glaurung’s equaliser happened.

Felagundion: Nienor sends a hasty cross right in the space between the triangle of Tar-Telperiën and the Armenelos midfielders. Tar-Telperiën moves forward to clear it, but on comes Glaurung, seemingly out of nowhere, to claim it. He flicks it upward a little, just beyond the Queen’s reach, turns on her, and then tails home a screamer. The stadium went wild.

Elenrod: I’m sure they did. Well, we’re almost out of time, so on to the last game: Inter Beleriand vs The Havens at Himring’s Ever-Cold Arena, another game of six goals.

Inter Beleriand 3-3 The Havens
on target 8-9
tot shots 17-18
GOALS:
*17, 1-0 Beren (Maedhros)
*31, 1-1 Eärendil (Eärwen)
*42, 1-2 Eärendil (Falastur)
*58, 2-2 Maedhros (Fingon)
*68, 2-3 Círdan (Olwë)
*79, 3-3 Fingon (Haleth)
YELLOW CARDS:
*INB- Forweg
*HAV- Mithrellas

Elenrod: If you squint hard enough you’ll see that it’s almost like the previous game we discussed. A striker scores a brace, but his team concedes a late equaliser.

Adam: Except the brace was completed in the first half. But yeah, Eärendil. He’s at the tip of the Haven’s 4-2-3-1/4-4-1-1- hybrid, with Círdan just behind him and Falastur and Eärwen taking the place of wide midfielders Angrod and Aegnor. And they’re almost as good as the ones they replaced, at least in this game. It was their crosses that Eärendil converted for his double.

Maika: And the combination between Inter’s front two and Beren was about as seamless as those of their rivals AC Bel. Well, the partnership between Maedhros and Fingon is almost telepathic by now—no surprise, as they’ve been playing for more than four years now.

Felagundion: The only time they weren’t teammates was the very first Arda Cup. That’s just… wow.

Elenrod: I agree. How’s that for commitment? I also saw that both teams’ supporting cast aren’t bad.

Adam: Yeah, Inter’s Haleth is a handful down the flanks; he’s just crazy fast in a straight-line dash. And Havens full-back Olwë times his forward surges well, so he doesn’t leave space behind him often and he with his daughter can overload the opposing right-back to get crosses in for Eärendil and Círdan.

Elenrod: Marvellous stuff. And with that we come to the end of our program. Tune in again next time for another Matchday analysis of the friendlies, as well as our team previews and tournament prediction. Many thanks to Maika, to Adam, and to Felagundion. From all of us here: namárië for now.

[the phantom]

With only two rounds of friendlies this year, and a promise of no rematches in groups, the practice games have seen excellent attendance and viewership- not to mention a slightly higher level of play. Checking in on the most recent round of games, first at Taniquetil...

The Sea 1-0 Valimar
on target 5-2
tot shots 13-9
GOALS:
*38, 1-0 Tar Minastir (Tar Meneldur)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Sea- Voronwe, Osse
*Valimar- Este

A low-scoring affair here, but not bad to watch. Both squads showed respectable offensive chops, but the defenses were generally more than a match for them, and there was no rhythm to be found. Arien seemed a bit frustrated, perpetually shadowed by Osse or Uinen, stuck to her like a wet shirt. And in fact she may have been right to gripe at the officials, as the sea-folk were continually dousing her flames by splashing water on her. In the end The Sea proved stingier, and Amarie and Este got crossed up on assignments leaving Tar Minastir an avenue to the net.

And at Bree...

Shire-Bree United 2-1 The Barrow-Downs
on target 6-4
tot shots 13-13
GOALS:
*39, 1-0 Gandalf (Ferny)
*60, 1-1 Bombadil (Saucepan Man)
*86, 2-1 Khamul (Gandalf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*SBUnt- Nazgul#4, Shadowfax, Bandobras, Ferny
*BDowns- GwathWight, Hookbill, LalwendeMP

Though most of the offense departed, it seems SBree can still score with Gandalf plugged in, and their defense did look more impressive than last season. But The Downs still gave them a game and made them work for the win, highlighted by a brilliant run by Bombadil (who else?).

Meanwhile, at Goblin Town...

Imladris 2-2 Misty Mts
on target 7-6
tot shots 16-16
GOALS:
*16, 1-0 Elladan (Arahael)
*37, 1-1 Orophin (Narvi)
*65, 2-1 Elrohir (Lindir)
*84, 2-2 Azog (Orophin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Imlad- Galdor, Elladan, Erestor, Celebrian, Arahael, Elrohir
*MMts- Azog, GreatGoblin, William, Rumil, Caradhras, DBane
RED CARDS:
*Imlad- Elladan (29, second yellow)
*MMts- Great Goblin (48, second yellow)

A lot of cards were handed out here, and honestly a couple others should've been booted off if only the refs had spotted what they were doing. Evidently the sons of Elrond haven't forgiven the captivity and torture of their mother, nor have the goblins forgotten the piles of goblins they slew in revenge. Goals were generally scored on account of one player or another getting thrown down or injured (or epically failing to do so to another) leaving an opening for the offense. At the start the game went more the way of Imaldris, but the open field that resulted from the send-offs seemed to favor Misty, and at the finish they were looking less ragged.

And finally at Helm's Deep...

Isengard 1-2 Rohan
on target 5-6
tot shots 13-14
GOALS:
*32, 0-1 Eowyn (Faramir)
*36, 1-1 Saruman (Lugdush)
*63, 1-2 Helm (Faramir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isen- Mauhur, Wormtongue, Wulf
*Rohan- Erkenbrand, Brytta, Snowmane

Many were expected similar violence in this clash, but with a couple Ents on the Isengard side and Saruman exerting great control over his bunch, it was a rather ordinary match. The Rohan defense did a fine job denying Saruman touches, and in the end Helm himself made the difference, as Faramir and Eowyn sucked in the Ent defenders with some nice ball work then hung it up for Helm and he beat Mauhur and Lugdush for it.

[Nogrod]

We see some of our competitors have moved into a kind of “Sport Studio” –set up and have hired “analysts” (read: entertainers) to push up their ratings. Here in the AKM we do believe in the old virtues of journalistic excellence and deep understanding of the game. Therefore it will be, once again, Ugr Nogrendale who delivers to you our readers the spot-on analyses and stats for all the games the AKM will cover this season. Just remember that last year’s Phantasy Game winner Nogrod made all his decisions mostly relying on the AKM’s analysis and suggestions.

So the first round of friendly games – before the Arda Cup finally kicks off – has been underway for the last few days here and there around Arda. The AKM has been following four games more closely. Here’s what Mr. Nogrendale thinks you should learn from them.


~*~


FC Valinor vs. Real Valinor

FC Valinor beat Real Valinor last year two times (2-1 and 3-0) and left nothing to question about the power-balance between the two teams. Yet in the end Real Valinor went on to claim the championship. So it was an interesting match-up to see the two teams meeting once again in the pre-season friendlies.

For this year both teams have cut down their spending – especially FC Valinor has done it, even though more by cutting the salaries of its players than plainly hiring cheaper ones. Boosting up their defence has led to the scaling down of their midfield and that could be seen in the game. So unlike last season when FC Valinor had a sovereign control of the ball around the field, this time Real Valinor had an even possession. And the game was much more equal on every level.

Argon and Yavanna looked more than solid behind the brothers Celegorm and Curufin and were always dangerous coming towards Real’s goal. And with the energy of the brothers FC Valinor was indeed shooting more than Real did.

On Real’s side especially lifting Nessa into a more forward role while moving Enerdhil into a bit more backing-up position was clearly a good idea making Real’s attacks roll more fluently – and if Oromë didn’t exactly shine with his new company of ladies he did well by their side. Tilion on the other hand clearly showed some new energy. Could it then really be that Tilion only shines when Arien is not around?

Buying Eonwë and Thorondor to defend their goal has clearly upgraded FC Valinor’s core-defence but as they have needed to cut the costs somewhat at the same time (they still spend a hefty 107 mil.) their weakness looks to be found now on the midfield where Elemmirë and Indis (4 mil. each) are no substitution for Irmö and Idril (10 mil each). Huan’s saving percentage of just 66% might make some worried, but Huan has been consistently one of the best goalies throughout the history of the Arda Cup and so the AKM wouldn’t worry about that at this point of the season.

The AKM was worried about Real’s defence as soon as the news of them selling Caranthir away was heard. How would they succeed without the “bad cop” in their defence, especially against some of the tougher offences? Well they managed perfectly fine: Nahar and Ingwion kept both Curufin and Celegorm at bay at least as well as Caranthir and Rumil had done. If they keep up the good work, then Nienna nad Tilion have a trusted pair to clear their defences – even giving Tilion leeway to take paet in the offence every once in a while.

There’s one more interesting detail to be mentioned. Elemmírë changed from Real Valinor to FC Valinor for this season, but s/he had to be compensated one million more in salary to make the move. So in the middle of all this cost-cutting it seems Elemmírë is one of the few who got their salaries raised.


The game: a synopsis

FC Valinor came into the game with full force and many thought it would go like the last season. That feeling seemed to be justified with Celegorm scoring from a corner given by Argon at about the half an hour mark. But Real Valinor pulled their act together and started pressing back – and it actually took them only ten minutes to even the score from Tilion’s superb back-door run into the box.

FC Valinor was the more active team again in the beginning of the second half but Real soon got them bogged down and started making some pretty neat counterplay – slowly taking ownership of the midfield led by Nessa’s masterful touch on the ball and eye for distributing it to the right places.

In the middle of a game that looked like it was turning into Real’s favour Yavanna got away from the Real defenders and chipped Curufin’s off target shot in. FC was not going to let Real draw the scores another time, but even their strengthened defence couldn’t stop Nessa this day. From Oromë’s nice pass she finalised the score into 2-2 with a beautiful bicycle-kick from the corner of the box.

In the end both teams seemed content to the draw. But it is clear the draw was a great boost to Real Valinor who now for the first time managed to leave the field from a game against FC Valinor not as losers. FC Valinor on the other hand has some concerns – even if one could say that drawing a game against last year’s champions is not a bad result indeed.

General notion:
Be that as it may, both teams will again be among the top teams this season.

FC Valinor 2-2 Real Valinor
on target 7-6
tot shots 19-14
GOALS:
*29, 1-0 Celegorm (Argon)
*41, 1-1 Tilion (Miriel)
*70, 2-1 Yavanna (Curufin)
*77, 2-2 Nessa (Orome)
YELLOW CARDS:
*FCVal- Indis, Maglor
*RealV- Tilion, Nahar


~*~

Erebor vs. Minas Tirith

Minas Tirith got all the way to the quarterfinals last year and Erebor made it to the semis. So an action-packed game of two great teams to see here? Sadly no. And the reason for it is clear. Erebor has lost two of their key players and Minas Tirith hasn’t exactly gotten definitively stronger either.

And the original cause of that previous remark about Minas Tirith is of course that they are not – and never were – a good team; at least not a team worth a place in the quarterfinals. Although they might seem a bit more decent bunch this year thanks to the firing of the pathetic Faramir from offence and hiring much more energetic looking Eomer to his place. Although one has to say that after a nice start in the friendlies last year (2+2 in four games) Eomer totally froze when the actual tournament began (1+0 in four games – Faramir actually managed 1+2 in five games).

To put it in no uncertain terms, Minas Tirith was one of the poorest teams to qualify – and did it only because their group was the most pathetic of all – and their adversary in the first round of qualifiers was from the second worse group overall. And they made their way to the quarters via a penalty shoot-out aka. basically only by lady Fortuna.

There is one thing to say on behalf of Minas Tirith though and it is the team spirit and companionship they seem to have around. Everyone is, basically (not Eomer this year), paid the same salary – and facing needs to cut down the expenses they have all cut their wages by one million in the name of their brotherhood. And that must be the reason why their only top-quality player Mardil still plays for the team – for surely there would have been takers for a talent like him.

Erebor would have beaten Minas Tirith last year 3-0 or more. Well, on a bad day only 2-0, but you get what I mean. Comparing to last season Erebor is lacking solidity in their attack and stamina in their defence. No, they have clearly enough of both to beat teams like Minas Tirith, but when it comes to some real games against real quality teams one couldn’t be so sure any more.

On a positive note for Erebor one could mention that Smaug seems to be in top condition and even without Gwaihir their defence hasn’t totally collapsed – and Beorn with his 83% saving-rate seems to be showing for real that he is no one-season-wonder at the goal.


The game: a synopsis

It all started pretty slowly as both teams were trying to test each other out while playing it safe (surely Erebor’s insecurity with their weekened downstairs played a role here), but the game gathered some speed little by little. And when Mardil headed a nice chip by Eomer into the goal on 31st minute the electricity was on!

Erebor started pressing forwards but found no easy routes behind “the bus” Minas Tirith parked in front of their box. Meanwhile Minas Tirith kept the Erebor team on its toes with their sharp counter-attacks.

On the second half the crowds saw an infuriated team Erebor. They came on with a force reminding one of their team last year. Nazgul #7 and Smaug were constant threats making the central defence of Minas Tirith very uneasy indeed – but they were backed by none other than Bard and Bolg with their sudden runs and imaginative passes, and toughness to match any king of old they had to field.

It took Erebor some ten minutes to even the score. Smaug was in flames!
After the goal the intensivity of the game went a bit down even if of the two teams it was Erebor which seemed not too happy to draw the game. And they got their winning goal in the end when Smaug scored again, this time from a great freeing pass from Nazgul #7 and tailing it to the back of the net giving Denethor in the goal no say on it.

For the last ten minutes Minas Tirith gave all they had to even the game and were actually able to produce a few good chances, but they were in the end denied by Beorn. When the final whistle was blown neither team looked happy: Minas Tirith had looked for a draw and Erebor for a definitive victory.

General notion:
The game proved that Erebor has a lot to improve for the tougher matches and Minas Tirith needs some support from the heavens if they wish to qualify this year from their group.

Erebor 2-1 Minas Tirith
on target 6-6
tot shots 14-14
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Mardil (Eomer)
*57, 1-1 Smaug (Bolg)
*79, 2-1 Smaug (Nazgul#7)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Bolg, Brand
*MTirith- Tarandor, Firefoot


~*~

Dwarves United vs. Wilderland

Dwarves United dropped Wilderland from the qualification last season in the last round of the group-phase by beating them 2-1. And that happened after Wilderland had beaten them 4-1 in the friendlies – and even beaten the afterwards honoured Erebor 2-1 (losing them with the same numbers in the actual group-game).

In popular memories Wilderland seem to be the real heroes of the last season who just failed miserably or ununderstandably as they should have gone far in the tournament. But looking behind the numbers – and especially to the ones played in the real tournament itself and not just in the friendlies – shows that there is a lot of beating around the bush with team Wilderland.

They were a good team (unlike fex. Minas Tirith) and they played some really entertaining as well as effective football the last season, but in a tight place they were just not able to deliver – and to be fair, there was no way they would have earned their place in the top eight anyway. The question then becomes, how could they deliver this year when they have lost lost something like 60% of their scoring-power? Now Thranduil is a nice steal and a Nazgul is always helpful in offence, but really: losing players like Elwë (2+4/2+1), Galadriel (1+2/2+3) and Oromë (0+1/4+2) is hard to make good, especially when you are cutting your budget down by some 10 million.

Today’s numbers kind of underline the aforementioned fact: while Smaug scores twice with a familiar support for Erebor Scatha scores none for Wilderland.

Now Dwarves United played eight games last year and scored a total of four goals – of which Celebrimbor scored three – from defensive position! What they have done since last season is replacing the sadly performed Thorin and Thror who only picked yellow cards from their midfield with the more or less insignificant Fili and Kili whose only merit is that they will play for the team with half the price.

But like last year, it seems they are counting only on defence. Otherwise it would have been simple they’d hired a scorer for their team – like we heard from NogWolf’s/Wight's negotiations earlier; he could have been just the key to trigger their scoring-problem (although there is also some discussion about the racism of the dwarves – that even with a name they would otherwise cope with, him being a creature of the Barrow-Downs would have been just too much for the fans, and some players, to stomach).

And along those lines they have made one reasonably big trade and bought Galadriel (w*f!) to keep their goal clean. That must be one of the major news of this seasons’ trades indeed! For a lock of her hair she made Gimli her fan forever… now was there something in Gimli that made her a fan of his or dwarves in general as well? She’s payed decently to be sure, but still.

So don’t look forwards for Dwarves United to score heavily – but do anticipate rough times for anyone facing them to score against them.


The game: a synopsis

There is little to tell your grandchildren about this game. Dwarves United was defending as well one could imagine, keeping Wilderland attacks at bay for most of the time and forcing them to shoot from afar and from bad positions the rest of it. Add to that the problems of Wildrerland offence and you get the picture of the first half of the game.

From the start of the second half Wilderland really went for a pressure-mode and Scatha had a few decent chances of scoring but was never getting the backing-up needed or was denied by either the Aulë-led defence or Galadriel at the goal.

Celebrimbor got one boomig shot towards the goal at the latter part of the second half but the Great Warg was a warg in his place and glued the ball into his paws. After the final whistle the Wilderland players looked somewhat disappointed but no one could read the faces of the dwarves covered by the beards.

General notion:
Dwarves United looks dangerously tight team on defence once again, but facing the kind of offencive powerhouses they do this year it would be madness to bet on behalf of their qualification. Wilderland in turn doesn’t seem to have any more rosier future ahead of them than last year.


Dwarves United 0-0 Wilderland
on target 3-3
tot shots 8-12
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Fili, Azaghal
*Wilder- Oropher, Imin


~*~

Anduin vs. Eriador

Anduin was probably one of the best teams to have lost their group last season (Tirion and Valimar being the obvious ones to precede them in quality) and for this year they have actually been strengthened thanks to the willingness of different investment houses to keep their money, and even add something to it, with team Anduin – and it seems quite clear they have what it takes to qualify from their group this year – but will they be able to keep on after that?

Eriador on the other hand has also being able to put in more money – but have they strengthened by that as a team remains to be seen. On paper the team looks tougher than ever, but there is a big questionmark there, both on offence and defence.

Now Anduin has made two great purchases for this year: Felarof for defence and Eorl for offence. Looking at that one could say that it was a great deed to not let the last year’s silver medalists to score but one goal – and that they didn’t score against one of the toughest defences and arguably the best goalkeeper aronud is basically not a fault of them either.

But somehow – and this is the writer’s gut feeling only – the result looks more like telling about the possible problems on the Eriador-side. Somehow putting Arwen and Aragorn into defence with big salaries doesn’t convince – especially when they break the tried and well-worked defence-quartet from last year. The new defence costs eight million more but is it that much better – or is it even as good?

Another issue is changing the always sure to score Witch King in offence into Isildur who has basically flopped in every team he has played thus far. Eriador didn’t go that far in the tournament last year just outscoring their opponents either, but they had the players to score when it was needed. This year they still have Arveleg and Glorfindel, but will it be enough?

Which brings us to the third issue: NogWight. No one denies he’s a strong player, an intelligent passer and a good scorer – as a werewolf. In this game we got the other side of him. As a Wight he’s being just too slow, too soft, too late and then too frustrated to only pick a card for his efforts. It may be Eriador will be missing Arahael as the season progresses.


The game: a synopsis

Both teams approach the game from defence on and it could be seen in the game. In the early minutes of the game both teams did try to make some shots every once in a while but the defences were pretty efficient in forcing them wide or plain denying them.

Neither team seemed to put their full effort into the game in the beginning of the first half, but before the half-time the game started to be at least somewhat entertaining when especially Grimbeorn and Glorfindel showed off some of their talent supported by Eorl and Arveleg respectively.

Eriador came to the second half a lot more sharply and it was actually no surprise Glorfindel scored just two minutes into the half with a great personal performance, from a nice pass by the newbie Arador though. After the goal the game got something of a live kick and the rest was more or less good football – even if it produced only a few scoring chances and no more goals. Both teams had one decent chace to score during the last half an hour. Grimbeorn hit the crossbar with a volley from the edge of the box twenty minutes before the end, whilst Arveleg slided the ball just inches away from the post in the end of a fast break initiated by Araphant.

Neither team celebrated the result but seemed generally happy about it.

General notion:
Neither team shone but showed some of their qualities. Counting on this game only one coul bet they will be hard to beat for most teams in the actual tournament.


Anduin 0-1 Eriador
on target 2-4
tot shots 9-12
GOALS:
*47, 0-1 Glorfindel (Arador)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Lenwe
*Eriador- Aragorn, NogWight

[Boromir88]

The friendlies are finally underway and the final slate of Round 1 games brought quality entertainment, a couple eye-opening performances, and a few major disappointments.
----

Hands down the lousiest performance of Round 1 is awarded to Doriath. They might as well have just stayed in the locker-room and saved themselves from the embarrassment.

Easily this was the most precise I've ever seen Tol In Gaurhoth play in the early goings. Habitually slow starters who can't be bothered to play inspired during a meaningless friendly, it was not the story for Tol In Gaurhoth today. And often trusting to individual athleticism and sheer intimidation to make up for careless and sloppy tactics, the wolves and wights looked like a team that had been playing together for ages. The mid-fielders were sharp and dominated that game with a combined 1 goal and 3 assists contribution from phantomwolf and the wights Sally and Nerwen.

Doriath can't give up on the season just yet, it's hard to imagine they can look any worse. So, get the crummiest game out of the way early. The wolves seemed just like a terrible match up for this Doriath roster. The wolves stacked up several yellow cards, as they were playing brutally aggressive all game. Only Mablung and Melian are probably equipped to handle the monstrous beasts and they weren't nearly enough when the rest of the team was flat out afraid. But you can't help to get the sense Doriath is desperately missing the likes of Beleg, Beren, and Luthien as they would not have been as easy to intimidate.

Doriath 0-3 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 1-6
tot shots 6-16
GOALS:
*22, 0-1 PhantomWolf (SallyWight)
*29, 0-2 Thuringwethil (PhantomWolf)
*41, 0-3 InzilWolf (NerWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Nellas
*TIG- Drauglin, BoroWolf, SallyWight, PhantomWolf

---

Now we go to perhaps one of the lousiest games of Round 1. Where some other low-scoring contests showcased good defense and goal saving, this was more giving no confidence that they can advance in the tournament.

Barad-dur's defense looks improved from last year, but given the fact their offensive weapons are the same as last year, they should have been more intune with eachother to put up a goal against Arnor. Yet they weren't and this fact does not bode well.

Arnor 0-0 Barad-Dur
on target 3-3
tot shots 9-10
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Argeleb, Earendur, Malvegil
*BDur- Fellbeast#2, Castamir, Herumor

----

Especially considering one of Barad-dur's group opponents is Gondor. And the Gondorian side looked as solid as ever against (albeit) lowly Mordor. With Gondor's roster shake-up there were justified questions about if Gondor could repeat or improve from the last tournament.

This match was textbook to the way Gondor likes to play. A tactically sound mid-field that opponents get worn down trying to break down, or build up nice attacks. And once the Gondorian mid-fielders are able to work up field to proven finishers Eldacar and Anarion, it is game over. If Gondor sticks to the gameplay they know best, they will be a tough out in Group D.

Gondor 3-1 Mordor
on target 8-3
tot shots 19-8
GOALS:
*22, 1-0 Anarion (Meneldil)
*41, 2-0 Romendacil (Eldacar)
*59, 2-1 Mouth (Nazgul#2)
*80, 3-1 Eldacar (Romendacil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Eldarion, Meneldil
*Mordor- Gothmog II, Gorbag, Shelob

One of the highlight matches of Round 1 friendlies was Angband vs. Hithlum and it sure did not disappoint. Both sides really went for the attack and the defenses were tested early and often. The defenses and goal keepers did well just limitting the match to 4 combined goals.

In particular, Hithlum's money spent on the Balrog defender seems to be money well spent as its imposing form has stabilized Hithlum's horrid defense from a year ago. Morwen and Hador were the goal-scorers for Hithlum, which also is bright news because we already know the devastation Turin, Beleg, and Hurin can cause playing together.

Angband did get a worthy equalizer in the end, but we're used to Morgoth's teams playing rather comfortably in the friendlies. That is, Morgoth prefers to be the grand architect and let his pawns prove their quality. This time though, Morgoth was clearly angered by the scoreline and just to get a more desirable draw Morgoth had to take the matter upon himself by blasting in a late-goal past the helpless Huor.

Angband 2-2 Hithlum
on target 6-7
tot shots 14-15
GOALS:
*23, 1-0 Ancalagon (Uldor)
*56, 1-1 Morwen (Hurin)
*61, 1-2 Hador (Turin)
*82, 2-2 Morgoth (Oikeroi)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfang, Morgoth, Ulwarth
*Hithlum- Balrog#5, Hurin, Morwen, Arroch, Galdor

[the phantom]

The second and final round of friendlies offers one final chance for teams to tune up. There are some pretty pleasing matches on the platter, including...

Inter Beleriand vs Doriath- Beren and Luthien against Elwe and Melian- will it be fun and spirited, or a bit awkward?

Gondor vs Minas Tirith- Both of these teams are popular with the citizens of the southern realm. Some root for both, but some have a particular favorite. Who will have the bragging rights, and which fans will have to buy their fellows drinks?

The Sea vs FC Valinor- Ulmo and his Numenorean partners take on Yavanna and her Noldor partners. It's careful precision and stout defense versus unfettered quickness and skill- a reason for any football fan to watch.

Valimar vs Real Valinor- The defending champs take on the Elder King, aka Arien faces her old squad.

Angband vs Tirion- Morgoth and his team of evil versus King Finwe and his subjects, many of whom abandoned the blessed realm of old in order to claim vengeance on Morgoth for the slaying of Finwe.

Gondolin vs Hithlum- Hurin and Huor return to the hidden kingdom, where their son/nephew Tuor and his wife await. It's a recipe for a hard, clean game with great talent on display.

Armenelos vs AC Beleriand- The men of Numenor take on Feanor and friends- perpetual powers collide. Though the teams aren't identical to what they were, some are calling it a rematch of the Arda Cup final of four season ago.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Elenrod: Today: While FC Valinor supporters cross the sea in Tol Eressëa’s mobile stadium, FC Valinor fail to cross the Sea—or rather, fail to complete their crosses. Elsewhere, AC Beleriand prove that four is greater than three as they put two goals up to Armenelos’s one. So much for that countdown. In Ard-galen, Gwindor puts up a repeat performance of the Nirnaeth, running past people in Anfauglith and reaching the goal way ahead of everyone else. And finally, in Doriath, Maedhros single-handedly saves Inter from embarrassment as Lúthien defies her father once more. All that and more in today’s Matchday. I’m your host, Elenrod, and joining us today is Beleriandic shield-maidens’ favourite pundit, Maikalomion.

Maika: Please don’t bring that up.

Elenrod: Hehe. Self-designated football historian Iorithil, from Quenta Noldorin Sport, is also here.

Iorithil: Hi, Elenrod. And I must say I’m not ‘self-designated’; I do have a diploma from the Unseen University.

Felagundion: I bet’s the diploma’s unseen, though.

Iorithil: There is that.

Elenrod: And that’s the voice of someone paying off damages, Felagundion the blogger.

Felagundion: $5 000 down, $59 995 000 to go, is it?

Elenrod: Somewhere thereabouts.

Felagundion: I’ll be stuck here for 231 years . . . Unless I get a raise.

Iorithil: Going back to ‘self-appointed’, shouldn’t Maika be called a self-appointed tactician, then?

Maika: I don’t call myself a tactician; everyone else does.

Elenrod: That settles that. So, before we start, Iorithil, I heard that you have a book out.

Iorithil: Yes, it’s Battles of Beleriand: Football in the First Age.

Elenrod: Tell us about it. I’m sure that’s the only reason you agreed to come to our show.

Iorithil: Haha. Well, basically, it traces the development of Beleriandic football from the establishment of Doriath to the War of Wrath. It also has my theory on why the current Beleriand team is split into the Inter and the AC side.

Elenrod: Fantastic stuff. But on to the games, eh? Let’s start with FC Valinor vs The Sea at the Tol Eressëa Mobile Stadium.

The Sea 0-0 FC Valinor
on target 2-4
tot shots 8-11
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*SEA- Uinen, Salmar, Vëantur
*FCV- Elemmírë, Thorondor

Elenrod: Was nil-nil a good result for either team?

Maika: It definitely was for the Sea. They just kept it tight at the back, denied Celegorm and Curufin breathing room, checked the runs of Yavanna and Argon. Of course, FC Valinor would still get their shots, even against the best defences, but Hyarmendacil just kept it clean. He looks to be a great signing for Ulmo.

Iorithil: They basically played a desperate rearguard action, fitting for an underdog in a knockout stage, like what Minas Tirith did against Barad-dûr back in the Third Age, when the Black Tower were still considered a powerhouse. I don’t think Ulmo and his lads would have conceded even if they played into extra time. With that said, if I were a fan of the Sea, I’d feel a little worried that my team showed not a hint of ambition in a friendly against a contender. Erebor’s defenders last year were slightly worse, but Smaug and company still went for it—with bigger stakes, too.

Elenrod: A gamble which they won. Now let’s move on to that magnificent match at the Armenelos Stadium: the home team taking on AC Beleriand.

Armenelos 1-2 AC Beleriand
on target 3-6
tot shots 12-14
GOALS:
*40, 0-1 Eöl (Fëanor)
*63, 1-1 Elros (Tar-Ancalimon)
*74, 1-2 Aegnor (Angrod)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ARM- Ar-Gimilzôr, Tar-Míriel
*ACB- Rochallor, Ulrad

Elenrod: This was promoted as the battle between the cream of the First and the Second Age. Well, whoever the marketers were, they got their numbers a little bit mixed up.

Felagundion: The usual suspects for AC Bel on the scoresheet, I see.

Maika: Yeah, they just tore Armenelos’s defence apart with intelligent movement. Fingolfin and the Balrog kept the wingbacks occupied, and Angrod, Eöl, and Aegnor pushed high up against the Númenórean back three. Then Fëanor just popped up out of nowhere and took Aegnor’s back-heel pass, forcing the defence to reorient and giving Eöl space to receive Fëanor’s pass and smash one past Tar-Atanamir.

Iorithil: The midfielders Ar-Gimilzôr and Tar-Míriel weren’t able to keep up with Fëanor. They had to stop him twice illegally. It was basically four-on-three every time AC Bel went for an attack, and their extra player happened to be one of the best strikers in Arda.

Elenrod: But eighteen minutes into the second half, Armenelos get their equaliser against a team who knew how to kill the game by keeping possession.

Iorithil: Well, basically, the Númenóreans are quicker, stronger, have more stamina than, say Shire-Bree players. They kept pressing the AC Beleriand midfield; Elros was especially effective in harrying Ulrad, who wasn’t entirely comfortable in his deeper role.

Maika: To be fair, neither he nor Denethor are still settled in their double pivot role behind the four attackers. At least they’ve started forming some division of labour—Ulrad was the one who moved forward more to link up defence and attack, while Denethor was more comfortable holding position in front of the centre-backs. But it was a coverage mix-up that led to Armenelos’s goal. Fëanor was shadowing Ar-Gimilzôr, while Denethor and Ulrad took turns marking Tar-Míriel while the other one kept an eye on Elros. But when the last Queen charged forward in possession, both of them moved up to stop her, leaving space behind for Elros to charge into. Tar-Míriel played a short lateral pass to Tar-Ancalimon who was already picking up speed. He ran past Fingolfin and crossed for the unmarked Elros, who just poked it in past Marach.

Felagundion: Then, predictably, Armenelos still haven’t solved the problem of being outnumbered at the back, and Aegnor and Angrod play a pretty one-two—well, more like a one-two-three—to retake the lead.

Elenrod: Remarkable. Okay, moving along, let’s cover the events at Ard-galen Arena, where Anfauglith hosted Nargothrond.

Anfauglith 1-2 Nargothrond
on target 4-6
tot shots 10-16
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Gwindor (Finrod)
*39, 0-2 Gwindor (Nienor)
*66, 1-2 Gothmog (Rían)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ANF- Gelmir, Haldir, Balrog #2
*NGR- Barahir, Arminas

Felagundion: Adam discussed Haleth of Inter last time, but I think the best winger right now is Gwindor. He prefers to start on the right, but he’s genuinely two-footed; he can cross or finish with either foot. He can make byline runs, inside cuts, off-ball direct runs, anything. And he’s burned every left-back he met.

Iorithil: What about Beleg and Lúthien? I think Beleg’s slightly better than him, though he’s not as ambidextrous, and Gwindor’s slightly better than Lúthien going forward, but, basically, those three are in that highest tier.

Maika: Míriel and Nerdanel are both inside forwards, not wingers, so they don’t count. Thranduil, Khamûl, and Argon aren’t as all-round on attack as those three. Of course, the latter two are better defensively than Gwindor.

Elenrod: Well, Gwindor’s ‘defence’, as I put in air quotes, is more about making sure the full-back has no breath to spare going forward, so winded is he chasing the wily Noldo around.

Felagundion: Haha, that’s it.

Maika: Well, if Nargothrond have one of the best wingers, they also have one of the worst holding midfielders I’ve ever seen. I’ve given Salgant of Gondolin a lot of stick, but at least he can run and poke the ball out of people’s feet. But Bëor . . . when Nargothrond tried to defend their lead with half an hour to go, Rían just skipped past Bëor to feed Gothmog. He just couldn’t catch up to her.

Felagundion: It’s generally a bad idea for any Nargothrond squad to defend a lead, despite the slightly improved defence this year. It’s just in our kingdom’s philosophy. I mean, we build a hidden city, but instead of just staying there, both of our rulers wanted to go out and play with visitors.

Elenrod: Just an inexplicable state of affairs. Anyway, we finally move on to Inter Beleriand-Doriath at the Menegroth Stadium.

Inter Beleriand 1-0 Doriath
on target 5-3
tot shots 14-10
GOALS:
*72, 1-0 Maedhros
YELLOW CARDS:
*INB- Hunthor, Haleth, Baragund, Gorlim
*DOR- Galadhon, Elwë, Galathil

Elenrod: This was a far less exciting match than the previous Inter match, or indeed the time they met in a friendly last year, where Lúthien and Maedhros both scored a brace.

Maika: Doriath had more of the ball, mainly because they had more midfielders, but they had no idea what to do with it. Speaking of Beleg and Lúthien, I’m sure Melian sorely miss them. Only Mablung, Thingol, and Daeron offered anything going forward.

Iorithil: Basically, Inter were more purposeful in possession than Doriath. With Beren, Haleth, and Lúthien, they had ways to get the ball up quickly to their forwards. They won more corners and free kicks from dangerous areas.

Elenrod: And it was one of those free kicks that Maedhros converted for the game’s only goal.

Felagundion: There was some simmering tension between some of the players—remember the incident between Saeros and Beren last year? But they managed to keep it clean—most of the bookings were from fouls to stop counter-attacks, just impedance of play and not attempts to injure other players. In the seventy-first minute, off a Doriath corner, Haldad makes a long clearance and Beren takes the ball forward. Galathil was the last defender between him and Dior because Melian was in the Inter box when corner was taken. It was nothing nasty; he just tugged on his shirt, but it was a yellow card and a free kick.

Maika: Maedhros takes that thirty-yard free kick beautifully—it barely goes over the top of the wall, and just barely slips under the crossbar. Dior couldn't get to it because he’d bump his head otherwise.

Elenrod: Magnificent stuff. Now, before we go, I’ve read some scandalous, almost libellous, remarks from a certain print journalist covering the Arda Cup, labelling us a bunch of ‘entertainers’.

Felagundion: That is libellous. I don’t think we’re entertaining enough to be called entertainers.

Elenrod: That’s true. But c’mon, lay off the jealousy. I know that, despite last year being our first year covering the Arda Cup, we almost got more predictions correct than the rest of our fellow broadcasters combined. I mean, sure, it’s hard employing a controversial journalist who won’t shut up, who has to be constantly warned to watch his language, and who probably wouldn’t otherwise get a job anywhere else, but we have one, too, in Adam Smith. Who’s not an economist.

Felagundion: Maybe AK[[[censored: Matchday director]]] wish that, instead of the real experts they have, they can get self-appointed tacticians and football historians like we do. It’s always much more fun to play pretend. Well, if they offer to cover my damages, I can pretend to be one for them. I can even write an article about the history of the hurry-up defence.

Iorithil: It’s ‘hurry-up offense’, mate. And wrong football.

Felagundion: He even knows his gridiron. Somebody give this Elf a medal.

Elenrod: Haha, indeed. And with that, we’ve come to end of our program. Many thanks once again to Maika, to Felagundion, and it was a pleasure having you with us, Iorithil.

Iorithil: Likewise. I hope I can get invited again

Elenrod: I sure hope so, too. Have a great week, everyone. Bye ‘til then.

[the phantom]

Shire-Bree hosted Anduin in the always-comfortable Michel Delving, and the two fought their way to a well-earned draw.

Gandalf gave Anduin fits most of the game, but they did well enough on everyone else that he wasn't able to make them pay until 10 minutes left- to the delight of the home-crowd. At the other end of the field Anduin got their goal in the first half- a long-range boomer by Boromir.

Each side got in a few shots at the keeper, but frankly most of them weren't quality. It wasn't the fault of the offenses, but rather the Ds were just on their game. The Nazgul did a nice job marking Eorl, and Gildor & Shadowfax were solid. Grimbeorn was able to come free often, but only going away from the goal, and if he turned his run was always blocked by the girth of the Fellbeast.

Oddly enough Bandobras nearly got into a fight with Felarof (at least we assume- the horse looked like it wanted to kick him). The refs might've sent them off, but went with yellows and stern warnings so as to preserve the full sides thus allowing it to truly be a warm-up game.

Looking back at the tape it appears Bandobras kept ducking beneath Felarof and then grabbing his two front legs and essentially hitching a ride wherever the horse was heading (usually towards the action), and as fast as Felarof is we can see the advantage. Felarof of course took issue with this, but the refs never seemed to spot it.

Anduin 1-1 Shire-Bree United
on target 6-5
tot shots 14-14
GOALS:
*37, 1-0 Haldir (Boromir)
*80, 1-1 Gandalf (Ferny)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Leod, Felarof
*SBUnt- Bandobras, Fellbeast#5

These two met at nearby neutral-site Bree, and the folks there were treated to a fine display by Elrond and his defense. Asfaloth and Arwen were both tasked with Bombadil and Bombadil alone, and the rest of the team filled in the field around them. Using this strategy and then building attacks slowly and carefully suited them just fine, and they looked sharp.

NogWight had an early assist, so perhaps he'll fit there well, and really the BDowns had no answer for Glorfindel. On the bright side Alien had a couple of excellent saves, so perhaps the keeper position is better for him, as he's kept more on-task there and is less likely to pull pranks and get carded.

Finally the Barrow-Downs did figure out how to muster a bit of offense in the second half and earned a couple shots for defenders coming up in support, but that left them wide-open for the counter that Isildur converted at minute 55, and after that they seemed to just want to get the game over with.

An impressive start for last year's runner-up.

Eriador 3-0 The Barrow-Downs
on target 8-3
tot shots 16-9
GOALS:
*14, 1-0 Glorfindel (NogWight)
*32, 2-0 Arveleg (Isildur)
*55, 3-0 Isildur (Glorfindel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- NogWight
*BDowns- Lumpkin, Barrow-Wight

Following that contest Arnor and Imladris took the field, and this one was definitely more competitive. It was very good-natured and very clean, but they were definitely giving it effort. Arnor for the most part controlled the pace of things and held possession the longest, but Imladris looked the most flashing, with Lindir working with the Sons of Elrond quite well. Arnor always seemed to stem the tide just long enough to receive some help from the defenders catching up to the play.

Finally in the second half they were caught just a bit too much off guard, except Malbeth, but he couldn't handle Elladan and Lindir both and Imladris had the lead. But 20 minutes later Arnor's constant pressure finally paid dividends and the Witch King put in the equalizer. A surprising number of folks actually cheered for him. Though he once worsted much of the region, his cooperation with Eriador last year seems to have earned him some goodwill.

Arnor 1-1 Imladris
on target 5-3
tot shots 13-12
GOALS:
*57, 0-1 Elladan (Lindir)
*77, 1-1 Witch King (Arassuil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Valandur
*Imlad-

These two played at a stadium in Westfold (the same used by BSK Westfold of the Central League), and though it was officially neutral naturally Rohan dominated the crowd.

But the Dwarves didn't care, and just put on an absolute clinic of suffocating defense. At the offensive end Gamil Zirak and Telchar showed their mastery of the dribble, while Fili, Kili, and Celebrimbor were called upon to support them and facilitate side-switches when Rohan started getting too heavy around one of the craftsdwarves.

Shortly before the end of the 1st half one such side-switch caught Hama and Snowmane up too far and too far right and Celebrimbor led Gimli right into the box with a pintpoint pass and he one-touched it across to Telchar, wrong-footing the frantically recovering defense, and Telchar deftly lifted it to the top corner for the game-winner.

Dwarves United 1-0 Rohan
on target 4-2
tot shots 12-9
GOALS:
*41, 1-0 Telchar (Gimli)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Kili
*Rohan- Brytta, Hama

[Nogrod]

With the actual tournament quickly approaching the teams have had to take every opportunity given to them to glue their teams and tactics together. With such a short time to build up a team in rehersal-fields the friendlies are worth gold to the them allowing teams to see how they play in conditions resembling the competitive matches. And the AFA has clearly been cunning in building up the pairs meeting each other in the friendlies; not only giving the audiences some outright classics to enjoy but also making sure the teams get to play challenging match-ups.

With only two rounds of friendlies this year the results from this second round will then be all the teams as well as Phantasy Game –players have in their hands before it is time to delve into the tournament itself. With the Phantasy players in mind the AKM will make a few general notes on the teams’ we are reporting on this round – and will then provide a fuller analysis of the different groups as a whole before the games really begin.

But now it is time once again to give the electric pen to our Arda Cup chief-correspondent Ugr Nogrendale.

~*~

Valimar vs. Real Valinor

Even if the game between Gondolin and Hithlum is a classic in many senses it must be said that this match must be the queen of the round. The always oddly underperforming team led by Manwë against last year’s champions – and of course Arien the Bright meeting her sisters in glory on the opposing side. And most players in the field out-age the whole of the Middle-Earth. It would be a clash of some venerable spirits of old among whom the Vanyar and Noldor themselves can be considered as the inexperienced youngsters.

Valimar lost to the Sea on the first friendly 0-1 – last year they draw 1-1 in the group-phase in the most even (and deadliest) group there was (which The Sea went to win in the end leaving Valimar the last). No one can deny that Ulmo’s team is a worthy one, one of the very best indeed, only being knocked out of the tournament last year by the champions Real Valinor. And they haven’t exactly weakened since last season.

But what worries anyone following Valimar’s efforts is exactly the effort they seem to need to make for scoring even once in a game. They have always defended well and kept the scores low with any opponent but scoring… the scoring.

It has been widely rumoured that Manwë’s teams only draw with “goodie-teams”, or win with one goal difference the highest, but then they are a bit more tougher against teams of baddies. It may be Manwë has his own ways – or with his closest Mandos he interprets the visions of Ilúvatar also in the football field?

Now buying Arien to his team Manwë looks like he would have been serious in trying to hire some scoring-power into his team. But with them scoring zero on the first friendly, one needs also to take into account a possibility that he just interpreted Ilúvatar’s vision in a way that Real Valinor must be weakened…

As we speculated about things with Real Valinor already in our earlier summary and match report we will not go into any more speculation on them here.


The game: a synopsis

Well it was a butchery. Real owned the field from the very beginning and rolled their attacks as they wished. Nerdanel scored already on the 11th minute and assisted Tilion again after half an hour’s mark for a two to nil goal. After getting a two-goal lead Real pulled back somewhat giving Valimar some chances of counterplay but the numbers didn’t change from there even if the “High King of all the Elves” Ingwë and Lórien made some nice shots in the end of the first period.

Valimar showed some stamina in the beginning of the second half and periodically got Real Valinor into trouble. And twelve minutes into the second half Arien finally scored for her new team from a nice releasing pass by Lórien. An interesting little scene was then wittnessed by a full stadium as Miriel, Nerdanel and Nessa all came to hug their former comrade after Valimar players had congratulated her enough for the goal. It was clearly an emotional moment for all the four and the crowds cheered, quite a many with tears in their eyes.

But Valimar’s drive was also over by that goal as Real Valinor tightened their game and started to take the initiative once again. And Miriel’s beautiful 3-1 goal from just under Manwë’s nose sealed the game fifteen minutes before the end. There was no way Valimar would come even and both teams knew it – so they kicked the ball around the last minutes to avoid any injuries or unnecessary fatigue.

General notions:
Real Valinor continues their strong performances and will most definitively qualify from their group unless miracles happen – and only the Sea would seriously put their going forward into the quarterfinals in question. Don’t read us wrong here: both Tirion and Nargothrond seem to be in top shape this year and it will not be easy for Real to beat them – but easy or not, in the end they should win.

Valimar in turn has some soul-searching to do (unless Manwë and Mandos have already decided everything). Both Armenelos and The Havens are tough teams and it is not at all clear Valimar will qualify – unless of course Arien finds her game, which in turn depends a lot on if there is anyone to feed her in the offence.



Valimar 1-3 Real Valinor
on target 6-8
tot shots 14-18
GOALS:
*11, 0-1 Nerdanel (Miriel)
*35, 0-2 Tilion (Nerdanel)
*57, 1-2 Arien (Irmo)
*75, 1-3 Miriel (Nessa)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Valimar- Irmo
*RealV- Nahar, Quennar



Gondolin vs. Hithlum

The comeback to Gondolin by Húrin and Húor surely was rousing great interest in the hidden city – as well as the company in which they arrived. Many shivered with the comeback of yet another creature, a huge balrog, but the fear was soon overcome by excitement when such great names as Hador, Túrin or Beleg also marched into the city. And there was even the interesting meeting of the namesakes when Galdor of the House of the Tree welcomed Galdor the lord of Dor-lómin into the town.

We have discussed the general news about Hithlum in our earlier article concerning group C so we’ll only comment here shortly on their fist game.

So they drew 2-2 with Angband which is always a great performance, for any team. It is clear the house of Húrin has quite a many grudges with Melkor and would have seriously wished to win the game – and one could read the disappointment from their faces after the final whistle. But there were positive news from that game as it showed their midfield can score if and when the father and son are under special guard by a strong defence (Morgoth naturally guarded Húrin and the Balrog Túrin).

Now Gondolin hasn’t reached its former glory in the Arda Cup in years. They have been good every year but just lacking the last inch of effort or luck to prevail. Last year they ended up playing their first qualifying game against AC Beleriand which ended their story there.

This it year it will be no easier as they will meet both AC and Inter Beleriand already in the group phase – and even if Dwarves United most probably will not qualify – their panzer-defence will make any team sweat for their goals, and may possibly have an impact to the general results if they manage to force some of the other teams into a low-scoring draw.

Now Gondolin has in a sense strengthened from last year: they’ve lost Gothmog but gotten in his stead a tough pair of Tuor and Idril to aid Maeglin in offence. Especially Tuor was convincing last year playing for The Havens – but one needs to remember Idril had a good season at FC Valinor as well. Penlod in turn brings firmness, stamina and air-playing power to the defence of the team.

That said, they lost their first friendly against Tiron in no uncertain terms 0-2, which proved that at least their game isn’t ready yet. Whether there are some more serious problem in the team or it’s tactics will be seen later. Starting this evening.


The game: a synopsis

To the disappointment of the homecrowds Hithlum took the control of the game from the start and left Gondolin doing more or less the thing they were famous about aka. defending their own. But with the constantly raining shots and chances it was almost inevitable the defence would fall at one point or another. And at 25 minutes Beleg scored from a nice through-pass from Túrin.

With the goal Hithlum’s greatest urge and energy seemed to settle a bit and Gondolin managed to do some nice counterplay. But they never got nearer the goal than Idril hitting the post some ten minutes before the halftime.

But Gondolin came to the second half with high spirits and full of determination – and it took Maeglin less than five minutes to equalise. And even better was on it’s way for the homeside fans. A fair ten minutes later Tuor himself sent the crowds into exstacy by giving Gondolin the lead with a power-header from between the brothers Galdor and Gundor trying to deny him.

But if someone thought the game was over, then that one was wrong. Hithlum added the revvs in their engine and started pounding Gondolin defences with a newly found rigor. And it was Hador Lórindol who finally equalised the game from a smart chip from his grand-grandchild Túrin.

Both teams were keen to win the game and the crowds could enjoy (and fear) for all their money’s worth to the very end of the game. And it was a game of some stunning football with two great teams playing for a great audience.

General notions:
Everyone looks forwards to Hithlum to perform miracles – and the huge pile of money they have invested weighs ever more heavily over their shoulders unless they start to produce those results. Two draws most certainly are not “results” in that sense, even if played against quality-sides like Angband and Gondolin.

Every football fan would like to see Gondolin coming back to the center of the footballing world and before the season it has seem like they would be doing just that. And even if a word of caution is always needed, the draw with Hithlum is a great result. The team they need to beat though will be Inter Beleriand.


Gondolin 2-2 Hithlum
on target 6-8
tot shots 14-18
GOALS:
*25, 0-1 Beleg (Turin)
*49, 1-1 Maeglin (Duilin)
*62, 2-1 Tuor (Idril)
*76, 2-2 Hador (Turin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondol- Egalmoth, Galdor
*Hithlum- Gundor, Balrog#5



Erebor vs. Mordor

Mordor is outing a 51 million team to the field this season – which means that even if they are left into the group stage the investors will make a neat 9 million profit (of which Sauron will personally collect around 4 million to himself). What more do you need to know to see that this is a forsaken team? Well, you might get one confirmation from the fact that they lost to Gondor 1-3. Kind of tells the rest.

Like we have reported earlier, Erebor faces an upward struggle to make anew their last year’s success as Thranduil was a key part of their offence and Gwaihir the leader of their defence. Winning Minas Tirith only 2-1 in the first round of the friendlies shows just how much weaker Erebor looks like to be this season. So unless they beat the pathetic Mordor by a convincing numbers it might forebode a bye-bye to them this year. And the irony of course lies in the fact that Thranduil plays for Wilderland and Gwaihir for Misty Mountains – both teams that are in the same group with Erebor…

But the AKM has discussed Erebor enough already earlier, so a few words on Mordor are in order.

Firstly it needs to be noted that they totally rebuilt their defence from last year (no wonder, though). They have sold Fellbeast #1 and Grishnak and moved the two lesser Nazgûls into the midfield. In their stead they have hired two lesser Fellbeasts, a Mumâkil and Gothmog the orc. It doesn’t look like a good deal – but it is a lot cheaper one. On the offencive midfield they have lost both their Nazgûls (especially #4 - scoring 2+1 in three games – will be missed this year). On the positive side they have gotten the Mouth in, who actually scored their only goal against Gondor in the first friendly game.

So Shelob and the Silent Watcher with Gorbag and Shagrat added with a few Nazgûls seem to form the core of the team. None of them flashing or special. Probably only Shelob or the new acquisition Mouth would fit any other team other than as a a last minute cheap fill-in.

All that said the homecrowds at Erebor were bloodthirsty. There was little love shared between the teams.


The game: a synopsis

It was a game of strong feelings but not so strong performances – and it was actually quite surprising only six yellow cards were dealt in the game by the easterling referees. An elven referee would have probably tripled the amount of cards. Like with the odd episode when Bard ran to defend Smaug from the foul tackling by the Fellbeasts! (Just go figure that!) And even if it ended up in a five minutes of pushing around in the field by about half of the players from both teams, no one got carded…

The game itself wasn’t anything to be remembered. Mordor defended way better Erebor had expected and Erebor-players seemed to be so surprised by that they never seemed to get over it. On the other end The Mouth and Shelob were dangerous everytime they got the chances – but with still two eagles keeping their home clean Erebor didn’t give them too many of them.

Especially Bard and Nazgûl #7 were the prodigal sons of the game wasting half a dozen great chances with shots either to the woodworks or just off the goal. Happily – from Erebor’s supporters’ POV – Smaug got up to play just enough to score in the early second half.

Smaug the Golden – like most of the dragons – are great players when they are going for it, but like Bombadill they can be kind of unpredictable, like whether they are interested or not.

Mordor-players seemed to be happy to lose only with one goal but Erebor’s players seemed a lot less happy about the result.

General notions:
In their group Erebor meets a lot tougher teams than Mordor – or Minas Tirith to that matter. They have won both their friendly games but there is no reason for complacency. They need to play better, a lot better, in the group phase to qualify – and they know it.

Even if the other teams in group H are no cup-winners either, Mordor will have a tough ride. But it must be said it played pretty well against Erebor and that must be taken as a good sign. How far that takes them is another matter altogether. For Mordor to qualify from their group would still be a miracle. Not to talk of any team from group H to be able to stand against the teams from group A for a minute.


Erebor 1-0 Mordor
on target 3-2
tot shots 12-9
GOALS:
*54, 1-0 Smaug (Bolg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Meneldor, Brand, Dain
*Mordor- Gorbag, Shagrat, Mumakil



Isengard vs. Wilderland

As one of the teams that do not look forwards into qualifying Isengard has also gotten into some cost-cutting measures, although their budget of 66 million is still going to mean losses to the investors if – and when – they do not qualify. Saruman’s pride needs to be the only explanation to that state of affairs. It seems Gandalf has been right all along and Saruman is a fool.

Isengard plays only “regional” friendlies this year. They lost to Rohan 1-2, which was a lesser than expected loss and for the second friendly they will meet their other neighbours Wilderland. The going should be a lot tougher this time.

As the AKM has noted earlier, Wilderland actually looks a bit sharper a team this year even if it has cut their costs with 10 million. But the problem is that thus far it has only looked sharper – they’d need also to perform sharper. Even if Dwarves United is one of the toughest-defending teams of the tournament it is unexcusable that they didn’t score a single goal against them.


The game: a synopsis

On the first half it looked like there was only one team in the field and Wilderland did more or less anything they wished – fex. two neat goals by Thranduil and Scatha. That was a great relief for all the Wilderland fans: the team still knew how to score.

Whether they were just happy with the scoreline or plain overconfident is debatable, but the start of the second half was almost a mirror-image of the first and Isengard really pressed the game into the Wilderland half of the field. And being under a sudden pressure Wilderland seemed to have no medicine for it but when getting the possession were forced to just kick the ball as far away from their goals as they could.

And Isengard’s pressure did indeed produce results when Quickbeam finally scored from a cunning heel-assist by Saruman a fair twnety minutes into the second half.

With a goal conceded the Wilderland team seemed to wake up from something like a charm spelled on them (by Saruman one asks) and were back in the game – but not anymore with the sovereignity they had on the first half.

Even if the rest of the second half was much more even than the first half, it is fair to say that Wilderland sure was nearer to extend their lead than Isengard was to draw the game. And when the referee blew the final whistle both teams retreated from the field very unhappy with their performance.

General notions:
There were positive things in Wilderland’s game, especially the fact that Thranduil was able to score in his new team, but they will have to be able to keep up the pace for a full ninety minutes in the group matches where they will meet a lot tougher teams.

Despite the AKM’s dissing it, Isengard has shown some promising signs and could challenge Rohan and Barad Dûr for the other place in the qualifiers. Stress on the words “could” and “challenge”.


Isengard 1-2 Wilderland
on target 5-7
tot shots 14-17
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Thranduil (Imin)
*39, 0-2 Scatha (Nazgul#3)
*67, 1-2 Quickbeam (Saruman)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isen- Mauhur, Lurtz, Wulf
*Wilder- Iminye, Skinbark

[Boromir88]

Four friendly matches remained before all the media experts and analysts come out offering predictions and guides for the tournament. The stage was set for Arda Cup 2013 as teams got in their final tune up before the big lights were turned on.

---

Some matches even had the feel of a tournament atmosphere, as was the case today between Angband and Tirion. There was little love between the players on these teams. It was a case where the end score doesn't really tell the full story.

Both offenses really went for the attack, as the action was often in the final thirds of the field and near each side's penalty box. But the defenses did a good job snuffing out passes and limitting quality shots, as most went harmlessly off target. The first half ended scoreless as the defenses were playing extremely rough with the opposing forwards. Caranthir was given a yellow for harsh tackle on Telvildo that sent the cat flying. And on the other end, while Morgoth kept his hands clean there was little doubt (in the minds of Tirion fans) that the harrassing and hacking Finwe was taking, was at Morgoth's command.

In the 2nd half, Tirion changed formations to a 4-5-1. In large part, probably fearing Morgoth had a sinister plot to severely injure Finwe just before the tournament. So Finwe dropped to the midfield, leaving Aredhel as the lone striker, but she was also a bit quicker and thus able to avoid Angband's defensive strategy of banging up Tirion's forwards.

This ended up working to Tirion's advantage as Aredhel got in close, after Caranthir led her into the box with a nice pass. Carcharoth decided too late to leave his line to snatch up the ball, and Aredhel had an easy task of sliding it passed the Angband-wolf.

But Angband had the tactics for another late game equalizer. Ancalagon and Morgoth were not easy foes to bang up and so they simply bullied their way through Caranthir and Tirion's defense to end the match 1-1.

Angband 1-1 Tirion
on target 3-4
tot shots 14-13
GOALS:
*59, 0-1 Aredhel (Caranthir)
*81, 1-1 Ancalagon (Morgoth)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Umuiyan, Uldor, Ulwarth
*Tirion- Amrod, Caranthir

----

After a lackluster first round friendly Barad-Dur came into this with a little more fire, or at least their offense looked more on the same page. It paid off in goals too as Sauron made his presense known assisting Beruthiel on the game opening goal, and then scoring the game winner in the 74th minute.

Misty Mountains showed some good offensive capability as well though and they even out shot Barad-Dur. The Blue Wizards had a difficult time suppressing Durin's Bane, Azog and Narvi. But Sauron seems to have made a wise move by dumping the Mumakil keeper from last year and replacing it with Grishnakh. The long-limbed orc has shown he can swat away shots that threaten his goal.

Barad-Dur 2-1 Misty Mts
on target 6-6
tot shots 14-17
GOALS:
*31, 1-0 Beruthiel (Sauron)
*52, 1-1 Azog (DBane)
*74, 2-1 Sauron (Castamir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Pallando, Herumor, Fellbeast#1
*MMts- William, Watcher, Rumil, Caradhras

---

One of the games that truly seemed like a friendly as there is much brotherhood between the two teams on the field. That doesn't mean the crowd saw a boring game by any means. There were four good goals and they got to witness some promising idividuals shine. For Minas Tirith, Mardil scored both goals. This was not so surprising to the all-Gondorian crowd as the Good Steward has been scoring goals playing for his home city for years. More surprising was Meneldil for Gondor, who has always played as a defender or a defending midfielder. This year it seems Meneldil wants to have a larger role in the offense, or it could be Minas Tirith's defenders were too focused on halting the dangerous Eldacar and Anarion they were leaving too much space for Meneldil. But he made the most of that space.

Despite having more goals, the game just did not have the same feel as the Angband-Tirion game. Since those teams seriously did not like eachother, they had battled to the end and the tension never left. In this one, after Gondor brought the game level in 64th minute, both sides seemed to reach a gentlemen's agreement to pull back the offenses and knock the ball around until the final whistle, happy with the fair result and final work out before group rounds.

Gondor 2-2 Minas Tirith
on target 4-6
tot shots 14-13
GOALS:
*24, 0-1 Mardil (Tarandor)
*30, 1-1 Eldacar (Meneldil)
*38, 1-2 Mardil (Eomer)
*64, 2-2 Meneldil (Anarion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Ciryandil
*MTirith- Earnur, Tarandor

----

After coming off a dominating 3-0 win over Doriath, the TIG faithful were more confident than ever, feeling they would devour yet another sissy Elven side, led by Olwe. I mean they made mincemeat of Elwe, and therefore believed Elwe's brother didn't stand a chance.

However, this Elven team also had some proud Numenorean defenders who were not going to be intimidated by this fearsome TIG team. Plus Olwe's teams have a pedigree of being technical masters in the passing game. If TIG was proud with how they controlled possession against Doriath, the Havens showed the wolves and wights what it truly meant to control the ball. The Havens had a string of 22 consecutive passes before Earendil finally hammered the ball in for a 1-0 lead.

The Havens would carry that lead to the half-time. The TIG fans were glad to only be down 1 goal (since it could have definitely been worse) but were perplexed to just how their team was going to be able to score when they couldn't hold posession long enough to even get a sniff at The Havens goal.

TIG was determined to equalise as quickly as possible and they got the goal when not even two full minutes elapsed in the 2nd. Thuringwethil batted in a close range shot off of LegateWight's cross. The Elven team was surprised at the speed and quickness this TIG side could score. But deserved or not, the game was tied.

The Havens went back to their quick passing game to try to reclaim the lead, but Shastawolf made some very nice saves to keep it tied. Spiritted on by Shastawolf's effort (and howling to tighten up) the defense-wolves did a better job shutting down the passing lanes and winning the ball.

Olwe's side was not backing down, but in this half The Havens was getting a good dose of their own medicine, as the TIG midfield began showing their own skill in the passing game. The Havens defenders had a difficult time winning the ball back and thus working it to their proven hammer upfront, Earendil. TIG came in one well calculated wave of attack after another, and finally got what would end up as the game-winner off the paws of Inzilwolf.

After TIG's 2nd half performance it was hard to argue with the result and the Elven side graciously accepted the defeat. In an unusual display of respect for the wolves, Cirdan approached the TIG bench to congratulate them. It appeared he went to scratch Nilpwolf behind the ears, but after the wolf stepped back, snarling, the Elf-lord decided a polite bow would be wiser.

The Havens 1-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 5-6
tot shots 14-15
GOALS:
*31, 1-0 Earendil (Falastur)
*47, 1-1 Thuringwethil (LegateWight)
*69, 1-2 InzilWolf (NerWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Imrazor, ArZimrathan
*TIG- GaladriWight, NerWight, BoroWolf

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Power Rank:



The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking--the lower the aggregate, the higher the rank. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss-record; b) goal differential; and c) goals scored.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Please note that the above ranking is based on the two rounds of friendly matches played by the teams, and does not reflect actual tournament performance.

Top Individual Performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

3+0
Eärendil (The Havens)
Smaug (Erebor)
Mardil (Minas Tirith)

2+1
Maedhros (Inter Beleriand)
Gandalf (Shire-Bree United)
Eldacar (Gondor)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Gwindor (Nargothrond)

2+0
Ar-Pharazôn (Armenelos)
Elros (Armenelos)
Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
Hador (Hithlum)
Tilion (Real Valinor)
Azog (Misty Mts)
Aredhel (Tirion)
Ancalagon (Angband)
Gothmog (Anfauglith)
Elladan (Imladris)
Thuringwethil (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
InzilWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

1+2
Meneldil (Gondor)
Nienor (Nargothrond)

1+1
Eöl (AC Beleriand)
Angrod (AC Beleriand)
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)
Nerdanel (Real Valinor)
Nessa (Real Valinor)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)
Rómendacil (Gondor)
Saruman (Isengard)
Isildur (Eriador)
Orophin (Misty Mts)
Morgoth (Angband)
PhantomWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

0+3
Túrin (Hithlum)

GOALKEEPING

1. 6/6 (100.0%) – Hyarmendacil (The Sea)
2. 5/5 (100.0%) – Elrond (Eriador)
3. 5/5 (100.0%) – Galadriel (Dwarves United)
4. 8/9 (88.89%) – Grishnákh (Barad-dûr)
5. 7/8 (87.50%) – Beorn (Erebor)

YELLOW CARDS

2
Ar-Gimilzôr (Armenelos)
Ulrad (AC Beleriand)
Galdor (Gondolin)
Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
Nahar (Real Valinor)

Herumor (Barad-dûr)
Mauhur (Isengard)
Lurtz (Isengard)
Brand (Erebor)
NogWight (Eriador)

Great Goblin (Misty Mts)
William (Misty Mts)
Rúmil (Misty Mts)
Caradhras (Misty Mts)
Tarondor (Minas Tirith)

Arminas (Nargothrond)
Caranthir (Tirion)
Ulwarth (Angband)
Gelmir (Anfauglith)
Haldir (Anfauglith)

Balrog #2 (Anfauglith)
BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Gorbag (Mordor)
Brytta (Rohan)

[the phantom]

Handicapping the Groups
A MESPN Football Round Table Report

GROUP A

Armenelos (95)
GK Tar Atanamir (10)
DF Tar Calmacil (7)
DF Tar Palantir (7)
DF Tar Telperien (7)
MF Ar Gimilzor (7)
MF Tar Telemmaite (7)
MF Tar Miriel (7)
MF Tar Ancalimon (7)
MF *Elros (12)
FW Ar Adunakhor (12)
FW Ar Pharazon (12)

MESPN Take: Per usual, the squad from Numenor has no weakness to speak of. While their top talent is not as flashy as others, they’re tall, strong, fast, efficient, and intelligent. The only way the other teams in their group score well on them is if Bombadil, Earendil, or Arien have an epic game, which of course they are capable of. That means Armenelos must be prepared to put up 3 in one of their games if they want to win them all. Their front three are all capable of putting the ball in the net, but in particular the defense of Valimar won’t make it easy.

The Barrow-Downs (50)
GK Alien (2)
DF Lumpkin (2)
DF GwathWight (3)
DF River Woman (3)
DF Barrow-Wight (11)
MF WilWight (3)
MF Lalwende MP (3)
MF Goldberry (3)
MF Hookbill (6)
FW Saucepan Man (6)
FW *Bombadil (8)

MESPN Take: This team is nicely improved from previous years. River Woman and Goldberry have nice touch, and Bombadil is always a threat to beat any defense. BWight will lead the defense, but with some of the attackers featured in this group The Downs will likely need to score 2 to win or more likely draw. SPM and Hookbill have both shown promise, so they need to show up and work with Bombadil (who needs to show up consistently as well).

The Havens (79)
GK Amandil (6)
DF Annael (5)
DF Imrazor (5)
DF Ar Zimrathan (8)
DF Olwe (10)
MF Eriol (5)
MF Mithrellas (3)
MF Earwen (3)
MF Falastur (9)
MF Cirdan (10)
FW *Earendil (15)

MESPN Take: They advanced out of a tough group last year, so they certainly have a shot this year. Their defense is intelligent and solid, but they can’t be asked to entirely contain Arien or Bombadil. Earendil, Cirdan and friends must match goals at their end, and they’re athletic enough to do so in head-to-head matchups with the defenders in this group.

Valimar (102)
GK *Manwe (14)
DF Amarie (4)
DF Este (8)
DF Vana (8)
DF *Namo (14)
MF Elenwe (3)
MF Ilmare (8)
MF Vaire (8)
MF Irmo (9)
MF Ingwe (11)
FW *Arien (15)

MESPN Take: Most football publications will likely list Valimar as the slim favorites in Group A, thanks to a proven scorer arriving to balance out their defensive commitment. If Manwe can use Arien, Ingwe and Irmo intelligently without sacrificing their effective defense then they’ll be tough to beat, though Earendil and Bombadil may require too much attention to turn the offense loose.

The MESPN Forecast: Valimar perhaps has the greatest upside if they can get firing on all cylinders, but singular talents will test their back line, while their middle (Elenwe, Ilmare, Vaire) might get outdone by Armenelos. Armenelos is probably the most dependable squad- they never go down easily, so they might be the safest bet. The Havens gets edged out in overall pedigree most likely, but if they outplay the opposition by a bit, or teams don’t handle their attack with enough care, that could easily flip the scales. The Barrow-Downs remains the longest shot, but with a flashing performance by Bombadil it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that they’ll advance this year.

Armenelos- 70%
Valimar- 60%
Havens- 50%
Barrow-Downs- 20%

GROUP B

AC Beleriand (108)
GK Marach (9)
DF Imlach (4)
DF Rochallor (4)
DF Balrog #4 (12)
DF *Fingolfin (15)
MF Denethor (3)
MF Ulrad (5)
MF Angrod (10)
MF Aegnor (10)
FW Eol (15)
FW **Feanor (21)

MESPN Take: Last year’s semifinalist will likely be the popular pick to advance first. Feanor-led offenses always do well, and working with Eol, Angrod and Aegnor this year should be no different. Perhaps only the athletes and defensive commitment of Dwarves United can slow their offense in this group. AC is very solid at the rear too, but they’ll have to bring their best against Inter and Gondolin, which both feature elite attacks.

Inter Beleriand (81)
GK Turgon (11)
DF Haldad (2)
DF Gorlim (2)
DF Baragund (3)
DF Luthien (13)
MF Forweg (2)
MF Hunthor (2)
MF Haleth (7)
MF *Beren (13)
FW Fingon (13)
FW *Maedhros (13)

MESPN Take: Inter will perpetually be looking to feed it to their dangerous attack, but the athletes on AC and Dwarves United will provide a stiff challenge to the scorers. At the back they have Turgon in goal and Luthien defending, so they can hamstring at least one opposing scorer and save a good shot every game, but AC and Gondolin have enough weapons to demand more of a defense.

Dwarves United (86)
GK Galadriel (14)
DF Azaghal (5)
DF Durin (6)
DF Aule (16)
DF *Celebrimbor (18)
MF Fili (2)
MF Kili (2)
MF Gamil Zirak (4)
MF Telchar (4)
MF Gimli (5)
FW Legolas (10)

MESPN Take: Now with Galadriel behind Aule and Celebrimbor their defense is able to handle nearly anyone so long as they’re committed to it. The crafty Telchar and Zirak will need to create offense, and Legolas will need to be a sharp-shooter when he gets his opportunities. Celebrimbor and Aule are dangerous scorers on set plays and PKs etc. , but if they have to take too big a hand in the offense, the defense will suffer.

Gondolin (84)
GK Rog (8)
DF Penlod (7)
DF Aranwe (3)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Egalmoth (7)
MF Salgant (4)
MF Elemmakil (4)
MF Duilin (8)
MF Idril (10)
FW Tuor (10)
FW *Maeglin (18)

MESPN Take: The “keen-boot” Maeglin has proven himself as a top-scorer, and he has a quality supporting cast this year which means only a complete defensive commitment or multiple elite defenders can keep them off the scoreboard. At the back they’re not elite, but at least they don’t have weak links in front of Rog. Inter and AC can throw multiple high-scorers at them, so they’ll probably have to outscore them.

The MESPN Forecast: AC will be the popular pick to finish first, and if talent alone wins out then they will. But with Maedhros/Fingon/Beren and Maeglin/Tuor/Idril in the group, there’s the potential to get nipped in a high-scoring contest if the breaks don’t go their way. And as Dwarves United proved last year, they can’t be written off, and if they win themselves an early lead they can muddy the game up with the best of them. Between Gondolin and Inter it may just be a toss up, as these two look remarkably similar.

ACBeleriand- 85%
InterBeleriand- 45%
Gondolin- 45%
Dwarves United- 25%

GROUP C

Doriath (70)
GK Dior (7)
DF Galathil (2)
DF Nimloth (2)
DF Elwing (6)
DF *Melian (14)
MF Galadhon (2)
MF Nellas (3)
MF Saeros (3)
MF Daeron (7)
MF *Elwe (14)
FW Mablung (10)

MESPN Take: As always Melian will lead the defense, and her girdle ups everyone’s performance. But with the sheer attacking power of Hithlum and the skill of the defending champs Real, Melian will need some help. Mablung proved himself at the forward last year, and Elwe’s height and power will give defenses a worry, but their ultimate success will depend on the rest of the midfield getting them chances. All three opponents have good athletes at the back.

Hithlum (101)
GK Huor (8)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Arroch (2)
DF Gundor (5)
DF Balrog #5 (13)
MF Aradan (3)
MF Morwen (6)
MF Hador (12)
MF *Beleg (13)
FW Hurin (14)
FW **Turin (20)

MESPN Take: A Balrog and Arroch in front of Huor gives the defense more bite this year, but the focal point remains the offense, with four different players that know how to put the ball in the net. Shire-Bree can try to blunt it somewhat with a Nazgul/Gildor/Fellbeast/Shadowfax, and Real has Nienna/Ingwion/Tilion/Nahar (and even Tulkas behind them), so Hithlum can’t just trample this group with scoring.

Shire-Bree United (68)
GK Halbarad (5)
DF Fellbeast (2)
DF Nazgul #4 (8)
DF Gildor (7)
DF *Shadowfax (5)
MF Butterbur (2)
MF Bandobras (4)
MF Ferny (2)
MF Nazgul #6 (8)
MF *Gandalf (14)
FW Khamul (11)

MESPN Take: They have a solid defense with diverse skill-sets, so they’ll be well equipped to stop scoring when they commit to it. It’ll be tougher to get on the board with BWight, Aragorn and Bombadil gone, but Gandalf adds some threat back. More than likely he’ll see a lot of extra attention from Hithlum’s Balrog, Doriath’s Melian, and Ingwion of Real, so the surrounding Nazgul will have to come through and make defenses respect the whole offense.

Real Valinor (101)
GK *Tulkas (12)
DF Nienna (10)
DF Nahar (5)
DF Ingwion (5)
DF *Tilion (12)
MF Quennar (3)
MF Enerdhil (4)
MF Nessa (10)
FW Nerdanel (12)
FW *Miriel (14)
FW Orome (14)

MESPN Take: The defending champs are hoping Orome is a good swap out with Arien, and he should provide a good target for Miriel and Nerdanel. Their fast-moving precision passing game may work best against the defenses in this group. They’re solid at the rear in all positions, but Hithlum particularly has a plethora at talent to run at them, so they can’t just focus on one or two threats as with Shire-Bree and Doriath.

The MESPN Forecast: It’s difficult not to pick the defending champs- they’re a proven commodity, and they don’t appear to have gotten worse in the offseason (or if they have- not much). They just look solid up and down, accented by excellent individual talents. With the goal-scoring threat that they are Hithlum will likely be the popular pick to finish second, but Shire-Bree advanced last year, and if their defense can pitch a good game and they convert on set plays and the like, they could definitely pull an upset. Doriath advanced last year as well, and though Beleg has gone over to Hithlum, they have Elwe to replace his scoring. So similar to Shire-Bree, they are capable of knocking off a favorite.

Real Valinor- 75%
Hithlum- 65%
Shire-Bree United- 30%
Doriath- 30%

GROUP D

Barad-Dur (74)
GK Grishnakh (5)
DF Fellbeast #1 (3)
DF Fellbeast #2 (3)
DF Pallando (11)
DF Alatar (11)
MF Sangahyando (3)
MF Herumor (3)
MF Angamaite (3)
MF Beruthiel (5)
FW Castamir (7)
FW *Sauron (20)

MESPN Take: Sauron has brought up the defense this year. Against the in-group competition the Blue Wizards should perform well and Fellbeasts can be handy for getting back quickly, but they might be more useful against dragons than an offense like FC. At the front Sauron is enough to make any offense a threat, but FC has Eonwe and Maglor at the back to provide respectable matchups for him, so the rest of the offense must support well and help him gain a mismatch.

Gondor (70)
GK Imrahil (5)
DF Galadil (4)
DF Earnil I (6)
DF Eldarion (5)
MF Calimehtar (5)
MF Ciryandil (5)
MF Turambar (6)
MF Meneldil (6)
MF Romendacil (7)
MF *Anarion (12)
FW Eldacar (9)

MESPN Take: Some refer to Gondor as “Armenelos Lite”, and there is perhaps justification. Similar to their forefathers, their strength lies in their across the board consistency, size, and strength, and sound fundamentals. Anarion was a standout scorer last year, and Eldacar as an athlete is a cut above many of his teammates, so with even support behind them they will threaten Barad-Dur and Isengard. With FC’s defenders however they’ll have to take some risks. At the back their team strategy and soundness may be able to shut down BDur and Isen, as they both feature a singular focus (Sauron and Saruman), but again FC will be problematic.

Isengard (66)
GK Ugluk (5)
DF Mauhur (3)
DF Beechbone (3)
DF Treebeard (10)
MF Lurtz (3)
MF Wulf (2)
MF Lugdush (3)
MF Nazgul #5 (8)
MF Wormtongue (4)
MF *Saruman (15)
FW Quickbeam (10)

MESPN Take: Saruman is a danger both to score and to be crafty and create for others, and he’s got a big target in Quickbeam. The newly added Nazgul will add a solid supporter for the offense, and Wormtongue too is a sneaky distributor. Against Gondor and BDur they won’t be straight up overmatched, but they cannot make mistakes. FC will take a very special effort. At the back their ents will be nice for defending corners and the like, but in the open field they’ll be susceptible to FC, and Sauron. Their midfield will have to get back quick, or just stay back in some situations.

FC Valinor (107)
GK *Huan (15)
DF Thorondor (13)
DF Indis (7)
DF Maglor (10)
DF *Eonwe (12)
MF Elemmire (4)
MF Findis (4)
MF Argon (7)
MF *Yavanna (10)
FW Celegorm (11)
FW *Curufin (14)

MESPN Take: Huan is the best keeper in the group, and the four in front of him is also the most talented, so barring a lapse they will be tough to score on. In some groups shutouts might be easier to come by, but a shutout of Sauron or Saruman can’t be guaranteed. On offense their front four is the same as last year- and we know they can score- but with Irmo and Indis gone from the midfield solid squads like Gondor might have a better chance at denying Curufin and pals possession. On breakaways they’ll be able to straight up outrun most of Isen and Gondor but not BDur.

The MESPN Forecast: Well yes, if FC plays up to potential they’re the favorite here. For the other spot Gondor and BDur have an edge over Isengard, but if Saruman gets hot or if the opposition gets carded they are capable of getting in. Between Gondor and BDur it may be a tossup, and perhaps their margins of victory/loss against the others will be the tiebreaker, in which case BDur has the edge because of Sauron’s scoring touch- plus can he really be eliminated early consecutively?

FC Valinor- 90%
Barad-Dur- 45%
Gondor- 40%
Isengard- 25%

(groups E through H to follow)